Laurie Meyers is a self-professed “couponer,” and proud of it.
So proud, in fact, that in 1998 she started Coupon Sense, an Internet business she says can save subscribers hundreds of dollars in monthly grocery bills.
What started as a way for Meyers and her friends to save money has grown into a business that serves customers in four states. It’s based in Chandler.
Meyers wouldn’t reveal her exact number of subscribers, but said “thousands” pay $14 monthly to access Coupon Sense.
The poor economy has helped boost her business as shoppers look for way to save some cash, she said.
The Republic recently spoke with Meyers, who estimates she saves $7,000 a year by using her own coupon system.
Question: What motivated you to start this company?
Answer: One day I called 15 people and told them how they could get batteries for 50 cents. When I realized how excited they were, I thought there might be others out there that would pay to receive that information on a weekly basis.
Q: How does Coupon Sense work?
A: The Web site organizes coupons and grocery-store ads. The best way to save money is to buy an item when it is on sale and use a coupon to make the purchase a better deal. Shop at a store that will double your coupon’s value, and then you can get items for free.
Q: What is your customer base like, and what are they looking for when they subscribe?
A: Many are young families, with mom staying home or working part-time. They generally have some college and live in households earning $55,000 a year or more. They are looking for ways to supplement their incomes.
Q: Why do you think there’s a market for this type of service?
A: No one has really taught us how to be smart when we shop. Most people spend more money on food in a year than they do on their cars, yet how much time do we spend on researching ways to save money at the grocery store?
Q: How much can your customers save by using Coupon Sense?
A: You can easily save 50 to 75 percent off your grocery bill.
Q: How has the economic downturn affected your business?
A: It has brought many of our former subscribers back to our site. They are feeling the pinch. Also, many other people have heard about Coupon Sense from a friend and want to check us out.
Q: What areas does your company serve?
A: We are in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho and Utah. We are exploring different options and models for expansion.
Q: How is your company different from other coupon-driven Internet companies?
A: We just have a lot more bells and whistles. We have a message board . . . an army of representatives who share Coupon Sense with others and teach them how to use the service. We’re not cluttered with online advertising, and we’re thorough when we match the ads.
Q: Do you get complaints about your business, and are there things you would like to improve about it?
A: Some people find the system confusing. That’s why we recommend they attend an instructor’s workshop. We’re also developing online training tools. Most people complain about not having enough time to use the system. You have to give yourself a month to figure out what’s going to work for you.
Q: How has your business changed since its launch?
A: It has evolved from a company that mailed hard copies of the reports to now having information available online. You can track how much you save, comparison shop and have an e-mail sent to you that tells you when an item you buy is at the price you want to buy it at.
The Arizona Republic
By Ashley M. Rueff | June 21, 2008
http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/2008/06/21/20080621biz-coupons0621-ON.html
