New couponers-- what are your questions?

[noyoupayme...]

I want to write a series in my blog for new couponers and I'd love to know what is most confusing to you and what questions you have! Any tips on how you figured it all out would be great too!

Thank you!

[treesyjo]

Love this topic! I'm still confused on the specifics of stacking coupons and store deals. For example, how does doubling work on a BOGO coupon? And do you have to use a coupon for each item?

I love seeing all the different examples of how people organize their coupons but also knowing how their system works would be helpful too.

[photog1109]

How does doubling work?

[camille147]

I hope this hasn't been covered yet.. I've been searching all morning and can't find the answer.. so I'll post it here.. If I have a B1G1 coupon, can I use 2 MQ as well?

[tmsmalley]

There's a whole thread here on the details of BOGO coupons. Have a look there for the answers to the BOGO type questions.

Doubling is something that some stores in some areas offer. This is a very regional thing and may not be offered in your area. Look up the store you usually shop at under the Grocery Forum and you should see all the information you need to know on whether or not they double and how it works at their store.

Tess

[noyoupayme...]

Thanks for the ideas! For the BOGO thing it really depends on your cashier. You can use a BOGO coupon on a BOGO deal to get both items free but some cashiers will give you a hard time. You can also use (1) MQ and a BOGO coupon for 2 items. If there is a store BOGO sale you can do the same and sometimes use (2) MQ-so a coupon for the free item and a coupon for the one you buy. I don't really feel good about using a coupon on an item I am already getting free so I usually don't suggest that in my posts. I know lots of other bloggers that do suggest that so I guess its up to what you are comfortable with.

[drusilla]

I would love to know how to go about finding out the stores coupon policy.

also

when a sale paper comes out i need to know how to find the coupon for what is on sale at the moment.

being new to the coupon world i just don't have much to start with.

[wildhorses302]

:confused58:How do you guys get so many inserts. Do you have to buy that many papers. Im sure they dont deliever that many papers to your house. I have called my news paper company and they told me that they never have extras as they only print the number of orders they have. I ask at the gas station but they never have any. Im thinking if I want to save big, I will have to have a lot of inserts. Man this is so confusing. Im saving just not as much as I wish I was.

[tmsmalley]

:confused58:How do you guys get so many inserts. Do you have to buy that many papers. Im sure they dont deliever that many papers to your house. I have called my news paper company and they told me that they never have extras as they only print the number of orders they have. I ask at the gas station but they never have any. Im thinking if I want to save big, I will have to have a lot of inserts. Man this is so confusing. Im saving just not as much as I wish I was.

I buy 4 papers a week. Some people get multiple copies delievered (some newspapers do a Sunday only delivery). Some people get them from friends, relatives and neighbors that don't want their coupons and others find them in recycle bins. You can also trade for coupons that you want, or you may be able to purchase full inserts as well (you don't pay for the coupon itself, you pay for someone's time to assemble it). To start, 3 or 4 copies of the paper is good. As you figure out what you need and how things work, you may want to expand later.

Tess

[russsoul]

I am a pretty new couponer. This site has really been helping. I saved 98% today at CVS and purchased a whole bunch of stuff for .24.

I am trying to get organized. I plan to buy my binder and materials next week. But, I want to do an Excel spreadsheet so I can list all my coupons as I get them. I am trying to think of categories: title, amount, expiration...Does anyone have an example. Thanks.

[Misscourtj]

How do couponers with young children go about their shopping? I have a 2 1/2 year old and a 3 month old and I end up getting so flustered trying to keep them both calm while I'm trying to find my items, then inevitably the items aren't in stock or I left a coupon in the car. . .what is the least stressful way to go about doing the deals?

[nursebrittney]

Im interested in learning how to get the home mailers and the coupon books people are talking ahout all the time.
I've gotten a few random coupons in the mail, but i don't remember signing up for them. How can I get more?
And do they sell coupon books at stores? I'm so confused when people talk about these books.

[KrispyKrittersUSA]

How do couponers with young children go about their shopping? I have a 2 1/2 year old and a 3 month old and I end up getting so flustered trying to keep them both calm while I'm trying to find my items, then inevitably the items aren't in stock or I left a coupon in the car. . .what is the least stressful way to go about doing the deals?

I'd love to know how you guys with kids do it too! You guys are superhuman! I don't have kids, and I can't seem to get my act together either! THe only time I can really do a good shopping, is when I am not distracted, in the early or late hours of the stores. When the store is mostly empty, I can focus, and do a better job.

[jenandjb]

Look at the "How do you organize your coupons." There are only pics, but ut helped me.

[borntoshop]

My savings increase without my kiddos. I do my best shopping after they go to bed. I don't get as distracted and can focus on the deals. If I do bring my kids, each one is in charge of something. One is in charge of holding the matched coupons and the other one is checking things off the checklist. Even if you break down your checklist to a few things, they are much more willing to cooperate when they have something to do.

[lindarella]

On some other web sites that match up sales and coupons for you and send an email, lots of time they havecoupons listed from "Family is its own reward" and other things I;ve never heard of and they seem to be from Publix but they are using them at BiLo and other stores. We don't have a Publix in Western NC, and I was wondering how I could get those coupons?

[ninasmum]

Hi, I have a newbie question.

How can you use multiple coupons for the same item at one store? I feel like many of the coupons I see say one per customer or something like that? If there is a thread that discusses this, sorry, I didn't come across it yet. I've spent about an hour reading the how to store/organize and watching the you tube videos. It's all been very helpful!

I also don't know what coupon books are.

Also, Lineralla, what are some of these websites that match coupons and sales? I find I have a hard time reading the circulars every week and making notes of what we need. I'm new to cooking, and I'm also gluten-free, so a lot of the sales don't really help me too much, so I get lazy about looking.

Thanks in advance!

[tmsmalley]

bump

[kensher]

I have a lot of clipped coupons that I hate just to throw away. I've tried post to trade or give away for something I need. Any suggestions???

:bump93:

[Godschild09]

Hey ya'll. I'm a newbie. Just got here today and just recently started considering serious couponing.
My first question is: Why do the cashiers act like they don't want to take coupons or they try to invalidate some of them or they look at you like you're trying to steal something if you use a coupon, (or I should say 'some or several coupons')? I think it's weird, like you're ripping off the store or them personally.
Question two: Has anybody ever contacted any stores and asked them this question and what was their response?

ETA - Okay, went and looked at some threads so no need for an answer to these questions. Seems even some of you veterans have problems too. Oh well, a conundrum I guess.

[Godschild09]

What's a blinkie?
WYB?
YMMV?
Is there a thread where all of these are listed?

[Godschild09]

One more (for now): If a coupon specifically says 'do not double or triple' and yet the bar code is (little)5 44500 52033 (little)5, do you try it anyway?
I saw on one thread that it means something if a bar code begins with a 5 or a 9. I'm assuming that is referring to the little number at the very beginning? It was a little confusing.
Sorry if my questions are dumb ones.

[AmyinDM]

What's a blinkie?
WYB?
YMMV?
Is there a thread where all of these are listed?

A blinkie is a term for a coupon that comes out of one of those little machines at the grocery store right beside the product in the aisles.

WYB = When You Buy.

YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary. Roughly means things might be different depending on your store (I think that's what it means!) I know there's a list somewhere in the newbie area with abbreviations. Hope those help!

[AmyinDM]

One more (for now): If a coupon specifically says 'do not double or triple' and yet the bar code is (little)5 44500 52033 (little)5, do you try it anyway?
I saw on one thread that it means something if a bar code begins with a 5 or a 9. I'm assuming that is referring to the little number at the very beginning? It was a little confusing.
Sorry if my questions are dumb ones.

