# Does anyone here use coupons to eat at restaurant or buying stuff at a store? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 15, 2013, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014 "2013-11-15T21:29:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Pauly01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/df705f/32.png) [@Pauly01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pauly01)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2013, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/1 "2013-11-15T21:29:37Z")
I have never done this ever when eating out or buying food. However, i did recall i used one of these coupons b/c i buy a lot of banana republic clothing and they would send me these $10 gift certificates b/c i bought so much of their clothes. I think i have close to 10k in banana republic clothing total and every 500 i spend they send me a 10 dollar gift certificate i think. So they are basically cashback in a way to buy more banana republic clothing. I did once use one of those buy anything for 15 percent off for that day and besides that… i think that was the only time i ever used a physical coupon. Does anyone here use coupons? What shocked me was that mcdonalds actually have coupons as well. I dont eat mcdonalds anymore but i saw these coupons where you save like 25 cent for a big mac or something like that. I know many ppl do things to save money but does anyone of you do stuff like that where a coupon gets you say 25 cents off only? I mean if its a coupon thats buy a big mac and get fries free… okay i can understand that. The thing is i feel like if you use a coupon at a restaurant, it kind of looks cheap if you eating at the place. Now if you ordering it to go… i can see it not being that bad. I mean obviously if a place has like a meal or burger for a special price then its not the same thign b/c u just order it from the menu and dont use a coupon. Im curuious if anyone here actually uses coupons at a restaurant. For example i see some places where if it cost $20 for a person… they have these coupons where you get 10 percent off or 5 percent off so you basically save $1 or $2. Does anyone here actually do that? I can understand if you have a coupon where instead of paying $50… its $30 only… but what about when its $20 and you save $1 or $2? Does anyone here think that kinda looks a bit bad? I read online and lot of ppl mention when you go to a place and do that, the person will immedilatey not like you and then assume you will tip very little which i read is untrue as most ppl still tip for the regular meal. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2013, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/2 "2013-11-15T21:36:27Z")
Since the OP is asking about personal experiences, this is better suited to IMHO. Colibri General Questions Moderator ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2013, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/3 "2013-11-15T21:37:13Z")
God, I constantly use coupons. Less so at restaurants but that’s mostly because I don’t get any. But you bet your ass if I get a free appetizer coupon I’ll use it. I figure it’s their way of getting my ass in there, so all’s fair. I also use Kohl’s coupons and Kohl’s cash because I do most of my clothes shopping there these days. I am not made of money. I don’t use the $1 or $2 off coupons tho. Then I have to keep track of them and bring them that day and present them and really it’s way too much trouble. I use 20% off coupons, mostly. Oh! And I definitely use the Bed Bath and Beyond 20% off coupons…love those. 20% off is a lot on a $250 item. ---
**Author:** ![Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/6bbea6/32.png) [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Living_Well_Is_Best_Revenge)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2013, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/4 "2013-11-15T21:39:39Z")
I will use a coupon in a store if I have it, but I never look for them. I am not comfortable using one in a restaurant in most cases. But it depends on the situation. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2013, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/5 "2013-11-15T21:44:02Z")
At restaurants it’s usually a Groupon, so that is most likely on my Phone rather than a piece of paper. At stores all the time - especially the coupons in the flyers at BJs Warehouse but also at the supermarket when they catch my eye. ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2013, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/6 "2013-11-15T21:46:52Z")
I hate coupons. But some stores are greatly overpriced if you pay without them. I look upon such stores as imposing a surcharge for unwary customers. “No coupon? It’s retail for you!” Ostensibly they are designed to lure you to their store instead of another. But I think this may backfire, as I often think, “I’d like a pizza at store X, but I don’t have a coupon with me, so let’s go somewhere else where you don’t need a coupon.” ---
**Author:** ![Kimballkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5a626/32.png) [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2013, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/7 "2013-11-15T22:06:24Z")
I really don’t get the OP. Coupons have been around for a long time so I don’t really see what the stigma would be in using them no matter where you use them. Obviously a restaurant wouldn’t issue them if they didn’t expect you to use them. I have a whole stack of restaurant coupons sitting on my desk right now and have no problem with using them. Makes it really nice at lunch time actually. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2013, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/8 "2013-11-15T22:14:05Z")
I wonder if the OP dislikes sales also, since coupons are just sales where you have to be somewhat more together to take advantage of it. More and more stores are making them easier to use. Macy’s gives you the discount automatically if you use their card, and Safeway at least lets you load coupons on your card so you don’t have to remember them. As for restaurants, I have no issue using them - just be sure to compute the tip on the precoupon total. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2013, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/9 "2013-11-15T22:14:40Z")
We use them all the time, usually at the local pizza place that offers a couple of bucks off their buffet with a coupon. What stigma? If they didn’t want people to use them they wouldn’t offer them. ---
