The Deal with Deals – Coupon Etiquette! (a tutorial)

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So now that you know the basics of couponing as far as where to find them and how to organize them, you need to know how to use them to get those killer deals…

1. Know your store’s coupon policies! It’s important to know for a few reasons:

So you know what’s allowed and what’s not allowed. Like what is the policy on internet printables? Some stores don’t take them, some will but won’t double them, some treat them exactly like the clipped newspaper ones. Plus there may be a time when you need to refer to it with a cashier who won’t accept something for some reason.

Please let me know other stores that can be added to this list! You can find specific store’s coupon policies by using a search engine.

2. Be kind to your cashier!

Kindness can go a long, long way when it comes to couponing. Some cashiers hate coupons, some are indifferent, some get excited when they see how much you have saved. I have found my favorite cashiers at both my local Safeway and my local Walgreens. I try to go in when they are working (usually the same time each week) so they can help me. I smile a lot and sometimes even compliment them (“I love your new haircut!”). Of course, I am always sincere about it

3. Know when to shop!

Shopping off-peak will make it easier for everyone involved. My favorite time to go to Walgreens is Sunday mornings. Most people are relaxing at their home and not out. The new sales are up and fully stocked and ready to go. My husband is home so I can shop without the twins I’m not holding up the lines with my complicated multi-transactions so the cashier doesn’t feel rushed.

* If I am doing multiple transactions and another person comes up in line I always let them go through before I continue on! I am not in any hurry but they may be!

To get extra prepared you could pick up some early edition Sunday papers on Saturday, usually after 2 or 3pm if your newpaper does it. that way you can do all of your clipping Saturday evening!

4. DO NOT CLEAR SHELVES. This is inconsiderate to other shoppers. If you are going to buy a lot (meaning 10 or more) CALL the store and place a special order.

STACKING

A lot of stores will allow stacking – meaning one manufacturer coupon and one store coupon. A store coupon will usually have the store’s logo on it and may say “store coupon”. You can check the store website and often find printable store coupons! Plus, stores like Walgreens will have them in their Sunday circular and a coupon book in the front of the store. Here’s a scenario for you:

You look in the Walgreens circular and find that M&M’s are on sale - 2 bags for $5. In their coupon book there is a $1 off 2 bags coupon. PLUS in the January 17th newspaper insert there is a coupon for $1.50 off 2 bags. So the 2 for $5 just went down to 2 for $2.50! $1.25 a bag for those big bags is pretty decent…

Here’s another:

Suppose CVS has Wisk Detergent on sale – 2 for $10. They have a store coupon for $2 off 2, plus you have 2 coupons for $2 off one bottle. You COULD potentially use all of those coupons because you are purchasing 2 bottles. So 2 for $10 will go down to 2 for $4, or $2 each.

With that said, being aware of what the coupon says is important! Some will say you have to buy a certain type/size of product, some will not have a requirement. Make sure you are getting what the coupon says or it probably won’t scan.

Another thing most stores will do is stack a BOGO with a $ off (but not another BOGO) – such as:

You have two coupons – one for $4 off Olay Body Wash and one for a free bottle of hand soap when you buy Olay Body Wash. Some stores (check that coupon policy!) will allow you to use both!

You could also use a BOGO coupon with a BOGO sale – check with the store’s policy on this, but MOST will allow this - getting you the two items for free. Some cashiers will look at you sideways when you present this. I have had them scan my coupons before I put my club card in and that will usually work out.

Most drug stores will also have rewards or store credits when you buy a certain item or combination of items. Walgreens has Register Rewards, RiteAid has Up Rewards, and CVS has Extra Bucks. Check with the coupon policy, I know that Walgreens RR are considered “coupons” and they allow one coupon per item, so you would have to make sure you have a non-coupon item.

Next up… Setting a Budget!