In my experiences shopping, I find that there are just some things that I can't "stray" from. I'm sure that you've seen from my Budget Review posts that I will buy multiple brands of some items. But there are others that it really just doesn't matter if I'm getting a great deal, I have to have only my favorite.
So, almost 2 months ago, I decided that I would express my brand loyalty to our favorite manufacturers. So I threw open the cabinets, freezers, and fridge and started taking a good hard look at the products that we have. Immediately, I knew that there were some that were questionable...and others that were not!
Part of our $1 Per Day Challenge is that we do have to be somewhat flexible. We love S
cott Brand Toilet Tissue, but when couponing, you have to determine what your rock bottom price is and stock up when you find it. The problem here in our home is that I just recently started using coupons again (about 4 months ago) after taking a 6 month hiatus. We still had some non-perishables, but for the most part, I was starting all over. I've been having to compromise on what brands I can buy while sticking to the modest budget we've set.
And knowing how hard coupons are to come by for some of our favorites, I decided that I would do a fun little experiment. In 4 weeks, I emailed the manufacturers of 100 different products. These items were all already in our home, and were being used (I know that sometimes, couponing strategies included getting whatever you can for a cheap cheap price, but that's generally not how I roll, haha!)
This was tedious and time consuming, but we have reaped the rewards. Not only was I able to be open and honest about our feelings, I received some very welcoming comments, literature, recipes, and freebies. I received several phone calls and a wonderful response from the President of
Rhodes Bake-N-Serv.
One thing, however, that did not impress me was the "form letter" responses. You see, blogging has become such a huge part of the social internet that some companies are almost rude when they receive a letter that you are a blogger. I think it is unfortunate, because my real intentions were not to receive any coupons, free products, or a PR relationship...it was to actually establish the fact that we, as a family on a budget, can still be loyal to our favorite brands.
All in all, this has been a very good experience for me. I hope that there have been relationships established with manufacturers because of this venture. And I hope that this post will encourage you to not only save money, but to remember that companies, especially small ones, do appreciate your business.
Magazine. I pour over every single page. 
