Are you voucher savvy?

Equifax research reveals that women are more at ease about using discounts and vouchers than men!

According to new research from leading instant online credit information provider, Equifax, discounts and vouchers are becoming a driving motivator for consumer purchases.

Over a third (37%) of consumers who responded to the Equifax survey say that they are signed up to voucher schemes and nearly half (48.5%) say they only shop for clothes, books and other consumer goods when there are discounts available.

When eating out, vouchers are always used by 12.8% of consumers, suggesting there might be some reticence to using vouchers in restaurants. But a further 32.7% say they sometimes use them suggesting that wise financial management is starting to win out.

There seems to be little concern about using discount vouchers for food, meals out and other goods with over three quarters of respondents to the survey saying they didn’t find using discount vouchers embarrassing. However, women appear to be the more astute voucher users with 81.8% saying they use vouchers compared to 74.4% of men.

“Discounts and vouchers are definitely becoming the currency of the 21st century” said Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director, Equifax. “Our research indicates that any embarrassment about using them is quickly put aside. Indeed, with nearly half of respondents saying they tell friends, family and colleagues about discounts and pass on vouchers, it almost seems that it is a badge of honour of good financial management.

However, it is the women who appear to be more sharing and caring, with 62% saying they pass on discounts and vouchers compared to 44.7% of men. And women seem less worried about using vouchers in restaurants too.”

“In these times of sustained financial pressure, it seems people are making the most of ways in which they can save cash and stretch their money as far as possible”, concluded Neil Munroe.