Showing posts with label Resources. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Resources. Show all posts
Target Store Guide
- Target publishes their own store coupons. These coupons can be stacked with manufacturer coupons to increase your savings. Target printable coupons are available on the Target website. Sometimes Target publishes coupon in Sunday inserts. And they also send direct mailers filled with coupons. If you have a Target Red Card, you most definitely will receive these coupons by mail. Make sure you register on the Target website to receive updates which will increase your chances of receiving mailed coupons.
- Target is now offering mobile coupons - a service where you can register your cell phone to receive weekly text messages that contain special offers.
- Target also runs gift card promotions which would be the equivalent to CVS Extra Care Bucks or Walgreens Register Rewards. These promotions require that you buy specified products to receive a Target gift card at the end of your transaction. Often these promotions are advertised in the weekly circular but there are often unadvertised offers as well. You are allowed to use coupons on these promotions.
- Target also offers "temporary price cuts" similar to Walmart Rollbacks. It's a temporary sale on a specified product that lasts for a certain length of time.
- Target allows you to stack one Target store coupon with one manufacturer coupon per item. Look for items that have coupon matchups with both a Target coupon and manufacturer coupon. Many times the item ends up being really cheap and better yet, FREE.
- A better strategy, if you can work it out, is to use manufacturer coupons, stacked with Target store coupons on items that are part of a gift card promotion. You'll lower your out of pocket expense with coupons and often end up getting the items for next to nothing after the gift card is applied.
- And of course you'll want to keep an eye out for temporary price cuts that can be matched with coupons (manufacturer and/or Target store coupons).
- Target also has a price matching policy. This can save lots of time and money if you can utilize it effectively. Pay attention to advertised sales at other stores and look for items with coupon matchups and better yet, Target store coupon matchups combined with a gift card promo. Be sure to check out the price match policy . Knowing the guidelines will save you frustration in the long run.
- Carry a copy of the Target Coupon Policy and the Price Match Policy with you while you shop. In case you run into a new cashier that is unfamiliar with policy, you'll have something to show them. This often saves time because a manager does not need to be called.
- Be sure to hand manufacturer coupons to the cashier first and then Target store coupons.
- When participating in more than one gift card promotion in the same shopping trip, break up your items into separate transactions to minimize your out of pocket cost. For example, on the Gillette Fusion promo described above, if you bought four razors in one transaction with four coupons, your out of pocket would be $11.96 and you'd end up with (2) $5 gift cards. That's a great deal but you've still spent $11.96 cash. Instead, buy two razors in one transaction, pay $5.98 and get the $5 gift card. Then do your second transaction with two razors. Your subtotal on the second transaction will be $5.98, use the $5 gift card from the first transaction and you'll only pay $0.98 out of pocket plus get another $5 gift card. So your total out of pocket for both transactions is only $6.96 and you still have a $5 gift card for your next shopping trip.
- Look for clearance deals. Most Super Target stores place clearance items on the endcaps of the main aisles. Become familiar with where your particular store places these items and make it a point to check each time you shop. You never know what you'll find.
- Always check your receipt immediately after you shop to make sure you received the right discounts and gift cards. It's always easier to resolve a situation when it happens. I have found Target Customer Service to be exceptional in making things right. If, for some reason, you are unable to resolve a situation with the store personnel, then call the Target Guest Relations lin at (800)440-0680.
- While it is unofficial, Target seems to have a patterned markdown schedule:
Tuesday – Domestics, Women’s Clothing, Pets and Market (food items)
Wednesday – Men’s Clothing, Toys, Health and Beauty, Lawn & Garden items
Thursday – House Wares, Lingerie, Shoes, Sporting Goods, Movies, Music, Books, Decor and Luggage
Friday – Auto, Cosmetics, Hardware, & Jewelry.
Holiday Clearance Schedule
50% off day after holiday for three days
75% off fourth day after holiday for three days
90% off seventh day after holiday for 1-2 days.
If you have any other questions, please email me or leave a comment on this post. Read more...
Walgreens Store Guide
Walgreens accepts one store specific coupon plus one manufacturer coupon per item.
- Walgreens published a monthly in-store coupon book as well as other periodic in-store promotional coupon publications. You can also find "bonus" printable coupons on-line. Just go to Walgreen.com and click on weekly ad. In the upper right corner of the ad page you'll see "extra coupons".