I'd guess that checkers at stores that double and triple look at the codes pretty carefully. Someone else will hopefully understand this - our stores here don't double. :( IMO though it's not worth it to try to get around those rules for a few items here and there- you'll build a good rapport with the grocery store people you see regularly if you stick to the rules and don't make the machine beep a million times. BTW the machine may still beep a million times at some stores. Hehe! :)

[momto8kiddos]

One more (for now): If a coupon specifically says 'do not double or triple' and yet the bar code is (little)5 44500 52033 (little)5, do you try it anyway?
I saw on one thread that it means something if a bar code begins with a 5 or a 9. I'm assuming that is referring to the little number at the very beginning? It was a little confusing.
Sorry if my questions are dumb ones.

Your questions are most definitely NOT dumb. It's a lot to learn in the beginning.

Yes, if a coupon specifically says "Do Not Double" yet the bar code starts with a 5 the cash register will automatically double/triple it (assuming the store is doubling or tripling) if the cashier doesn't set it aside. If it starts with a 9 the cash register will not double/triple it.

[timrich]

In the publix adds under the bogo items ther are usually Q in red and some that say print.Where do I find the ones in red that are not printable?
:thanks7:

[timrich]

When I go to the Publix Adds on this site under the bogo items Are Q in red and some that say print highlighted in blue.Where do I find the ones in red?:thanks7:

[tmsmalley]

When I go to the Publix Adds on this site under the bogo items Are Q in red and some that say print highlighted in blue.Where do I find the ones in red?:thanks7:
Here's how this works. When the weekly ads come out under each store, most times someone goes through and matches up those sales to existing coupons. There are codes in the match up that tell you where to find each coupon. For example, from the Publix thread: (my answers in purple)

BOGOs:
Cheez-It Baked Snack Crackers or Party Mix, Assorted Varieties, 11.5 to 14-oz box, BOGO $3.29
-$1.50/2 from 10-04-09 RP (exp 11/30) This means that there is a $1.50 off every 2 boxes in the Red Plum Sunday paper insert that was issued on 10/4/09. The coupon expires on 11/30. If you look at the Sunday inserts, you'll see that there is a 'Red Plum' brand and a 'Smart Source' one. Once a month there is a PG (Proctor & Gamble).
-$2.50 off Sunshine Cheez-It Baked Snack Crackers AND (2) Kellogg's Crispix cereal Tearpad This means that there is a coupon for $2.50 off when you buy a box of Cheez-its AND a box of Crispix at the same time. The coupon is a "tearpad" which is a pad of coupons that would have been available in stores at some point. Not all stores put tearpads out or they may only have gone out in certain areas. Usually, tear pads are attached to the shelf right near the product, but sometimes they're on a special display at the end of an aisle or the store may put all of them on their community bulletin board or something. Sometimes they'll even have some at customer service. Tear pads do tend to go quickly when they're available.

-$1/2 Winetag Winetags hang around the necks of bottles, usually wine bottles. This is another regional thing, your area may or may not have winetags. Winetags may require the purchase of wine (or whatever they're attached to) or may not. They may also only be valid in certain states.

Birds Eye Voila! Meal, Assorted Varieties, 21 to 23-oz bag, BOGO $4.99 Up Rebate HEREhttp://www.birdseyevoiladvd.com/
-$1/2 PRINT (http://www.birdseyevoiladvd.com/) This means you can print an IP (Internet Printable) by following the link.
-$1/2 from 11-08-09 SS This is in the 11/8/09 edition of the Smart Source insert.
-$1/1 Kroger My Magazine, October 2009 This is some sort of magazine/flyer, local insert or brochure that Kroger puts out (I don't have a Kroger so can't tell you exactly, but it would be something store specific)
-$1/2 Publix Fresh, Flavorful And Frozen & More (exp 11/30) Same as the Kroger above. Something specific to Publix, a magazine, booklet, flyer, brochure or local insert sort of thing.

Other common ones are "peelies" (this is a coupon stuck on the packaging that you peel off and use) or "blinkie" (one of those blinking coupon machines in the store near the product). Sometimes you even find coupons inside packages or on the inside of the boxes. There will be something in the match up that gives you a clue where to look.

If you don't have a coupon that is referenced and want to get one, you can become a trader, then use the coupon data base to see who has some and might be willing to trade.


Hope this helps!
Tess

[Alleynn]

I have been couponing for about 17 or so years. I thought I knew everything about couponing.(I WAS SO WRONG) I'm new here and have learned a great deal about coupons. I have learned to watch my local ads closely. My local Marsh had a 3x triple coupon day and I didnt even see it. wow made me feel stupid. I missed out :(

There is a page in here with all manufacture contact list. I contacted about 80 companies saturday and sunday. About 50 of them replied back and said they would love to send coupons out to me. would take 7-10 days..woohoo. only two said no sorry..Pepsi and hersheys..One company replied and said if i ever need coupons let them know and they would send some, so i replied back to them..lol

Years ago my stores quite taking printables and I started wondering if they ever started taking them again. So I called them and to my surprise they told me yes we sure do take them again. I made her tell me three times ..lol so I spent yesterday printing coupons..wow I got so many coupons. I will try and use them this week end. :)

Only if I could find coupons for gas and electric, water and gas. I would be happy.

Thank you for all of this information, this site is awesome.

[purpleshoes]

I am amazed and want to do what I've heard others do in the magic of using coupons.
How in the world do they walk out only paying cents for like one hundred dollar shopping ventures?
How does it work, how do you do it?
We have a Walgreens and a Super Center (wal-mart) and that is it. So how do I save big at either of these stores?
Yep I'm clueless, a novice hungry to learn!
If anyone can help me, I would surely appreciate it!!!!!!!!

[kcuts]

I am amazed and want to do what I've heard others do in the magic of using coupons.
How in the world do they walk out only paying cents for like one hundred dollar shopping ventures?
How does it work, how do you do it?
We have a Walgreens and a Super Center (wal-mart) and that is it. So how do I save big at either of these stores?
Yep I'm clueless, a novice hungry to learn!
If anyone can help me, I would surely appreciate it!!!!!!!!

Your best bet is to start reading the forums for those particular stores where you shop. Everyone posts what good deals they see and they do it by weekly ads (other than Walmart) so you can copy what others are doing it is a great way to learn. I live at Walgreens most weeks and I hardly spend over 2 or 3 dollars per trip and many weeks they pay me to shop there, and I get tons of stuff. You got to match those q's up and roll those RR's when you can to make the good deals. This weeks Olay deal at Wags cost (not including sales tax) about 4.00 and I got 2 Olay Body wash, 2 Large Quench lotion and 2 Olay in Shower Lotion and 1 bottle of Pantene , 3 Glade oil candle refills and I got RR back for the Glade.
With a Wags in town you should never pay for toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, many cosmetics, dental floss or picks, mouthwash, hair brushes, deodorant just to name a few. It will cost you sales tax though.

Good Luck and start reading..

[tmsmalley]

I am amazed and want to do what I've heard others do in the magic of using coupons.
How in the world do they walk out only paying cents for like one hundred dollar shopping ventures?
How does it work, how do you do it?
We have a Walgreens and a Super Center (wal-mart) and that is it. So how do I save big at either of these stores?
Yep I'm clueless, a novice hungry to learn!
If anyone can help me, I would surely appreciate it!!!!!!!!

You can't walk out the door paying cents for hundreds when you first start. You also probably can't walk out the door paying cents unless you're only buying the super thing that's on sale. Remember too that some people have doubles or even triples in their area that you may not so don’t compare yourself to them. They may have very different stores too. You can however, save a LOT of money pretty early on and continue to do so if you follow the magic formula of coupon + sale + stockpile. So, if you have coupons for corn and it is on sale and you buy 6 months worth at once, you won't have to buy corn again until it goes on another super sale with coupons.

