What's a coupon?
A coupon is a ticket
or document that can be redeemed for a financial discount or rebate when
purchasing a product. Customarily, coupons are issued by
manufacturers of consumer packaged goods or by retailers, to be used in retail
stores as a part of
sales promotions.
Manufacturer coupons
A manufacturer coupon is a coupon issued by a manufacturer that offers a
free item or a specific amount off the purchase price of one or more of a manufacturer's products. You
will see "Manufacturer Coupon" printed on
the coupon.
- There are many sources of
manufacturer’s coupons.
- Manufacturer’s coupons may be used
at any store that will accept them (which includes most grocery, drug, and
nationally-based chain stores).
- Stores accept manufacturer’s coupons
as a form of payment at checkout as they will be reimbursed from the
manufacturer.
- Manufacturers put out coupons to
entice you to buy their product.
- Manufacturer websites and their
social media sites.
- In-stores on specially marked displays
as tearpad coupons or blinkie coupons.
- In magazines and Newspapers.
- Writing or emailing the Manufacturer.
YES! You read that last bullet point right! You can write a letter or email your favorite companies, and some will send you coupons? It’s a great way to get exclusive coupons that you won’t get in newspapers or online, and some will even send you FREE product coupons as a thank you for reaching out to them. No this method doesn't work 100% of the time, but when it does It's well worth it!
A few tips when writing Manufacturers:
- Make your letter personal. Don't directly ask for coupons and no sob stories. Instead explain why you personally love their product.
- Suggest improvements based off your experience with their product ie.. a new flavor, new packaging suggestion...etc. Companies want to know how they can improve their products for their customers.
- Don't forget to include your FULL mailing information! They can't send you any coupons if they don't know where to send it..!
- Sometimes they say no... But it's okay! Others will say yes and send you goodies, so don't get discouraged.
Store coupons
A Store coupon is a coupon issued by the store and can only be used at that store. The store is giving you the discount. Typically you will see the stores logo printed on the coupon.
- Store coupons can only be used at
the store they are intended for. There are some exceptions, some stores may accept
competitor’s coupons. (Always check the stores Coupon Policy, still not sure
ask an associate or store manager)
- Store coupons normally have a short
window of time to use them. The “good through” dates often coincide with weekly
store ad cycles.
- Store coupons sometimes will let you
buy more than one item. For instance when a coupon reads “limit 4.” This means
you can buy up to 4 of that item and get them at the stated coupon price with
that single coupon.
- Most stores allow you to stack a
store coupon with a manufacturer’s coupon. (Always check the stores Coupon
Policy, still not sure ask an associate or store manager)
- Can be found in weekly ads, mailers,
in store, Sunday inserts, online at retailers site, even Apps like Flipp.
So how do you tell the difference between a
Manufacturer coupon and a Store coupon? Here are three simple things to look for on your coupons:
- look
at the description. If it says manufacturer’s coupon, then you know it is and
should be able to be redeemed anywhere. (Sometimes
there is a store name listed and this can make things confusing.) There
are times when it may appear to be a store coupon, when it is not. So when in
doubt, look further.
- look
for a redemption address. Store coupons do not need to send the coupon anywhere
for reimbursement, so there will not be a remit to address listed. However,
manufacturer’s coupons must have this data listed so that the store can get
their money back.
- Check the barcode. If you see a 4, that indicates that it is a
store coupon, but if it shows a 5 that means it is a manufacturer’s coupon
(even if it shows a store logo).
Coupons may only be used once. You may not buy ten of the same item and scan the one
coupon multiple times. Stores are only reimbursed for the single coupon
you scanned per one item.
You may only use one coupon per indicated items
purchased. If you have two coupons to save $1 on one item, you can
buy two of those items and use both coupons. The coupon will say “one
coupon per purchase.” That means you may not use both coupons on one item. If
you purchase two items then you may use two coupons.
Coupons may not be copied. Copying coupons is illegal. You can obtain multiples of coupons in legal ways like
buying multiple newspapers.
