Green Options

In a tough economy consumers look for ways to save money and this year is no exception. Coupon use has increased across all income levels and across product categories. Analysis by Scarborough Research found that the biggest users of grocery coupons counter-intuitively, tend to be higher income households and those users tend to spend more.

The analysis also showed that Grocery Coupon Clipping Households spend $114 on groceries weekly, versus the national average of $110, and are more likely than the average household to purchase a variety of grocery products across categories, from pantry staples to health items such as yogurt and energy/nutrition bars.

The biggest news coming out of the study though is the 83% increase in coupons obtained via the internet. Eleven percent of households now obtain coupons this way.

This, of course is a much greener way to deliver coupons. So, of course, I started thinking. What are some other ways to green your coupon effort?

If you are a green business or even if you are just trying to green your marketing programs, this list will be of interest to you!

Couponing is a strategy employed by almost all big packaged goods companies to increase trial and to encourage increased usage. Though most marketing managers today haven’t managed during a recession before, many are now learning the value of coupons during a downturn too.

A recent ICOM study of U.S. shoppers found that two-thirds said they are more likely or somewhat more likely to use coupons during a recession. Well, the recession is here and eco-entrepreneurs should consider using this effective promotional tool.

“The consumer incentive certainly is there,” said Peter Meyers, ICOM marketing vice president. “Look at it this way: households of two adults and two children who use coupons wisely can save 25% on their grocery bill annually, without cutting purchases. That saves $2,400 a year based on a typical $800 a month grocery spend, which outstrips the $1,800 economic stimulus check this family has coming in May from Washington.”