Here's an example from a shopping trip I did back in September. I had been out of town so only had 1 week of coupons to work with. Also, I live with Mr. Fussy and the Fussettes so they only eat certain things, certain brands, etc. Sigh. However, that’s another post J

5pk Mac & Cheese $5.79 Sale 4.99
Lays chips $3.99 Final $1.71
Quaker Granola bars $2.99 Final .99
Poptarts $2.75 Final $.99
Mayonaise $3.89 final $2.99
Chef Boyardee Spaghetti $1.79 final $.61
Angel hair pasta $1.50 final $.69
Capri Sun $2.50 final $0
Sobe Life Water $1.59 final $0
Kraft singles 16oz. $4.99 final $1.50
Cream cheese $1.99 final $.99
1 lb butter $3.49 final $1.49
Hormel Pork Loin $10.99 final $4.99
Oscar Meyer Hotdogs $3.79 final $.99
Skippy Peanut Butter $3.19 final $1.49
18 ct eggs $2.39 final $1.49
Breyers Ice Cream $6.49 final $1.99
4 lbs red seedless grapes $8.99 final $3.

Final price was after sales, manf coupons and store coupons. I got multiples of everything that made sense (you can only use so many eggs and so many pounds of grapes at one time) to the limit of how many coupons I had. I didn't have to desperately get things like shampoo because I've stocked up on those when they were a good deal. I never have to buy hotdogs at the full price of $3.79 because I’ve always got some in my freezer that were .99-$1.50 (for example).

Hope this helps!
Tess

[mvi]

I have a question about a particular coupon I found in the Coupon Database. If this is not the right place to ask, please forgive me and kindly point me to the appropriate thread.

This is supposed to be a printable coupon:


Neutrogena Face Cosmetics, any (says "Limit one coupon per customer") - Redplum (http://coupons.redplum.com/hotcouponworld/)
$2.00/1
Rolling
Printable

Health & Beauty
11/06/2009 14:49:12


but when I click on the link, I cannot find this particular coupon in the list. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[pinkmorrison]

I'm wondering if there are rules of coupon etiquette that I'm not aware of. From reading here, I've picked up that shelf clearing is seriously frowned upon, and ditto for taking a whole tearpad of coupons. What else?

Specific question about peelies -- I've always thought that the peelie was supposed to be used on that specific box, bottle, whatever of the product. I do remember some hot sauce a few months ago having a coupon that was off 2 bottles, so obviously only needed one of the peelies right then and I used the other one later. But with a coupon that is for 1, I would think it would be considered rude to take extra peelies from products I'm not purchasing -- correct?

Thanks!
Tami

[tmsmalley]

I have a question about a particular coupon I found in the Coupon Database. If this is not the right place to ask, please forgive me and kindly point me to the appropriate thread.

This is supposed to be a printable coupon:



but when I click on the link, I cannot find this particular coupon in the list. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.


It probably expired since this has a date of 11/6 on it. Coupons.com and many others reset on the first of the month. Ones that don't actually 'reset' may only be available a few weeks or 30 days or what have you.

[tmsmalley]

I'm wondering if there are rules of coupon etiquette that I'm not aware of. From reading here, I've picked up that shelf clearing is seriously frowned upon, and ditto for taking a whole tearpad of coupons. What else?

Specific question about peelies -- I've always thought that the peelie was supposed to be used on that specific box, bottle, whatever of the product. I do remember some hot sauce a few months ago having a coupon that was off 2 bottles, so obviously only needed one of the peelies right then and I used the other one later. But with a coupon that is for 1, I would think it would be considered rude to take extra peelies from products I'm not purchasing -- correct?

Thanks!
Tami

Tearpads, shelf clearing and peelies are all hot topics with strong feelings on both sides. I will say that you will find some peelies that specifically say that they are only to be used on THIS box of whatever or only removed by the cashier when you buy THIS box.

Tess

[anitashammer]

How do I know which coupons can only be used at a particular store and which ones can be used elsewhere even though they have a store logo on them?

[daisydog215]

How do I know which coupons can only be used at a particular store and which ones can be used elsewhere even though they have a store logo on them?

Coupons that are good only at a particular store will usually say "store coupon" or "xxx coupon". For instance, Target coupons say "target coupon".

Coupons that can be used anywhere say "manufacturer's coupon".

There is a third group and YMMV - coupons with a store logo or "redeemable at xxx". You can try these at any store, but your luck will depend on your cashier.

[drcarrohio]

Please explain how you can use multiple coupons for the same item. I see this mentioned, but can't find an explanation. Thanks

[Shadowchasy]

Please explain how you can use multiple coupons for the same item. I see this mentioned, but can't find an explanation. Thanks

You can use a Manufacturer coupon and in-store coupon on the same item.

[Kulis]

How do couponers with young children go about their shopping? I have a 2 1/2 year old and a 3 month old and I end up getting so flustered trying to keep them both calm while I'm trying to find my items, then inevitably the items aren't in stock or I left a coupon in the car. . .what is the least stressful way to go about doing the deals?

I have a 4yo and have been coupon shopping since he was about 2. It is definitely easier if I can go shopping alone. When I must take him with me, I have to prepare a list and pull my coupons in advance. I have a lollipop or two in my purse for emergencies. We visit only the aisles needed to satisfy the list.
After I think I have everything in the cart, we head to the bakery section where kids can get a free cookie. He munches the cookie while I make sure my coupons are in order to hand to the cashier. If I need a little more time, we go visit the lobster tank before we get the cookie.

[Kana16]

Some of the manufacture coupons say one coupon per item purchased... does this mean I can't stack with a store coupon?

I just got a few copies of the Dollar General coupons, and they say "Limit one offer per customer, per day," What does this mean? Can I only buy one item of a certain brand (no duplicates)?

I cut out two BOGO coupons for BIC disposable razors. "Coupon may not be combined with any other offer." - That means I can't use it with BOGO sales at drugstores like CVS, doesn't it? :(

Sorry for the n00b questions... I've read so many threads on here my eyes are about to fall out. I'm just starting out and I haven't even made an official "couponing trip" yet so I'd like to know about this before I get in over my head :whistle67:

[tmsmalley]

Some of the manufacture coupons say one coupon per item purchased... does this mean I can't stack with a store coupon?

I just got a few copies of the Dollar General coupons, and they say "Limit one offer per customer, per day," What does this mean? Can I only buy one item of a certain brand (no duplicates)?

I cut out two BOGO coupons for BIC disposable razors. "Coupon may not be combined with any other offer." - That means I can't use it with BOGO sales at drugstores like CVS, doesn't it? :(

Sorry for the n00b questions... I've read so many threads on here my eyes are about to fall out. I'm just starting out and I haven't even made an official "couponing trip" yet so I'd like to know about this before I get in over my head :whistle67:

When a manf coupon says one coupon per item purchased, they mean that you use one coupon on this can of corn and one coupon for the next can of corn. They don't care if you stack a store coupon on it too because they don't pay the store for store coupons (the store takes those out of their sale budget). So, if there's a store coupon too, then you'd use a store coupon and a manf coupon for each can of corn (oftentimes the store coupons apply to any cans of corn you purchase that day and you don't need one for each can).

Usually, if there are limits on quantity, these are on the store coupons. For example, I had one today that said "limit 4". That means you can only get 4 of that thing in one trip. Some stores don't mind if you ring up separately 5 orders back to back, others do so you'll have to see how things like that go if you really want to do it. At some stores you'll have to go to different stores or come back different days.

