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?
