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THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO COUPONING
The Basics……………………………………………………………………………………..2 – 3
The Do’s and Don’ts………………………………………………………………………………4
Organizing Your Coupons………………………………………………………………………...5
Couponing Terms & Abbreviations……………………………………………………………….6
Finding Coupons…………………………………………………………………………………..7
Tips & Tricks……………………………………………………………………………………...8
Stockpiling……………………………………………………………………………………9 - 10
Buying in Bulk vs. Buying When You Need It………………………………………………….11
How to Spot a Stockpile Price…………………………………………………………………...12
Preventing and Avoiding Coupon Fraud……………………………………………………13 - 14
Kroger Gas Points & Gift Card Promos…………………………………………………………15
Saving on Newspaper Subscriptions……………………………………………………………..16
Saving for College with Coupons………………………………………………………………..17
Saving on Gas Prices…………………………………………………………………………….18
Manager’s Specials………………………………………………………………………………19
Binder Printouts
Coupon Cycles………………………………………………………………………20 - 21
2012 Coupon Schedule……………………………………………………………...22 - 23
Stockpile Prices……………………………………………………………………..24 - 33
Store Policies
CVS Store Policy……………………………………………………………………34 - 36
Dollar Tree……………………………………………………………………………….37
Target Store Policy…………………………………………………………………..38- 39
Walmart Store Policy………………………………………………………………..40 - 41
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THE BASICS
The problem with saving money lies within your store choice. The first thing you need to get
OUT of your head is that Wal-Mart is the best place to shop. While Wal-Mart has great deals on
many products, when couponing they are rather strict and half the employees do not know how
they work. If you are not using coupons, then feel free to shop at Wal-Mart, but if you want to
maximize your savings and get tons of free items, then you need to start shopping at Kroger.
Why shop at Kroger? I thought you'd never ask....
1. Kroger may be more expensive on some items, but their store loyalty card makes it worth
it. After you swipe your Kroger plus card, you can save so much money before even
using your coupons! NEVER underestimate store loyalty cards.
2. Kroger gives you gas points that you can use to reduce your fuel costs. For every dollar
you spend in the store, you get one fuel point. In special cases, you can even get
quadruple fuel points for purchasing special products. This deal is usually run on gift
cards. For instance, you can go into Kroger and purchase a $50.00 Kroger gift card to go
towards your next shopping trip. This purchase alone will give you 200 fuel points,
which equates to $0.20 off the gallon at Kroger fuel pumps.
3. Kroger DOUBLES coupons!!! For any coupons up to $0.50, Kroger will double to
$1.00. On rare occasions and in certain locations, Kroger will double coupons up to
$1.00. This is VERY RARE, however, and in the Lynchburg-Bedford area, this is not the
case. :-( Despite this, however, you can still save TONS of money with the doubling
policy currently in place. I NEVER pay for toothpaste now using this tactic.
4. Kroger will run store promotions to help you save even more money. The most common
sales are 10/$10 sales. Many people think that you have to purchase 10 of the item to get
the deal, but THIS IS NOT THE CASE. You can purchase one of these items and still
get it for $1.00. Another common store promotion is the buy ten participating items and
get $5.00 off your order. This promotion is usually run in conjunction with an event, like
the Daytona speedway giveaway, etc. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THESE
SAVINGS!!!
5. Although rare (at least in my opinion), Kroger still gives out Catalinas that are good for
your next purchase. I have only ever gotten a few, but they do help if you save them and
remember to use them. YOU CAN pair Catalinas with Manufacturer Coupons to
maximize savings.
6. Kroger also has online coupons that you can load directly onto your store card. The bad
thing with using these, however, is that these coupons do not double at the register and
cannot be combined with other manufacturer coupons.
7. If you have a store loyalty card, Kroger will mail you coupons based on your
purchases. Sometimes they will send GREAT coupons like $10.00 off your purchase of
$50.00 or $100.00.
Another great place to shop is CVS. I used to HATE shopping at CVS because they mark up so
many items, but now they are one of my favorite places to shop. Here are some reasons to shop
at CVS...