If it says "limit one per customer per day" then I take that to mean what it says. You can get the eggs for .99 on Saturday and then you can't get another unless you come back on Sunday with another coupon. Since these things usually work in conjunction with a store club card, I assume that they can track/prevent it if you've done this 5 times today. Maybe not, but that's how I approach it. That's certainly how they mean it.

As to the BOGO thing, that's hard to say. There's a big long BOGO thread here and there are as many combinations as couponers! You could certainly try using it with a BOGO sale and see what happens. It may depend on the specific chain and even the particular store manager as to how it applies.

Hope this helps some!
Tess

[Kana16]

thank you! :thanks7:

[Kana16]

question about rebates and RRs... how long do the check rebates take to get back? And for the rebates at CVS like the ECB (these go on a reloadable GC right?), are they put on their automatically as soon as you fill the form online?

[Shadowchasy]

question about rebates and RRs... how long do the check rebates take to get back? And for the rebates at CVS like the ECB (these go on a reloadable GC right?), are they put on their automatically as soon as you fill the form online?

Check rebates that you get in the mail usually take any where from 4 to 8 weeks. It should tell you on the form you send in how long to allow.

As far as I know CVS does not have reloadable GC for rebates. Walgreen's used to have the reloadable GC for the rebates, and yes those were loaded as soon as they were processed, usually a couple of weeks, sometimes sooner.

[Kana16]

oh, I guess I got them mixed up. Dang that's a long time for Check rebates... kinda makes me not want to go that route, lol.

Is it OK to go through recycling bins at the PO? I've seen posts saying it was illegal because it's PO property, but I just saw another one saying "check your local PO recycling bins!" ?

[Shadowchasy]

oh, I guess I got them mixed up. Dang that's a long time for Check rebates... kinda makes me not want to go that route, lol.

Is it OK to go through recycling bins at the PO? I've seen posts saying it was illegal because it's PO property, but I just saw another one saying "check your local PO recycling bins!" ?


I too have heard that it is a Fedral Offense to go through the PO bins. I would suggest that you ask at your local PO to be sure.

[McQueenMommy]

I went to my first coupon class in November and have been doing pretty good with saving money. Last night I hit the Lowe's Food triples. I was in the isle with the McCormick's seasonings. I was searching for the .75 cent off Perfect Pinch seasonings. A Lady (who knew what she was looking for) commented that you could use that coupon on ANY McCormick seasonings. She said it went by the UPC code. She said that if the first 5 (big) numbers of the UPC code were the same it would take it. Is this true???? I tried it last nite but I had soooo many .75 cents coupons it didn't triple on two (but I think that was possibly the Del Monte Mixed Fruit due to the 9 at the beginning). If this is true...it will greatly change the way I shop. Thanks

[gctattoo]

I went to my first coupon class in November and have been doing pretty good with saving money. Last night I hit the Lowe's Food triples. I was in the isle with the McCormick's seasonings. I was searching for the .75 cent off Perfect Pinch seasonings. A Lady (who knew what she was looking for) commented that you could use that coupon on ANY McCormick seasonings. She said it went by the UPC code. She said that if the first 5 (big) numbers of the UPC code were the same it would take it. Is this true???? I tried it last nite but I had soooo many .75 cents coupons it didn't triple on two (but I think that was possibly the Del Monte Mixed Fruit due to the 9 at the beginning). If this is true...it will greatly change the way I shop. Thanks

That's coupon fraud. You have to use the coupon for exactly what the coupon says. If it's for Perfect Pinch seasonings, you must get one of those. Just because it may work on other varieties, that doesn't make it right.

[McQueenMommy]

Thanks for letting me know about coupon fraud...It just didn't seem right to me anyway. My family has tried a bunch of new products just by matching coupons with sales for great deals for things we have never tried....we now look for coupons on the newest things we like.....and if its free and/or we don't like it...into the donation bin it goes. Thanks again

[couponlady02]

thanks

[n2save]

My question to the more expr. coupon shoppers :

Do you ever feel uncomfr. using coupons ? Why do i ask this.
Well at first i felt really great saving this much money and i have specific stores i always go to. And first coupple times the cashiers /empl. liked seeing me saving money- but now i feel like " targeted " and watched and for some reason i feel like the cashiers ( not all of them /but a few ) are trying to find even the smallest mistake or " possible mistake " to pin point on it.. And i have to expl. every coupon multiple times to expl . that " yes i can have 20 coupons in one transaction on " mccormick spices- if i buy 20 spices - each coupon per item " .. and yes.. " that is the right size " and yes.. that is.. I feel like i have to explain myself to certain people.

Last night i was so ticked of buy a cashier at Safeway- i still think about callin the corporate office and complain about this.

I hand her few of my coupons - on top of the stack were two printed ones.
Her first response was " I can't take photocopies " !!!
I was like - excuse me ? This is not a photocopy - if it was i would be commiting fraud- and i don't think " 1$ " is really worth it. She still was telling me bla bla photocopy- i felt really uncomfrtb. and attacked/ accused of fraud - i asked her to please void the whole transaction- i was so hurt and ticked of at the same time i walke out shaking - and she didn't even appologize after i expl. to her that " the coupons were legal - print ous .. no appology - nothing..

Lately i have been saving a ton of money.. sometimes i end up saving 93%which really is huge- i don't know how anyone else is doing but now i'm mostly s hopping for stuff on sale/clearence and good coupons. I feel good about it , but now almost not comfr. going to stores since the employees somehow no longer " like me ? "
Yes my transactions are now taking longer bc of the coupons esp. th onese where they have to manually enter the price for " BOGO kind etc.. but am i doing something wrong ? I mean - ... ugh.. i'm sorry i had to vent- and i'm almost crying b/c of the incident at safeway- i left there and told her i would not come back- ..
It is a big deal to me - accusing me of fraud !?! Am i overreacting ?
Any exprc with this ?

[sciteacher]

I have a question about the site...when I use the coupon database and click the incoming trade tab for matches, when I initiate a trade, is an email sent?

Thanks

[Shadowchasy]

My question to the more expr. coupon shoppers :

Do you ever feel uncomfr. using coupons ? Why do i ask this.
Well at first i felt really great saving this much money and i have specific stores i always go to. And first coupple times the cashiers /empl. liked seeing me saving money- but now i feel like " targeted " and watched and for some reason i feel like the cashiers ( not all of them /but a few ) are trying to find even the smallest mistake or " possible mistake " to pin point on it.. And i have to expl. every coupon multiple times to expl . that " yes i can have 20 coupons in one transaction on " mccormick spices- if i buy 20 spices - each coupon per item " .. and yes.. " that is the right size " and yes.. that is.. I feel like i have to explain myself to certain people.

Do you ever feel uncomfr. using coupons ?Yes, I have felt the way you do, there is one store that I ty to advoid at all times if I must got there then I find a cashier I know will not fuss over coupons.

Last night i was so ticked of buy a cashier at Safeway- i still think about callin the corporate office and complain about this.

I hand her few of my coupons - on top of the stack were two printed ones.
Her first response was " I can't take photocopies " !!!
I was like - excuse me ? This is not a photocopy - if it was i would be commiting fraud- and i don't think " 1$ " is really worth it. She still was telling me bla bla photocopy- i felt really uncomfrtb. and attacked/ accused of fraud - i asked her to please void the whole transaction- i was so hurt and ticked of at the same time i walke out shaking - and she didn't even appologize after i expl. to her that " the coupons were legal - print ous .. no appology - nothing..

You need to check with the manager of the Safeway store and see what their policy is at your store concerning printables. Then if they take them, explain to him how you were treated.

