Couponing 101 in the Desert

Now finally trying to realize how to coupon I figured I would try to explain what I have learned to you, my readers. 

Here are a couple of coupon basics that might help a new couponer out! 

1) Coupons may only be used once. 

2) You may only use one coupon per indicated item(s) 

3) You can only use one coupon per item (unless you have a manufactured coupon and a store coupon)

4) Ignore the picture and read the fine wording (the manufacturer always puts on their most expensive item on the coupon to make you think that is what you have to buy)

5) You can use your coupon on clearance or sale items as well!

6) Stand up for yourself. If you know your coupons shop with dignity!! You are saving money not broke! :)

Here are a couple of steps you can do to get ready for your first shopping experience:

1) Get Coupons!

       * Sunday Newspaper, Asking Friends and Family for coupons, Search the Internet, Clipping Service, and Check the Stores.

2) Organize Coupons!

       * Envelopes (start by clipping and putting them in all in an envelope or check file), File by insert (file your inserts by date in a box), or use a Coupon Binder (clip all coupons and file them in baseball card holders in a three ring binder then you can carry the binder in the store with you)

3) Know the coupon policy at your local store!

       * Loyalty Cards, Double/ Triple Coupons, Stacking Coupons, Internet Coupons, Competitor Coupons, Expired Coupons

4) Make a plan!

       * Weekly Ads (read the weekly store ads to see what is on sale and which stores you have the best prices on the items you need) 

       * Coupon Matchups (see if you can match coupons to the sale items to get an even better deal)

       * Price Match (some stores will price match other stores in the area)

       * Make a List (don't go to the store without a list, it will remind you what you came for and keep you from buying items you don't need)

       * Rainchecks (get a rain check if the item you wanted is out of stock) 

5) Read the find print! 

      * Sometimes you don't have to buy 10 items to get the $1 price unless the add states that you have to buy all 10 to get the price 

      * Wait on sales- don't just use the coupon because you have it wait until the item is at its lowest price so you can get your max potential out of the coupon

      * One per purchase- means only use one coupon per item purchased

      * Price book- start paying attention to prices and keep a list of items you regularly buy with the best and regular prices for those items

      * Limits- store will sometimes put limits on the item to make you think it's a great price! 

      * Shop early if you have couponers in your area then it's best to get to the store as early in the sale as you can!

      * Bigger is better- the cost per unit of the bigger box of cereal may be less than the smaller one but with coupons and sales the smaller box is likely a better deal

      * Watch the cashier- checking out pay close attention to the price screen to make sure everything rings up at the correct price, and also make sure the cashier scans all of your coupons

 

6) Build your stockpile!

       * Start slowly, buy for the future, know how much you use, and donate!!

Doubling Coupons

Doubling and tripling coupons is one of the most confusing aspects of couponing for beginners (and me). So, I am going to explain exactly what it means!

Double or triple coupons is a promotion offered by the store in an effort to get you to shop there. Doubling coupons is when the store will take your coupon and match the value of it up to a certain amount. The amount will vary by store.

The coupon doubling happens automatically at the register, however you may need to use your loyalty/ rewards card to take advantage of the promotion (make sure to scan your card before any coupons or they may not double). After you scan the $1 coupon, you will see another deduction right under it for another $1 off.

Most store will only double a certain number of each of the same coupon. 

Stores will only double up to a certain amount. The amounts are usually $.50,$. 99, or $1. That means, if you store doubles up to $.99 and you use a $1 coupon, your $1 coupon will not double. So, in this situation, a $.75 coupon would actually be worth more than $1 coupon!

Some coupons state "do not double" on them. If the coupon bar code starts with a "5" it will double automatically. If it starts with a "9" it will not double automatically. 

Some stores only double on certain days. 

To find out your store's policy- JUST CALL AND ASK! Make sure to address each of the issues above so you know what to expect when you go to the store. 

I also follow couponmom.com. It helps me find my stores around me and the newest coupons with the stores. It's a life savor! I would definitely check out this website!

I hope everything that I have learned helps you as well! Happy Shopping!