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1. CVS also has a store loyalty card. While you do not get nifty things like fuel points, you
CAN still save a lot of money by pairing your store loyalty card up with store sales. The
majority of the store sales cannot be used unless you have a store card. It's free to have
one, so why don't you?
2. CVS has IN STORE coupons that you can print out while you shop. Usually near the
front of the store, they are a big red box with a yellow sign at the top saying “Coupon
Center”. Simply scan your card to get coupons. You can use these coupons with other
CVS coupons.
3. If you are a card loyalty member, CVS will email you store coupons that you can use
with other manufacturer's coupons or store coupons. Unless stated otherwise, there is no
limit to how many CVS coupons you can use. So if you have a 30% off coupon and a
$5.00/$20.00 CVS coupon, you CAN use both. However, you cannot use two of the
same type of coupon in one transaction.
4. CVS's best feature is the extra bucks. Many items will have extra bucks deals associated
with them. If you can get these rolling, you may not EVER have to pay out of pocket for
your purchases. This requires a lot of skill, and I admit I have not been as good about
these as other coupon promotions.
5. CVS has a beauty club that you can use in conjunction with the extra bucks deals. For
ever $50.00 you spend on beauty products (makeup, soap, shampoo, etc), you get $5.00
in extra bucks. Many times CVS will have extra bucks deals already on the makeup (like
purchase $20.00 worth of Maybelline products get $10.00 in extra bucks) which when
purchased STILL count towards your beauty points!
6. CVS also has a gift card deal. When some items go on sale, instead of extra bucks
rewards, CVS will have a gift card deal. If you purchase $30.00 worth of a participating
product, you get a $10.00 gift card back. The best part about this is that you DO NOT
have to choose to get your gift card as a CVS gift card.
There are many other stores that you can save big at, but for our area of Central VA, these are the
best I've been able to find so far.
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THE DO’S AND DON’TS
Since TLC began airing Extreme Couponing, couponing has become tougher and stores are
becoming more strict on their policies. So far, not much has changed in the Central VA area, but
to help PREVENT changes from happening in our area we must be extremely conscious of the
stigma associated with couponers. Here are some helpful hints to help make your shopping
experience better for yourself and those around you.
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DON'T be a shelf clearer. There is nothing more frustrating than going in to purchase an
item to find the shelves completely wiped. This not only causes frustration for other
shoppers, but also creates problems for the store carrying the item. The store will have to
order more product and it is never guaranteed when the item will be on the shelf again.
DON'T take all of the tearpads, peelies, or blinkies from the shelves. Take what you need
and leave some for others who would like to enjoy that deal as well.
DON'T be rude to another customer, cashier, or manager. This only leaves a negative
image in peoples' minds and may make it more difficult to find the items you are looking
for in the future. The store cashiers and managers are there to help. Remember: you
catch more flies with honey than vinegar.
DO call ahead of time if you will be purchasing an item in large quantities. The stores
prefer you call ahead, and are happy to help you find your bargains.
DO stand up for yourself and be firm. You shouldn't have to rush when using your
coupons. Coupons are just like cash, and the store is reimbursed the money by the
companies that give out the coupons.
DO be considerate of others. If there are people waiting in line behind you, simply let
them know you will be using coupons and it may take longer. If the person has less items
than you, let them go first. Be conscientious, but don't be embarrassed for using your
coupons.
DO donate your coupons or items to others in need. Nothing makes a better impression
than giving back to others, and it makes you feel good, too. :-)
DO donate your expired coupons to troops overseas.
DO be a coupon fairy! If you have coupons you know you're not going to use, leave
them on the shelf for others to use or give them to other customers who are purchasing
the items. Leave a good impression of couponers wherever you go!
For more info on being a courteous couponer, please see these sites!!!
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Be a Coupon Fairy - http://savingthefamilymoney.com/coupon-fairy-spreading-the-love/
Overseas Coupon Program - http://www.ocpnet.org/
Packages from Home - http://www.packagesfromhome.org/
Feed America - http://feedingamerica.org/
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ORGANIZING YOUR COUPONS
One of the other common things I hear when talking to friends and family about coupons is, "I
always clip out the coupons, but forget to bring them to the store. I need to get more
organized". I have heard your trials and have helpful answers for you! There are several
different methods you can use to organize your coupons.