Lately i have been saving a ton of money.. sometimes i end up saving 93%which really is huge- i don't know how anyone else is doing but now i'm mostly s hopping for stuff on sale/clearence and good coupons. I feel good about it , but now almost not comfr. going to stores since the employees somehow no longer " like me ? "
Yes my transactions are now taking longer bc of the coupons esp. th onese where they have to manually enter the price for " BOGO kind etc.. but am i doing something wrong ? I mean - ... ugh.. i'm sorry i had to vent- and i'm almost crying b/c of the incident at safeway- i left there and told her i would not come back- ..
It is a big deal to me - accusing me of fraud !?! Am i overreacting ?
Any exprc with this ?

Do not feel badly about saving money, you are doing a good thing for your family. Are you over reacting....I do not think so......I would suggest that you learn which cashier do not mind coupon users and try to make it apoint to check out with those. I do this at several stores I shop at, it is less of a hassle and I get through alot quicker since they don't mind the coupons.

[ScrpBkBon]

I have a question about a separating orders to grab a better deal. Can you give me an example on how to help me to learn this method of using coupons.
Thank you in advance

[ScrpBkBon]

I also have to ask are there any classes on how to learn these coupon?
Are there any recent books on this idea of saving money?
Maybe a saving coupons for Dummies like me?
Let me know is there is and I thank you already for keeping this thread.
:)

[Shadowchasy]

I also have to ask are there any classes on how to learn these coupon?
Are there any recent books on this idea of saving money?
Maybe a saving coupons for Dummies like me?
Let me know is there is and I thank you already for keeping this thread.
:)


There are some areas where you can find a coupon class. I teach one for people in my area. As far as a book I have not seen one.

Feel free to PM me with any questions you have.

[Shadowchasy]

I have a question about a separating orders to grab a better deal. Can you give me an example on how to help me to learn this method of using coupons.
Thank you in advance

not sure what stores you might be referring to. But as an instance, when there are Register Rewards at Walgreen's, its best to break up your transactions into several. Alot of members do this in order to use their RR's or to keep their OOP ( out of pocket) low.

[Kulis]

I also have to ask are there any classes on how to learn these coupon?
Are there any recent books on this idea of saving money?
Maybe a saving coupons for Dummies like me?
Let me know is there is and I thank you already for keeping this thread.
:)

If you find some "bargain blogs" you like, they often have a Coupon 101-type series. I find these helpful even if the bloggers aren't from my area. PM me and I'll send you some of my favorites.

[MaMaHaHa]

There is sooooo much good information on this site...one theme I see over and over is how so many couponers are treated badly and then end up feeling badly themselves.

I just want to say if you are handing over your coupons in good faith and in an ethical manner...don't feel bad! I love saving money and getting good deals-and yes-some of the clerks are not as sweet as they should be-I genuinely think they are surprised to see the number of coupons I shop with and the total go down, down, down. I remain polite and explain the coupon(s) if they have questions...and yes, the mngr frequently has to do an override-I wait patiently. I never want the clerk to get in trouble...so I "grin and bear" it---I like to think I'm helping the next coupon mom that comes along.

And sometimes it does almost feel like stealing when I doublecheck my receipt and have to go WHOO-HOO! Feeling bad-no way...well-I do feel bad for the folks behind me. That's why I go shopping at 6am...most of the time the store is empty.

Seriously, coupon-shopping for my Soldiers is frequently the highlight of my weekend-(yes, I'm old!) Have fun and smile...afterall, those folks aren't on your Christmas Card list anyway.

[SLJinAL]

I just want to say if you are handing over your coupons in good faith and in an ethical manner...don't feel bad!

I am still fairly new to couponing and have had lots of whoo hoo shopping trips where I have saved 75% or more. I have also had a few where after I got home I noticed that not all my coupons showed up on my receipt. How do you make sure you get credit on all the coupons? One time I asked did that go through and the cashier said yes, but after I looked I saw it didn't. The worst part is they kept the coupon! If I messed up and didn't get the right item I still want to keep the coupon so I can use it later. Any ideas?
Thanks!

[sciteacher]

Can you explain "layering" coupons for me?

sciteacher

[sciteacher]

I have a lot of clipped coupons that I hate just to throw away. I've tried post to trade or give away for something I need. Any suggestions???

:bump93:

Do you have a wish/have list? If so, update it and post it to the appropriate forum and people will be able to initiate trades with you.

Sciteacher

[sciteacher]

I am still fairly new to couponing and have had lots of whoo hoo shopping trips where I have saved 75% or more. I have also had a few where after I got home I noticed that not all my coupons showed up on my receipt. How do you make sure you get credit on all the coupons? One time I asked did that go through and the cashier said yes, but after I looked I saw it didn't. The worst part is they kept the coupon! If I messed up and didn't get the right item I still want to keep the coupon so I can use it later. Any ideas?
Thanks!


Don't beat yourself up about this...I think it happens to all of us. This is a process that takes time to learn and the longer you do it, the more savvy you will become. I like to hand coupons over as the product is being scanned. I also like to wait until the end of the transaction and watch the total fall like a lead ball. It took a while to get to this point, however!:smile:

[Shadowchasy]

I am still fairly new to couponing and have had lots of whoo hoo shopping trips where I have saved 75% or more. I have also had a few where after I got home I noticed that not all my coupons showed up on my receipt. How do you make sure you get credit on all the coupons? One time I asked did that go through and the cashier said yes, but after I looked I saw it didn't. The worst part is they kept the coupon! If I messed up and didn't get the right item I still want to keep the coupon so I can use it later. Any ideas?
Thanks!

This is what I do.... I pull all my coupons that I plan on using for that store, put them in an envelope, as I pick up the item I pull it and put in in the front of my basket. Then when I get to the check outs I count my coupons, hand them over at the end and count them as they scan them, and I watch the screen to make sure it takes it off, if I have doubts I stop the cashier and have them check it out. I make sure my count and the count on the screen is the same if it isn't I tell them to recount them and to see which one didnt go through.

[ScrpBkBon]

My question is where can I find solid information on how to really begin and become successful at couponing. Are there books to help. I need a coupon book for dummys
I need a class or I need to meet and go shopping with folks to see how it is all done.
What about even a town meeting so some interested coupon people can meet and exchange ideas,,,That's all I have to ask for ,,,not much is it ?LOL

[Shadowchasy]

My question is where can I find solid information on how to really begin and become successful at couponing. Are there books to help. I need a coupon book for dummys
I need a class or I need to meet and go shopping with folks to see how it is all done.
What about even a town meeting so some interested coupon people can meet and exchange ideas,,,That's all I have to ask for ,,,not much is it ?LOL


I don't know of any books, but there is lots of good info right here on this site. Start with the "Getting started forum", there are lots of good threads there.
Depending on where you live, you might find coupon classes being taught and find a buddy. I teach classes but I am in South Tx. Feel free to PM with questions or concerns you have. Good luck to you and you will catch on, just start slow with one store at a time

[onerex1]

Hi,
Is there a place that anyone knows of that has a list current rebates? I know there is a forum for NBPR but I am also interested in other products such rebates for Ziploc bags etc.

Thanks for your assistance :)

[Pennstater]

onerex1 (http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/members/onerex1-181230.html),

What you can do it go to the database and click on the source tab, then click on "mail in rebate" and all the ones in the database will pop up.

[pinkyangel]

I have been couponing for about 17 or so years. I thought I knew everything about couponing.(I WAS SO WRONG) I'm new here and have learned a great deal about coupons. I have learned to watch my local ads closely. My local Marsh had a 3x triple coupon day and I didnt even see it. wow made me feel stupid. I missed out :(

There is a page in here with all manufacture contact list. I contacted about 80 companies saturday and sunday. About 50 of them replied back and said they would love to send coupons out to me. would take 7-10 days..woohoo. only two said no sorry..Pepsi and hersheys..One company replied and said if i ever need coupons let them know and they would send some, so i replied back to them..lol

Years ago my stores quite taking printables and I started wondering if they ever started taking them again. So I called them and to my surprise they told me yes we sure do take them again. I made her tell me three times ..lol so I spent yesterday printing coupons..wow I got so many coupons. I will try and use them this week end. :)

Only if I could find coupons for gas and electric, water and gas. I would be happy.

