How many coupons can you use before being unethical? Credit: Xurble/Flickr
The Unethical Man, a reader who shared controversial tips to save money in Vegas (like taking hotel toilet paper), has a financial dilemma to share. Your thoughts?
I have one for you, and I would really like your honest opinion. I signed up for Del Taco’s Raving e-club a long time ago. From time-to-time, they send out emails containing a link to print out coupons to try something new. The coupon typically gives the bearer the new item for free with any purchase. I can and do print multiple coupons. The coupon does specify that only one coupon may be redeemed per customer per visit.
I’m sure that most people would place their typical order and throw in the free coupon as an added bonus. I’m sure that’s what the company is hoping for too. But when I go to redeem my free item,
I only purchase one regular taco which costs only $.49 everyday. The current freebie is the new Carnitas Taco Al Carbon (very good by the way). The value of which is $1.59. So my bill total with tax is a mere $.53. So far no controversy. But between work and my home are three Del Tacos located very tightly together and conveniently from the freeway. I repeat the same order at all three locations. End result? I get six items with a face value at $6.24 (before tax), but spent only $1.59 (tax included). And I still have 3 more coupons printed with the capability of printing even more before the offer expires on 09/21/11.
So do you think this is unethical, clever, frugal or just plain cheap? I’m not breaking the law, so it’s certainly not stealing. I could go a step further and say that I paid each transaction with my cash rewards card, but I used the loose change that I had in the car.
In essence, the question is how many coupons can you use before it become unethical? If you asked the folks on Extreme Couponing, the answer would be unlimited.
My take is that if the coupon does not state something to the effect of “one per customer,” then The Unethical Man is free to spend his own time and gas money driving from one Del Taco to the next, scooping up almost-free food. I suspect Del Taco receives a good amount of valuable word-of-mouth publicity from The Unethical Man and others who take advantage of its deals.
What do you think?
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price.
I think you a smart cookie, you do your math and, I just hope the cook washed his or her hands before making your tacos.
Clever girl I say, I don’t have that restaurant here in my home town. Sounds pretty good.
Each separate visit equates to a separate customer, so if the coupon says one per customer, you can do this. If is says one per person, it’s a no-no. If a company wants to be more explicit, they need to state their requirements on the coupon.
If the coupon states one per visit, you are doing just that. Even if you drive right over the the next Del Taco. If you think it is worth your while to do so, then go ahead.
If the coupon said one coupon per OFFER, then that would be different. Like you said, almost everyone who used the coupon will add it to a larger order. The marketing people know this. They also know that there is a very small number of people like you who will take full advantage of the offer’s value. They figure all this in when they come up with these deals. If they want to limit the coupons printed they have that option.
It is one coupon per visit, so if you want to go “out of your way” (which isn’t because it happens to be fairly convenient for you), to stop by several different locations, then you are following the terms of the coupon. Feel free to enjoy your tacos!
Just to be a fly in the ointment… While what you’re doing is legal and within the provisos of the coupons, it is a bit chintzy. However, if you’re willing to make all those stops just to save a few cents, I’d be interested in knowing how much you paid in gasoline to make all those stops. If doing this makes you happy, then go for it. It’s up to you to decide whether what you’re doing is OK. I’m neither your mom nor your conscience! Enjoy!!!
I’m thinking that most times the taco place will win since most people will order a $1 plus soda with their order. That soda with cup propably only costs them .15-.20 cents.