Walgreens offers a customer rewards program in the form of Register Rewards. This program does not require a loyalty card.
Follow these steps to see how it works.
Step #1 Purchase Promotional Items to Receive Register Rewards
Register Rewards are linked to the purchase of specific products advertised in the weekly sales circular and on displays in-store. Sometimes you only need to buy one item, sometimes you receive them for buying a certain quantity or dollar amount of specific products.
Register Rewards (RRs) are $ off coupons that are printed using the small Catalina Marketing printers located next to the register. Register rewards are received as a promotional “perk” from manufacturers to entice you to buy their products. For example: You buy a Gillette Fusion razor and a $4 Register Reward (RR) prints – this register reward is provided by Procter and Gamble. It is good for $4 off your next purchase at Walgreens. When you use your Register Reward, Walgreens will then submit that coupon to Procter and Gamble and get reimbursed.
Let's say Gillette Fusion razors are on sale for $8.99 with a $4 RR. If you bought the razor for $8.99, you would receive a $4 RR. Your final cost on this item is $4.99. (Please keep in mind that you still pay sales tax).
Let's say Crest Pro-Health Rinse was also on sale that week for 2/$7 with a $2.50 RR when you bought two. Your final cost is two for $4.50.
Here's the math:
8.99 Gillette Fusion Razor
3.50 Crest Pro-Health Rinse
3.50 Crest Pro-Health Rinse
15.99 Total (plus sales tax)
6.50 Earned RRs
9.49 Final Cost
By spending $15.99, you have accumulated $6.50 worth of RRs to be used like cash on your next shopping trip.
(For the sake of this outline I applied the RRs to the Total of this transaction to show you how RRs can save you money, however, RRs are usually applied to each transaction at time of use to get a more accurate out of pocket figure)
Step 2 - Purchase Promotional Items w/ Coupons
Walgreens allows you to purchase promotional items (those offering RRs) with coupons which brings down your out of pocket (OOP) and stretches your dollars even further. Let's view the above trip summary again but this time add in coupons.
8.99 Gillette Fusion Razor - $4 coupon
3.50 Crest Pro-Health Rinse - $2 coupon
3.50 Crest Pro-Health Rinse - $2 coupon
15.99 Total (plus sales tax)
-8.00 amount of coupons
7.99 Subtotal
6.50 Earned RRs
1.49 Final Cost
You now have accumulated $6.50 in RRs but have spent only $7.99 OOP.
Step 3 - Roll Those RRs
This is the KEY! Many people stop short at Step 3. They earn RRs and then turn around and spend them on just anything. The REAL deal is to use your RRs like cash on other promotional deals to generate more RRs and then use those RRs to do more promotional deals to get MORE RRs all the while matching up your coupons to the deals to bring down your OOP and make the deal even sweeter. Get the picture? We call it ROLLING.
Follow the four steps listed above and before you know it you'll have gotten more stuff for free than you ever imagined. Your cupboards will be overflowing....and at this point, don't forget those less fortunate than you.....give, give, give.
There are a few things you need to keep in mind when rolling RRs. Here are afew FAQs that will help us put it all together:
Can I use a Register Reward to purchase items from the same promotion it came from and receive more RRs?
No, if you go in and buy a Gillette Fusion razor that generates an RR and then use that RR to buy another Gillette Fusion razor, your RRs will not print on the second trasaction.
If I do two of the same Register Reward deals in one transaction, will I receive double RRs?
No. Only one RR per promotion per transaction will print. This is Walgreens way of limiting the deals. However, if you repeat the deal, but in a separate transaction, you can earn more register rewards.
If I have an RR from the Gillette Fusion deal, can I use it toward the Crest Pro-Health Rinse and receive RRs?
No, both Gillette and Crest are made my Proctor & Gamble. If the manufacturers are the same, the deal will not work. If you are using a Register Reward coupon from one offer to pay for another promotional offer, make sure the offer is not by the same maker who issued the Register Reward being used as payment. You may, however, use a Register Reward from one manufacturer toward the balance on a different promotion by another maker and receive the RRs from that promotion.
