This is the beginning of a series called Obtaining Coupons. I thought it would be helpful to look at the different ways that you can get coupons and also tips to do this well.One of the ways that I have been able to get some great high-value or FREE product coupons is by contacting the manufacturer directly. Typically what I will do is think of a product I love then call the manufacturer and tell them why I love their product. Then I'll ask if they would have any coupons that they would be willing to send me to help me save on it. Most of the time they are more than willing to do so and often they will send multiple coupons.
I have also emailed companies as well but I don't seem to get as great a response when I do this, so I prefer calling. There have also been times where I didn't even tell them why I liked their product but just simply asked if they would be able to send me any coupons. When I did that I also didn't seem to get as high value coupons, but they usually still sent some.
A few other things...
Sample of what I might say when I contact a company:
"Hi, I was just calling because we love Cracker Barrel cheese but I rarely see coupons for it and I find it to be a bit expensive. Would it be possible for you to send me some coupons?"
Tips for requesting coupons:
* Be honest- don't just make up some reason you like their product.
* If you are loyal to their brand, tell them that. For instance, maybe you only buy Kraft mayo. Let them know that and explain that your family doesn't use anything else.
* Call while you are doing other household tasks. I often call while I am making dinner or folding laundry. That way if I have to hold for a bit, I really am not wasting my time.
* Find the companies contact info on the package or their website.
* Typically a company is willing to send you coupons every 6 mo. to a year. So you might find it helpful to keep track of when you contacted each company and how eager they were to send you coupons and/or what kind of coupons you received.
Here are some of the things that I've received coupons for:
Cracker Barrel cheese; Skintimate shave cream; Scott toilet tissue; Muir Glen products; and Turkey Hill ice cream and tea.
Have you ever requested coupons from a manufacturer? What was your experience like?
I've also had great success thanking companies. I've actually only done it by email, but I think I might try calling some companies now too. Seems like it works well for you!
ReplyDeleteSome companies I've had success with: Red Pack, Kellogg's, Sweet Baby Ray's, Pepperidge Farm, Apple & Eve . . . I loved the Sweet Baby Ray's especially. They sent 2 coupons for FREE BBQ sauce, and a $1/1 BBQ sauce, making them only $.50 at Redner's this week!! I couldn't believe they were on sale for only $1.50!!
Thanks Kathy...and thanks for the list of companies that you've had success with. I was thinking of contacting Pepperidge Farms and now I'm for sure going to! And I'll probably try the other companies too. It always helps when you know that someone else got a good response! :)
ReplyDeleteI've contacted compaanies too but only by e-mail. I've had pretty good success with it. Some that I've contacted and received coupons back by mail are: Heinz (ketchup), Cottonelle, Huggies, SoBe, Campbells, Orajel, Hefty, Quilted Northern, and Sparkle. I have also contacted Kraft in relation to several of their products and received no coupons. :(
ReplyDeleteThanks Michelle for more helpful suggestions! Yeah, I think Kraft is a little stingy with sending coupons. :) When I contacted them recently about Cracker Barrel cheese the guy said, "Well, we get a huge amount of requests for coupons and so we normally don't send them out, but I'll do it this one time." I did receive a coupon for a FREE package of cheese so I was pretty happy esp. considering his less than thrilled response.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of doing that. I am going to try it today.
ReplyDeleteFrugal Pals- Go for it! I'm pretty sure you'll have good success.
ReplyDelete