When
you're traveling, it's difficult to keep up with your usual rate of
refunding and couponing while you're away from home. However, you still
can take advantage of some of the bargains that you'll find on your
trip.
Take an hour or so to plan and organize yourself; consider this as part
of your packing, as you do your clothing and whatever else you need.
For you will be doing some shopping while away, although not to the
extent or even the same products you do while home.
What Should I Take?
The number of coupons you take with you will depend on the way you're
traveling. If flying to your destination, as we do much of the time,
you can't pack so much with you. However, there's still room to tuck
in a few coupons for items you think you'll probably be purchasing.
If driving, you even may have room for an organizer (as large as a
shoe box if you use that type) of coupons.
May Find Double Coupon Stores
Sometimes when I'm traveling I come across double coupon stores which
I don't have at home. If you have coupons for some of the items you'll
be needing while away, you then can have the fun of doubling your
coupons. Even if you don't find double coupon stores, you'll at least
be able to save by redeeming coupons.
Some Stores May Not Accept Coupons
On the down side, you may find some stores won't take coupons...especially
in resort areas. Once I purchased some items to supplement fast food
items we were having for a beach picnic. The store was a small grocery
in this resort village and the owner didn't take coupons.
He explained he was open only during the few months of tourism in
that area, so didn't want to bother with redeeming the coupons to
the various manufacturers. Accepting coupons is the choice of the
stores. Most large stores accept them and simply plan the redemption
as part of some employees' work.
Even though the stores do receive a few cents for each coupon sent
to the manufacturer, it does take time to do this, which translates
into money...either employees' time or the owner's time.
Take Advantage of Different Products & Restaurants
While away from home, you may be able to use some products you don't
ordinarily buy. You may not be cooking at all, unless you're camping,
so will purchase snack type foods you don't at home...simply because
they may be practical at that time you're away. You also may find
this the time to use those restaurant coupons you find in newspaper
inserts. Frequently these are coupons for money off specific food
items at fast food restaurants. However, occasionally you'll find
coupons for saving on meals at full serve restaurants. With some planning
ahead of time, you'll still find you can use coupons while away. Remember...be
sure to save your cash register receipts and proofs so you can take
advantage of refunding offers when you return home.
(c) 2000 Mary Emma Allen
(If you have questions about refunding and couponing or have information
to share with other readers, contact Mary Emma Allen, E-mail: me.allen@juno.com;
web site:http://homepage.fcgnetworks.net/jetent/mea.
My refunding newsletter "Refunder's Hotline News" now is available
in print form or e-mail. If you'd like a free sample copy, send me
a SASE or e-mail.)
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