# 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:** 2
**Author:** ![Marion\_Wormer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d07c76/32.png) [@Marion\_Wormer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marion_Wormer)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2013, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/21 "2013-11-16T00:09:53Z")
> [@Kimballkid](#): > > The OP apparently thinks there is a stigma to using them. As I said, I have no qualms about using them at all. My mother wouldn’t use them when she was working because she thought it made people think she was on relief. Now that she’s old and retired, she uses them all the time. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2013, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/22 "2013-11-16T00:14:57Z")
> [@Marion\_Wormer](#): > > My mother wouldn’t use them when she was working because she thought it made people think she was on relief. Now that she’s old and retired, she uses them all the time. Some people have wondered why they never see people on food stamps (or whatever they’re called in your area) using coupons. One person on another board who had to use them for a while after the unexpected death of her husband said that using cents-off coupons changes the tax status of the purchased item, and renders the stamps or card unusable. Another poster said that wasn’t the case where s/he lived. Anyone here know the answer for sure? This poster did use them for nonfood items, or if the stamps had run out. ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2013, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/23 "2013-11-16T00:43:51Z")
I use them all the time for restaurant eating. Often 2 people can eat for less than the cost of one usually. It allows us to check out lots of places we otherwise wouldn’t bother with. For example I have one at the moment for a 12 course Japanese banquet for $59 for 2 instead of $130. I always leave a big tip, which is not necessary in Australia I don’t go out of the way to use them but if there is one offered somewhere near a place we plan to be I will get it. Other things I have used them for are car servicing, carpet shampooing, the pizza place near home and the portuguese chicken place nearby. Mind you they are savings far bigger than 25 cents. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2013, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/24 "2013-11-16T01:46:41Z")
Use 'em all the time, tip on pre-discount price, love buy-one-get-one-free deals. What’s more, they’re the only reason I get a newspaper: news I can get online, but the coupons more than pay for the subscription, every month, without fail. ---
**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 16, 2013, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/25 "2013-11-16T05:33:47Z")
> [@Antigen](#): > > 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. \ I like the Groupons for places I haven’t gone, because it gives me some incentive to get out of our comfort zone. We’ve gone to some pretty good places that way. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2013, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/26 "2013-11-16T05:45:15Z")
I think the OP is way over-thinking all of this. Use the damn coupon; that’s what it’s for. ---
**Author:** ![48Willys](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/4/db5fbb/32.png) [@48Willys](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/48Willys)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2013, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/27 "2013-11-16T05:57:33Z")
> [@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. [QUOTE=Cat Whisperer;] Maybe that’s a good time to use it - this is what you’re getting, baby! I use coupons willy-nilly! [/QUOTE] > [@Grapefruit](#): > > You’ve been in a relationship too long to realize how important it is to be shallow and super impressive during the prospects period! I do not know about that. It worked for me! My pretty wife married me 28 years ago. Maybe using coupons weeded out a few shallow prospects for me? If so I am very grateful. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2013, 6:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/28 "2013-11-16T06:37:27Z")
> [@panache45](#): > > I think the OP is way over-thinking all of this. Use the damn coupon; that’s what it’s for. I explained money to my daughter when she was in preschool. I then added _this is a coupon; if it’s for something you want, it’s like free money._ ---
**Author:** ![Eeyore\_sgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/59ef9b/32.png) [@Eeyore\_sgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eeyore_sgirl)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2013, 8:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/29 "2013-11-16T08:05:25Z")
I love coupons and use them frequently. I bought my first car with money saved using coupons. Granted, it was $500 paid for a 1968 Mustang in the early 70’s but I definitely got the coupon bug early. I’ve never felt any stigma in using coupons whether in stores, restaurants, rental cars or just about anything else. Money’s too hard to come by to leave it on the table. ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2013, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/30 "2013-11-16T15:07:51Z")
I’ve been digging Kroger’s digital coupons. You got to their website, click on whatever coupons they have to offer and the discount automatically attaches to your shoppers card. Hell, sometimes they offer free stuff. Not buy one get one free, but actual free stuff. I recall one time I got a free jar of Tostitos salsa. ---
**Author:** ![Antigen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/848f3c/32.png) [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2013, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/31 "2013-11-16T16:00:43Z")
> [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > I like the Groupons for places I haven’t gone, because it gives me some incentive to get out of our comfort zone. We’ve gone to some pretty good places that way. Oh, I agree. What I mean is I’m not going to go to TGIFridays because I got a free appetizer coupon in the mail, because I don’t enjoy eating there. The money savings isn’t enough to make me want to eat there. New places, though, I’m happy to try at least once. Especially if I can do it for cheap! ---
