FAQ: Blinkie Frequently Asked Questions

[cheynesnana]

Thanks to Flash for compiling this info !!!

"Blinkies" are coupons distributed in stores by SmartSource Coupon Machines; the nickname "blinkie" refers to the machines blinking light designed to attract your attention while walking down the aisles. Machines typically provide a coupon directly in front of the product.

New Design (in stores approx 7/15/07):




Old Design:


Blinkies may be taken and used any time before the expiration date at any store that accepts manufacturers’ coupons. The machines typically have a slot on top for consumers to replace them if they are not interested - coupons in this slot are also available to anyone.

Coupon machines are placed in the stores approximately once a month, and are refilled periodically, often weekly, by an employee of SmartSource. As with the SmartSource newspaper inserts, coupons and values will vary by store and region.

Other types of "blinkies" coupons include those distributed by the SmartSource Box:




and the SmartSource shelf take one box (frequently rebate forms):



Q: Are blinkies manufacturer's coupons or store coupons?

A: Blinkies are generally manufacturer's coupons, but occassionally they are Store specific coupons (For example at Publix, occassionaly Publix coupons will be put into the machines. These have no bar codes and can only be used at Publix or at a store that accepts Publix competitor coupons.)

Q: Can I use a blinkie in conjunction with an insert coupon or another type of manufacturer's coupon?

A: As mentioned above, blinkies are generally manufacturer's coupons and so are not able to be stacked with other manufacturer's coupons. In the occassional instance when a blinkie is a store coupon, stacking would depend on the policy at your store.


Q: Which stores have blinkies?

A: Grocery stores generally have blinkie machines. The machines have also been spotted at Walgreens, CVS, and Kmart.

Q: Where do I find blinkie machines?

A: Blinkie machines are mounted on shelves around the store.

[ggohwl]

Can I ask how many blinkies can each person take? Is it limited to one blinkie per person?

[cheynesnana]

I think it depends on how long you want to stand there..

This is one of those things that everyone has a different opinion on.. I take 2... 4 if it's a really good coupon.. so it's pretty much up to each person to decide how many is enough.. HTH :smile77:

[loveebella]

I got a blinkie q from homeland and WM would not accept it? It does not say HL q or MAN Q? it says smartsoure coupon machine in the top right corner..any reason as to why Wm would not aceept it? Is it a HL q only? THanks

[cheynesnana]

I think you just got a cashier that didn't know better.. as far as I know, blinkies are from smartsource and aren't store specific..

[connab]

Do they refill the machines? When do they put new ones out? Thanks

[cheynesnana]

There are stickies in this forum for the various Blinkie Cycles.. they tell you what dates those coupons are going in... and what coupons are going to be put out this cycle.. ;)

[poppinpinkpopper]

what determins what stores get "9" or "5" blinkie coupons?

[barb1210]

Originally Posted by poppinpinkpopper what determins what stores get "9" or "5" blinkie coupons?

i would like to know too.. My shoprite always has 9's but today Acme had all 5's.. they had every blinkie i was looking for.