Is Purchasing that Extra Paper REALLY Worth It?

Today is Sunday, and what better day to explain, or should I say attempt to explain the various souces of insert coupons. Up until this point, I thought my method of determining if I should purchase more than 5 papers or simply purchase the coupons I want multiples of was rather simple. In trying to type it out for you guys I confused myself many times. Now, I actually use the method and was confused, so I can only imagine what others on the outside looking in will think. So, I'm going to try and break it down without using algorythems and such. There are pretty much 4 ways you can get extra coupons/inserts.

The first is obviously purchasing more news papers. But, if you're only purchasing that paper because of one coupon it's better to not purchase the paper. Todays paper contains 5 inserts. Without a doubt it is probably cheaper to purchase more papers than to order those coupons separately. Depending on the value of the coupons in the papers I tend to set a limit for myself. If I can not save at least $11 from each newspaper I buy then I will not buy them. I can spend that $1(I purchase my papers at Dollar Tree where they are only $1) and get 20 of that coupon I wanted and save much more and have more product in my home.

The second method is buying coupons. Technically you're not buying coupons, you're paying for the persons time to find/sort/clip, and mail you those coupons. You can find a list of places I "shop" for my coupons here. You can buy multiples or simply one of each. Each source has their own purchase requirements.

The third source is having a great relationship with the gas station/store attendants or the paper carrier. They will usually save the inserts for you since they simply throw them out. This is a good free method that helps all involved. If you get one of these sources, especially if it's your personal carrier(meaning they deliver to you at your home) I would make it a point to give them a basket/bag of goodies you got for cheap and/or free. They will appreciat it, and continue to get you inserts.

The final method is dumpster diving. No, you do not actually go dig in a trash can at all. In fact, it's rather clean, and easier than it sounds. Most cities have recycling centers. Some schools are even drop off locations for newspapers as well. There is a section for newspapers and that's where you'll "dive". At any given time you can have around 100 inserts. Why would you need them? I'll explain in a few. But PLEASE make sure you verify that it is alright for you to dumpster dive as in some places it is illegal and I would hate for your coupon savings to be spent on bail.

When/if I determine I'm going to buy 10 or more papers I usually end up making a profit off the papers in the end. This week there are coupons I know i'll use such as the $2/1 all detergent, $2.50/1 electrasol, $1/1 marcel small steps paper towels, .50/1 maruchan yakisoba(fancy name for ramen noodles), .75/1 welchs jelly, $1/1 wanchai ferry dinner kit, $2.50/1 lactaid among many other things. Those just got me to the $11 value I mentioned newspapers must hold in order for me to buy multiple copies. There are actually at least $100 worth of coupons(including the final value after being doubled) that I will use from this paper, so it only makes sense to buy multiple copies. Now, there are coupons I will not use, as there will be for you. With these I simply lot up into groups of 10 and list on eBay for around $1. Of course for higher value and/or hot coupons I will charge a slightly higher handling fee. After paypal/ebay fees I net around .60 cents per set. So, once I sell 10 sets I've made som of my newspaper cost back. This is also why it is good to take the 100 sets you find dumpster diving. You can sell these and make a little money. I personally would not cut them until sold. That way you're not cutting everything out because that is A LOT of cutting when you think about it.

You will soon find your personal threshold as far as coupon sources, paper purchasing, etc. I use a combination and on any given week I may decide I need to buy coupons from 3 papers ago so I visit one of the shopping methods. Nothing is set in stone, and a deal may pop up out of the blue. It's great to have the resources, and knowledge to get those coupons when and if you need them though.