Are You a Coupon Clipper?

You have a few dollars in your pocket, you're hungry but not sure what you want to eat. Do you go Mexican with the "buy one, get one" free (BOGO) taco coupon? Maybe you're in the mood for sushi and grab your "free appetizer" with purchase of entree coupon.  Ah ha! You remember you have a 15% off total bill flyer for Italian .... so you go there.Decisions, decisions, decisions. Not over where to eat, but which coupon, discount card, 1/2 off special flyer to use.

I'm a coupon clipper (the secret is out!). I'll often scan the local grocery store ads; noting what "specials" they have that week. Then, I'll look through my manufacturer/store coupons to see where I can "double" up the savings. It really does affect where I choose to grocery shop that week. In the end, stretching my dollar becomes the priority.

Eventually, I wondered, what incentive, discounts, coupons, specials do retailers & restaurants need to offer to get you in their shops. Maybe you've always wanted to try a particular restaurant but you felt it was too pricey until they dropped a free appetizer &/or dessert coupon. Now, you decide, you can afford to try out the place. You love the food and experience so much, you tell yourself you'll come back even without a coupon.

Do you wait for your favorite store to offer their "anniversary" sales prices before you'll stock up on merchandise?  Do you price shop for the best gas price in town; figuring you've "won" the battle by getting a  gallon for 4 cents less on one side of town vs. the other. If you regularly eat Italian down the street, what would it take for you to drive 10 minutes more to try another restaurant? A free entree with the purchase of an entree & two drinks?

Discounts, freebies, sales, BOGO offers & coupons can be found online (i.e. Groupon, Retailmenot), in the newspaper and of course, are mailed direct to our homes.

Maybe you normally shop at "such & such" store even if they don't offer any discounts. You love the personal attention, overall experience and selection (and food if a restaurant). Convenience could be a reason you shop or eat locally and a coupon won't change your habits. Saving 1 or 2 dollars isn't worth it if you have to drive 15 minutes out of your way.

Great offers & deals seem to be all around us. Would you shop at Altadena's retailers, restaurants & home based businesses more frequently if they offered more  discounting, coupons and the like? Do discounts offer you incentive to change your shopping habits/try something new?

Share your thoughts and discount ideas with everyone!