Two more tips:
- Register Rewards are considered coupons. You may use one coupon per item in the same transaction. So if you are using RRs toward your balance, you will need to purchase an item to stand in the gap for the RR. Try to find something super cheap to act as a “filler”. You will need one filler for every RR you intend to use in a single transaction.
8.99 Gillette Fusion Razor - $4 coupon
3.50 Crest Pro-Health Rinse - $2 coupon
3.50 Crest Pro-Health Rinse - $2 coupon
15.99 Total (plus sales tax)
-8.00 amount of coupons
7.99 Subtotal
I am already using one coupon for each item I'm buying. So if I want to use the two ($4 & $2) RRs toward the $7.99 balance, I will need to add TWO more items to my order. Then my coupon to item ratio will be equal.
- Register Rewards are only applicable to the amount of the sale before tax. They cannot be applied towards tax. When using RRs, you will need to make sure your before tax amount is equal to or more than the value of your RRs, otherwise the register will beep and not accept the RR.
CVS Store Guide
CVS allows you to stack their store coupons with manufacturer coupons.
CVS accepts internet printable coupons but reserves the right to limit them at the store managers discretion.
CVS offers a customer rewards (or loyalty) program called the CVS Extra Care Program in which you earn Extra Care Bucks on promotional items that can be used like cash on your next purchase.
The comment most people make when I mention I shop CVS is "it's so expensive". I have to agree with that. However, the key to making CVS shopping worth it is to participate in the Extra Care Program. Combining weekly sales, with coupons and extra care bucks (ECBs) can result in a substantial amount of savings. The purpose of this outline is to elaborate on how to do this. Once you have read it, I hope you will feel comfortable trying it on your own.
Step 1 - Get a Membership Card
The Extra Care Program utilizes a membership card. This card must be scanned in order to receive sale pricing, to be eligible for ECB promotions and also to track the limit on ECB promotions. The easiest way to get an Extra Care Card is by going to your local CVS. They’ll issue you a card right there and you can complete your information on-line later.
Step 2 - Purchase Promotional Items to Receive ECBs
Extra Care Bucks are earned by purchasing certain products during a promotional period. Some promotions are weekly deals and others last for the entire month. Monthly deals do not reset at the beginning of each week but rather the limits are set for the whole month. You may participate in each deal according to the limits set, usually ranging from 1-5. Your membership card will track when you have reached the deal limit and a deal summary will print at the bottom of your receipt. Any ECBs earned from that trip will also print at the bottom of your receipt. These can be used “like cash” on most items sold at CVS.
(As a general rule, ECBs cannot be used to pay for prescriptions, gift cards, tobacco products, alcohol, stamps, and milk. This may vary according to your local store policy.)
Try to find promotional items that offer a high amount of ECBs in ratio to the total cost of the item. For example: one week, there was a three-day sale on Irish Spring Body Wash. If you bought the body wash for 4.99, you received 4.99 in ECBs. Your final cost on this item is FREE. (Please keep in mind that you still pay sales tax).
Another promotion that week was for Colgate Max White 4.6-6oz toothpaste. Buy it for 2.99 and you receive 2.99 in ECBs. Again, final cost is free.
And then they had Dry Idea Roll-On Antiperspirant sale priced at 2.99. You get $2 in ECBs when you buy it and there's a limit of 2 on that one. You get the picture.
Here's the math:
4.99 Irish Spring Body Wash
2.99 MaxWhite Tooth Paste
2.99 Dry Idea
2.99 Dry Idea
13.96 Total (plus sales tax)
11.98 Earned ECBs
1.98 Total OOP (Out of Pocket)
By spending $13.96, you have accumulated 11.98 worth of ECBs to be used like cash on your next shopping trip.
(For the sake of this outline I applied the ECBs to the Total of this transaction to show you how ECBs can save you money, however, ECBs are usually applied to each transaction at time of use to get a more accurate savings calculation)
Step 3 - Purchase Promotional Items w/ Coupons
Purchasing promotional items (those offering ECBs) with coupons, brings down your OOP and stretches your dollars even further. Let's view the above trip summary again but this time add in coupons.
