Warning: You May Not Be Making the Most Out of Online Coupons!

With the daily demands on consumers to find ways to stretch their money further, coupons have always been a valued way for them to save money on a variety of purchases. The first coupon was created by Asa Candler in 1887. Mr. Candler, a businessman from Atlanta, was working for a little-known beverage company called Coca-Cola. With a goal of increasing sales, he proposed that the company give away tickets for a free glass of their product to get people to try it. In just a few years, around ten percent of the US population had tried the product using the first-ever free coupon. The rest as they say, is history. Other companies followed suit and the coupon craze began. Cereal makers were the real forefathers in the coupon industry after it was introduced by Coca-Cola. As advertising methods continued to evolve over the years, coupons continued to gain in popularity as a means of securing a larger part of the market share for companies. Coupon usage exploded during the Great Depression in the 1930's. Many companies capitalized on the misfortune of the American economy at the time by telling their customers that they were issuing more coupons to make it possible for the hard-working American to be able to feed their families. The loyalty approach worked and coupons are now a standard operating procedure for both gaining new customers and retaining valued existing customers.

Today's consumer is in the midst of a shopping revolution of sorts. With the advent of the internet, online shopping is actually taking over in some areas of traditional consumerism. Brick and mortar shopping meccas have been slowly disappearing mainly because of the ease and convenience of shopping online. Not only is online shopping more convenient for today's shopper than shopping in person, it is also better for the environment. Consumers focused on the sustainability of the planet realize the importance of reducing their carbon footprint and are doing so by shopping online instead of driving and releasing dangerous emissions into the atmosphere. Paper coupons are still printed and used by millions of people every day and online retailers have realize their potential and are actively competing for business by offering coupon discounts with online sales as well. Online coupons are found in many different forums. The retailers may issue the coupon themselves or there are collective coupon sites that consumers can find online where different offers are available. Here are some great questions and answers about online coupons that can help maximize their benefits.

Questions and Answers

Q: Will online coupons expire?

A: Some will. Some won't. It should clearly state an expiration date on it if it will expire. Keep in mind, though, that retailers may accept an expired coupon in order to get a consumer's business and earn their loyalty.

Q: Will online retailers accept competitors coupons?

A: This trend seems to be catching on. Many retailers do have programs in place where they will accept competitors coupons.

Q: Can multiple online coupons be redeemed for the same product?

A: The coupons that are redeemed by retailers are then reimbursed by the manufacturer, in full of part, back to the retailer. Some online retailers, even though they may lose a little profit, will allow more than one coupon in order to secure the consumer's business.

Q: Can I use paper coupons online?

A: If there is a bar code, you may be able to either scan the code or enter the number on the code to redeem a paper coupon for an online purchase. There may even be a specified code printed on the coupon for online redemption.

Q: Will an online retailer accept a coupon after the purchase?

A: Actually, most retailers will apply the coupon for a limited time after the purchase is made. It's more important to the retailer to build a relationship with their customers than it is to risk losing them.

Q: Do online retailers have a presence on social media sites?

A: Social media is a great way to connect with retailer's and manufacturer's sites. If a consumer follows them, they will receive offers as often as they like.

Q: Where is the best place to find online coupons?

A: There are many avenues where online coupons can be found. Manufacturers will offer coupons on their website. There is also a heavy online presence of sites with links to all types of coupons. Newspapers and magazines are still a viable source for securing coupons that can be used online. Consumers can also join online discount clubs and have coupons emailed directly to them.