[mom22seans]

I brought this issue up in another thread and no one responded afterwards so I'm gonna try again here...

I admit I was excited when I learned from another post here that you could print two coupons from each computer in your house or using a different kind of browser (IE vs Firefox, for example)... until my husband had to burst my bubble and ask me, "How different is that from illegally photocopying your coupons?" He's right though I guess... by using different browsers and different computers to print more than the intended 2 per person we are cheating the system designed by the manufacturer's. I haven't been able to bring myself to print more than the allowed amount on one browser now that he said this... so disappointing LOL I would hate to see stores discontinuing the acceptance of IP coupons because of this and would like to know other people's opinions.

Would you agree we're "circumventing" the system, or "cheating the system", by finding a way to print more coupons per person than was intended by the manufacturer?

[debbiedee8]

No I really don't think so, alot of mfgs allow only so many total prints of their coupon before it's pulled from the website. I personally feel as long as you are not copying them there is nothing wrong with changing browsers or using another computer to print them. This is just my opinion and I guess you just have to go with your consience (sp) as to wether you feel you are doing something "wrong" or not. hth

[newbie2008]

I'd have to agree with your husband...if we are only supposed to get 2, then that is the legal limit...not 2 per computer used to print from...JMO!

[mom22seans]

I see what debbiedee8 is saying... the manufacturer's count on only so many being distributed and if we're printing, they can control that number. If we're photocopying, they can not.

I still feel "wrong" about it though. Not only is it greed and possibly taking the opportunity of a coupon from others who have yet to print, as newbie2008 pointed out, "if we're only supposed to get 2, then that is the legal limit"

Thanks for your responses! Hope to see some more replies!

[freezingjsalyers]

Ok, since you asked for it here is my humble opinion.....I think in general the larger your family the more computers you will have, generally speaking, so someone with a larger family would need to be able to print more than 2 copies of any particular coupon and I think that is fine. For example, I coupon for 6 people, we have 3 computers and I am able to print out 6 of each coupon. I dont consider that to be greedy, or cheating the system, just because my other family members dont do their own shopping. If the manufacturer were to put a per household limit on their IP's then that would definatetly be different. Hope that helps.

[lgoodwin]

Originally Posted by mom22seans

I brought this issue up in another thread and no one responded afterwards so I'm gonna try again here...

I admit I was excited when I learned from another post here that you could print two coupons from each computer in your house or using a different kind of browser (IE vs Firefox, for example)... until my husband had to burst my bubble and ask me, "How different is that from illegally photocopying your coupons?" He's right though I guess... by using different browsers and different computers to print more than the intended 2 per person we are cheating the system designed by the manufacturer's. I haven't been able to bring myself to print more than the allowed amount on one browser now that he said this... so disappointing LOL I would hate to see stores discontinuing the acceptance of IP coupons because of this and would like to know other people's opinions.

Would you agree we're "circumventing" the system, or "cheating the system", by finding a way to print more coupons per person than was intended by the manufacturer?

In my opinion it's no different than getting 2 or 8 newspapers...
Sometimes when I go on Sunday night, they are all gone and I miss out.
If someone prints a coupon 10 times and I don't get to, it's no different than someone before me buying 2 papers and me not getting one.
Is it their fault or mine for not getting there sooner?

As long as it has a different/uncopied scramble code on it, it's a valid coupon from the net and the manufacturer will honor it.

This whole discussion is odd. I don't think the manufacturer plans on people dumpster diving, buying from eBay, collecting coupons from friends OR trading them on this site.
But it happens and if you question this aspect than your really questioning every trade done here on AFC.

JMO

[seasalt82]

Originally Posted by freezingjsalyers

Ok, since you asked for it here is my humble opinion.....I think in general the larger your family the more computers you will have, generally speaking, so someone with a larger family would need to be able to print more than 2 copies of any particular coupon and I think that is fine. For example, I coupon for 6 people, we have 3 computers and I am able to print out 6 of each coupon. I dont consider that to be greedy, or cheating the system, just because my other family members dont do their own shopping. If the manufacturer were to put a per household limit on their IP's then that would definatetly be different. Hope that helps.