4.99 Irish Spring Body Wash - .50 Q
2.99 MaxWhite Toothpaste - .75 Q
2.99 Dry Idea - $2 Printable
2.99 Dry Idea - $2 Printable
13.96 Subtotal (plus sales tax)
5.25 Amount of coupons
8.71 Total
11.98 ECBs Earned
You now have accumulated 11.98 in ECBs but have spent only 8.71 OOP.
Step 4 - Roll Those ECBs
This is the clincher! Many people stop short at Step 3. They earn ECBs and then turn around and spend them on just anything. The REAL deal is to use your ECBs like cash on other promotional deals to generate more ECBs and then use those ECBs to do more promotional deals to get MORE ECBs all the while matching up your coupons to the deals to bring down your OOP and make the deal even sweeter. Get the picture? We call it ROLLING.
Follow the four steps listed above and before you know it you'll have gotten more stuff for free than you ever imagined. Your cupboards will be overflowing....at this point, don't forget those less fortunate than you.....give, give, give.
FAQs
Now we'll cover some frequent questions that come up. And remember, if anything comes up that I have not covered or you have questions, email me.
What is CVS coupon policy?
According to corporate coupon policy, you may use one manufacturer's coupon (Q) and one CVS coupon per item.
Keep in mind, that although this is general policy, corporate also gives their individual store managers discrepancy with coupon policy. One store may take unlimited IPs while another may say no duplicate IPs.
Also keep in mind that the "one coupon per item" policy does not apply to $x off $xx CVS coupons (see below).
Where do I get CVS coupons?
CVS coupons come from a variety of sources. Some are mailed, some are emailed (once you link your Extra Care Card to your on-line account) but most are found printed at the bottom of your cash register tape along with your ECBs.
The ones printed at the bottom of your receipt are usually for $x off a specified item, similar to a regular manufacturer's coupon. On occasion CVS also gives coupons good for FREE items, usually CVS brand.
As a thank you for shopping at CVS and to get you to spend more money, $x off $xx coupons will sometimes print at the bottom of your receipt. In other words, when you spend a certain dollar amount, you will receive a certain amount off your purchase. The $x off $xx coupons may be used over and above all other coupons but only one per transaction.
Some CVS stores have kiosks that have a coupon printer. You can scan your card before your shopping trip and receive coupons before you shop. These coupons will be for items CVS wants to push that week or for the types of items you normally buy using your Extra Care Card.
When a promotion says I need to buy $20 worth of a certain product to earn ECBs, is that before or after coupons?
The total is calculated before coupons.
Do I have to finish a promotion in one transaction?
Not usually. For instance, if the promotion states buy $20 worth of Proctor & Gamble and get $10, you could buy $10 in one transaction and $10 in another. Your ECB would print at the end of the second transaction after your total spent reached $20. On rare occasions, the ad will mention that you have to complete the promotion in one transaction.
How many ECBs can I use per transaction?
As many as you want. However, the register will stop accepting them if they will make your subtotal (pre-tax total) negative.
What are quarterly ECBs?
These are earned based on the amount you actually spent (OOP) at CVS and from prescriptions filled during that quarter. You will get back 2% of what you actually spent out of pocket and a $1 ECB for every 2 prescriptions you have filled online or in store.
The quarters run from January to March, April to June, July to September and October to December. Your quarterly ECB will print on or after the first day of the month following the end of the quarter.
Can I use my ECBs on someone else’s card?
No, the ECBs earned on your card are coded to only work for transactions completed with that same card.
Can I have more than one card?
You cannot have more than one card in your name. In the past, CVS has allowed one card per member of your household. Although they have not formally changed policy, they are trying to get away from this. If you call corporate, they will tell you that you can have more than one card per household, however, managers are increasingly starting to frown upon this, mainly because people have abused it.
Since there is not an official policy in place forbidding multiple cards, Simple Saving Savvy leaves this up to your own discretion, however, we personally advocate one card per household. Trust me, the first time you go to CVS to do a deal and they are out of stock because that person with five cards came in before you, you'll understand why we take this stand.
I have only one card for my family and I get plenty of FREE stuff all year long.
Can I use my $5 ECB on an item that only costs $3?
You can, but you would lose money. You have to use the full amount of the ECB because you will not get money back.
When they have a "Buy xx worth of ________, and earn $xx ECBs" promotion, and the items are on sale B1G1 Free, do both of them count toward the promo?
