8 Unexpected Places to Find Coupons

If you're new to couponing, you're probably seeking out most of your coupons in the Sunday newspaper inserts. This is the absolute best place to begin amassing your coupon supply. You've probably also discovered online printable coupon sites such as Coupons.com, RedPlum, and SmartSource. If you never sought out coupons other than those from the newspapers and these printable sites, you would have a nice stash of coupons.

But if you want to find even more coupons, here are a few more places you might look.

Manufacturers' Websites
Even though manufacturers provide coupons in the Sunday inserts, they often post coupons right on their websites. Sometimes these are identical to the insert coupons, but sometimes they are higher-value or for different products. Some companies - like Kashi - only offer coupons via their websites. So, if you're a fan of a specific brand and are having trouble finding their coupons, be sure to check their website.

Mailing Lists
No one likes to get junk email. But I love it when I get coupon emails from companies! If you're heading out to visit your favorite companies online, be sure to register on their sites. I highly recommend setting up an email account separate from your personal account. It's much easier to do that than to sift through company emails to find that message from Aunt Sally.

By registering with your favorite companies online, you are usually signing up for their e-newsletters. These newsletters often come with coupons or free sample offerings. Plus, having the coupons delivered to your inbox beats having to continually go to company to check for coupons.

Store Websites
Retail stores are jumping on the printable coupon bandwagon. Kroger has their own printable and e-coupons. CVS and Save-a-Lot have some printable coupons I've not seen anywhere else. Sometimes the coupons found on retail stores are store-specific, and other times they are manufacturers' coupons.

Your Cell Phone
Your cell phone is starting to become a huge savings tool. If you register with Cellfire, you can load e-coupons to your local grocery store's shopping card... no clipping involved! Target has recently started providing mobile offers on your phone. If this keeps up, I might have to set up texting on my phone!

Free Samples
I love getting free samples in the mail, especially when they come with coupons! If you're even remotely interested in the sample being offered, sign up for it. Hopefully there will be coupons inside the package.

eBay and Clipping Services
There are TONS of coupons available on eBay. I've purchased them a couple of times, but only when the coupons will arrive before the sale ends. This is a great way to stock up on items that you know you're going to buy several times throughout the year. Having a year's supply on-hand means that you're not going to pay full-price. You can use your supply until another great sale comes around. If you're shopping on eBay, be sure to read the auction details and check the expiration date and shipping time.

At the Grocery Store
When you're doing your grocery shopping, be on the lookout for the little blinkie machines in the aisles. These coupons can be used immediately or saved for later purchases. You might also find peelie coupons right on the products that you want to purchase. You can read my post HERE to learn more about peelies and blinkies and the etiquette involved with them.

Just Ask
I've had a lot of coupon success emailing companies whose products I use on a regular basis. I've emailed them to let them know how much my family enjoys a particular product, and many of them have responded by mailing me coupons. I've received coupons for Liquid Plumr, Splenda, Goldfish Crackers, and more! Not only is it encouraging for companies to know what you like about their products, you are rewarded for being a loyal customer.

Are there any other places that you find coupons?

For more great frugal ideas, stop by Frugal Friday hosted by Life As MOM.