**Author:** ![Kimballkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5a626/32.png) [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2013, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/10 "2013-11-15T22:32:48Z")
The OP apparently thinks there is a stigma to using them. As I said, I have no qualms about using them at all. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2013, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/11 "2013-11-15T22:36:18Z")
Exactly. $2 is $2. Now a small amount coupon won’t get me in the door, but offer me a pretty good deal and I’ll try your restaurant, at least once. ---
**Author:** ![Grapefruit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/73ab20/32.png) [@Grapefruit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grapefruit)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2013, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/12 "2013-11-15T22:41:25Z")
The only time I can see there being a stigma to using them is if you’re on a getting to know the person date. You know, the kind where you’re showing off your best to your potential mate and you want them to see that you can afford two full priced dinners without resorting to a coupon. Other than that, everyone uses them, so I don’t see what the conundrum is. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2013, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/13 "2013-11-15T22:49:17Z")
> [@Grapefruit](#): > > The only time I can see there being a stigma to using them is if you’re on a getting to know the person date. You know, the kind where you’re showing off your best to your potential mate and you want them to see that you can afford two full priced dinners without resorting to a coupon. Other than that, everyone uses them, so I don’t see what the conundrum is. Maybe that’s a good time to use it - this is what you’re getting, baby! I use coupons willy-nilly! Those coupons for restaurants and hotels that you can find at an IHOP in the US? Fantastic deals! You should all be using them, all the time. ---
**Author:** ![Dendarii\_Dame](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bbce88/32.png) [@Dendarii\_Dame](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dendarii_Dame)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2013, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/14 "2013-11-15T22:54:45Z")
I use a coupon at restaurants frequently, at stores rarely. I think the only “stigma” there would be to using a coupon would be if you tipped on the discounted amount. That is, if the price would have been $20 without the coupon and was $16 with it, a twenty percent tip should be $4. ---
**Author:** ![Grapefruit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/73ab20/32.png) [@Grapefruit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grapefruit)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2013, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/15 "2013-11-15T23:03:02Z")
> [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > Maybe that’s a good time to use it - this is what you’re getting, baby! I use coupons willy-nilly! You’ve been in a relationship too long to realize how important it is to be shallow and super impressive during the prospects period! ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2013, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/16 "2013-11-15T23:10:56Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > At restaurants it’s usually a Groupon, so that is most likely on my Phone rather than a piece of paper. Before there was Groupon, there was the Entertainment coupon book, usually sold as a fundraiser. It was a thick book of coupons for local stores and restaurants. And my parents have a Costco membership, which sells gift cards for local and chain restaurants at a discount. So, for example, they might have two fifty-dollar gift cards for a local Indian restaurant for $80. She will buy them for us to use at family dinners when the gift card will cover most or all of the bill. ---
**Author:** ![Antigen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/848f3c/32.png) [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2013, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/17 "2013-11-15T23:15:31Z")
I’m having a hard time understanding why the OP _doesn’t_ use coupons. They will save you money. Now, if it’s a coupon for a place I otherwise wouldn’t have gone, or for a product I wouldn’t have purchased anyway, I won’t necessarily use them just to use them. Sure, 20 cents off Starbucks instant coffee at Safeway is nice, but the other brands are cheaper even without the coupon, so I don’t really see it as a savings. If it’s money off a favorite brand, sure, but I try not to have too many favorite brand things. Cheaper that way. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2013, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/18 "2013-11-15T23:54:15Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Before there was Groupon, there was the Entertainment coupon book, usually sold as a fundraiser. And my experience with those was that people rarely used any of them, and if they did, the merchant wasn’t very enthusiastic about it. :rolleyes: I use coupons all the time. You can save a LOT of money if it’s something you would have purchased anyway. I even did back when I earned a 6-figure income; why not? ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2013, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/19 "2013-11-15T23:58:15Z")
Sure, why the hell not? I’m always appreciative of businesses making the effort to give a little back, no matter how small. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2013, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/20 "2013-11-16T00:06:57Z")
> [@nearwildheaven](#): > > > [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > > > Before there was Groupon, there was the Entertainment coupon book, usually sold as a fundraiser. > > And my experience with those was that people rarely used any of them, and if they did, the merchant wasn’t very enthusiastic about it. :rolleyes: Sure, but those things were sold as fundraisers anyhow. So it was a way to support the school band or the boy scout troop or whatever. And the book only cost, as I remember, $20 or so, so you only had to use a couple to get your money’s worth. Meanwhile, a good number of Groupon coupons go unredeemed, as do a percentage of the gift cards that are bought each year. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014.md?page=2)