The History of Coupons
Coupons were first used in 1894. In 1894, the concept of coupons originated and since then coupons have been part of the North American marketing world. The first innovative mind to use coupons was Asa Candler, a druggist, who bought the formula for Coca-Cola that year. He gave out individual handwritten coupons for a free glass of this new fountain beverage. The next year, another assertive businessman, C.W. Post, began to promote his new health cereal with a once cent coupon, good towards the purchase of his new product Grape Nuts.
Coupons became a staple in American households by 1930, prompted by the Depression. The need to cut cost, especially the weekly grocery bill, made clipping coupons a necessity for many families. During the 1940's, chain supermarkets started their growth across the country and continued on with the coupon tradition developed in the neighborhood food stores.
In 1957, in response to the wide use of coupons, the Nielsen Coupon Clearing House was established, devoted entirely to the redemption of coupons. One-half of all Americans were coupon users by 1965, and ten years later, over 35 billion coupons were distributed in the U.S.A. By 1997, an astonishing 83% of all Americans use coupons. That year, according to statistics, consumers saved $2.9 billion by redeeming 4.8 billion coupons. Two years later, 1999, 81% of American households redeem grocery coupons weekly, and more than $3.6 billion coupons were redeemed in that year. Coupons continue to be an excellent marketing tool.
by Lance Trebesch
Interest Facts about Coupons
Today, Coupons are very widely prevelant. Here are some interesting facts about Coupons that make an interesting read.
89% of the United States population uses coupons.
Shoppers saved approximately $2.6 billion in 2007 by using coupons.
The typical coupon was worth $1.25 savings in 2007
Coupon users report an average of 7% savings on their grocery bill with coupons.
The typical family saves between $5.20 and $9.60 per week using coupons.
Manufacturers offered more than approximately $350 billion in coupon savings in 2007. |
![ezines on Free Coupons](images/ezine.gif "ezines on Free Coupons\")
