After several episodes of the show, many Money Saving Madness readers voiced their dismay over the bad light some of these extremists seemed to shed on couponers. Many of you saw them as hoarders and compusive couponers, buying things they didn't need, or could ever use. Some of you found it amusing and took it worth a grain of salt.
I recently was given the opportunity to discuss some of the show with Nathan Engels and here is what he had to say:
Me: Nathan, congrats on your appearance on TLC's Extreme Couponing twice, and kudos to you for making such wonderful donations. Despite the good you showed on the show, many of my readers are concerned that "extreme couponing" will have a backlash on the small time couponer by making manufacturers and stores think twice about their coupons and policies. What do you think?
Nathan: I think that manufacturers and stores have already begun to set limits. In many parts of the country you see LIKE coupon limits. I’ve had many conversations with executives at major grocery stores and their concerns center not on extreme couponing, but fraud and stock issues. If a couponer rudely takes all of their product, they have none left for regular consumers. Those customers then get upset at the store. Manufacturers have marketing budgets and coupons are a part of that. Some manufacturer’s have already set limits (P&G) and others may in the future. Those limits are NOT related to the show, they are related to the simple fact that more people are using coupons. (P&G set limits months ago)
Me: How much time per week do you spend clipping coupons and shopping? Do you really shop like you did on the show or was your shopping on the show basically for "extreme" effect?
Nathan: You hit the nail on the head. It’s TV. Reality TV at that! I generally save 60-70% at the grocery store. I spend 5-15 hours a week doing this, depending on the sales! I have a family and enjoy life! I can’t spend to much more time couponing because I just simply don’t have the time!
Me: Do you think the show is realistic for the everyday couponer? Will you do the show again?
Nathan: I actually did a video on that exact question! The show demonstrates what coupons CAN do, not what they do normally. I encourage readers to watch this video about the realistic expectations of ‘extreme’ couponing. . As for doing the show again, who knows what the future holds. I don’t know if I would do it again, reality TV is a lot of work!
If you have a question or comment for Nathan, be sure to leave a comment in this post!
TLC's Extreme Couponing airs tonight at 9/8C. Will you be watching?
7 comments:
No I will not be watching. I think the whole thing is silly and in no way reflects reality.
I am surprised that people watch it. It is sort of hoarding
granitestatesavers.blogspot.com
I did not watch the most recent episode with Nathan, but I did see him on the original special. I have to say that I was dismayed by the adversarial position he took regarding the store, along the lines of "it's me against them" or some such sentiment.
I personally love my store (Publix), which offers great BOGO deals every week and also accepts coupons from competitors. It is only through their generous policies that I am ABLE to save as much as I do.
So I do not view them as "the enemy," and I likewise don't want them to view me as theirs as a result of comments like Nathan's.
I love couponing it saves my family a ton of money, I think it's smart and responsible when done within limits and following the policy of the store shopped at.
I admit I watch the show but it does get dull just seeing people shop and ring up their coupons. I had hopes of learning a few tips, tricks from the show but have not learned anything new yet.
It would be wonderful and helpful if the show aired some useful tips of how to gather the coupons, what sites are out there and when sites are updated. Also how to check store coupon policies.
Mr. Coupon - Nathan, stated it's a strategy you vs the store. Can he share what the strategy is and how he conquered and achived his goal! I love that he has donated so much...
However the pilot episode where the woman missed family outings and holidays to go out and feed her addiction and shop more is a bit obsessive and much.
My stockpile consists of a small linen clost and my kitchen cabinets beyond that whould be much in my opinion... everyone is different and family size and finacial ned is different. This comment is just my personal opinion.
Stacy
It might be rude to ask, but I am wondering if this is Nathan's full time job. Or does he work out of the home?
I watched a few of these shows last night, and it seems funny to me that the 1 family said they always buy either 3,6,9 or 12 papers each week.. & thats where they get all of their coupons from. Then how did she have 97 (or whatever) coupons for the croutons? just saying, it makes no sense to me.
Nathan gives couponers a bad name! I live in the area him does and in the past he has had 'stockpile' sales. It's gross that people hoard these deals that they get and then resale it. I doubt he really does donate anything. I once saw him in Meijer buying two carts full of Kraft dressing! Insane!
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