1. The envelope method. With this method, you use a simple envelope of your choosing to
store your coupons. It is convenient, but if you are dealing with a large amount of
coupons I do not recommend using this method. It can be time consuming to try and sort
through your coupons to find unmarked deals and you may miss out if you leave some of
your coupons at home.
2. The Binder Method. This method is pretty self explanatory. You use a binder to store
your coupons. You can use folders, business card holders, trading card holders, etc. to
house your coupons.
3. The Hybrid Method. This method is similar to what I use. You clip the coupons you
know you will use and save the rest of the insert for another day. This decreases the
amount of time you spend clipping coupons, but still allows you to keep the rest of your
coupons for a future deal.
4. The File Box. This is the method I used prior to the binder. Your file box can be small
or large. Mine was about an inch or two wide, and was roughly the size of a 4x6
card. This made it convenience and easy to put in my purse so I would have my coupons
on me at all times. the problem I have found with these is sometimes the dividers fall out
and for visual people like me it makes it harder to remember what coupons you
have. This is another great method for organizing small amounts of coupons and for
those who only take the coupons they need with them.
5. The Scrapbook Album. Another version of the binder method but using a scrapbook
instead.
6. The Mega Coupon Bag. I have not tried this method, but it sounds interesting. Similar to
the file box, this bag setup allows you to take all of your coupons with you in a
sophisticated, less cumbersome, and less embarrassing bag. These are sold on etsy. I
like that it attaches to your grocery cart. Check out the seller's page here.
7. The Day Planner. Similar to the scrapbook album and binder method except using a day
planner.
8. The Couponizer. Similar to the small checkbook-sized file box, it is lightweight and
durable. Please see more info here.
9. The Coupon Clutch. This is a coupon organizer that looks like a fashionable tote. It is a
binder disguised as a handbag. I am thinking of trying this out. It has gotten great
reviews! Check it out here. This comes in a variety of colors and styles. I LOVE the
cow and zebra prints! Click here for a link directly to their website!
These are only a few ideas of how you can organize your coupons to help you efficiently save
money. Do whatever works best for you, and have fun doing it!
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TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
Couponers use many phrases and abbreviations when describing the deals in the stores. Below is
a list of them so you can understand couponers' blogs a little easier!
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BLINKIES = In-store coupons near product, usually from a red blinking box.
BOGO or B1G1F or B1G1 Free = Buy One Get One Free.
CAT or CATALINA = Coupon that prints at the register after purchase.
CNP = Coupon Near Product (similar to BLINKIES).
CRT = Cash register tape, coupon that prints in store.
DND = Do not Double (Some coupons have this lang).
DOUBLE COUPON = Coupon that a grocery store doubles in value.
ECB = CVS Extra Care Bucks earned for purchases.
ES = Easy Saver (Walgreens).
FAR = Free After Rebate.
FREE ITEM COUPON = A coupon that allows you to get the product completely free.
FIC = Fresh Idea Card (Marsh).
GM = General Mills (Newspaper insert).
IVC = Walgreen’s Instant Value Coupon ( Found in the monthy EasySaver Catalog).
IP = Internet Printable Coupon.
K = Kellogg’s (Newspaper Insert).
MFG = Manufacturer’s Coupon.
MIR = Mail In Rebate.
NED = No expiration date.
OOP = Out of Pocket, in reference to how much “real money” you will pay at the
register.
OYNO = On your next order.
P&G = Proctor & Gamble Coupon Insert found in the Sunday newspaper.
PEELIE = Coupon that you peel off the package.
PSA = Prices Starting At.
Q = Coupon.
RP = Red Plum Coupon Insert found in the Sunday newspaper.
RR = Register Rewards (Walgreens).
SS = Smart Source coupon insert found in the Sunday newspaper.
STACKING = Using a store specific coupon with a manufacturer coupon (most stores
allow this).
TEARPAD = A pad of refund forms or coupons found hanging from a store shelf or
display.
TRIPLE COUPON = A coupon that a grocery store triples in value.
