Essentials of Couponing - Coupons

Essentials of Couponing - Coupons

Different types of Coupons:
1) Inserts – These are the ones that come in the paper on Sundays
     a. Each week could be different on which ones come
     b. Usually there will be none on a Sunday after a Holiday
     c. Procter and Gamble (P&G) comes the first Sunday of the month

2) Internet Printables (IP’s) – These are the ones that you print off your computer
    a. There are many sites including:
          i. My Points
         ii. Red Plum
        iii. Smart Source
       iv. Coupons.com
       v. Manufacturer Websites
    b. They usually allow two prints of each coupon
    c. Normally you have to download a coupon printer software but I have yet to have issues with them

3) Tearpads – These are exactly what they sound like. They are pads of coupons you will see around a store where you can tear off coupons to use

4) Wine Tags – These coupons are found hanging around the wine bottle neck. There are some parts of the country (not Houston) that always seem to have a large selection of these for meats, cheeses, and breads. Most of the time they do not require a wine purchase, but read the fine print just in case.

5) Peelies – These are found on the items are easily peeled off to be used when purchasing that product.
Rules:

Do Not Copy Coupons - this is illegal.  Even if the coupon is printed from the computer - it is not to be copied!!!

Most coupons have an expiration date. In most stores they have to be used by this date. I have heard of some stores that will take expired coupons, but I do not know of any. I do know that Commissaries located overseas will take coupons up to 6 months past expiration date. If you know anyone stationed overseas they can use your expired coupons.
If you look at your coupons you will see the barcode number has a 5 or 9 on the far left. If it is a 5 the coupon will double if you are at a store that doubles coupons. If it is a 9, the coupon will not double (like Wacky Mac’s)

Is it a store or manufacturer coupon? The words Manufacturer coupon will be printed near the expiration date for these coupons. If it is a store coupon you will see the literal store coupon or it will list the name of the store. Some coupons will say manufacturer coupon, but have the logo of the store. These are manufacturer coupons and can not be stacked with another manufacturer coupon.

Essentials of Couponing - Acronyms

Here is a short list of acronyms and coupon terminology.  This list was taken from Hot Coupon World and adjusted.  This should help as you enter the coupon world.

BLINKIES - instore coupon dispensed near product, usually from red blinking box
BOGO or B1G1F = Buy one get one free
CAT or Catalina = coupon dispensed at register after purchase, usually has a red border
Cellfire = a webpage that allows you to store electronic coupons to you Kroger or Randall’s cards
DND = Do Not Double (the coupon is not supposed to be doubled)
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
HBA = The health and beauty aid section in the grocery store
HCW = Hot Coupon World (My favorite website)
HT or HGT = Hang tags for refunds or coupons hanging on a product
IP = Internet Printable
MIR = Mail In Rebate
NED = No expiration date
NBPN = No Beer Purchase Necessary (On coupons located near beer displays)
NWPN = No wine purchase necessary (On wine tags)
OOP = Out of Pocket
OYNO = On your next order
P&G = Proctor & Gamble Sunday supplement coupons
PEELIE = coupon that you peel off the package
RP = Red Plum Sunday Supplement Coupons
RR = Register Rewards (Walgreens)
Shortcuts.com = a webpage that allows you to store electronic coupons to you Kroger or Randall’s cards
SS = Smart Source or Sunday Supplement coupons
STACKING = Some stores allow the use of more than one coupon per item, IF the coupon itself does not restrict such usage.
SUPER DOUBLES or DOUBLES = coupons that are doubled $1 + in value (ie, a $1 coupon = $2, etc) – I have only seen this once at Kroger
TEAR PAD = 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
WINE TAG = coupon, usually for $ off any meat, cheese or produce.
WPN = Wine purchase necessary
WT = winetag
WYB = When You Buy
YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary= success of the attempt may vary at your store

Essentials of Couponing - Brand Loyalty

The Essentials of Couponing

Short Quick Lessons to help you get started in Couponing

There are many different ways to coupon. The first step you need to take is to decide your goals. (Do you need to live in a smaller budget, are you trying to save money, are you trying to redirect some of your funds?)
If you are not sure, which most of us are when we start, then start simple. Even though couponing can be easy, it can also be very overwhelming and time consuming if you are not careful.

Hopefully that last sentence did not scare you away as I am going to help you by making it simple, easy, and fun. To me saving money and getting a great deal is always fun!

Brand Loyalty
First question to ask yourself, are you Brand Loyal on any items? By this, I mean do you always buy the same brand of an item? If so make a list of these items (toothpaste, diapers, soda). Now, review your list and ask yourself if you are willing to be more open-minded about any of these products. The answer will help you decide how to start couponing.

If you answered I am completely brand loyal to most the products I buy, you can still coupon. What you will do, is look for the coupons for those brands. When you get the coupon inserts, go through them and cut out all the coupons for these brands. You will want to carry these with you to the store each time you go. (I will discuss organization systems next week). What you are doing is looking for your brands to be on sale (many times there are unadvertised sales) or on clearance. If you have your coupons, you can take advantage of these situations and get your favorite items for great prices.

If you answered, I am willing to try some new products, but there are some that I have to have – then you have a little more freedom with your coupons. You will also want to cut out your loyal brands each week and carry them with you to the store. However, you also want to keep your eye out for the great deals on the items where you are willing to be more open. Next week I will discuss a few options for organizing the coupons for the brands you are not loyal to, but are willing to try.

If you answered I am loyal to the deal, then you have a few options. Next week I will discuss the differences between cutting all coupons when you get the inserts versus storing the inserts whole, but you do not want to lose any coupon. Instead, you want to keep every coupon you come across.  You never know when a great deal will happen. I have been amazed at how many brands we now love thanks to coupons. Even if you are always looking for the deal, I am sure you have a few favorite brands. You will want to have these coupons with you each time you walk into the store. I still give myself a hard time for not having my ALL laundry detergent coupons with me about a year ago in CVS. True, $.75 per bottle is a great deal, but $.50 is much better!

Spend the next week deciding which style fits you and your family (though I am always hunting for the deal, there are few items I will pay for). Then start collecting coupons and reviewing the ads. This will help you build up your price knowledge.