[rhemerick]

*By the way, I have combined a couple of other ladies outlines and class info posted here on AFC. I am not charging for any classes. I'm offering them for free online and at my church. If you see your information used here and don't want it to be used, please PM me so that I can change it so that it does not include your information. Thanks.

Hello ladies. I need a bit of help. I have been asked to do a coupon blog, possibly live feed or a video class, and don't want to overwhelm any newbies. I was wondering if you guys could help me figure out what basic (coupon 101) information to teach so that I don't get too in depth in the first class. I am planning on going deeper in the following 201 class, but again, I don't want to overwhelm newbies and scare them out of trying it. I am also going to be teaching a class at my church so I definitely need just what basic couponers should learn. An outline of sorts. I wrote a whole bunch of stuff down that I know and when I typed it up, it was over 4 pages of stuff. A little too much for beginners. Any help to minimize would be appreciated. Here are ideas that I combined from other AFCer's posts:

*Understanding Coupons, where they come from, and restrictions
-Manufacturers (both IP and Sunday Supplement, etc.)
-Store coupons (specific to each store, unless they take competitors)
-Stores get refunded, not losing money from manufacturers coupons
-know restrictions (printed on coupon). Per purchase vs. per transaction,
Per household vs. per person/customer.

*Where to find coupons/sources
-Newspapers
SS, RP, P&G
-Internet Printable coupons (IP)
then list sites (coupons.com, coolsavings.com, etc...)
-store coupons, on their websites or in their newspaper ad (SW, RA,
Target)
-Tear pads & blinkies (explain both)
-Catalina's (printout at register based on purchases made)

*How to organize coupons
-methods (binder, box, file)

*Using coupons (general rules & tips)
-follow redemption rules
-do not copy them, this is illegal
-expect to complete smaller transactions
-break away from product loyalty (as much as possible)
-couponing takes TIME
-find the method that suits you best

*Know store policies regarding coupons
-Do they take coupons, do they stack, do they double?
-Stacking (manufacturers and store for same item)
$10.00/$50.00 purchase (store coupons)
Rebates/ Forms for reimbursement (combine as many as possible)
-Doubling/ Tripling coupons

*Plan shopping trip with Coupons
-Buy what's on sale in store ads and combine with a coupon for that item
-Stockpile when it's a good price or free

*What is a Stockpile?
-only buy products that you use, unless it's free and you would like to try
it, or you plan to give it away as gift

*Rules to saving the most money when shopping with coupons
-less time in store= less spending
make a list and stick to it (unless you see that the item will be free or
almost free after coupon)
Don't shop when hungry
Don't buy impulse items at register unless you have a good coupon for it
-Know prices to help figure in coupons
some stores have online prices (Safeway)
Create a price book
Shop sales listed in ads (price is listed already)
-Plan meals from pantry/stockpile, not from store
Know what you have on hand, and what you need to complete meals


Then tell them about A Full Cup so they can join and make friends, plus share good deals with other members, and vice versa.


What do you guys think? Is this too much for a newbie? How would you break it down into smaller segments so they can be put into smaller segmented videos on a blog? What would the 201 class include? I don't want to overwhelm anyone or give them too little information. What do you all think?

[Jeweled]

Your outline is really similar to what I used.
In the Understanding section, I thought it was important to emphasize that stores get reimbursed and that manufacturers issue coupons so people will buy their products in the first section. I also showed examples of store coupons vs. manufacturer coupons, too.
Since I didn't want to get into the specific policies of all the stores in the area -- some of which I don't shop at -- I talked about what you should know about a store's policy. Do they double? Do they take IPs? etc.
I spent most of the session on planning. I showed how stacking works, why you would want to break the order into smaller transactions, why you sometimes get something you don't really want/need.
The shopping part was basically logistics.
From my own couponing experience, I thought it was important to include the warning not to go overboard. Don't buy it just because it's a good deal.

I had a great time teaching, and I'm looking forward to my next class. I'm sure that if you take the time to plan, you'll do just fine.

[sar1]

I second Jeweled's post. My first thought when I was reading your post was to definitely explain how coupons work - store gets reimbursed, no copies, etc. I think those points alone help give people a better understanding of what the whole system is about. Knowing about reimbursement should help people get past that hurdle of feeling like their "getting away with something". Especially since we all run into the cashiers and managers who act like you're stealing b/c of coupons and that can really scare a newbie off from using them. Good luck!!

[grocerymama]

In your rules to saving money, I have one to add.
Don't bring the kiddos. I know sometime you have too, believe me. I have three. But if you really want to save money - and your sanity - leave the little ones at home!

[Cuponqueeny]

[mlombardo]

Ha!! I totally agree!