Coupons can help you save money on the things that you need to buy. While many of the people who use coupons understand what coupon etiquette is, others choose to break the rules. There are many reasons why coupon etiquette is necessary.

Breaking coupon etiquette is not illegal, but it will make you very unpopular with fellow couponers and store cashiers. The Coupon Information Center (CIC) provides helpful information about what you shouldn’t do with coupons.

Coupons are intended to provide a large number of consumers with a discount. They are not intended for a few individuals with the opportunity to strip the shelves of more product than they will ever reasonably need. Shelf stripping causes stores to place limits on the number of coupons an individual can use.

Do not exceed store limitations and be considerate when shopping at stores that don’t currently have any coupon related limitations. Buy only what you need for your personal use, including enough for future use.

Coupons in the store should be used for your personal needs only. Leave the rest for other shoppers. Taking an entire tear pad is inconsiderate to other couponers. Do not take a peelie coupon off of a product unless you intend to purchase that product.

From time to time, shoppers may want to divide their purchases into multiple transactions. This is a courtesy that many stores provide and very helpful when picking up a few items for your friends or items needed for work or similar situations.

However, buying a massive amount of product in one shopping trip, and then breaking up the “sale” into multiple transactions to use extra coupons or obtain extra discounts bends the rules and is inappropriate.

Take the time to get your coupons organized before you enter a check out line. This not only makes it easier for you to use specific coupons, but also saves time for the cashier. Being prepared is also a courtesy for the shoppers who are in line behind you.

The Coupon Information Center recommends that people who are heavy coupon users consider shopping during off-peak hours. What does that mean?

It means you should shop at times when the store will have the fewest number of customers in it. Options may include visiting the store in the early morning hours. It might mean shopping during the day when other people are at work. Avoid using a lot of coupons on holidays or weekends.

In short, coupon etiquette is about being aware that other customers who use coupons should be able to obtain the products they are seeking a discount on. It means only taking what you can reasonably use before the products expire.

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