Day 1: We all have to shop! Why not save money while doing it?
Day 2: The Language of Couponers – Translated!
Day 3: Where Art Thou Coupons?
Day 4: Know Thy Coupon (What does that fine print mean?)
Day 5: When to Use Your Coupons
Day 6: Buy Groceries, Pay for College with Upromise eCoupons
Day 7: eCoupons the Alternate to Clipping
Day 8: Don’t Get Mad, Get a Rain Check
Day 9: Advance Your Couponing Skills with Rebates
Day 10: Stockpiling
Day 11: Organize Your Coupon Stash
Day 12: Surviving the Checkout Lane
In case you run into any problems with your coupons, KNOW what all the “official” language on it means. Many of the problems at the register occur because we don’t read the fine print as many coupons as size or variety specifications.
One Coupon per Purchase
If you buy one bottle of shampoo, you can use one manufacturer’s coupon for that bottle. If you have additional coupons, you have to buy another item to be able to use that coupon. You are not allowed to use two manufacturer’s coupon per item. So if you had 10 coupons and 10 items, this is allowed. I used to think this meant I could only use one coupon per transaction. How far I’ve come! (You can still use (1) manufacturer’s coupon and (1) store coupon at many stores.)
One Coupon per Item Purchased
This is the same as one coupon per purchase but with better language specifically stating one coupon per item purchased.
One Coupon per Customer/Family
This is rare but I have noticed this on some internet coupons or a big coupon like $5/20 purchase. The way around this is to make multiple transactions (if store allows) or multiple trips. YMMV on these types of coupons.
One Coupon per Transaction
You are only allowed one coupon for this item for each transaction. This is to try to limit how many you purchase in a transaction. So, just make a few transactions whether in one trip or multiple trips to get around this.
Do Not Double
Language on a coupon that does not allow doubling. However, if the coupon starts with a 5 will double regardless (if the store allows doubles). If the coupon starts with a 9, it will not double.
The 15 Days of Couponing will guide you through the art of couponing. It is a skill that you can learn and maximize to the full potential to help your family and help others. So if you are interested in cutting your grocery budget in half or more, read yesterday’s edition and stay tuned for tommorrow’s edition where I will tell you how to maximize your coupons by using them at the right time!
How about Limit one coupon per purchase per visit
On the double info where is the “5” ?? I’m new to this coupon craze :)
I’m new at this coupon craze! Where is the number 5 on the coupons? Sorry asking for the Coupon Cannot Be doubled?
My question I am new anda little confused, how does this work, so that I can save money as well. Houw does the coupons work?
what about in fine print it also says “limit of 4 like coupons in same shopping trip”? thank you!
Quick question for you, since I am new to this and have never used a coupon ever!! I noticed that some coupons state “one per item per customer”. Does this mean the customer can only use one coupon for the entire transaction? I understand that one per item means if I buy 10 of something and have 10 coupons then I can use all of them, but the “per customer” lingo confuses me.
Thanks!!!
Kim
Absolutely love your site! Thank you so much for all you do.
Any idea what ‘one offer per coupon’ means?
H1N1?
What does OYNSO mean?
ONYO = on your next order
ONYSO might be some variation of that?
I would love to know what info you have on using a coupon for a different “kind” than stated, ie you have a Kellogg’s coupon that says frosted mini wheats, but you want to use it for raisin bran, same size, same brand kelloggs, just different kind. I know some people do this and some don’t, but what I would like to know is, what is good coupon etiquette, what is the accepted practice? I have not seen anyone address this. Thanks so much!
Gwen,
My experience has been that, unless the cashier makes a mistake and accepts the coupon, you have to buy the particular product to use the coupon. Keep in mind that companies use coupons to promote certain products. I would say its bad etiquette not “play by the rules.”
The store manager of my Walgreens treated me like a criminal yesterday for using more than one Crest coupon in a transaction, because it said “one coupon per purchase.” He insisted my transaction was my purchase. They are HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE at all three of my local Walgreens!
You have the most amazing site! Thank you so much for your time and effort–it is truly priceless. I just wanted to point out a little mistake…here you said,
“So if you had 10 coupons and 10 coupons, this is allowed.”
I think you meant to say 10 coupons and 10 items.
Thanks for this site! I am learning so much.
Whitney
thanks for the doubling info- I never knew about the “5” vs the “9”
I love this coupon series- reading the fine print is soooo important! Fine print on store coupons can be quite confusing sometimes- such as, you must spend over the amount of the coupon to use it!
Rachels last blog post..Friday Fun: The Great Outdoors
Hello, You have won a Kreativ Bloggers Award, please stop by http://couponmommyof2.blogspot.com/2009/03/kreativ-blogger-award.html to pick it up!!