Which sale do you pick?

[Ratsy]

Since I'm still a bit of a newbie with couponing, I often find myself using my coupons only to find a better deal within a month or so. I'm wondering how all of you decide when it's best to use your coupons, especially when you already have a mini-stock of the item so it isn't desperately needed at the time.

[mastersaver]

For me its just a balance of the expiry, how much i need it and how likely it is i will get another coupon like it. Knowing your prices is key for using coupons effectively. It's a gamble every time and sometimes you lose. But i always try to keep receipts for stuff im not sure of and i have/can get more coupons for. (kind of a win win if you can return it, get coupon value in cash and then get a better deal on it)
If you think its a good deal than even if it goes on sale for a little less just remember you still got a good deal.

[leda]

I also try to judge by the expiry. If I can get something for free or near free, I almost always use it right away (or as soon as I can) but other than that, I hold onto coupons for as long as I can, to ensure I'm not missing any good deals. Unless a great deal comes, I won't buy it then. I know it'll go on sale again. Then when it comes within a month of expiry, I try to use it because I know that time is running out since items are hardly on sale more than one week.

Also judge based on points, for those stores with them. If something is a great price at SDM for example, and I get bonus points, then I'll use the coupon then.

[wpruijsers]

I look thru all the sale flyers for the stores in my area, and make my list of the sale items I want to purchase. Then I go thru my coupons and match up the sale items with the coupons I have.
I also always take all of my coupons with me when I go shopping, cause the stores always have additional sales that aren't in the flyer.
When my coupons are nearing expiry (2 weeks away), I keep an eye out for the store that has the best price on the item, and use those that way.

Hope this helps!

[Saver/spender]

I keep a "Best Price" list in my binder. Then if peanut better is on sale for $2.99, I can look at my best price list and see that in the past I was able to buy Peanut butter for $2.00. I will know to hold off and wait for a better price before I use my coupon. I hope that this helps.

This is my first post ever! I love this site!

[emmy3111]

great question, OP - I find myself struggling with this same dilemma, so thank you all for the helpful tips!

S/S - welcome to SC! watch out... it's addictive!

[Allis154]

That is an interesting idea Saver/Spender. Often, I am the one making the list and doing the shopping, however, there are times when my DH has to do it. If I kept a list of good prices on various items, then it would be easier for him to decide what is a good deal.

It would also be a little scary to see how much the cost of some stuff has gone up. Has anyone priced the kool-aid packages lately! Yikes!

[lsunderl]

The best thing I did was make a list of all the things I buy on a regular basis in an excel sheet. That way I know that when my favorite things are on sale, or if they are REALLY on sale.

The best thing for it is Smart Canucks, and time!

[Carol0]

I keep a "Best Price" list in my binder. Then if peanut better is on sale for $2.99, I can look at my best price list and see that in the past I was able to buy Peanut butter for $2.00. I will know to hold off and wait for a better price before I use my coupon. I hope that this helps.

This is my first post ever! I love this site!

YEAH, this is a good ideas...lol