Thank you for all of this information, this site is awesome.
Where is the link to finding what stores accept what and where I can contact the companies?

[cheynesnana]

Where is the link to finding what stores accept what and where I can contact the companies?

Hi! :wavehi:

For the stores.. look in the forum for each one you shop at.. most times the coupon policy is listed.

For the home mailers.. check these links:

http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/home-mailer-coupons/53-contacting-companies-complain-cheer.html

http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/home-mailer-coupons/90271-share-your-home-mailer-list-here.html

Hope that helps!

[TheRedDeluge]

Hey, I am new and have a quick question.

So it is advertised that a product is buy one get one half off. Can I use two $1 off coupons on this deal because I am buying one full product and half of another?

Thanks everyone. I have only been here a short while and am learning a lot.

[tinkinpink84]

I beleive you can! You are purchasing both items! The only time you couldnt use two $1 off coupons is if it was BOGO and the 2nd comes off. You can use it on one in a BOGO.

[Shadowchasy]

Hey, I am new and have a quick question.

So it is advertised that a product is buy one get one half off. Can I use two $1 off coupons on this deal because I am buying one full product and half of another?

Thanks everyone. I have only been here a short while and am learning a lot.
you should be allowed to use both coupons, but this could be one of those YMMV (your manager may vary) meaning that the manager could refuse it

[angeleyeza]

I agree and 2nd what Shadowchasy says. on a Buy 1 Get 1 Free sale some stores allow the use of 2 coupons ( one coupon for each item) some stores may not it really depends on your store and its manager.

for example..

Rite aid allows the use of a buy 1 get 1 coupon with a buy 1 get 1 sale making both free. but.. you are NOT allowed to use any other coupons in combination with the B1G1F sale and the B1G1F Q. if I am wrong please correct me.

[tinkinpink84]

with $1 off on a BOGO If the item rings up reg price and the 2nd 0 you would only be allowed the one $1 off. Some stores if they each ring up at half price then sometimes they allow 2 coupons one for each item. Id call the stores and ask!

[rbpgh]

If asking this question is somehow against the rules, just say so or delete it. Couponers say how if you got a second computer in you household, you're lucky as you can print more than the print limit reached of 2 coupons for most printable coupons.... I have a desktop and a laptop. Yet, if I print a coupon from my laptop (2 coupon limit), then go to my desktop to print hopefully another 2 of that coupon, it recognizes that I've already printed 2 from my laptop and won't let me print another 2 as it says 'sorry print limit reached'. Same as if I print 2 coupons first from my desktop and then go to print 2 from my laptop. Why can't I print an additional 2 coupons since there are 2 computers (desktop and laptop) in my household? Both are hooked up to the same printer...Does that make a difference?

[ckv]

Is there a law about store must take manufacturer coupons? I was at CVS the other day trying to use a BOGO coupon on top of a rain check. The cashier didn't know what to do and called a supervisor over. The supervisor said she can not use the BOGO coupon on top of a rain check. Before I could speak, the lady behind me said to the supervisor and cashier that rain checks are not considered as coupon and by law, they should accept the coupon on top of the rain check.

[queenofthehivemomof5]

If asking this question is somehow against the rules, just say so or delete it. Couponers say how if you got a second computer in you household, you're lucky as you can print more than the print limit reached of 2 coupons for most printable coupons.... I have a desktop and a laptop. Yet, if I print a coupon from my laptop (2 coupon limit), then go to my desktop to print hopefully another 2 of that coupon, it recognizes that I've already printed 2 from my laptop and won't let me print another 2 as it says 'sorry print limit reached'. Same as if I print 2 coupons first from my desktop and then go to print 2 from my laptop. Why can't I print an additional 2 coupons since there are 2 computers (desktop and laptop) in my household? Both are hooked up to the same printer...Does that make a difference?

It could be because the computers are on the same network. I am not an expert on that but that is what I have heard. I think the printable companies track a tracking code that gets downloaded to your computer and if both your lap top and desktop share a network they may be sharing the tracking code. I can print from multiple computers in my house but we don't share a network. But we do use the same printer.

Is there a law about store must take manufacturer coupons? I was at CVS the other day trying to use a BOGO coupon on top of a rain check. The cashier didn't know what to do and called a supervisor over. The supervisor said she can not use the BOGO coupon on top of a rain check. Before I could speak, the lady behind me said to the supervisor and cashier that rain checks are not considered as coupon and by law, they should accept the coupon on top of the rain check.

There are actually very few laws on coupons period, mostly just guidelines and policies set forth by the stores and manufactures. Of which we try our hardest to follow (when we know what they are!) In this case however the supervisor at CVS should have accepted your coupon along with your rain check as a rain check is a guarentee of a sale price when an item was out of stock (and there are laws on rain checks!) and the coupon is a form of payment. If you would have been allowed to use a coupon on the item if they had it in stock then you should be able to use a coupon on an item if you got a rain check because they were out of stock. However, you cannot use an expired coupon (CVS does not take expired coupons). But if everything matched up correctly product/size etc and the coupon was not expired the store should have taken your coupon along with honoring the rain check price.

[newsaver]

I am still building up my coupons...I haven't been diligent about getting the newspaper. Now i'm in a new area with new stores and don't know which stores will generally give me the best stores while I'm not able to coupon as much.

These are the stores that I have available:
Walmart
food lion
aldi
piggly wiggly
winn-dixie

Any stores you think are just generally less expensive? WOn't be such a big deal when I have more coupons but right now I'm on a tighter than tight budget right now

[rhymlz]

When you have BOGO coupons can you use more than 1 in the same transaction or do you have to do multiple transactions for every coupon?

[queenofthehivemomof5]

You should be able to use more than one BOGO coupon in the same transaction unless the fine print on the coupons state "one per transaction" or "one per customer"

If it states "one per purchase" that just means you can use one coupon per item(s) that you have coupons for. So for every BOGO coupon you need to have two items that match the coupon. So if you have say 3 BOGO coupons you would need to have 6 items and you should be able to buy all 6 items using your 3 coupons in one transaction (unless there is the wording above)

HTH

[carolineh]

My question is this- If I have a coupon that says $1.00 off two items, can I use two of those coupons for the two items? People have said that I could, but it always seems to beep when I try. Is it better to buy 4 items and use the $1.00 off coupons two seperate times?

[DevilDuckie]

My question is this- If I have a coupon that says $1.00 off two items, can I use two of those coupons for the two items? People have said that I could, but it always seems to beep when I try. Is it better to buy 4 items and use the $1.00 off coupons two seperate times?

In this case, the coupon requires you to buy two items to receive $1 off. So for every two items, you can use one coupon. Four items, two coupons. Six items, three coupons...and so on.

[dray01]

Not sure where I should ask this but can any one out there help out. I am trying to find someone out there who gives Coupon Classes in the High Point N.C area.

[queenofthehivemomof5]

Debbie try posting your post looking for a coupon class in High Point NC in the Couponers Across the World forum (http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/couponers-across-world/)

[C.Davees]

Super new to couponing, here's my question

In one of the FAQ's it says you can buy a $3 product with $5 ECB and it will go through without getting money back.

Is this true? Do you have to spend a certain amount for them to accept it? I was hassled by my cashier for trying to buy $3 in travel hairspray with a $4 ECB. I ended up spending .12 cents instead of it being free.

