# Why do coupons have a cash value? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 10, 2000, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-coupons-have-a-cash-value/8436 "2000-03-10T20:45:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Wonko\_The\_Sane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/258eb7/32.png) [@Wonko\_The\_Sane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wonko_The_Sane)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-coupons-have-a-cash-value/8436/1 "2000-03-10T20:45:00Z")
You know, those things you clip out of the newspaper! They always have a cash value on them, sometimes it is 1/100 of a cent, sometimes as much as 1/20 of a cent. Why? Can I save up two hundred million and buy a Volkswagen? Any input would be appreciated. ---
**Author:** ![Chief\_Crunch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e8c25b/32.png) [@Chief\_Crunch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chief_Crunch)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-coupons-have-a-cash-value/8436/2 "2000-03-10T20:49:00Z")
[http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1\_329c.html](http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_329c.html) ---
**Author:** ![Wonko\_The\_Sane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/258eb7/32.png) [@Wonko\_The\_Sane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wonko_The_Sane)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-coupons-have-a-cash-value/8436/3 "2000-03-10T20:50:00Z")
Aha! ---
**Author:** ![ZenBeam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/3ab097/32.png) [@ZenBeam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZenBeam)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-coupons-have-a-cash-value/8436/4 "2000-03-10T21:27:00Z")
Cecil’s answer doesn’t answer an important question: If I have 20 coupons worth 1/20 of a cent each, where do I redeem the coupons for my penny? Do I give them to the cashier at the local store? Do I have to mail them to the manufacturer? * * * _It is too clear, and so it is hard to see._ ---
**Author:** ![BobT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e8cbc/32.png) [@BobT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobT)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-coupons-have-a-cash-value/8436/5 "2000-03-10T22:26:00Z")
The cash value should only be good in states where that notice is required. From Cecil’s column, he implies that the store would have to give you the money. If you go to the trouble to collect 20 coupons, so you can get a penny back go for it. I believe you’ll be on the losing end unless you have a negative opportunity cost and your time isn’t worth anything. ---
**Author:** ![Beauxeau\_IX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/71c47a/32.png) [@Beauxeau\_IX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beauxeau_IX)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2000, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-coupons-have-a-cash-value/8436/6 "2000-03-11T17:52:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Cecil’s answer doesn’t answer an important question: If I have 20 coupons worth 1/20 of a cent each, where do I redeem the coupons for my penny? Do I give them to the cashier at the local store? Do I have to mail them to the manufacturer? ZenBeam, I you mail me the 20 coupons, and include a self-addresses stamped envelope, I mail you a check for 1 cent. * * * Mmm, sure…listen… Do you think I could interest you in a pair of zircon-encrusted tweezers? ---
**Author:** ![Whammo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8dc957/32.png) [@Whammo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whammo)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2000, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-coupons-have-a-cash-value/8436/7 "2000-03-11T21:16:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Originally posted by Beauxeau IX: > \*\* ZenBeam, > > I you mail me the 20 coupons, and include a self-addresses stamped envelope, I mail you a check for 1 cent. > > \*\* Why? you’d be loosing money unless you get your checks for free… just send him a real penny. 🙂