My first brag!

[karensugarpants]

I live in a small town in Southwestern Ontario so getting to each store takes less than a couple of minutes. I started couponing two days ago with the help of this site - THANK YOU - and here's what I snagged:

SDM:
2 x Aveeno Body Wash (on sale 2 for $10) - used $3 off WUB2 coupon = $3.50 each.
Breyers Klondike Ice Cream Bars (normally $7.99, on sale for $3.99) - used One Free Product coupon I got a week ago for having bad ice cream previously.
Sunlight dish soap 4 x $0.99
Listerine 1L reg $4.99 - used $3 off coupon

RCSS:
Quantumatic Kit on Clearance for $7.49, reg $11.99 - used coupon for $6 off
Ziploc Freezer Bags $3.49 each, used buy 2, get $4 off

Total Regular Price: $51.89
Total Spent: $17.42
Total Saved: $32.49

I actually saved a ton more because of sale items at Food Basics, where they rejected my coupons. Their sale prices are really good though.

Total Regular Price: $117.73
Total Spent: $56.17
Total Saved: $57.59

Before this week, I would normally shop at RCSS, pay whatever and not pay attention. I'm so glad I joined this group because saving more than I spent is kind thrilling (yeah I'm a nerd) and I saved over a tank of gas!

I do have questions but I'm not sure where to post them, so here ya go:

What are stamps?

Do you guys buys newspapers every week? Here I can get the London Free Press, The Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star - maybe the Sun too. Which papers are good for coupons? Is it worth it to buy multiple papers?

I was nervous to use both of my Aveeno coupons (to buy 4 body washes) or all of my 4 Ziploc coupons, because I didn't know if I would be told no. Did you guys get nervous about doing large orders at first?

I think that's it for now. Have a great Sunday everyone!

[ippy]

Welcome! Nice brag!

Stamps are postage stamps - for trading, etc. A lot of the sc'ers who have being doing this for awhile have quite the coupon collection so they will trade some of their extras with others in exchange for the postage stamps. I am in NE Ontario so I can't help with the papers - sorry.

I am still new so I still get nervous when using coupons. My first few attempts I used 2-3 coupons but with every order I use more. I find it's easier on everyone when you cash out to let the cashier know you have a few/lot of coupons and, depending on the amount of stuff you and the next person has, I let the person behind me know/go before me. Most people are kind enough and wait, but don't be discouraged or surprised if you get some not so nice comments from people. My theory is, if I was paying full retail - I'd be cranky too!

Welcome and good luck!

[KathyN]

nice first brag!
Stamps I think they actually mean Postage Stamps.
Only buy newspaper when the Smartsource or Redplum or Brandsaver is coming out, the dates are posted usually by other forum members... can use the search function.
As for "large orders", for me, I get nervous, you don't really know how the cashier will respond, unless it's a regular store you go to often and that they know you. But I think 4 items it's a big deal, I've read on the forum people go for like 20+ of a certain product.... :S

[Ilikefree]

The next Smart source insert is June 11. I use alot of coupons each week and seek out my favorite cashier each time I hit up walmart. I have a back up in case she isn't there. They know me and my system and I rarely have an issue with my transactions. Yesterday I used over 20 coupons without a blink of an eye. The cashier was awesome. She also rang in 5 individual orders so I could use the $5 Airwick odour detects coupons that were Pm with Zellers for $5.99 and set to expire at the end of this month. I do most of my shopping at Walmart now, take all my flyers to PM and try to be super organized when I get to the till so the transaction flows smoothly. I always remind her I am PM and using coupons at the beginning of the transaction. I like my coupons all rang in at the end of the bill so I can ask and see a subtotal on my receipt and then the coupons taken off at the end. Sometimes she'll take them as she rings in the item but doesn't punch them in till the end. I go with the flow, be patient and always leave a happy customer. Have fun!

[Newfieguy_2525]

I did my first big "haul" Sat. Night at Sobeys...... I baught 12 Ziplocks for 2.39 each and used 6 B2S$4 and got them for 51cents each tax included.. and then I baught 6 Marinade Reg. 3.69, and used 6, Save $3.00 WUB 2 Ziplocks and got them for 69 cents each..... This was the first time I used that many coupons at one time. Plus I used a few other coupons there too, and in a couple other trips to other stores. I had asked a lady working there about using the printed coupons and she said they looked ok to her.. I was excited to do this and have it work right for me since it was my first time doing so.

[happy_me24]

Great first brag!!!

[starkith]

I saved over a tank of gas!


Love it when you say it like that!!!

[karensugarpants]

I saved over a tank of gas!


Love it when you say it like that!!!

Yeah but sadly that was nearly two tanks of gas for my little car not too long ago! Boo.

I'd love to get my hands on cheap/free gas - buy 1 liter, get one liter would be great. LOL!

[bekki3]

You'll love this site and all the info you gain from the people here! Enjoy!!

[Natalka]

Great shopping!

Aw, I love your status!

karensugarpants is as curious as a coupon-clipping kitten!

[rhondarichardson1]

Yay! Great bargain hunting..

[karensugarpants]

Thanks for all the tips you guys! You're wonderful and this group is so supportive and great.