Mailbox full of junk? Don't throw out the coupons! The ones that show up in your mailbox are more valuable than you might realize. A look at Valpak and Money Mailers.
Do the Money Mailer and Valpak coupons go from your mailbox to the trash can in seconds flat? Coupons that come in the mail may be relics when it comes to 21st century advertising, but they still have their place…in your wallet. Don’t discount these as "old-fashioned" when you consider how much money you can save in your own neighborhood.
How to Get the Most out of Coupon Mailers
- Consider that local merchants are trying to get your business. Each coupon pack is targeted toward a certain zip code. So each merchant that advertises is close by and may offer a service you use a lot. Often, they are trying to recruit new business. So if you’re not happy with your dry cleaner, or even if you are, you might see some good deals at another cleaner or the one you use already.
- Try out a new restaurant. Stuck in a rut going to the same places over and over again? You might find a "buy one entrée and get one free" coupon deal at an eatery you’ve never tried. Pizza restaurants usually offer a number of deals in coupon packs.
- Look for home remodeling coupons. If you’re about to renovate a kitchen, replace some windows or redo the siding on your home, be on the lookout for money-saving coupons. You might see one for a free window or $10 per vent for air duct cleaning. Just remember to get references and check with the Better Business Bureau before signing a contract with a contractor you’ve never heard of.
- Find deals on automotive services. Oil changes aren’t cheap. If you know your car is due for one, try to wait until a coupon shows up in your mailbox. Neighborhood repair shops advertise a lot with coupon mailers because they know people are looking for service close by.
- Get a free gym pass. Fitness centers are almost always included in these coupon packs because they rely on neighborhood patrons. You’ll probably find a free pass for a day or a week. But watch out for fast-talking sales people. If you don’t want to join the gym after your free trial is up, be firm and walk out.
Can’t find the coupons you’re looking for in the mail? Valpak’s web site allows you to locate deals by state. Even if your mailbox doesn’t produce the coupons you need, instead of pitching them, consider coupon trading.
The copyright of the article Saving with Money Mailers in Consumer Education is owned by L. Marie Dubuque. Permission to republish Saving with Money Mailers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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