Frugaling

Save more, live well, give generously

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Popular
    • Archives
  • Recommended
  • Contact
  • Save Money
    • Lifestyle Downgrade
    • Save Money with Mindfulness
    • Save at Starbucks
    • Psychological Trick To Reduce Your Online Shopping
    • Best Freebies
  • Minimalism
    • 8 TED Talks To Become A Minimalist
    • We Rent This Life
    • Everything Must Go
    • Lifestyle Downgrade
    • The Purchase Paradox: Wanting, Until You Own It
    • Nothing In My Pockets
  • Social Justice
    • Destroy The 40-Hour Workweek
    • Too Poor To Protest: Income Inequality
    • The New Rich: How $250k A Year Became Middle Class
    • Hunter Gatherers vs. 21st Century Desk-sitters
  • Make Money
    • Make $10k in 10 Months
    • Monetize Your Blog
    • Side Hustle for Serious Cash
  • Loans
    • 5 Rules To Follow Before Accepting Student Loans
    • Would You Marry Me?
    • Should I Have a Credit Card If I’m In Debt?
    • $50k in Scholarships in 70 Minutes

4 Ways Coupons Manipulate Spending Habits — Watch Out!

By Frugaling 13 Comments

Share This:

Every Wednesday and Sunday — if you subscribe to a paper — you generally receive a healthy dose of coupons. Everything from soups to toilet paper to deli meats are frequently included in the pile. With open arms, many clippers sift through the mass to find a couple deals.

Some people collect them, place them in binders, and combine coupons with store deals. Websites and shows like The Krazy Coupon Lady and TLC’s Extreme Couponing examine, research, and find incredible coupon-based deals. Everyone seems to love coupons!

You should be concerned.

Coupons are developed by vast marketing and advertising teams for corporations. The advertising industry as a whole is estimated to be in the hundreds of billions, and a significant portion is outlined for couponing. But subtly, clipping those weekly coupons affects the psychological decision making in the supermarket. Here are 4 ways that coupons manipulate your spending habits.

Watch Out! Coupons Manipulate Spending Money Cash1. Clip, cause cognitive dissonance

Every time you clip a coupon, your mind buys a product. Even though you haven’t gone out and purchased the item, to clip a coupon, it’s a commitment of time and action. This has a direct effect on your wallet.

A powerful psychological effect that can occur when you clip a coupon: cognitive dissonance. If, for instance, you decide to clip a coupon and then later question whether you really need the product, this may lead to dissonance. Essentially, this is a distress associated with spending the effort to clip a coupon that you now might not use. For many people, they’ll use a coupon just because they clipped it — regardless if it’s the cheapest option once they get to the store.

2. Exposure predicts spending

Exposure is the key to purchasing a product. What a simple conclusion, right? Well, stores know that the more face time you have with a product, the more likely you are to buy it. If the exposure begins prior to entering the store, you’re effectively being primed for the future purchase.

With coupons, your eyeball sees the product at home. If you clip it out, you are further intensifying the duration of the exposure. More time in front of you equals more money for the grocer and advertiser. How easy!

3. Is that really any cheaper?

One of the most important reasons that people clip coupons is to save money. Ironically, this may not actually lower your shopping bill. Coupons are not usually offered for generic, store-brand merchandise or fresh produce. Instead, they’re frequently marketing name brand items that already have a built-in premium. This added cost often voids any discount associated with using a coupon.

It’s very important to pay careful attention to the coupon you’ve clipped out. At a store, you need to look for generic items, and then compare them to the name brand item for the coupon. All of this takes a level of vigilance and time that many don’t have or care to have at the grocery store. For both time and money, just buying generic items is normally the best bet.

4. Coupons are getting smarter

Smartphones, apps, and online coupon sites are increasingly digging into your spending habits. Your rewards credit card, frequent shopper card, and web browsing history may be leeching your data to third-party companies. These organizations then will compile and predict what you want. They’re so accurate that Target can tell when you’re pregnant, about to have a child, and/or the ages of your children (read Brandwashed for more on this tactic).

By using these predictive tactics, companies can practically read your mind. If they know all your purchases and habits, coupons can be created that make you look at new, similar products. These choices may cost more over time, but offer a great deal at first. If you like the newer product more, the system has worked and you’re hooked. Now, the money is theirs to reap.

It’s not that coupons are always bad or more expensive than generic brands, but they can sometimes change your spending habits for the worse. Moreover, think about all the time that’s necessary to clip those coupons and find the special savings — this adds up. If you spend your time making more money and buying generic, this could actually be smarter in the long run!

