Step 3: Getting to Know Your Coupons

Now, getting know your coupons. There are basically two different types of coupons. I will break them down a little further for you.

Manufacturer Coupons
These are coupons issued by the manufacturer. They are the ones in your Sunday inserts but they are also the blinkies, tear pads, and peelies. They can be found in packages, booklets, mailers, and free samples. They are also the Internet printable coupons. Basically, they are any coupon issued by the manufacturer. The manufacturer reimburses the retailer the coupon amount plus a small handling fee.

Store Coupons
These are found in the store's ad but they can also be found in mailers that the store sends out or the newspaper. Essentially the store is giving you a discount for shopping there. One example of this is the Albertsons $10/$50 coupon.

Now, here is a breakdown of the language on the coupons. This should help you understand how to redeem them properly and to know how to politely explain it to a "snarky" cashier who may be giving you trouble at the check stand.

"One Coupon Per Purchase"
This means that you can only use one manufacturer coupon per ITEM purchased. If you have one coupon, and it says this,you can only buy one of that item. If you have two of that same coupon however, you can go ahead and buy two items. Alot of people think (and some of those snarky cashiers) that it means that you can only use one coupon on your whole transaction.This is not the case. Don't believe them.

Some stores however, you can combine your manufacturer's coupon with their store coupon. You'll have to find out your store's policy on that one though.

"One Coupon Per Item Purchased"
This is the same as the One Coupon Per Purchase" but with better wording so as to limit the coupon to one coupon per item.

"One Coupon Per Transaction"
This is to try and limit the number of items that you purchase with this coupon. You can simply split the items up into separate transactions or you can go back another time. Again, these can probably be combined with a store coupon so long as the store allows it in their policy.

"One Coupon Per Customer" (or Family or household)
These are pretty few and far between. I've seen these mostly on the restaurant coupons and grocery store coupons. Theoretically,you could probably get around it by separating transactions or making separate visits, but it would be best if we redeemed them properly because we know the manufacturer or store is only intending them to be used once per customer or family.

"Do Not Double"
If you're lucky enough to have a store that "doubles", it simply means that they cannot double the value of it and give you a larger discount than face value. Or, if you're at Albertsons here in the West, you cannot use a doubler with it.