Ok, maybe this is comparing apples to oranges but here was my first thought... there's only one set of inserts in each paper, does that mean we should only buy one paper??? Maybe that's a stupid example.

So far, most of the IP's I print don't have a limit of 2 per household or even per person. You're allowed 2 per computer. I shop for 5 people and we have 3 computers. Honestly, if they wanted it to be limited to 2 per household, I would have thought they would have added that by now to the coupons. I would think that they know by now that people print more than two if they have access to multiple computers.

So my opinion would be that it's fine to print from other computers. It's not stated as wrong on the coupons like photocopying is and I just don't see the difference between legally printing multiples and buying several papers. JMO.

[bgpgirl]

Okay here are some of my random thoughts on the subject:

* Photocopying coupons is plain fraud...says so right on the coupon.
* They may be out there, but I have never seen a manufacturer coupon (Sunday insert or ip one that says anything about it being voided if printed by a second computer.

* I think most companies do indeed limit the total amount of q's so I feel like it is first come, first served.

* On the above, I don't have the exact stats available put I have heard and read that only a small percentage of coupons are actually redeemed...therefore in mho, chances are by me using a second computer, I'm not going to deprive someone of one that really wanted it.

* I have always said that Freebie and Coupon ethics are a funny thing. Technically one could argue that coupon trains, raok's aren't legit...it says right on coupons that they aren't to be transferred or exchanged.

* And a little off topic....Freebies...who among us orders more than one sample using an alternate email addy or a relatives address.

I think this is one of those things where there is no clear cut answer. People should do what they feel comfortable with...kind of like peelies.

[Lynda1811]

I believe I heard that only about 1/3 of the coupons offered are actually redeamed. But, I could be a little off.

I am able to print 2 from my computer, and if DH is home I can print 2 from his laptop. I don't think I'm doing anything wrong since I am paying for 2 seperat internet services. Yep, you read that right, I pay for my home service and for his wireless. I don't see it being any different that me purchasing two papers at once.

But that's just MHO and my 2cents.

Lynda

[mom22seans]

Thanks for all your replies on this. I tried arguing with my husband that no where does it state "2 per person" or even "2 per household" last night when he brought this up but he insists that if they wanted someone to be able to print more than two, it wouldn't have a limit in the first place. So, I can see both sides when it's looked at like that.... Just wanted to get opinions from all of you because I don't want to break any "Rules of Couponing" hehe

[xmaspickle]

for me I follow whatever is the legal/official or intended limit on any of the coupons...when things like the CVS brand one came up...it was one per customer..but unlimited amount of coupons..I only used hard copy coupons..not printed ones..

when smartsource or IP comes up..I'll use just whatever they have set up as their limit...but I will use a FLIP from someone else as I figure if it's out there who cares whether they use it or I use it..I may get sent someone I don't even use...

honestly, I don't think there's a lot of reason to try to "cheat" in any way..there are sooooo many deals out there and they rotate around that I'm not going without a thing..not one thing..so if xyz brand gets used up..we just switch to whatever is currently cheapest..and if it's non of the above..we make from scratch/buy costco brand or whatever..

I so much rather sleep at night than try to pick up 100 of something so I can sell it, let it rot on my shelf or ??? I figure all these things were intended for home use and I have no need to try to explain to my kids..why they shouldn't lie, cheat, steal, cheat on a test..but it's okay if mom prints off 100 of something or tries to scam someone....I'm pretty dang straight forward..

but I think a lot of newer couponers get the free/cheap rush and then feel like everything needs to be like that..or they try to make money or some profit from their "work"..although, underlying the companies are paying for it..

just my 2 cents...

and I print off two..and sometimes my ding dang computer/printer won't even do that..i tried to print the laura's beef and it split the Q on two sheets of paper...so unuseable..

[mom22seans]

Originally Posted by xmaspickle

I so much rather sleep at night than try to pick up 100 of something so I can sell it, let it rot on my shelf or ??? I figure all these things were intended for home use and I have no need to try to explain to my kids..why they shouldn't lie, cheat, steal, cheat on a test..but it's okay if mom prints off 100 of something or tries to scam someone....I'm pretty dang straight forward..

but I think a lot of newer couponers get the free/cheap rush and then feel like everything needs to be like that..or they try to make money or some profit from their "work"..although, underlying the companies are paying for it..

just my 2 cents...

