Write your Way to Free Coupons

Recently, I contacted a large manufacturing company about one of their household products: SHOUT Laundry Stain Remover. In my letter, I told them how much I liked SHOUT and how well it works to keep our clothes stain-free through frequent washings.

Then I mentioned that the price has risen [doubled, in fact] and wondered if they had any suggestions. A week later I got a very pleasant, personal letter from a customer specialist and five FREE coupons for SHOUT, any size. The thirty-nine oz refill bottle runs $4.99 each, so for $.37 I saved almost $25.

Another way to get free coupons is if you have a complaint. Virtually all merchandise has a toll-free number on it if you have a question, comment or complaint. Some even offer a website address.

Last month I opened a package of breakfast sausage patties expecting six - the number stated on the box. Only four plopped into the pan! I promptly called and the lady apologized and took my name, address and the product code from the package. Shortly after, I received three $1 off coupons for any Hormel product. Now that is customer service.

About a year ago, I tried a new product with a money-back guarantee. I had some very good coupons, so bought it for less than $1. I was very unsatisfied, so I boxed it up and sent it to the address on the back. I was not convinced I would get a reply. Surprisingly, I was sent a check for the full purchase price and a free coupon for any of the company’s other products. Since I’d gotten it practically free in the first place, it was extra money in my pocket.

I am not suggesting you write to every company that makes something in your home. However, if there is a product or two that you buy frequently or in large quantities, write a brief note to the company. There is a good chance that you will get free or discount coupons out of it. Go online if there is a website listed and you could discover coupons you can print out to use instantly.

When my children were in diapers, I did this every three to six months. I can’t remember how many coupons I actually received, but I do know that I never paid full price for diapers.

Companies love it when you use coupons. It shows demographics like regions where the item is popular, if a new product is “taking off” and how frequently people are re-purchasing the item. Often they will run a sweepstakes or contest where the coupon is your entry-you just fill in your name and address. One note of caution: if it asks for your website or e-mail, do not give it if it is not required. You will get a slew of spam messages-often from companies other than the one running the contest.

So look around your house at the products you use regularly. Fire off a quick letter or phone the toll-free number. It is like writing your own free coupons.

~Shaunna Privratsky

Shaunna Privratsky authored the award-winning "The Silk Robe", a series of e-reports to stimulate your prose and over one hundred articles and stories.  She lives in North Dakota with Wade and their children, Erica and Alex.