Knowing How To Build Your Coupon Stockpile is one of the biggest things you will learn as a couponer. Stockpiles are the biggest reason most people choose to coupon in the first place. The idea of having what you need on hand at all times is great. On top of that, taking advantage of the best prices now, to avoid paying full price later is what stockpiling is all about. Going overboard can be an issue, so we have some tips on how to know what to put in your stockpile and how much.
How To Build Your Coupon Stockpiles
Make a master product list. You can’t usually account for every product in your home, but you can easily make a master list of items you find yourself using regularly. Start with basic toiletries like shampoo, deodorant and toilet paper then add to your list items you keep in your pantry to cook with like pasta, sauce and canned goods. Make note of any items you are brand specific for, as well as which items you will purchase at lowest price regardless of brand.
Make a best price list. Additionally make a list of what your regular best price for an item would be. Go through your master product list and add the average regular price before coupon, as well as what your top price would be that you are willing to pay after coupon. This tells you when it is on sale if it is a good deal and worth stocking up on. Free items are always good deals, IF they are something you would normally use. Download our Free printable Price Book.
Calculate how many of each item on your list you use monthly. To determine how many of any individual item you should grab while on sale or free, take the time to calculate how many of that item you would use on a monthly basis. How much shampoo, toothpaste, soap, laundry detergent etc. Once you figure out how many you use each month, multiply that to figure out how many you should keep on hand at all times. This number is how many you should grab when at the lowest possible price.
Coupon for 4-6 months of products. Many people have gigantic stockpiles with thousands of items in them. Our experience tells us that most products go on sale on a regular basis. They will also have coupons out on a regular basis. This means that a 4-6 month stockpile of products is typically a great idea. Some items that are seasonal you may want to grab a year supply of when applicable, but getting 300 bottles of shampoo just because it is free is unnecessary for your personal use, unless you are able to donate to a worthy cause.
Creating a stockpile should not become a problem with hoarding. When it comes to household supplies and beauty products a 4-6 month supply is more than enough for most people. When you consider food, not only do you need to think about expiration dates, you must consider that food can also attract rodents, ants, and other unwanted pests. Don’t build a stockpile that is huge only to end up throwing away products because they aren’t used before they go bad.
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