Everybody uses it. Everybody buys it (ok, so almost everybody but I can’t quite go to that frugal place). Nobody wants to talk about how much it costs or how you can save when you buy it, because let’s face it it’s a little “eewww” and embarrassing. Being embarrassed never stopped me from saving you money before and it’s not going to stop me now.
After we paid off $127K in debt, the King of Free declared the Queendom to be a “prison paper” free zone. While we were paying off debt, I bought the absolute cheapest toilet paper I could find. Since we were operating on a very small budget, there wasn’t much room for stockpiling and I bought the flimsy 1 ply stuff I could find at the cheapest bottom dollar (like what I did there?) price. While we don’t purchase that particular brand anymore (free at last in more ways than one!), we still maximize our dollars when it comes to TP. Here are a few simple tips to consider when you want to save money on toilet paper.
Coupons: Toilet paper is one item you should never buy without coupons. If you don’t have a coupon from the Sunday paper, be sure to search printable internet coupons for Toilet Paper. Even if you’re buying store brands, it’s wise to check mPerks or Target’s Cartwheel to see if there’s a digital coupon available for TP. You should never pay sticker price for toilet paper.
Brand Loyal?: At some point, you’ll have to consider whether or not you’ll be brand loyal when it comes to toilet paper. Since our “roughing it” days, we have become toilet paper snobs. We have a particular brand we like, and so I’m going to always seek and find deals for that brand. Maybe it doesn’t matter to you, though. It’s ok either way, just consider whether or not you’ve got a Team TP fav before you begin searching for the best deal.
Amazon Subscribe & Save: The majority of our TP is purchased from Amazon Subscribe & Save. If I do it right, sometimes I can score a better deal online than I can in stores and with coupons. Typically I begin by scanning Amazon’s coupons (did you know that Amazon has coupons?!) for toilet paper coupons. After “clipping” the coupons, I begin to scan which items are also Subscribe & Save items. Typically many of the most popular coupons are ones that can be paired with Subscribe & Save deals. Once I match a coupon to a Subscribe & Save deal, I click to subscribe. This will save an additional 5% off of the list price. I aim for five Subscribe & Save items per month because that will drop the price of each item by 15%. The discount will be reflected on all five after you meet the minimum. Each item beyond five will also be a 15% savings on list price. The items will ship once a month on an assigned date. After they ship, you want to be sure to cancel the subscription. Subscribe & Save prices are not locked in at the same rate each month, so you don’t want it to inadvertently ship at a much higher rate. Typically, I only have to order toilet paper a couple of times a year thanks to these deals.
Go Generic: If you’re looking to pinch a few pennies, it might be a good idea to check out the generic brands of TP. Not all generic toilet paper is “prison paper,” I promise. As is the case with many generic products, the quality is typically similar with different packaging. Again, if you pair store coupons like Target’s printable coupons or Cartwheel or Meijer’s mPerks, you can further your savings.
Under or Over: The direction toilet paper flows off the roll has known to cause serious marital disputes. The argument has been made that an under approach is more cost effective because it prevents you from tearing off too much. I realize I am opening up myself to hate comments here by even suggesting the notion but it might be worth a change to see if it really does make a difference for you.
What’s your best budget tip when it comes to saving money on toilet paper?
Gain inspiration to pay off debt! Check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free on Kindle.
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Brooke Randolph says
Ha! I love the idea that under prevents tearing off too much. I think I need one of those public bathroom holders that forces tearing to keep my son from spinning it all out just because he’s playing while sitting 🙂
Queen of Free says
It’s a common theory that it’s at least worth trying out. 🙂
TriciaMeyer says
I have to admit that I am a toilet paper brand snob! It is one of the only things that I will almost never even try another brand or buy generic. And when you are a brand snob, looking for coupons is a MUST!
Queen of Free says
Everybody’s got a thing, right? I’m a snob now, too. 😉
Angie Six says
Ha ha … “prisoner paper!” I bought that once and vowed to find other ways to save money! I have to admit, nothing confuses me more than standing in the TP aisle with a handful of coupons and trying to figure out which brand and package size is the best deal. Do you have a good way to compare costs? I know it’s not necessarily by the number of rolls in the package.
Queen of Free says
It is a little maddening because of the “double roll” and square footage comparison. I honestly think it’s something you have to “feel” your way through seeing how long it takes your family to clock through a particular brand. It might be most useful to dot your calendar when you start a new pack and see how many days/weeks pass before you have to buy it again? I’m not sure that helps so much. I do feel like Subscribe & Save is the most consistent way to save on it, too. Not just on price per roll but because TP is one of those things that can drive you into the store and you end up picking up way more than just that item. Having it delivered to your house keeps you from accidentally spending on a quick errand trip. The best way to save money can be to stay out of the store. 🙂
Ben Rogers says
Use a calculator and compare price per square foot.
Shawnna Householder says
I have a great tip for to keep the kids from unrolling too much! Squish the roll to make a crease in the tube. Then place it in the ‘under’ position. Under drives me batty, but I feel like it really does help us use less.
Queen of Free says
Whatever it takes, right? I’m not sure if all of my strategies work but my mind is at ease at least trying something. 🙂
bestdavid098@gmail.com says
Best way to save on Toilet Paper = don’t buy it anymore. Get a Hand Bidet Sprayer and wash with water instead of wiping. It’s far cleaner, healthier, saves money and you never run out!