Using a coupon on an item that is on sale or
clearance. In some cases you can even use a coupon on an item
that is on sale or clearance. It’s always a good idea to check the stores Coupon Policy before
planning your trip. Still not sure ask an associate, store manager, or even
call corporate.
Always read the wording of the coupon and
ignore the picture! Manufacturer’s usually put a picture of their most
expensive product on the coupon to make you think that is what you have to
buy. If you read the terms of the coupon, it may say “save on ANY brand
said product.” That means you can buy even the least expensive product and
still save with the coupon!
Always read the fine print of every coupon! In most cases, you are able to use one manufacturer’s coupon
per item purchased. That means that if you have four coupons that read “save $1
on 1 item” you should be able to buy four of said item and use all four
coupons. However, some coupons have fine print that states things such as
“limit 4 like coupons in a transaction,” “limit 1 per shopping trip,” and/or
“limit 1 per customer.” Make sure you’ve taken the time to read through the
fine print to avoid any surprises at checkout.
Check your coupons expiration date! Yes coupons expire, so always double check your coupons
expiration dates before heading to the store. Again, you don’t want any surprises
at checkout.
Know your stores coupon policy! Thankfully we have the wealth of the worlds knowledge at our fingertips, so put them to use when planning your shopping trips and research your stores coupon policy (I even suggest printing a copy an taking it with you, just in case there's any misunderstandings with their policy at the register) Knowing your local stores coupon policy will help you plan a successful shopping trip! Also check the policies frequently as they do make changes from time to time, so make sure to keep yourself up-to-date.
Just start off slow, start by collecting your
coupons and familiarizing yourself with them. Once you’ve accumulated some coupons you can plan your first trip. Don't be in a hurry to build a stockpile, you'll have plenty of time to work your way up to that level. In the meantime, enjoy the process of learning how to effectively coupon and save money!
Commonly used couponing terms and abbreviations:
- BLINKIES - In-store coupons near product, usually from a red blinking box.
- BOGO or B1G1 Free - Buy One Get One Free.
- CAT or CATALINA - Coupon that prints at the register after purchase.
- CRT - Cash register tape, coupon that prints in store.
- DOUBLE COUPON - Coupon that a grocery store doubles in value.
- ECB - CVS Extra Care Bucks earned for purchases.
- FREE ITEM
COUPON - A coupon that allows you to get the product completely
free.
- IVC - Walgreen’s Instant Value Coupon ( Found in the monthly EasySaver Catalog ).
- IP - Internet Printable Coupon.
- MFG or MQ - Manufacturer’s Coupon.
- MIR - Mail In Rebate.
-
- MONEY MAKER- A term used when the final price after coupons, rebates, gift cards, and "on your next order" coupons falls below $0.00. When you earn back more than you pay out, it’s a moneymaker.
- NED - No expiration date.
-
- ONE COUPON PER PURCHASE- Fine print on most coupons states that a customer can only use "one coupon per purchase." That means you can use one coupon ($1 off one, for example) for every item purchased
- OOP - Out of Pocket, in reference to how much “real money” you will pay at
the register.
- OYNO - On your next order.
- P&G - Proctor & Gamble Coupon Insert found in the Sunday
newspaper.
- PEELIE - Coupon that you peel off the package.
- PSA - Prices Starting At.
- Q - Coupon.
- RP - Red Plum Coupon Insert found in the Sunday newspaper.
- RR - Register Rewards.
- SS - Smart Source coupon insert found in the Sunday
newspaper.
- STACKING - Using a store specific coupon with a manufacturer coupon (most
stores allow this).
- TEARPAD - A pad of refund forms or coupons found hanging from a store
shelf or display.
- TRIPLE COUPON - A coupon that a grocery store triples in value.
- WYB - When You Buy.
- YMMV - Your Mileage May Vary
Let's not forget about Online Shopping Apps and Browser Extension Plugins to help you save even more!!
Honey
CouponPaste
Ebates
Ibotta
Happy Couponing!