Also, if an item is on sale for .99 cents and you have a coupon for $1/1 do you have to tell a cashier to adjust the coupon? Are they supposed to take it?

[loulou3133]

Oh my where to start??? I am so overloaded.... I am just getting back into the game so to speak. I couponed a couple of years ago and stopped because I ended up frustrated. The whole CVS/Walgreens thing completely confuses me (not sure if there is help for me there LOL). The one thing I see is food prices are going up and our income is not....

So first I want to build my coupon selection quickly, but there is the thing I don't want 4-6 Sunday papers delivered here weekly. I see that as a huge waste of paper. So I have been considering buying whole inserts from one of the services and honestly they are cheaper than buying the paper (4-6). Any thoughts on this? I realize that I may not get the instant gratification of having them on Sunday.... but will that really make a big difference??? I might miss out from time to time.... IDK..... I recognize that most things that are for coupons are for processed foods that I typically don't use.... Then I have a space issue....
I am going with the binder thing for organization... Any guidance suggestions will be greatly appreciate....

One very overloaded, confused, yet motivated coupon virgin.

[Shadowchasy]

Oh my where to start??? I am so overloaded.... I am just getting back into the game so to speak. I couponed a couple of years ago and stopped because I ended up frustrated. The whole CVS/Walgreens thing completely confuses me (not sure if there is help for me there LOL). The one thing I see is food prices are going up and our income is not....

So first I want to build my coupon selection quickly, but there is the thing I don't want 4-6 Sunday papers delivered here weekly. I see that as a huge waste of paper. So I have been considering buying whole inserts from one of the services and honestly they are cheaper than buying the paper (4-6). Any thoughts on this? I realize that I may not get the instant gratification of having them on Sunday.... but will that really make a big difference??? I might miss out from time to time.... IDK..... I recognize that most things that are for coupons are for processed foods that I typically don't use.... Then I have a space issue....
I am going with the binder thing for organization... Any guidance suggestions will be greatly appreciate....

One very overloaded, confused, yet motivated coupon virgin.


welcome to HCW first of all....second take baby steps and work your way up. It will all come with time. You could easily trade for coupons that you use, just join the TNT link found at the bottom of my post. Buying whole inserts is a great way to get coupons too.
I have the binder, and a portable file box.

[mayakelly]

Oh my where to start??? I am so overloaded.... I am just getting back into the game so to speak. I couponed a couple of years ago and stopped because I ended up frustrated. The whole CVS/Walgreens thing completely confuses me (not sure if there is help for me there LOL). The one thing I see is food prices are going up and our income is not....

So first I want to build my coupon selection quickly, but there is the thing I don't want 4-6 Sunday papers delivered here weekly. I see that as a huge waste of paper. So I have been considering buying whole inserts from one of the services and honestly they are cheaper than buying the paper (4-6). Any thoughts on this? I realize that I may not get the instant gratification of having them on Sunday.... but will that really make a big difference??? I might miss out from time to time.... IDK..... I recognize that most things that are for coupons are for processed foods that I typically don't use.... Then I have a space issue....
I am going with the binder thing for organization... Any guidance suggestions will be greatly appreciate....

One very overloaded, confused, yet motivated coupon virgin.

I have found a lot of things I buy with coupons are not "junk food." My most recent food-coupon purchases were frozen vegetables, rice, and pasta (whole wheat, at that!) In the drugstore deals sometimes, it is worth gettting some junk food to make the deals work.

I get my SmartSource inserts from a free community newspaper. I was pleasantly surprised to find out it was free and carried one insert! I also go to our town's recycle bin and grab coupon inserts. Our recycle bin is run by the Boy Scouts and looks like a big Goodwill donation box. It is in the parking lot of the VFW hall. I grab any promising looking stacks of papers, go through them at home, and return them to the recycle bin.

I think choosing one grocery store and maybe :) one drugstore to shop at is helpful as you start out! I personally think Walgreens is too confusing. (definately great deals, but a lot of details to keep track of) Don't try to do every confusing deal, but stick to the really great freebies and cheaps as you start out.

[queenofthehivemomof5]

Super new to couponing, here's my question

In one of the FAQ's it says you can buy a $3 product with $5 ECB and it will go through without getting money back.

Is this true? Do you have to spend a certain amount for them to accept it? I was hassled by my cashier for trying to buy $3 in travel hairspray with a $4 ECB. I ended up spending .12 cents instead of it being free.

Also, if an item is on sale for .99 cents and you have a coupon for $1/1 do you have to tell a cashier to adjust the coupon? Are they supposed to take it?

Your question about ECB's might be better asked in the CVS forum. I don't personally have a CVS where I live so asking in the CVS forum would get your question in front of other Hotcouponworld members that shop there.

As far as adjusting the coupon, that is going to depend greatly on each store. Some stores let you have the overage of 1¢ on a 99¢ item with a $1.00 coupon, some stores will adjust the coupon to 99¢ while some rare stores will adjust the price of the item up to $1.00. You should not have to ask them to do this however. Just hand them your coupons and the cashier and/or register will do the work. Stores should not however refuse your coupons because the item is priced below the coupon value. And if they do you should complain to corporate offices for that store. Coupons are a form of payment and the store is reimbursed the face value of the coupon plus 8¢ for processing and handling. So the store would get back $1.08 for your $1.00 coupon regardless if the item is priced at 99¢ or not.

Oh my where to start??? I am so overloaded.... I am just getting back into the game so to speak. I couponed a couple of years ago and stopped because I ended up frustrated. The whole CVS/Walgreens thing completely confuses me (not sure if there is help for me there LOL). The one thing I see is food prices are going up and our income is not....

So first I want to build my coupon selection quickly, but there is the thing I don't want 4-6 Sunday papers delivered here weekly. I see that as a huge waste of paper. So I have been considering buying whole inserts from one of the services and honestly they are cheaper than buying the paper (4-6). Any thoughts on this? I realize that I may not get the instant gratification of having them on Sunday.... but will that really make a big difference??? I might miss out from time to time.... IDK..... I recognize that most things that are for coupons are for processed foods that I typically don't use.... Then I have a space issue....
I am going with the binder thing for organization... Any guidance suggestions will be greatly appreciate....

One very overloaded, confused, yet motivated coupon virgin.

I find that ordering whole inserts is a viable alternative if you live in an area that has inserts with very few good coupons or the price of extra newspapers is cost prohibitive. However before deciding that I would do up the math. If 6 papers is $2.00 then your cost is $12 a week. If you save $100-$200 a week at the grocery store then the $12 a week is not too bad. However if you still want to order inserts it can be cheaper although you usually will not get them in the mail till the end of the week or early the next week. Possibly missing out on some deals.

As far as coupons you won't use, you can trade them here at HCW in our trading forums for coupons you will use. While there are a lot of coupons for processed foods there are plenty of coupons for other items as well and if you can shave off money on your non-food items like toilet paper, cleaning supplies and health & beauty products then you can have more money for buying the items your family uses that do not have coupons.

I like to recommend 2 inserts per member of your family for the purpose of stockpiling. So if it is just you then 2 inserts a week should be good. If you have a spouse and 2 kids then 8 inserts a week should be good. If you have a family of 6 then 12 inserts is good. This is a good number to build a stockpile. You mention space is an issue. There are creative ways to store stockpile (under beds, clean out a closet, under the couch, put all your furniture kitty-corner and store stuff behind it, above cabinet etc. What is your space like. Do you have a garage, attic or basement? Stockpile what you can and to your comfort level. Don't let it clutter up your house.

A binder is great for those without tons of coupons but more than an accordion type holder can hold. The best advice I can give on that is to set aside dedicated time to clip your coupons and organize them. I like to do this on the weekends while watching movies with the family. And I pull expired coupons out at the end of the month.

