When you envision a person using coupons, you probably picture a middle-aged mom buying groceries for her kids. But as coupons become more and more popular for Americans, more people are starting to use them, aside from the common couponer.
Back in 2012, we created a guide outlining different types of coupon users, from The Newbie to The Seasoned Pro. Years later, those profiles still hold true! Join us as we revisit these couponer personas to see what’s changed and what surprising qualities remain consistent across every type of saver.
The Newbie has tried a coupon once and realized just how much cash they could save. Now hooked, they’re excited but still figuring out how to keep their coupons organized. You’ll spot them at the grocery store, digging through a messy pile of coupons, trying to find the right one. Their guilty pleasure? Clipping Sunday coupon inserts, of course.
If you always see someone pulling out a scale or calculator to figure out the best deal, you’ve found a value finder These couponers carefully measure prices and quantities before deciding what to buy and how many coupons to use. There’s no shopping trip without their trusty calculator in hand.
Watch out for the Conformist. They switch brands effortlessly depending on which is on sale. Even if they don’t need the product, they’ll match prices and brands just to maximize savings. Their guilty pleasure? Scoring steals in the clearance or final sale bin.
The Seasoned Pro knows the coupon game inside and out, probably because they’ve been at it for years. You can spot them by their thick, well-organized binders filled with coupons sorted from A to Z. Don’t be surprised if they do a little happy dance after scoring a deal on a top brand.
The Extremist takes couponing to the next level. Their mission? Save the absolute most at checkout, even if it means pushing three carts around the store. Treating couponing like an Olympic sport, they’re masters of double and triple couponing.
What's Changed?
These couponer personas date back to 2012, but since then, some new types have emerged. As shopping habits and technology have evolved, so have the ways people save. From savvy app users to digital deal hunters, today’s couponers bring fresh strategies and styles to the saving game. Let’s take a look at how couponing has grown and who’s leading the charge now.
The App Addict. This couponer lives and breathes deals on their smartphone. From scanning QR codes to earning cash back, they’re always on the lookout for the latest app-exclusive offers and seamless savings at checkout.
The Subscription Saver. Focused on monthly savings, this couponer hunts down discounts and promotions for subscription services, whether it’s meal kits, streaming platforms or personal care boxes, making sure they never pay full price.
The Social Shopper. They rely heavily on social media for deal alerts, following influencers, brand pages and coupon communities to discover flash sales, promo codes and limited-time offers before anyone else.
The Eco-Saver. This shopper combines frugality with sustainability, looking for coupons on eco-friendly products, supporting local businesses and prioritizing deals that help reduce waste or promote ethical brands.
The Bulk Buyer. Always planning ahead, this couponer uses coupons and cash back to stock up on essentials in bulk, maximizing savings on big purchases while minimizing frequent trips to the store.
Together with the classic personas from 2012, these new couponers show just how diverse and dynamic saving money has become. Which one sounds most like you?
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