If the ECB deal is based on buying a specific DOLLAR AMOUNT in order to obtain the ECB, then only the one you actually pay for counts. The free one does NOT count. However, if the promotion is based on buying a specific NUMBER of items in order to obtain the ECB, then both items will count.
If CVS has an ECB deal that is unlimited or has a limit of more than one and I buy them all in the same transaction, how do the ECBs print out?
All of the ECBs earned in a given transaction for EACH promo will be combined into one larger ECB.
What if a promotional item isn't in stock?
You can ask for a rain check. In this case, the cashier should write your rain check with the ECBs figured into the cost of the item. Some stores do this differently though and give a rain check for regular cost with a note regarding ECBs. Then when you cash in your rain check, they either force ECBs from the register or give you a gift card.
Can I earn the advertised ECBs when I shop online?
No. Advertised ECBs are earned for in-store purchases only.
Can I use my ECBs to pay when I shop online?
Any ECBs earned in stores cannot be used to check out online. The only ECBs that may be redeemed online are the quarterly ones. And since those are usually only a couple of bucks at the most, it doesn't even pay for shipping.
Considering A Coupon Organization Method
There are many different ways to do this and everyone has her own opinion on the best method. Whatever organization method you finally settle on, the most important thing is that it works for YOU.
Here are some things to consider when choosing an organization method:
1) What are your money saving goals? Do you want to save a little or a lot? Are you happy with saving $10 a week with coupons or are you wanting to see the big savings roll in? Are you looking to save only on what you use on a weekly basis or are you wanting to stockpile in order to cut future costs? Your answers to these questions will help determine what method you should choose. If you're only looking to save a little money here and there on the products you already use or only on the things you buy on a weekly basis, then I would recommend a simple organization method that doesn't take much time (see coupon organization methods page). If you choose an extremely detailed and time consuming method, you will end up putting more time into it then you save and will become discouraged. If, however, your goal is to save BIG and/or stockpile in order to save in the future, then you need a more advanced, better organized organization method (see coupon organization methods page).
2) How much money do you have available to spend on supplies? Some organization methods will require a bigger investment than others. If you only have a few dollars to spend right away, then it might be best to start with a simpler, less expensive organization method and then use your savings to switch to a more elaborate system later.
3) How much time to you have to spend on organization? Some systems simply take more time. It will ultimately be up to you to determine how much time you have to spend AND how much time you ACTUALLY WILL SPEND on organizing your coupons.
4) What method will you ACTUALLY use? You know your personality and your schedule better than most. What method will you actually use? It's one thing to like the idea of using an elaborate and time consuming organization system but are you the type of person that will actually put the time into it? Do you actually have the time? If not, then choose a simpler method so that you don't take the chance of becoming overwhelmed and frustrated.
These are just a few tips to help you determine how to organize your coupons. It may be that you already know which method will be best for you. It may also be a game of trial and error until you get the hang of the couponing game.
Remember to keep it personal. Whatever method you decide on, make it your own. Everyone shops differently and thinks differently so what works for one person may not feel right to you.
Overview of Store Specific Coupon Policies
Store Specific Coupon Policy
**This is for general information purposes only. Please do not refer to this document when taking up a coupon issue with a store manager or cashier.
Homeland:
~ Doubles coupons $1 and under. So your $1.00 coupon gives you a $2.00 discount, your $0.75 coupons gives you a $1.50 discount, your $0.55 coupon gives you $1.10 discount and so on.
However, they will only double the first of like coupons. For example, you have (2) coupons for $1 off Cheerios. You buy (2) boxes of Cheerios. The first coupon will double to take $2 off; the second coupon will only take off $1. Their policy states that they will not double coupons at all on a few items like soda or tobacco products. Consult your store for a complete list; this policy may also vary according to store policy.
~Allows you to stack store coupons with manufacturer’s coupons.
~Accepts Internet Printable Coupons as long as they scan.
Target
~Offers store specific printable coupons on their website: http://www.target.com.
~Allows you to stack store coupons with manufacturer’s coupons.
~Accepts Internet Printable Coupons
Walgreens
~Offers store specific coupons through various mediums.
~Allows you to stack store coupons with manufacturer’s coupons.
