If you are anything like me and get a huge buzz from getting groceries for free, then you will probably love watching shows like Extreme Couponing and Extreme Cheapskates. I love watching them for a little inspiration and although in the UK we cannot coupon to the extent they do in the US it’s still fun to try.

2020 UPDATE: Since writing this post finding coupons has become like looking for gold dust in the UK, there are however a few good apps where you can claim money back on certain products. You could also try writing and complementing brands as this will sometimes result in them sending out the old-style paper coupons to you.

A couple of weeks ago I decided to have a dedicated couponing trip. I used to use coupons a lot in the past but found I had lost my confidence recently. In my experience, some cashiers treat you with suspicion and treat you like you are stealing from them which can be embarrassing. Some stores also don’t follow their own coupon policies making it difficult to understand what you can and can’t do.

I decided to give it a go again and just put the products back on the shelf if the store or cashier refused to take my coupons. If you do have any problems using coupons in store it’s always worth a phone call or email to the stores head office for clarification.  I did this after a particularly unpleasant experience and received a £10 store voucher as way of an apology.

Extreme Couponing UK Style 

I’m pleased to report that this time my couponing trip was a success and amazingly I paid just £1 for all the goodies below.

Simple Tips For Couponing In The UK

• Buy a dedicated folder to keep your coupons organised.
• Wait until products are on offer to maximize the savings if the expiry date allows.
• Plan your trips in advance, make a note of what you are looking for including pack size so you don’t get it wrong.
• Be pleasant and polite to the cashier even if they refuse to accept your coupons.
• Read up on the store’s coupon policy, print it off and take it with you.

There are also some great Facebook pages and blogs popping up about Extreme couponing in the UK. It’s certainly a hobby that’s gaining traction in this country.

I spend so much time entering competitions, couponing, applying for freebies, and completing surveys it really is a fun and lucrative hobby.

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