Learn to Coupon!
Manufacturer Coupon
Coupon Doubling
Many stores will double the amount if under 50 cents. Check your store for their policy.
Expiration Dates
It's never a good idea to try to use a coupon past it's expiration date. Ask your store if they have a different policy.
Coupon Barcodes and Numbers
All manufacturer coupons start with a 5 or a 9. Not a 5 or 9? You've got a store coupon.
Where to find these coupons
Newspaper InsertsFound in the Sunday newspaper. There are three different inserts: SmartSource, RedPlum, & Proctor & Gamble inserts 2010 Insert Schedule |
In Store DispensersPlease only take two! (Also called "blinkies," which is just silly.) |
Attached to Products You Purchase(sometimes called "peelies" - but never here...) Take only if you purchase the product! |
Direct Mailings and Email from ManufacturersA great way to get brand specific coupons. Sign up on websites, or by calling brands you like. Learn More. |
Print Coupons Online |
All You MagazineMost issues have $70-90 worth of manufacturer coupons. Purchase locally at Walmart or subscribe. |
Store Coupon
Mail-in Reimbursement?
Rarely will these have an address for mail-in reimbursement.
Bar Codes and Numbers
If it has a barcode, it will start with letters or numbers other than 5 or 9. Barcodes will only scan in the store they were issued.
Where to find these coupons
In Store BookletsFlyers or booklets on displays throughout the store or at customer service. |
At Checkout or Coupon Printers in StoresPrinted at the register after checking out. These are called "Catalina" coupons. Or look for coupon centers in stores, scan your shoppers card and it prints coupons for that day. |
Sent to Your HouseMake sure your store has your address correct, they will send booklets and specials sales. Some even send coupons geared towards your shopping habits. |
Mobile or Electronic CouponsCoupons loaded onto your smart-phone, or directly on your shoppers card. Primarily in Target and Kroger. |
Learn More
Finding Coupons
Using Coupons EffectivelyCoupon Language and Lingo
We try to keep lingo to the minimum around here, but here is the list of acronyms and terms in case you run across something you don't understand:
Types of Coupons
| B1G1, BOGO, B1G1F | Buy 1, Get One Free | PG, P&G | Proctor & Gamble Sunday Insert Coupons |
| $/$$ | Dollars off when you buy XX dollars | RP | Red Plum Sunday insert coupons |
| .50/1 | Fifty cents off one items | SS | Smartsource Sunday insert coupons |
| .50/3 | Fifty cents off 3 items | Peelie | Coupon that you peel off the package |
| Catalina | Coupon dispensed at the register at the time of purchase (on separate paper) | Blinkie | Coupon dispensed near product, in the store (usually from a “blinking” red box) |
| Tearpad | Pad of refund forms or coupons found hanging from a store shelf or display | eCoupon | Found on the Internet but different because it is uploaded to a card |
| IP | Internet Printable | FAR | Free After Rebate |
| MFR or MQ | Manufacturer or Manufacturer Coupon | MIR | Mail in Rebate |
Store Specific Coupons
| FLIP | Food Lion Internet Printable | ECB | Extra Care Buck (CVS) |
| IVC | Instant Value Coupon (Walgreens store coupon, found in Walgreens Easy Saver Catalog and on in store tearpads) | RR | Register Rewards (these are Catalinas that print out at Walgreens) |
| BR | Balance Rewards (point system at Walgreens) | PP | Plenti Points (reward at Rite Aid) |
Common Phrases
| DND5 | Coupon states Do Not Double, but the bar code starts with a 5, meaning most computers will automatically double it | YMMV | Your Milage May Vary (you may find the item priced differently or it may not work for you the same) |
| OOP | Out of Pocket | NED | No Expiration Date |
| Regional | Coupon value only distributed at a certain time | UPC | Universal Product Code a bar code on the product |
| WYB | When you buy | WSL | While supplies last |
| SASE | Self Addressed Stamped Envelope | CRT | Cash Register Tape (coupon that prints on receipt) |
| BTFE | Box Tops for Education | WWJD | What Would Jenny Do (just kidding) |