[loulou3133]

Sorry it has been awhile. As far as space I can use my garage for some items, but I live in the southwest and heat is a huge issue for part of the year. Like many houses out here.... I am suffering from an extreme lack of storage space.... We have the closets in the bedrooms (all bedrooms are occupied) and a tiny linen closet, and pantry... I am going to go through my kitchen and see what I can put in the garage to free up space......

[llamalluv]

Sorry it has been awhile. As far as space I can use my garage for some items, but I live in the southwest and heat is a huge issue for part of the year. Like many houses out here.... I am suffering from an extreme lack of storage space.... We have the closets in the bedrooms (all bedrooms are occupied) and a tiny linen closet, and pantry... I am going to go through my kitchen and see what I can put in the garage to free up space......

I used to live in a studio apartment in Phoenix, so I know how hard it is to deal with the outside temps and storage issues.

Start with moving the things you can safely store in the garage out there. Toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies like laundry soap and dish soap, personal care items that won't melt (toothpaste, body wash, etc). The garage in August is NOT a good place to keep deodorant! :giggle2:

Indoors: Canned goods easily fit under a bed (especially if you store them in the flats they ship in - it makes it easier to slide them in and out.) I have a wire shelf system set up in my kitchen along one wall where I can store extra boxed food items. To hide the visual clutter, I took some pretty fabric that matches my kitchen curtains and self-stick velcro tape and made a curtain.

[Mouchois]

I have a bit of a problem. Just recently, our local newspaper went to online only (unheard of, I know). I asked around as to how to get the local Sunday Savers and it seems that the only way to do so is by going to each of the stores you want to shop and picking them up in-store. 95% of the time, though, they don't have them, haven't put them out, or are missing the coupons.
Does anyone know how to get the circulars for my local stores?

[queenofthehivemomof5]

I have a bit of a problem. Just recently, our local newspaper went to online only (unheard of, I know). I asked around as to how to get the local Sunday Savers and it seems that the only way to do so is by going to each of the stores you want to shop and picking them up in-store. 95% of the time, though, they don't have them, haven't put them out, or are missing the coupons.
Does anyone know how to get the circulars for my local stores?

Most stores have their ads online.

Shop Local (http://www.shoplocal.com/sales.aspx) has a lot of them in one location and you can try looking up the website for each of the stores and see if they have the ads online.

[Mouchois]

Most stores have their ads online.

Shop Local (http://www.shoplocal.com/sales.aspx) has a lot of them in one location and you can try looking up the website for each of the stores and see if they have the ads online.

With that, am I able to print online circulars from home for the various coupons they may have (recently Fred Meyer's had quite a few 7-day coupons in their circulars) and use them at the store?

[queenofthehivemomof5]

On that I am not sure if you can print the coupons from the circulars. Many of the stores void out the coupons in the ads to prevent folks from printing them. Not all of them, but some do.

Is there another newspaper that you can buy that is not all online?

[Mouchois]

On that I am not sure if you can print the coupons from the circulars. Many of the stores void out the coupons in the ads to prevent folks from printing them. Not all of them, but some do.

Is there another newspaper that you can buy that is not all online?

The closest alternate newspapers is for a town that is an hour away. Lol.
I'm pretty much stuck out in BFE, so we had that one newspaper and that's it. Their whole reasoning for doing without the SundaySaver is to promote some local coupon book that costs $5 a week and has ONLY local businesses (even though our town is not that small). We have a WalMart, RiteAid, 3 Safeways, Fred Meyer and Albertson's and NO local grocery stores. :hysterical: I feel that they are trying to make my town into a ghost town!

Thankfully, I found that RiteAid will give out circulars a day before they put them out to those that ask an hour before closing. So it looks like that will be my "starting store".

One more question... It may be dumb, but how do you get multiple items and stock up? I looked for this in the search but can't quite find the answer. Do you have to use multiple coupons, or can you use one coupon for several of the item?

[PrayzGod]

Hi I am new here:wavehi:Trying to learn this whole coupon thing. My MIL gives me tons of coupons. She gets leftovers from her friends and then gives me what she doesn't use. So I always have a ton. I wind up cutting out what I think I will use and throwing away the rest. But then I will see a post about a deal with a coupon from 4 months ago. How do I keep the inserts organized so that I can go back and grab that coupon from that day.

[VivaciousJewelz]

One more question... It may be dumb, but how do you get multiple items and stock up? I looked for this in the search but can't quite find the answer. Do you have to use multiple coupons, or can you use one coupon for several of the item?

Unless it is a BOGO or B2G1 or a similar type of coupon, you will need one coupon for each item. So for 4 Nivea body wash, you'll need 4 Nivea coupons. As for how to get multiple items, it depends on how many coupons you have. If you have 20 q's, with the right sale, you can get 20 items, depending on store limits, of course.

How do I keep the inserts organized so that I can go back and grab that coupon from that day.

I know some people have one of those large accordion files that are separated by months and keep their coupons organized that way. Some people use a coupon binder. I use to use envelopes when I first started, moved to a binder, and then went to a smaller accordion file and clipped my coupons instead of filing whole inserts.

[queenofthehivemomof5]

Hi I am new here:wavehi:Trying to learn this whole coupon thing. My MIL gives me tons of coupons. She gets leftovers from her friends and then gives me what she doesn't use. So I always have a ton. I wind up cutting out what I think I will use and throwing away the rest. But then I will see a post about a deal with a coupon from 4 months ago. How do I keep the inserts organized so that I can go back and grab that coupon from that day.

Many folks file their inserts whole by taking each insert and putting it in a file folder in a file box of some sort and writing the insert date on the cover (You can find the insert date in tiny print on the spine of the insert) then, you can use the Coupon Database (http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/coupon.php) to help you keep track. Now there will be lots of coupons listed in the coupon database for each weeks insert coupons because the coupons in the database are from across the United States but it can be a great tool to help you stay organized.

So if there is a sale on something you can look up the coupon in the database and check that weeks inserts to see if you have that coupon. Also you can use the coupon database to tell you when you can toss old inserts by typing in the insert date into the description field the database can tell you if there are any unexpired coupons.

For example typing in 12-06-09 shows that there are still two coupons that have not yet expired. However typing in 01-10-10 shows that there are no unexpired coupons left, so you can toss that insert.

I don't recommend that you toss coupons just because you don't think you will use them. You never know when you may come across something that you otherwise would not buy that is a money maker or free and that you can donate. Additionally coupons you may think are no good someone else may want so you could trade them for coupons you can use.

[kahlan59]

ok I know this is stupid but.. I saw an item that was 2 for $3 which makes a single item $1.50... I have a MQ that says save $1.50 on ANY 3 how would that work. and if it does do I use more then one of them because I have 2

[mfilas76]

You would have to purchase 3 in order for that coupon to work....

[queenofthehivemomof5]

ok I know this is stupid but.. I saw an item that was 2 for $3 which makes a single item $1.50... I have a MQ that says save $1.50 on ANY 3 how would that work. and if it does do I use more then one of them because I have 2

In most cases when a store puts something on sale for 2 for $3.00 or 10 for $10.00 or other prices like that you do not need to purchase 2 or 10 or whatever the quantity is to get the item at the individual price. Of course you should check the fine print in the ad just in case you do have to buy 2 to get them both for $3.00.

However lets say that you don't so the individual price is $1.50 each. If you have a coupon that is for $1.50 off any 3 then you will need to buy 3 items at $1.50 each ($4.50) minus your coupon for $1.50 off 3 makes your total $3.00 or $1.00 for each item. If you have two of those coupons you would buy 6 items, your total would be $6.00 for 6 items - still a $1.00 each.

HTH:smile: