The problem is policing this, and remembering which coupon can’t be used for resale. Some coupons now say “limit of 4 like coupons in same shopping trip.” Some also say, “Coupons not authorized if purchasing products for resale.” There are now limits on coupons at some grocers. Since extreme couponing became high profile, grocers made policy changes. There’s concern it hurts the average person trying to use a coupon the right way. My original story generated many comments from shoppers who thought the stockpile sale is unethical. “Coupons are intended to give individual consumers a good deal, not provide a method for people to set up unauthorized grocery stores or flea markets in their garages, basements, or backyards,” the CIC writes on their website. They add that the sales may also violate local health codes. The CIC says reselling items bought with a coupon or stockpile sales violate the terms and conditions of the coupons. Product manufacturers are part of the group.

The Coupon Information Corporation (CIC) is a non-profit association that works to stop coupon misrepresentation and fraud. Why? They know there is controversy surrounding the stockpile ’s against the rules.Ī stockpile sale is not necessarily illegal, but it’s against couponing rules. They advertise it publicly, but won’t discuss it publicly. When researching stockpile sales originally, many couponers refused to speak on camera about their sale. Most likely unaware of the consequences of their store owner’s extreme behavior. Many people setup appointments to shop in a stranger’s basement turned grocery store. I constantly see the sales post in Facebook groups. These sales are still going strong five years later. Instead of spending time clipping coupons or downloading digital ones, Sanderson scans the internet looking for the latest stockpile sale. So, I look for the sales,” Scott Sanderson said.

“I wish I had the time to do the couponing myself, but they take the work out of it for me. I met some shoppers who return week after week to purchase items at Neumann’s sale, and some even negotiate to save even more. Neumann pays pennies on the dollar for the items and re-sells the products for cheaper than you’d find in the store. Neumann sold everything from soap to sauce at a yard sale. You see moms posting about their stockpile sale on Facebook Groups, Swap Shops, Craigslist, and the Facebook Marketplace. Years later, these sales are just as popular. However, some argue it’s gaming the system.Ĭristina Neumann of Ohio made $300 a day at her stockpile sale when I first reported on this in 2011. The couponer then makes a profit, and you save money. Then, they sell their surplus to you less than the retail store sells the product. They buy the diapers or shampoo at a discount with coupons. Extreme couponers create grocery store in basementĬouponers are passing their savings onto you with stockpile sales.

Plus, the stockpile sale violates coupon policies. It sounds like a deal, but some argue stockpile sales cost us all in the end. The father of one has found a way to save on the purchase of 5 to 10 newspapers by taking a peek inside dumpsters.UPDATED Shampoo, shaving cream, and diapers all for sale in a basement or front yard for a fraction of the retail price. Coupon' for his money-saving efforts, is less concerned with image. 'That's totally fine because they're none the wiser,' said Kirlew.Įngels, who has earned the nickname 'Mr. At the grocery store Kirlew believes her image projects money to the cashiers and store clerks. 'My image is very important to me and I think it's very important to me when I'm shopping,' said Kirlew. I think it's important to be completely done and prepared before you go to the grocery store,' she said. Living in an affluent suburb of Washington, D.C., she seeks to avoid the stereotype of an obsessed coupon user by getting dressed up for outings to the grocery store. Kirlew took to extreme couponing after her husband lost his job, leaving her to fret about their lifestyle and their three children. Kirlew, nicknamed 'the diva' for her coupon use, calls her stacks of coupons her '100 Holy Bibles.' 'My 11th commandment is, 'Thou shall not pay retail.' It's not necessary with the use of coupons,' said J'amie Kirlew, who keeps coupons valued at $40,000 bound and sorted in her home.įor the savings-obsessed, supermarket inserts are the most valuable assets of the shopping experience.

Extreme couponing stockpile