Share the wealth:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: Save Money Tagged With: Budget, Card, Consumer, Consumerism, coupons, Food, Freebies, Frugal, generic, Save Money, spending, supermarket

Comments

  1. @FQFtweets says

    June 2, 2014 at 3:53 pm

    It always seems to me that coupons just reduce the name-brand prices to that of generics. I suppose that’s to get you hooked on the expensive product.

    I ad match at Walmart like a boss but coupons don’t do me much good as the products with coupons usually would make silly purchases even on sale. No, I don’t need a 3-pound, ready in 3-minutes burrito tray. Thank you, though.

    Reply
  2. journeytosaving says

    June 2, 2014 at 3:57 pm

    Interesting facts. I try to be as smart as possible with coupons. I only clip what I know I need, and I still compare prices just in case.

    Reply
  3. Abigail says

    June 2, 2014 at 4:15 pm

    Yeah, it can cause issues.I tried to coupon and definitely got overwhelmed, but I think I stayed away from purchasing too much just because I had a coupon. I would try to only clip coupons for stuff I might reasonably buy. For example, I didn’t know if I would specifically buy Dawn, but I knew we’d run out of dish soap and Dawn might be on sale.

    I think the most dangerous coupons for prodding you to buy are junk food and snack coupons. Because they’re the easiest to rationalize when you’re already in the store. Add a coupon, and there’s really no hope for leaving the store without chocolate or the like.

    Reply
  4. thephroogaljason says

    June 2, 2014 at 10:42 pm

    I’ve actually never seen the show you posted before the post. I like using coupons for things I need to buy. I’m not sure about buying things just because you can buy them for next to nothing. Or what the lady said “for the thrill.”

    Spending habit is still a spending habit but at least it isn’t breaking her wallet. Coupon wisely, I say.

    Reply
  5. Al | Saving the Crumbs says

    June 3, 2014 at 7:29 am

    Well said, Sam! Another point I might add is that for “extreme couponing” (as opposed to the responsible couponing advocated by some of the previous commenters here) to really pay off requires stockpiling stuff, often junk we don’t need. That’s another way the marketing machine manipulates consumers’ spending habits…we get programmed to expect our car to be loaded to the gills at each shopping excursion.

    “While we’re at it, better get a bigger gas-guzzling SUV so we can stock up even more junk we don’t need with coupons each week!”

    Reply
    • Sam Lustgarten says

      June 3, 2014 at 10:03 am

      Al,

      You’ve read my mind, sir. That’s exactly the problem. Nothing is free when couponing. Think about the gas costs, time, and waste that’s associated with the extreme couponing and stockpiling. No, there’s an easier way and it generally starts with generics.

      Thanks for your comment!
      Sam

      Reply
  6. Sue says

    June 3, 2014 at 9:04 am

    Not hating on you here but, please, fix the grammatical errors in your last sentence. It should read, “Now the money is theirs to reap”.

    Reply
    • Sam Lustgarten says

      June 3, 2014 at 9:55 am

      Sue,

      Good catch! My apologies about those two errors. Not sure what came over me at the end. Ouch!

      Thanks for the tip,
      Sam

      Reply
  7. Amy says

    June 3, 2014 at 9:36 am

    I completely agree with all the points you make, but I also think that a smart couponer can avoid or overcome them. Match coupons with sales to get the best deal possible, bring a list and stick to it, and try new products only if they truly fulfill a need and the price is right. A little savvy and self-control go a long way when couponing!

    Reply
  8. Debs @ debtdebs.com says

    June 3, 2014 at 10:25 pm

    Couponing seems so fussy to me. I think when I have more time I will probably do this (when I retire!) When I have done it I have bought things I normally wouldn’t just because I had the dang coupon! 😉

    Reply
  9. Millennial Cents (@MillennialCents) says

    June 5, 2014 at 7:26 am

    From someone in the advertising world, those coupons are typically issued to encourage a user to “trade up”- basically buy a more expensive brand or product line at a higher price point. Another purpose is to encourage trial- i.e a new product just launched. As long as you are smart about couponing and don’t buy what you don’t need- it can work out. Amy above says it best “A little savvy and self-control can go a long way when couponing!”

