Coupon guru knows how to cut costs
By: Andrea Koskey
Examiner Staff Writer
April 27, 2009
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Susan Samtur stands with close to $200 worth of grocery items that she purchased for under $20. (Mike Koozmin/Special to The Examiner)
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Susan Samtur, better known as the “Coupon Queen,” brought her expertise to San Francisco on Sunday, to show how just a little effort can reap major rewards.
She walked into the Lucky’s Supermarket on Sloat Boulevard Sunday morning and walked out a short time later with $180 worth of groceries, but only paid $17.05.'
“Not every item is on sale,” the 64-year-old New York native said. “But if you are conscious enough of what’s around you, you could get it for free.”
For example, Samtur purchased four Vitamin Waters, but didn’t pay a penny for them. That’s because, she said, as a new product the manufacturer issued a $1 off coupon and Lucky’s had them on sale for $1.
“There are 50,000 products out there,” she said. “You could take advantage of any savings if you wanted to.”
According to the Promotional Marketing Association’s coupon council, retailers print an estimated $3 billion worth of coupons annually.
Every night, while watching television, Samtur said she sits down with flyers and magazines to find the best deals for items she needs.
To maximize savings, Samtur writes a shopping list and puts items into categories so she knows what to look for when she’s in the produce aisle or the frozen food aisle.
“It’s easy to put in a category,” she said. “Rather than get to the checkout and realize you have to go all the way back across the store to get milk.”
Samtur said because she does not have a loyalty to brand-name products or a certain store, it helps her save more money.
“I go to which stores will give me the most savings,” she said.
Consumers who want the savings of coupons without the hassle can visit Samtur’s Web site, selectcouponprogram.com. The site organizes coupons by type and category, saving users from having to search through piles of flyers and catalogues.
Shopping smart
Four steps to successful coupon savings:
1. Start with the store flyer.
2. Make a list of grocery items you need. Put them into categories — dairy, produce, frozen, etc. — be sure to include the size packaging the coupon is for.
3. Organize your coupons in the same categories.
4. Know the cheapest amount you've paid for the item and be aware of what's around you.
Source: Susan Samtur
Coupon Facts:
- 89 percent of the overall population report that they use coupons when shopping (for grocery, household and healthcare items at supermarkets).
- 97 percent of primary shoppers report that they use coupons at supermarkets.
- Coupon users report an average of 7 percent savings on their grocery bill with coupons.
- Consumers who spend 20 minutes per week clipping and organizing their coupons can save up to $1,000 per year.
Source: Promotional Marketing Association's coupon council
