I have included this rule in my coupon etiquette series because it is technically an unspoken rule of couponing. It’s unspoken because it shouldn’t have to be said!
Don’t Steal Newspapers or Inserts
I have seen several versions of coupon theft, including:
- Only paying for one but taking several newspapers from the self-serve newspaper vending machines.
- Taking the inserts out of newspapers without buying the paper.
- Cutting a coupon out of an insert and putting the insert back in the paper without buying it.
- Driving by houses and taking the newspapers from the driveways without asking the owner’s permission.
Taking something without paying for it is called stealing. It doesn’t matter what the value is or how you try to justify it. If you take newspapers (or the coupons in them) without paying for them, you are stealing.
If you are looking for legal ways to get free coupons, check out these 10 Free Ways to Get More Coupons.
I realize that this rule may seem obvious to some people, but please keep in mind that it may not be so obvious to beginners, especially with the distorted view of couponing that is portrayed on television. I believe this is rule is worth sharing even if most people will ignore it.