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Coupon Facts | History of Coupons | Where Coupons Are Distributed

    Coupon Facts

    • 94% of the United States population uses coupons.
    • Shoppers saved approximately $3 billion last year by using coupons.
    • The typical coupon was worth $1.35 savings in 2008
    • Manufacturers offered approximately $400 billion in coupon savings in 2008.

    All Age Groups use Coupons!

    Age % using coupons
    18-24
    92%
    25-34
    96%
    35-44
    93%
    45-54
    94%
    55-64
    94%
    65+
    95%

    Coupon users broken out by income:

    Income % using coupons
    under $25,000
    89%
    $25-50,000
    96%
    $50-$75,000
    96%
    $75-$100,000
    96%
    $100,000+
    93%

    Source: Consumer Internet Survey Panel of 1,000 people


    History of Coupons

    1894 Coupons are born! Asa Candler, the druggist who bought the formula for Coca-Cola for $2,300, gives out handwritten tickets for a free glass of his new fountain drink.
    1895 Next stop, the local grocer! C.W. Post distributes the first grocery coupon worth one cent towards his new health cereal, Grape Nuts.
    1930's Coupons are a staple in American households because of the Depression. Everyone needs to save money wherever possible, and clipping coupons clips weekly grocery bills.
    1940's Supermarkets sprout across the country and continue the coupon tradition that had begun in neighborhood groceries.
    1957 The Nielsen Coupon Clearing House becomes the first clearing house devoted to coupon redemption. Coupons have created a new industry.
    1965 One-half of Americans are now coupon users.
    1975 Coupon popularity continues to grow. Over 35 billion coupons are distributed and 65% of American households clip!
    1998 America celebrates the first National Coupon Month. Children create art designs of their favorite coupons in the 1st Annual Coupon Month.
    2000 Parents learn how to involve children in saving with coupons for National Coupon Month 2000.
    2008 89% of consumers use coupons while shopping at supermarkets as a way to economize during a period of rising prices.



    Where To Find Coupons



    Insert booklets are loaded with coupons — nearly 90% of all manufacturer's coupons issued in the United States are delivered in your local newspaperpaper or delivered with your local retailers' circulars.

    Open your mail box – you’ll find coupons sent right to your door step. Put your name and address on coupons you redeem to get more coupons sent to you in the future.

    Look in the store. You can find coupons attached to the shelf, at kiosks, or the deli counter, and even at the check-out. Turn your register receipt over – sometimes there will be coupons there too!
    Try samples offered in the store and you may often be offered a coupon to take home a package of the newest and greatest products.
    Check the product package. Your favorite brands want you to keep buying their product, so often you’ll find coupons on the package, or inside, for the next purchase.
    Look on the internet. There are coupon sites where you can print coupons and find providers who will email you coupons. A product manufacturer’s website may offer coupons for brands you love. Don’t forget to check your favorite store’s website too for coupons! Be cautious online, however, of someone offering to sell you manufacturer coupons ... there’s no need to buy them when there are so many available free!
    Sign up to receive coupons on your cell phone. You'll get offers of interest to you, maybe even when you are near the store or in the aisle where the product is sold.
    Magazines are another great source for coupons. You’ll find them right on the advertising page, or sometimes inserted between the magazine pages.
    Buy a local coupon book – many are sold by schools and community groups to raise funds for good causes.
    Smart coupon shoppers keep their eyes peeled for coupons – you’ll find them just about everywhere!

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