~Accepts Internet Printable Coupons
~Does not allow overage on coupons and will not adjust coupons. If you are purchasing an item for .99 and trying to use a $1 coupon, the register will not accept it and the cashier will usually not adjust it. To use that coupon, you must buy (2) items at .99 = 1.98 and then use the $1 coupon so you end up paying .49 each. This rule does not apply when using Walgreens coupons with a manufacturer’s coupon.
CVS
~Offers store specific coupons printed at the bottom of your receipt or from the price scanner/coupon kiosk at some most stores. They also email coupons or send them via snail mail from time to time.
~Allows you to stack store coupons with manufacturer’s coupons.
~Accepts Internet Printable Coupons
~Adjusts coupon amounts when coupon amount is more than the price of the item.
Crest
~Does not accept Internet Printable Coupons
~Does not allow you to stack a BOGO coupon with a $x off coupon.
~Will adjust coupon amounts.
GFF Foods
~Doubles multiples of the same coupons up to $1 on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
~ Does not accept internet printable coupons.
Using Coupons Strategically
Utilize these shopping strategies and watch the savings roll in!!
Don’t be brand loyal
We all have some specific preferences as to the brands and products we use, however, being willing to use different brands and try new products can help you save big money. Determine beforehand the types of products you are willing to “be flexible” on. Then keep an eye out for deals on these items.Save All (or most of) Your Coupons
This tip goes hand in hand with “not being brand loyal”. If you want to see the huge savings roll in, save all your coupons. Many times you may be able to use coupons on a sale/promotional item(s) that generate(s) customer rewards (extra care bucks or register rewards) which result in overage or a profit. Even if you don’t personally use some of these products, you can donate them and then “roll” the rewards into future deals on products you do use.
Know the Coupon Rules
One coupon per item(s) or per quantities listed
Example:
**Coupon reads “save $1.00 when you buy one” - you must buy ONE item to use this coupon.
**Coupon reads “save $1.00 when you buy two” - you must buy TWO items to use this coupon.
“One coupon per purchase” DOES NOT mean you can only use one per transaction at the store. It only means you can use ONLY ONE coupon per item purchased.
Know the individual store policies where you shop.
Let Your BOGO Coupons Work Overtime
Using a BOGO coupon on an item that the store has on sale for “BOGO” results in 2 FREE products!
Example:
**Gillette Shampoo is $4.99 and on sale BOGO Free. You buy two and the cashier scans them in. The first bottle rings up for $4.99, the second bottle rings up FREE. You hand the cashier the BOGO coupon and she scans it. The register will prompt her to enter an amount. She enters $4.99 and it is deducted from the remaining amount which is $4.99. This results in $0.00 owed.
Note: this does not work if the store register rings up BOGO items at 50% instead of full price and then 1 free.
Anytime you are using a BOGO coupon (except in a BOGO sale free sale), you may also use other $ off coupon(s) according to quantities listed on the BOGO coupon and according to individual store policy.
Example:
**Gillette Shampoo is $4.99. You have a BOGO coupon and a $1.00 off one coupon. Buy 2:
*First Bottle $4.99 - Use $1.00 off one coupon
* Second Bottle $4.99 - Free w/ BOGO coupon
NOTE: If the coupon is “buy 2 get 1 free” then you can use a BOGO coupon plus TWO $ off coupons.
Double Coupons
To my knowledge, Homeland and GFF Foods are the only stoes that double coupons in the OKC metro area. This means that you will receive a discount equal to double the amount shown on the coupon according to store specific policy (see “store specific coupon policy” handout for details).
Pick Cherries
Picking cherries refers to shopping at a particular store according to what’s on sale that week. Use the weekly circulars to find deals you have coupons for that will make the item(s) cheap or better yet…FREE! This requires knowledge in the average price of an item at other stores and discipline in only buying what’s “on your list” and not succumbing to all the “other great deals” the store has to offer.
Pair manufacturer coupons with store coupons
Many stores issue their own “store” coupons as an alternative way of running a sale. Walgreens, CVS, Target and Homeland all do this and allow the use of manufacturer’s coupons in conjunction with their own coupons on the same item (see “store specific coupon policy” handout for details).
Pair manufacturer/store coupon(s) with a rebate
Manufacturers often offer a rebate on their products and will reimburse the full cost of the product BEFORE coupons are deducted. This is a great way to make a profit!