    Reply
  10. Bart Misiewicz says

    February 14, 2015 at 9:01 pm

    I have to disagree with the claim that generic products can be compared to name brand products.
    Some items might be similar, but for the most part, you’re paying for quality ingredients. Sometimes you can get the name-brand, organic, all-natural, high quality product for less than the store-brand cheap alternative. That’s when it’s worth it

    Reply
  11. Megan says

    February 23, 2017 at 5:14 pm

    Your post seems more based on grocery shopping, I went to Lane Bryant to use my coupon they mailed me it was $15 off of any $15 or greater purchase. I love their earrings sure enough the earrings were $14.95, EVERY SINGLE PAIR. I had my heart set on them so I bought some socks to bring up my total. I did at least need socks. I noticed coupons you get from stores such as clothing stores as well as the “super cash and bounce back bucks” tend to be less of a deal than if you hit a really good sale some other time. I used to work at JC Penney and sometimes customers would think they were getting a great deal and I so wanted to tell them the price likely would be better in a week or 2, had they asked me if it was a good deal I would have told them to wait but since they seemed so excited I didn’t want to be a Kill-Joy. Like they’d have these pillow sales buy 1 get 1 for a Penny. But those pillows often would be cheaper if you bought 2 during a different sale where you only had to buy 1 to get a great deal.

    Reply

Join the Conversation: Cancel reply

Follow

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Subscribe

Best Of

  • The New Rich: How $250k A Year Became Middle Class
    The New Rich: How $250k A Year Became Middle Class
  • 8 TED Talks That Will Inspire You To Become A Minimalist
    8 TED Talks That Will Inspire You To Become A Minimalist
  • Debt Is The Illusion Of Success
    Debt Is The Illusion Of Success
  • Who Are Your Financial Role Models?
    Who Are Your Financial Role Models?
  • This Statistic On Greed Will Shock You: Have Less? You'll Give More.
    This Statistic On Greed Will Shock You: Have Less? You'll Give More.
  • Is Frozen Juice Cheaper?
    Is Frozen Juice Cheaper?

Recent Posts

  • How to Pay Off Medical Debt
  • 5 Ways to Save Money Before a New Baby
  • 4 Ways to Save Money on Streaming Services
  • 5 Ways to Save Thousands in Mortgage Interest
  • Why Professional Maintenance on Your Vehicle Saves You Money in the Long Run

Search

Archives

  • January 2023 (1)
  • March 2022 (3)
  • February 2022 (2)
  • November 2021 (1)
  • October 2021 (2)
  • August 2021 (4)
  • July 2021 (5)
  • June 2021 (3)
  • May 2021 (2)
  • January 2021 (2)
  • December 2020 (2)
  • October 2020 (2)
  • September 2020 (1)
  • August 2020 (3)
  • June 2020 (1)
  • May 2020 (2)
  • April 2020 (1)
  • February 2020 (2)
  • January 2020 (1)
  • December 2019 (1)
  • November 2019 (5)
  • September 2019 (4)
  • August 2019 (1)
  • June 2019 (1)
  • May 2019 (1)
  • April 2019 (1)
  • March 2019 (3)
  • February 2019 (1)
  • January 2019 (3)
  • December 2018 (1)
  • September 2018 (2)
  • July 2018 (1)
  • June 2018 (2)
  • May 2018 (1)
  • April 2018 (5)
  • March 2018 (6)
  • February 2018 (4)
  • January 2018 (1)
  • December 2017 (10)
  • November 2017 (3)
  • July 2017 (2)
  • June 2017 (5)
  • May 2017 (2)
  • April 2017 (8)
  • March 2017 (4)
  • February 2017 (3)
  • January 2017 (2)
  • December 2016 (2)
  • November 2016 (4)
  • October 2016 (2)
  • September 2016 (1)
  • August 2016 (4)
  • July 2016 (1)
  • June 2016 (3)
  • May 2016 (3)
  • April 2016 (4)
  • March 2016 (5)
  • February 2016 (2)
  • January 2016 (2)
  • December 2015 (3)
  • November 2015 (5)
  • October 2015 (5)
  • September 2015 (4)
  • August 2015 (6)
  • July 2015 (8)
  • June 2015 (6)
  • May 2015 (14)
  • April 2015 (14)
  • March 2015 (13)
  • February 2015 (12)
  • January 2015 (15)
  • December 2014 (10)
  • November 2014 (5)
  • October 2014 (6)
  • September 2014 (7)
  • August 2014 (12)
  • July 2014 (11)
  • June 2014 (12)
  • May 2014 (16)
  • April 2014 (13)
  • March 2014 (13)
  • February 2014 (9)
  • January 2014 (20)
  • December 2013 (9)
  • November 2013 (18)
  • October 2013 (15)
  • September 2013 (11)
  • August 2013 (11)
  • July 2013 (27)
  • June 2013 (18)
  • May 2013 (16)

Best Of

  • The New Rich: How $250k A Year Became Middle Class
  • 8 TED Talks That Will Inspire You To Become A Minimalist
  • Debt Is The Illusion Of Success

Recent Posts

  • How to Pay Off Medical Debt
  • 5 Ways to Save Money Before a New Baby
  • 4 Ways to Save Money on Streaming Services

Follow

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2023 · Modern Studio Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in