Well said!

[vzimm]

Sometimes when you coupon things happen "beyond your control" too...and I guess you can become too scrupulious (SP?!) too --I have had situations where I have bought something using a coupon and had to return it (I bought bayer aspirin and found it was expired!) and I had used a coupon to buy and pointed it out and the cashier said to forget about it and gave me all the $$ back...sometimes cashier's put it in WRONG--sometimes you don't notice and you are the one who gets the advantage and sometimes the store gets the advantage! Unless it is a real amount of $$--over a $1 I have decided there are mistakes that happen...I have been undercharged and have gone back to the store and made them take the extra $$ even when they protested about it and once I was told I was dumb to point it out!...it was $7 for cryin' out loud...made me feel like a thief!
SO...if it is something minor I let it go...major I point it out.

The coupon printing...as long as it prints I print it! Some are campaign based--like the Wild harvest! I printed 20 or more--kept going--wouldn't let me go potty !! HA! BUT I use Wild Harvest a lot!! I am so sad no more left!--til next time anyhow I HOPE!
I will NEVER photocopy or use coupons that say specific things that prohibit the use...store coupons that say one per family I make many trips if it is a good one...more than one per family technically but one per trip...I figure it is MY perogative how many trips I make!!! Still a free COUNTRY...

I rarely print from work and just with my bosses permission...I did do the HUGGIES!!

I think it is a delicate balance though and I have to check with my conscience on things a lot! It gets to be a game at times and I am HIGHLY competive!

[tripindog]

Originally Posted by newbie2008

I'd have to agree with your husband...if we are only supposed to get 2, then that is the legal limit...not 2 per computer used to print from...JMO!

But, what about people who trade for IPs? If I print two from my computer, then say my friend Sally prints two from her computer, but realizes she won't use them, then gives them to me. I didn't print them from a second computer, but I'm still using the coupons.

And, like PPs have said, the coupons are "per computer" not per household or per person. OP, I have to disagree with your husband. You're not "cheating the system" if you're getting more than two coupons, from other computers or from friends or whatever. But, if you're saving your family money by couponing, I'm not sure why your husband is so down on the idea =]

[sanfordchef]

I agree that it is no different than buying more than one newspaper.

I sorta breezed through the posts cause I am tired, so if this is a repeat sorry!

I think the limits are for those that would print 1,000 and then resell in their own stores, or at the swap meet, etc.

I have never been able to print more than the limit by changing browsers, I think it goes by IP address.

So if I print it at my Mom's computer, is it not her coupons to use? And the other computer in my house, is it not my husbands coupons to use? So if they give them to me, is it not okay?

And returning an item you purchased with a coupon is like cash. The store was reimbursed, so should you be. You can't get the coupon back. But if it was a Target or store coupon, I think they do deduct that cause it is like a "sale" price.

sorry, need a nap!

Janet

[jbarber8]

Here's my opinion, since you asked.

I respect the limits which have been set up, even though the coupons don't say "2 per household" or "per purchase" etc. I figure the limits are there for a reason.

If I need more than 2 of a certain coupon, I trade with someone on AFC.

I see trading an IP (legally printed) to be exactly the same as trading a coupon from the inserts. I don't think printing extras from a second computer is the same as buying extra papers, because there is no set limitation anywhere on the number of papers you can buy (if your store is out you can go to another store, or you can have multiple copies directly delivered to your home).

The coupons sometimes say they can't be transferred, but I always thought that meant to another product!

Sometimes I send an extra freebie to my Mom & Dad at their address - but that's for them - they keep it. (It's not like I can swing by Ohio and pick it up!)

[stefani1]

All I'm going to say is copying is DEFINITELY illegal and fraud!!! printing your limit on different computers is fine! If somehow you were getting around the print limit of 2 on the same computer - then I'd saw that was wrong.
I'd also like to say that I'm happy your husband isn't a cashier in one of my stores I shop!!!