Use Coupons on Clearance Items
Using coupons on clearance items to further reduce the already reduced price is a great way to save big.
I never go shopping without perusing the clearance section/aisles. Know where the clearance areas are in the stores you shop the most and visit them frequently.
Look for FREE, SUPER Cheap and Profitable Deals
Be ALERT! Know the coupons you have and keep your eyes open for deals that result in getting items ridiculously cheap, FREE or imagine…being PAID to take products out of the store.
Coupons and Sales Run in Cycles
Many of the same manufacturers put out coupons religiously for the same products. Some of these are Proctor & Gamble products, Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive, General Mills, etc. There’s always another coupon to replace the one that just expired.
Stores often run sales and their loss leaders in conjunction with the life cycle of coupons. So if you get a coupon in a Sunday insert, you can almost bet on finding a great sale on that product within the next few weeks.
Let the Pros Do the Work for You
Find a couple of money saving blogs or websites that are dependable about posting good deal alerts and various printable coupons. This can save you lots of time and energy and help you get the hang of the coupon game.
Participate in Customer Rewards Programs Read more...
Where Do I Find Coupons?
Insert Coupons
These are the coupons found inside the Sunday edition of large newspapers. They are published by SmartSource, Vlassis (Redplum) and Proctor & Gamble. There is usually at least one SmartSource and one Redplum insert each Sunday excluding major holiday weekends. P&G Savers are usually published once per month.
Printable Internet Coupon Sites
Coupons that you can print online are all the rage. Coupons.com, SmartSource.com and Redplum.com are the most popular sources to find these coupon. These sites offer coupons for a variety of products from various manufacturers on a monthly basis. Coupons are updated and/or added at the first of the month. Sometimes new coupons will be added throughout the month. Most coupons stay up all month or according to the specific manufacturers print limits. Two of each coupon can be printed per computer.
Manufacturer Websites
Many manufacturers offer coupons through their websites as a regular feature or during special promotions. Some also make monthly emailed newsletters available which may feature one or more printable coupons. Basic personal information is required for registration. You will want to set up a separate email for couponing so that your regular inbox does not become overloaded. These coupons usually carry a print limit of two per computer.
Retail Websites
Many retailers, like CVS, Walgreens, Target and Homeland to name a few, offer printable coupons on their website. These coupons are a mix of store specific coupons and manufacturer coupons. The print limit is usually two per computer.
All You Magazine
This magazine is available only at Walmart ($2.49) or by subscription (as low as $1.00). It is full of valuable coupons. Sometimes the newstand issue contains coupons not found in subscription copies. Allyou.com also features exclusive coupons.com printable coupons.
Peelies
These are coupons found attached to a product in the store and usually read "save now". Sometimes it may involve buying another product as well to receive the savings. It is not ethical to take the peelie coupons off products you do not intend to buy.
Catalinas
These are coupons that print from the small printers located by the register at stores like Homeland and Walgreens. Sometimes they are coupons for specific products and sometimes they are for $x off your next order. They also carry advertisements for future “catalina” deals which feature $ off your next order when you buy certain products. These coupons are manufacturer coupons but are only valid at the store where they printed. You may not stack these coupons with other manufacturer coupons.
Tear Pads
These are booklets of coupons attached to special store displays. Unlike the peelies, it is acceptable to take a few tearpad coupons for use on another sale at a different store.
Product Packaging
Occasionally manufacturers offer coupons as part of their product packaging. These coupons can many times be found on the back of the box/carton or on the inside. Always check before throwing out an empty box.
Mail Offers
Sometimes manufacturers make coupons available by mail through Internet offers. Proctor & Gamble does this through their monthly “Home Made Simple” coupon booklet as well as on their site, P&G Everyday Solutions. Also, some stores (i.e. CVS, Homeland and Target) will occasionally send store specific coupons for various products through the mail if you are on their mailing list.
Free Samples
Many manufacturers offer free samples through on-line promotions. These samples arrive in the mail and many times are accompanied by a coupon. I suggest setting up a separate email account to sign up for these and other online offers.
Email Manufacturers
A great way to get coupons on products you love but do not see coupons for is by emailing the company. Just let them know how much you love their products (no need to ask for coupons). You’ll be surprised what you receive.
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