There is no denying the coupon craze that has been happening in the country. It has even come to a point where consumers, in order to earn from these coupons, are selling them on the Internet for other coupon collecting consumers to buy.
This selling of coupons over the Internet is starting to be a concern for manufacturers. In fact, manufacturers of consumer products have taken some actions in shutting down the selling of coupons in sites like eBay. Coupon Information Corporation or CIC, has already sent a number of requests to online auction sites with the intention of asking the sites to stop selling coupons. CIC is a body that represents a number of businesses.
According to CIC’s Bud Miller, the best solution in stopping this coupon selling would be the prohibition of selling manufacturer coupons on sites like eBay. Prior to these incidents, manufacturers have already indicated on the coupons that any alterations on it are not allowed. Selling, transferring or copying manufacturer coupons are also not allowed. Thus, consumers who are selling manufacturer coupons on the Internet are actually doing something that is basically a violation of the manufacturers’ coupon rules.
Currently, there is no rule on the selling of coupons. However, consumers who are caught selling them online could receive a CIC demand letter asking them to stop or face civil penalties. The website eBay, on the other hand, has said that it will still continue to allow coupon selling. Some couponers who are buying and selling coupons online say they will keep doing so, unless they are asked directly to stop.
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