Should you use coupons on dates?
Feb 8, 2012 Coupons, Tips & Lingo, Your thoughts
Thanks to all the blog readers who joined the conversation we had about this a couple weeks ago — your input was great!
Coupons aren’t only for groceries and cleaning products, you can find them now for just about anything — including restaurants, spas to theme parks.
So with Valentine’s Day approaching, the question of etiquette when using coupons on a date popped into my mind.
I’m not sure what Miss Manners would say, but it’s a topic that most people have a pretty firm stance on. Some would be offended that their date was being cheap, while others feel it shows a person’s smarts when it comes to saving.
Personally, I fall into the latter category (shocker, I know). When I asked blog readers how they felt about the topic, the response was generally positive and most cited the economy as a major factor.
With the popularity of Groupon and other daily deal websites, it seems like coupons have adopted a certain “coolness” factor — almost as if people forget that these discounted vouchers are in fact coupons.
Many of these deals are “two-for” or require a minimum to be spent, often too much for one person, so they are ideal for couples. Blog reader Jamie suggested using one of these deals as an icebreaker to ask someone out on a date. Her suggested phrasing: “ ‘I have a great daily deal I’ve been wanting to use but it works better for two people. Do you want to go with me?’ ”
Other readers suggested holding off on using coupons on the first date, even if they support using them down the road. Reader Other John commented, “Once there’s more of an established relationship and the other person has an idea that you like using coupons and saving money, then sure … go for it.”
However, reader Mike said your date’s response to using coupons could be a red flag.
“Knowing what I do now, I would probably use one just to see how the girl reacted. If she is too much of a princess that it would bother her for me to be wise with my hard-earned money, then it would show me I was dating the wrong person to start with,” he pointed out.
From the comments, it seemed like married couples enjoyed using coupons on their dates, especially those with big families. Reader Shanon “Nurse Snow” bragged that she and her husband get a rush from saving money, while reader Meghan explained that with one child and one on the way, she’s more than happy to clip a coupon for their rare dates.
So where do you stand? Is using a coupon on a date smart or is it a big no-no?
If you’re not ashamed to show off your savings, check out the Sweetheart Deals on Roanoke.com. These daily deals will be available through Feb. 13 and offer discounts on massages, dance lessons, photography sessions and dining for 50 percent off or better.
Rebecca..
I may come down somewhere in the middle or maybe a smidge from your take.
Maybe the FIRST date wouldn’t be the best time for a coupon..but after that all bets are off. The lady needs to know she was special to even be asked out. Maybe its a southern thing..dunno.
But (and a bit tangential I suppose) have you thought that the popularity of many of these reality shows like Pawn Stars, Pickers, and all of their tagalong programs are all just a sign of our tight times? People are looking for deals all over. What will it be next? Dumpster Dive Texas..Or will it be a Cross Country event following different couples ? The ones who get to Tightwad Texas first get a 10 percent off coupon at Trader Tim’s !
Comment by Joe — February 8, 2012 @ 6:38 am
@Joe: I definitely think all of these “reality” shows are a sign of the times. It seems like TLC and A&E have themselves the perfect circle of never ending programs. First you’ll see a person on “Extreme Couponers,” and the next week they’re on “Hoarders”!
I’ve never actually had someone use a coupon on a first date, but I can see how it could be off-putting. I agree with you that once that first awkward moment is over it shouldn’t really matter.
Comment by Rebecca Holland — February 8, 2012 @ 9:08 am
I have to agree also with what Mike said. I once dated a girl who had absolutely no financial sense or sensibility. For her, it was nothing to drop hundreds of dollars at a time on a shopping spree. She grew up with money, inherited a ton of it and a house…before she was 22, and never learned how to be smart with spending. She never understood why I would buy things off the clearance racks or used items, or would use coupons, or why I was literally left speachless after she told me that in the span of a day, she had dropped more than I made working in the previous year, on an entertainment center. Needless to say, the relationship ended not long after that. I’m glad my wife thinks like I do! In the past 2 days, she bought $500 worth of stuff…a brand-new still-in-the-packaging Slingbox Pro, and a set of gold/black onyx cufflinks and studs, also new…for just $11.45 total at Goodwill. That’s my kind of shopping spree! She also helps me clip coupons, and last night at Kroger we got close to $90 worth of stuff, for a total of less than $47 after Kroger Plus discounts and coupons were added up.
Comment by Other John — February 8, 2012 @ 11:25 am
As a college student I would venture to say that about 90 percent of the dates I have been on in the past year has involved a coupon. Maybe it’s just because Daily Deal,and Groupon make it so darn easy to purchase and select deals that people my age use. My parents, and grandmother, will send me coupons all of the time. I can see where some may think it’s “cheap”, but my demographic is full of students ready to save a buck, and have a good time! I’d say it gives people an excuse to do something fun and different together!
Comment by Sabrina — February 8, 2012 @ 1:15 pm
I suppose you could take the coupon with you on the first date. Watcher her from the corner of your eye..and if she signals to the waiter a gesture of a finter in the throat..just go ahead and get out the coupons and start looking at your watch !
Comment by Joe — February 8, 2012 @ 11:03 pm
I personally would not be offended if someone used a coupon on a first date with me. There are so many more off putting things than simply using a coupon on a date. If anything, I would think of all the money they were saving to spend on a fabulous present to me later.
Comment by Jordan — February 9, 2012 @ 10:08 am