**Author:** ![Iggy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iggy/32/3364_2.png) [@Iggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iggy)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2013, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/32 "2013-11-16T16:17:11Z")
> [@nearwildheaven](#): > > Some people have wondered why they never see people on food stamps (or whatever they’re called in your area) using coupons. One person on another board who had to use them for a while after the unexpected death of her husband said that using cents-off coupons changes the tax status of the purchased item, and renders the stamps or card unusable. Another poster said that wasn’t the case where s/he lived. Anyone here know the answer for sure? > > This poster did use them for nonfood items, or if the stamps had run out. [According to the USDA](http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailers/pdfs/Retailer_Notice_111412.pdf) (pdf cite): > [@](#): > > SNAP licensed retailers may not charge state or local sales tax on SNAP purchases. This does NOT mean that food items that are subject to sales tax (e.g. soft drinks, snack foods, etc) are ineligible. Eligible items that are subject to sales tax may still be purchased with SNAP benefits. Sales tax, however, cannot be charged when SNAP is used to make the purchase. Sales tax can, however, be charged on the portion of eligible items paid for with manufacturers or other discount coupons. Such tax cannot be paid with SNAP benefits. Use a coupon and any tax owed cannot be paid with the SNAP benefits. Kinda stupid, IMHO. Though the word ‘can’ is a bit wishy-washy compared to other language in the notice. I wonder if each state can make its own determination? ---
**Author:** ![Rachellelogram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rachellelogram/32/8689_2.png) [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2013, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/33 "2013-11-16T16:35:44Z")
Someone who can afford to spend thousands on Banana Republic apparel does not live in the same world as people who use coupons on a daily or weekly basis. Thread over. ---
**Author:** ![AnaMen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dfb087/32.png) [@AnaMen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnaMen)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2013, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/34 "2013-11-16T16:43:42Z")
> [@Rachellelogram](#): > > Someone who can afford to spend thousands on Banana Republic apparel does not live in the same world as people who use coupons on a daily or weekly basis. Thread over. But this does support the notion that coupons are for “poor people” and that there is a stigma attached. ---
**Author:** ![Rachellelogram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rachellelogram/32/8689_2.png) [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2013, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/35 "2013-11-16T16:45:45Z")
> [@AnaMen](#): > > But this does support the notion that coupons are for “poor people” and that there is a stigma attached. Hasn’t this always been the case? ---
**Author:** ![Daylate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9dc877/32.png) [@Daylate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daylate)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2013, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/36 "2013-11-16T17:46:36Z")
Go up to Denny’s on coupon night and practically everyone eating there will have white hair and be using canes. ---
**Author:** ![AnaMen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dfb087/32.png) [@AnaMen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnaMen)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2013, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/37 "2013-11-16T17:49:08Z")
> [@Rachellelogram](#): > > Hasn’t this always been the case? To some people yes, but obviously not to everyone, based on their posts here. Isn’t this what the OP is asking? ---
**Author:** ![Honey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honey/32/5074_2.png) [@Honey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honey)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2013, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/38 "2013-11-16T17:58:03Z")
I use coupons at restaurants all the time. I make sure to tip on what the total would have been, without the coupon. ---
**Author:** ![Antigen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/848f3c/32.png) [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2013, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/39 "2013-11-16T17:59:19Z")
> [@Daylate](#): > > Go up to Denny’s on coupon night and practically everyone eating there will have white hair and be using canes. That’s Denny’s on any night. Assuming that by “night” you mean about 5pm. ---
**Author:** ![Queen\_Tonya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/4491bb/32.png) [@Queen\_Tonya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Queen_Tonya)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2013, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014/40 "2013-11-16T18:03:07Z")
> [@Rachellelogram](#): > > Hasn’t this always been the case? I really don’t think so. I use coupons at the grocery store every time I shop, and I’m in the six figure bracket. I’m just thrilled by the gaming the system aspect, stacking coupons on top of sale prices to get my regular groceries for 60% retail feels like winning. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-coupons-to-eat-at-restaurant-or-buying-stuff-at-a-store/674014.md?page=1) [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=3)