If your fingers get twitchy when you are handed that 40% to 50% coupon for your favorite craft store, then you know the power of the coupon.  That coupon can make a huge difference in whether you are going to be a proud owner of  a pricey one thing or another.  I would like to pass on a few tips about those lovely coupons.

  • The Bait  The main purpose of the coupon is to lure you into the store to spend your money.  You may walk into that store to use that coupon on one thing, but while you’re there, you may find yourself buying a lot of other somethings that are one “sale” or too good a deal to pass up.  So you may be careless and overspend.  Be smart about your coupon.  Be aware of what is on sale so you won’t waste your time going to a store to discover that fancy paper trimmer is on sale for 30% off.  You don’t want to end up with a “might as well” use the coupon on something else attitude.  With that kind of attitude, you may find yourself buying a lot nothing.
  • The Switch  Did you know that most big name craft stores accept other craft stores’ coupons?  So you don’t have to go to Michaels to get 40% off that knitting loom.  Joann’s will accept a fistful of coupons at one time.  So if you have a Michaels and Jo-ann coupons, you can use them at one visit.  Michaels does not honor the multiple coupons advantage, but they do accept other craft store’s coupons.  The way to get around the multiple coupons at Michaels, make your shopping excursion a family affair.  I would give my son items to purchase with a coupon so I don’t have to make several trips to Michaels to utilize my 3 coupons.  Imagine the look on a clerk’s face when a 3 year old is purchasing a stamp set with a 40% coupon.  That’s comedy.
  • The Lesson  Save yourself the embarrassment of walking up to the register with a big ticket item that is EXCLUDED on the coupon.  Read the fine print on the coupon and realize the lovely Cricut and the cartridges are not covered with the coupon.  I experienced this lesson when I tried to buy a craft book at Michaels with a 50% coupon.  I had benefited from the coupon before, but a few weeks before my experience, the powers that be at Michaels corp changed the rules on their coupon regarding books and magazines.  So I had to take the walk of shame out of line to put the book back.  <sigh>  Lesson well learned because the new rules were printed on the coupon.
  • The Children  Sometimes we may forget that these craft stores have dedicate children sections.  Jo-ann sell educational books for primary grade students and art kits.  Michaels have toys and art kits.  Hobby Lobby also has art kits and toys.  I used my Michael coupons many times to buy my sons Thomas the Tank Engine accessories.   So if there is nothing you need, think outside the box about how that coupon can benefit the youngest consumer-in-training.
  • The Hunt  Don’t depend on the newspaper for your coupons.  You can find you coupons online, in magazines, or in the mail.  A quick search via Google will bring you some helpful links from bloggers who are on top of the latest coupon finds (Crazy About Deals).    Within the past year Michaels just started accepting coupons that can be printed off the internet.   So take advantage of it.  Happy shopping!