Making Coupons Work For You
When it comes to using coupons, there really is much more to it than just using a coupon for an item you want to purchase. You really need to know how to put your coupons to work for you. Here are some simple tips to keep i mind to help you get the maxium savings with minimal effort.
KNOW HOW TO READ YOUR COUPON: Don't ever just look at the picture (as the most expensive item the manufacturer sells is normally pictured). Instead, read how it is worded. Many coupons state "save on ANY ABC product." Some will exclude trial sized items, and some will not. Just take a moment to read it so that you use it on the right item to maximize your savings.
MATCH UP COUPONS WITH SALES: It can seem like a poker game sometime in knowing when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em. In the coupon “game”, playing your coupon at the right time can really save you money. If you match up an item on sale with a coupon, you can really increase your savings -- sometimes even getting free products!
COUPON STACKING: Stacking is when you stack two or more coupons together to save even more. This is allowed when you have both store coupons and manufacturer's coupons. Target is a great example of this. Target has access to many store coupon right from it's website. When you match these up with manufacturer's coupons, you can save even more.
Be sure to pay attention to quantities on coupons when stacking. For example, if Target has a store coupon for $1.00/1 Juicy Juice and you have a manufacturer's coupon for $1.00/2 Juicy Juice Products, then you can actually use TWO Target coupons, resulting in $3.00/2 Juicy Juice Products.
PRESENT YOUR COUPONS IN THE RIGHT ORDER: If you have a coupon that reads (for example) $5.00 off of a $25.00 purchase -- always hand that one over first and then give any store and manufacturer coupons. That way, you can really tack on the savings. Otherwise, if you use the coupons, you could fall below the required purchase amount and then not be able to use this coupon.
For example, if your purchase total is $28.00 and you have $4.00 in coupons and a $5.00 off of a $25.00 purchase, you would want the $5.00 to come off first. Then, they would reduce your purchase by an additional $4.00, making your final amount due $19.00. However, if you give the $4.00 in coupons first, then your total is now $24.00 and the $5.00 off of a $25.00 purchase is no longer applicable.
The only caution with this is to read the lingo on the $5.00 off of a $25.00 coupon – it may state that this coupon can be used only after all coupons are deducted. So be sure to read the fine print.
BUY ONE GET ONE STORE SALE + COUPONS: When a store runs a B1G1 Free promotion, you can purchase two items and use two coupons - one for each. After all, you are still purchasing two items, so you should get the discount on both. So, if your item you are purchasing as B1G1 Free retails for $4.00 and you have two coupons for $0.50/1, you will actually get two items for only $3.00 (One is free and then $0.50*2=$1.00).
The only caution I have is watching store sales that have B1G1 free items and you also have a coupon for B1G1. When this occurs, you will need to check with the store’s coupon policy to see how this works. This would be handled one of two ways:
Option 1 – Both items will be free. The store gives you one free (which is considered to be the one you paid for) and then the coupon gives you the other one for free.
Option 2 - You would need to purchase 4 items. Two of them would be free due to the store's promotion, one would be free as a result of your coupon and you would pay for the last item. So, this is like getting 4 products for the price of one.
It can be tricky to learn how to use your coupons. You will make some mistakes that might result in you paying a little more than you should have. However, with time and patience, you will learn exactly how to play the crazy coupon game like a pro!