Updated: 10/7/2008 6:37:08 PM Posted: 10/7/2008 11:04:26 AM
More and more shoppers are seeking out coupons to help cut grocery costs. When the Sunday circular isn't cutting it, many turn to eBay.
Hundreds of coupon cutters are making selling coupons a cottage industry on the web.
"Buy one get one free" and coupons on items not normally found in our region are being sold on eBay from west coast shoppers. The coupons are good in our stores.
People like Amy Marrelli stepped up her coupon game about 2 years ago, "I think I am really cashing in." She does an Ebay search for certain products and presto! the coupons are available to buy.
Most are sold in lots of 5 ,10 or 20 coupons. So a lot of 10 / .50 cent coupons might be sold for $1.00 even though the savings is $5.00. Technically you are not allowed to sell coupons, instead sellers on eBay put a disclaimer saying you are "buying their time and postage" to get around the rule.
Beer and wine rebates are also very popular finds on eBay.
"Typically for most households that is the biggest expense, supplying the alcohol for the party. I never have a problem with it cause of all the rebates I find online or at grocery store," says Marrelli.
She does point out it is important to make sure the rebates are good for the state of Ohio. So, in her eBay search she may type "beer rebate Ohio."
Marrelli is one of a growing number of people who are finding the value in coupon hunting. She finds the items she wants and gets the savings she needs -- spending only $50 a week on groceries for her family of four.
She also raves about a local blog site called "Cherry Picker." The site cross references coupons with sales at Northeast Ohio stores.
Joe "The Coupon Guy" is another site where NE Ohio folks can find coupon saving help.
Hot Coupon World is another favorite website for people seeking deals. It knows of store's specials weeks in advance so you can plan your shopping.
All of these site can be found on the side of this page.
© 2009 WKYC-TV
