The Atlanta Constitution
THE FOLLOWING tips on getting into couponing and refunding in an organized and profitable way come from "Cashing in at the Checkout," by Susan J. Samtur with Tad Tuleja (The Stonesong PressGrosset & Dunlap, (6.95). Before shopping, make a list and stick to it, within reason. Check the sales. Get the weekly food section and the Monday food ads and clip and save the coupons. Carry them with you to the store and don't be afraid to switch brands or stores for best prices. Use your eyes to shop. Compare prices, scan the shelves carefully, remembering that no matter what pricing gimmicks are used, you have the final word. Remember the other sources of coupons. Many come in specially marked packages at the store, often printed on the outside of the package. Check national magazines for coupons, which usually are good for a longer time than the "in-store" coupons from newspapers. Subscribe to national magazines and trade magazine coupons with friends, i.e., dog food coupons to your tea-drinking neighbor with the new puppy for her coffee coupons. Still another source are home mailers, usually addressed to "occupant." Develop a system for filing the coupons according to expiration date or according to product. Check the coupons, their expirations dates and the weekly sales before shopping. Take the proper ones with you. Some manufacturers require no more than sending in your name and address with a proof of purchase or qualifier. Others request the refund offer form as well. Almost any part of a package may be requested as proof of purchase box tops, bottoms, the Universal Product Code seals, front panels, neck bands, cap liners, inner seals or tear strips. So save everything. Organize the qualifiers proof of purchase, official form or list of manufacturer requirements for refund so you can find them when you need them. Send regularly for your cash refunds or free bonuses, being sure to include exactly what the offer asks for and making sure it has not expired. Be patient it sometimes takes from 4 to a weeks for refunds to be processed. Subscribe to a reliable refunding bulletin or newsletter as it will list hundreds of offers you could not spot on you own. If you don't know of one, put a small advertisement in a local supermarket, department store or laundromat saying that you would like to contact refunders in your area. You should have no trouble getting a response. For an Atlanta contact, call Ann Johnston, 996-3017, or Frances Best, 482-2884.
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