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I like to say I was a couponer before couponing was cool.
Long before digital coupons, rebate apps, and barcode scanners, I was saving money the old-fashioned way—with a pen, a piece of paper, an envelope, and a stamp.
I learned early that one of the easiest ways to get coupons is simply to contact the companies whose products your family already uses.
You do not need any special couponing skills. You do not need to spend hours clipping coupons or searching through apps.
Sometimes, all you have to do is ask.
The Free Lysol Coupon That Started It All
Back in 1989, I sat down and wrote a letter to the Lysol company.
I told them how much I loved their bathroom cleaner and how well it worked for our family. I was not demanding, and I did not ask for anything unreasonable. I simply shared my appreciation for a product I genuinely used and liked.
I sealed the envelope, added a stamp, and mailed it.
Several weeks later, I opened my mailbox and found a coupon for a completely free bottle of Lysol bathroom cleaner.
I just stood there and stared at it.
That one coupon taught me something I have never forgotten:
Companies value loyal customers, and some of them are willing to reward those customers with coupons, samples, or other special offers.
That moment hooked me for life.
I Kept Writing to Companies
After receiving the Lysol coupon, I started writing to other companies whose products we used regularly.
I even contacted our local grocery store at the time, Great American. Not long afterward, the store sent me a gift certificate.
When I used it, the cashiers were shocked. They had never seen anything like it.
They asked me, “Where did you get this?”
I smiled and said, “From your company.”
“How?” they asked.
“I asked for it.”
That really is the secret.
If I had never taken the time to contact the company, they would never have sent me anything.
Couponing Has Changed, but This Strategy Still Works
Back then, very few people contacted companies directly. Saving money was not considered trendy, and some people even felt embarrassed about using coupons.
Then came the couponing boom.
Extreme couponing made headlines. People started carrying coupon binders into stores, planning complicated shopping trips, and proudly sharing pictures of their overflowing stockpiles.
Today, couponing looks different again.
We live in a digital world filled with store apps, online coupons, rebate programs, rewards accounts, and promotional codes.
Those tools can certainly help you save money, but many shoppers do not realize that contacting companies directly can still work.
Recently, I have received:
- Coupons for free Ken’s Dressing
- A $5 Jack Link’s coupon
- Several additional $1 Jack Link’s coupons
- A coupon for a free bag of On-Cor chicken patties or nuggets
- A coupon for free Crisco
- A coupon for free Mr. Bubble
- Other useful coupons for products my family buys
Not every company will send something, and the offers can change. However, it only takes a few minutes to ask.
Why Companies May Send Coupons
Companies want people to try their products, continue buying them, and tell other people about positive experiences.
When you send a genuine compliment, you are letting a company know that its product is appreciated.
Some companies may respond by sending:
- Money-saving coupons
- Coupons for free products
- Product samples
- Promotional offers
- Information about rewards programs
- Links to digital coupons
- A simple thank-you message
There is never a guarantee that you will receive anything. Some companies no longer mail paper coupons, and others limit how many offers they distribute each month.
That does not mean you should stop asking.
My strategy has remained the same for decades:
I ask politely, and I appreciate whatever response I receive.
Start With Products Your Family Already Uses
You do not need to search for random companies to contact.
Start right in your own kitchen.
Look through your:
- Pantry
- Refrigerator
- Freezer
- Bathroom cabinets
- Laundry supplies
- Cleaning products
Write down the brands your family regularly purchases and genuinely enjoys.
Those are the best companies to contact because you already have an honest experience to share.
Tell the company what you like about its product. You might mention the flavor, quality, convenience, value, or the way it helps your family.
Then politely ask whether the company has any coupons available.
A Simple Message You Can Send
You do not need to write a long or complicated message.
Try something like this:
Hello! My family regularly uses and enjoys your . We especially like it because [briefly explain why you like it]. Do you currently have any coupons, samples, or special offers available? Thank you for your time and for making a product our family enjoys.
Make the message personal. Companies can usually tell when someone has copied a generic message and sent it everywhere without knowing anything about the product.
Be honest, kind, and specific.
How to Contact Companies
You do not even need a stamp today.
Visit the company’s official website and look for a link that says:
- Contact Us
- Customer Service
- Consumer Relations
- Support
- Feedback
Many companies provide a simple online form. Others may offer an email address, phone number, or social-media contact option.
Complete the form and make sure your mailing address is correct if the company asks for it. Some companies may need that information to mail coupons.
Never send sensitive financial information, passwords, or anything else that is not needed for a basic customer-service request.
Keep Track of the Companies You Contact
If you plan to contact several companies, keep a simple list.
Write down:
- The company’s name
- The product you mentioned
- The date you contacted the company
- The response you received
- Any coupons or samples that arrived
- The expiration dates on the coupons
This prevents you from contacting the same company repeatedly and helps you remember which companies were responsive.
It also makes it easier to use the coupons before they expire.
What if a Company Says No?
Some companies will say they do not distribute coupons.
Others may say they have already reached their monthly limit. Some may direct you to a digital coupon, newsletter, or rewards program instead.
That is okay.
Thank them for responding and move on to the next company.
Do not complain, demand free products, or repeatedly contact a company after it has said no. This strategy works best when you are respectful and genuinely interested in the brand.
Make Those Coupons Part of Your Shopping Strategy
Receiving a coupon does not automatically make something a good deal.
Compare the final price with:
- The store brand
- Other available sizes
- Current sales
- Digital coupons
- Rebate offers
- The price you normally pay
Use the coupon when it produces a real savings—not simply because you have it.
Also, avoid buying products your family will not use. A free or deeply discounted item is only helpful when it serves a purpose in your household.
That is the heart of strategic shopping: purchasing the things your family needs at the best possible time and price.
A Few Minutes Could Put Savings in Your Mailbox
Saving money does not always require an extreme couponing plan.
Sometimes it simply requires the confidence to do something other shoppers overlook.
Go through your pantry, refrigerator, freezer, and household supplies. Choose three companies whose products you genuinely enjoy and send each one a short message.
Some may say no.
Some may point you toward a digital offer.
And some may quietly place a valuable coupon in your mailbox.
You will never know unless you ask.
Have you ever received a coupon, sample, or free product after contacting a company? Leave a comment and tell me what showed up in your mailbox. I would love to hear about it!
Learn How to Shop More Strategically
Getting coupons directly from companies is only one way to stretch your household budget.
My Strategic Shopping Guide will help you plan purchases, recognize true bargains, stock up wisely, and save money on the groceries and household products your family already uses.
Get the Strategic Shopping Guide
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