Step 1 :Let's denote the original price of the item as \( P \), which is \$950.
Step 2 :The item is on sale for 25% off, so the sale price \( S \) can be calculated as \( S = P - 0.25P = 0.75P \). Substituting \( P = 950 \) gives us \( S = 0.75 \times 950 = \$712.5 \).
Step 3 :We have a coupon for an additional 20% off the sale price. So, the final price \( F \) can be calculated as \( F = S - 0.20S = 0.80S \). Substituting \( S = 712.5 \) gives us \( F = 0.80 \times 712.5 = \$570 \).
Step 4 :So, the final cost of the item (before sales tax) after the sale and coupon discounts is \(\boxed{570}\) dollars.