will continue with a new season this fall if the application extended deadline email I received today is any indication.
A few months ago I emailed them from my cdedman@bhamnews.com account requesting information on the application process.
Not so I could appear on the show, but to see what they were asking of individuals featured on the show.
The application directions were attached in a word document - you can read it below.
News of a new season will be frustrating to many couponers, as this show is undoubtedly blamed for a number of issues that have arisen in the couponing community.
Including but not limited to:
1. Policy changes
2. Increase in coupon insert theft
3. Term limitations instituted by coupon manufacturers
4. More coupon fraud
One specific problem with TLC's Extreme Couponing franchise is the repeated and blatant use of fraudulent coupons purchased from sources like eBay.
The coupons are redeemed during the show for items such as frozen pizza, Tide, Quilted Northern, meat, Hefty products and more.
Coupon black market:
At least progress is being made on the fraudulent coupon black market.
Remember the Arizona trio busted for having more than $25 million worth of fake coupons and selling them online through various outlets? If
here to read the full story.
These ladies were in business for years, operated an online site and sold coupons on eBay.
th season when they announce the new air date. The number of shows featuring fraud surpasses the number of shows featuring shoppers who didn't use fraudulent coupons or the need for the store to bend coupon policies to participate.
Go
ay and fraudulent coupon market.
Back to the application:
I didn't apply. I'm afraid my answers would be boring and lack the sensational life events or troubles, leaving me to coupon as my only solution.
Couponing is a solution to saving money on your grocery budget but extreme couponing defined by TLC isn't the solution to any financial issue you are facing.
TLC's definition of couponing is defined by what they present during each episode filmed by Sharp Entertainment --
.
I contacted Sharp for a response to the Arizona case and possible episodes of EC being filmed and they would not comment other than to say they do not comment on current filming projects.
As you read through the application, I would love to hear from you. How would you answer the questions?
Pick a few and leave your answers in the comments or join the discussion
or
If you would like to apply for the show and represent legitimate couponing g
to find their casting information.
THIS IS THE EXTREME COUPONING APPLICATION I RECEIVED FROM SHARP ENTERTAINMENT:
Want a chance to wow us with your couponing skills? You could be a part of TLC’s latest hit, “Extreme Couponing!” If you’re interested, please review and fill out the following application and email your answers to _________________
We’d also like a video of you discussing why you love couponing and what you do outside of couponing. Please find a list of separate video guidelines and questions on the next page. The below questions are for the written portion of the application only.
- Introduce yourself - Name, age, address, phone number, family and work situation (please do not put your address or phone number in your video)
- How did you get into couponing?
- Why would you call yourself an extreme couponer?
- Where do you keep your grocery stockpile?
- How do you organize your coupons?
- Do you have any couponing strategies that are different or unique?
- What is your favorite part about couponing?
- What would you bring to the show that’s different from what we’ve seen?
- How much time do you spend couponing every week?
- What are your hobbies/interests outside of couponing?
- What is your monthly budget (for a family of how many)? What are your biggest and best deals to date?
- Where do you shop? Please list at least 5 stores, and include at least two independently-owned/non-chain grocery stores.
Please include with your application a photograph of you (alone) and then you with your family. Please also send additional photos of your stockpile.
It's best to think in terms of blowing us away with your couponing. We want to be impressed and amazed with your couponing abilities. Please send us your application by Aug 17th.
We’re sorry, but we are not able to follow up with every couponer.
VIDEO QUESTIONS AND GUIDELINES
Please follow the below guidelines when creating and submitting your application video. Your video is the most important part of your application. If you don’t own a camera, don’t be discouraged! Feel free to borrow a camera, shoot with a cell phone camera, or have a friend film your video.
Videos should be no longer than 3 min. Please submit them in a digital format (.MOV, .WAV, .MP4) or upload them to YouTube and email us the link. Videos uploaded to YouTube should not be marked as private, as we’re unable to view these.
Introduce yourself - Name, age, address, family and work situation
What is your favorite part of couponing? Tell us a favorite coupon story that shows us your passion for couponing.
What’s the most extreme thing you’ve ever done in the name of couponing?
Please don’t read off a paper or read off the answers to the application questions. Instead, imagine you’re talking to a friend about your couponing.
It’s ok to mess up! We’re more interested in seeing your personality, not a perfectly polished video.
We’d like to feel like we’re seeing a small slice of your life (in the context of couponing). So feel free to walk around, and relax!
Give us a very brief tour of your stockpile.
Introduce us to any friends and family that may be included in the show if you’re selected. What do they think of your couponing?
What are the events coming up in your life (birthday parties, baby showers, buying a house, moving, etc.) for which you need to coupon or save money?
We want to see what makes you unique and fun, so please share with us anything that makes you stand out from previous couponers who have been on the show.