[mom22seans]

Originally Posted by stefani1

All I'm going to say is copying is DEFINITELY illegal and fraud!!! printing your limit on different computers is fine! If somehow you were getting around the print limit of 2 on the same computer - then I'd saw that was wrong.
I'd also like to say that I'm happy your husband isn't a cashier in one of my stores I shop!!!

Yes, he's a very "by the book", honest, and straight-forward kind of man. But, that's why I love him. Very trustworthy!

[lgoodwin]

Originally Posted by jbarber8

I don't think printing extras from a second computer is the same as buying extra papers, because there is no set limitation anywhere on the number of papers you can buy (if your store is out you can go to another store, or you can have multiple copies directly delivered to your home).

There is no "set" limit on the number of computers you own or have access to either...

[mmansfield]

Originally Posted by jbarber8

Here's my opinion, since you asked.

I respect the limits which have been set up, even though the coupons don't say "2 per household" or "per purchase" etc. I figure the limits are there for a reason.

If I need more than 2 of a certain coupon, I trade with someone on AFC.

I see trading an IP (legally printed) to be exactly the same as trading a coupon from the inserts. I don't think printing extras from a second computer is the same as buying extra papers, because there is no set limitation anywhere on the number of papers you can buy (if your store is out you can go to another store, or you can have multiple copies directly delivered to your home).

The coupons sometimes say they can't be transferred, but I always thought that meant to another product!

Sometimes I send an extra freebie to my Mom & Dad at their address - but that's for them - they keep it. (It's not like I can swing by Ohio and pick it up!)

But what if the person u traded with printed more coupons from different computers in her house. What would be the difference. If i can go buy 10 papers on any given Sunday (which I'm sure the manufacturer's didn't intend or maybe they did) then you should be able to print coupons from any computer if it let's u. This whole IP thing is new and still a little delicate. But in no time they won't be any different than the coupons u get in the Sunday paper. In my opinion there is nothing immoral or unethical about printing coupons from your Mom's house or taking them from your next door neighbor because she won't use them. I would also print some for my next door neighbor if i wasn't going to use them as well. JMO

[mmansfield]

Originally Posted by lgoodwin

There is no "set" limit on the number of computers you own or have access to either...

i agree 100%...but i always agree with you

[couponmama62]

I have more than one computer and yes i do print from all of them if i can. I don't think there is anything wrong with it.

[KayTay01]

I have several computers and print coupons off of each one. But I give them the same email and home address. When the company says that I have already printed a coupon for that address then I leave it at that and don't try to print any. My DH also had an issue with it but when he realized that the numbers were different on each coupon printed, he let it drop.

[patbruck]

it's not cheating the system if each coupon has its unique veri-fi code. the mfr CAN (and does) impose limits - which is why we will sometimes see "print limit reached" or the coupon gets pulled completely.

do you seriously think the mfr cares if one person prints ten coupons or five ppl print two? they just want you to buy the stuff. or what difference does it make if I print my two and give them to someone else? does it really matter if I buy two and my friend buys two, or if I buy zero and my friends buys four?

I would not call this cheating the system at all. as long at they are valid coupons, regardless of print source, there is no cheating involved.

[joshmamabear]

Originally Posted by patbruck

it's not cheating the system if each coupon has its unique veri-fi code. the mfr CAN (and does) impose limits - which is why we will sometimes see "print limit reached" or the coupon gets pulled completely.

do you seriously think the mfr cares if one person prints ten coupons or five ppl print two? they just want you to buy the stuff. or what difference does it make if I print my two and give them to someone else? does it really matter if I buy two and my friend buys two, or if I buy zero and my friends buys four?

I would not call this cheating the system at all. as long at they are valid coupons, regardless of print source, there is no cheating involved.

in your above example, I don't think its excessive. But it does make a difference if several people print 50 to 100 and quota is reached in such a short time, so that other consumers are not able to print their limit of 2 to use at their store.


I've read it being encouraged in some sites where they print reams of an IP either to sell on auctions sites, to purchase items for re-sell, for personal use, etc. I think mfr would frown upon this practice. do they want just a few enterprising people to take advantage of their offers and sell their coupons on ebay? definitely NOT. we can all check ebay and IPs proliferate on the site, many are copies of legitimate IPs printed from their PCs.

bottomline here ~ we all have to go by our own moral compass on what is fair for all.