WYB = When You Buy.
YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary (success of the attempt may vary at your store).
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FINDING COUPONS
One of the most common questions I get from friends and family is, "Where do you get your
coupons?". Since Extreme Couponing has become so popular, finding coupons is becoming
more difficult. In fact, you have to be VERY careful when buying newspapers now because
many people will go to a paper box and take all of the coupon inserts out of the
newspapers. Many people have made deals with newspaper carriers and recycle centers to get
the inserts before others have a chance to find them. Finding a solution to finding these coupons
when you are already on a tight budget can be difficult and disheartening. One way to help
combat this is to purchase coupons online. There are many coupon clipping sites that will find
the coupons for you and you can purchase them for the price of postage.
One of the best coupon clipping sites is Coupon Dede (couponsthingsbydede.com). This website
has many popular coupons and inserts and send them to you quickly. There are some downsides
to using this website, however. Many high dollar coupons have a maximum amount that you can
purchase in a week. If you are trying to add to your stockpile, this can be a problem. Also,
Coupon Dede requires that your order must be at least $5.00 before shipping. If you are looking
for one specific coupon, this can also be a problem.
My solution to this is to go to eBay!
I personally like focusing on one item at a time, and eBay lets me do just that. Many users on
eBay post multiples of great coupons. I like being able to purchase multiples of the coupons I
need from eBay and paying for them all at once with their new "add to cart" feature.
Another coupon clipping service that you can try is The Coupon Clippers
(http://www.thecouponclippers.com). I have not tried this website yet, but found it on my
favorite blog, Couponing101.com. It looks as if it is similar to Coupon Dede, but may offer
more coupons.
If you choose to try and go out to recycle bins and dumpsters to try and find that coupon you are
looking for, then more power to you! Just remember that most states have a policy against
dumpster diving. Purchasing coupons online may add to your total, but you can still save tons of
money despite this and may be able to avoid a ticket! ^_^
P.S. - Purchasing newspapers is no longer necessary to get coupons. If you go to
www.sundaycouponpreview.com, you can see all of the coupons that will be in that Sunday's
paper. You can then wait until Sunday for the coupon clippers to restock their inventory and
eBayers to load up their stock to get the ones you need for that week.
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TIPS & TRICKS
Occasionally, stores will have products on sale B1G1. One little known fact about coupon
policies is that you can STILL USE one coupon PER ITEM even if it is B1G1. So, let's say that
CVS has Wisk on sale for $4.99 B1G1. You can still use ONE coupon PER ITEM. If you use a
$2.00/1 coupon, then your total price OOP would be $0.99/2 or $0.49/1! Some stores will try
and give you grief for using this method, but it is perfectly legal.
Other tips to keep in mind:
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Coupons may only be used once. You may not buy ten boxes of cereal and scan the
coupon for $1 off cereal ten times. The store will only be reimbursed for the single
coupon you scanned – they will then lose $9 for the nine additional times you scanned the
coupon
You may use one coupon per indicated items purchased. If you have two coupons to save
$1 on one box of cereal, you can buy two boxes and use both coupons. The coupon will
say “one coupon per purchase.” This means you may not use both $1 coupons on one
box. If you purchase two boxes then you may use two coupons.
You may not use two coupons on one item. You may not buy one package of diapers and
use ten coupons on it. You may only use one of your coupons on the diapers. You may,
however, use one store coupon and one manufacturer coupon on one item.
COUPONS MAY NOT BE COPIED. Copying coupons is illegal. You can obtain
multiples of coupons in legal ways like buying multiple newspapers.
Read the wording of the coupon and ignore the picture! Manufacturer’s usually put a
picture of their most expensive product on the coupon to make you think that is what you
have to buy. If you actually read the terms of the coupon, it will usually say “save on
ANY brand xyz product.” That means you can buy even the least expensive product and
still save with the coupon!
You can use a coupon on an item that is on sale or clearance too! Occasionally I will have
a store clerk tell me otherwise, but it is usually cleared up with a chat with a manager or a
call to corporate.
If a product rings up higher than advertised or they miss one of your coupons, let them
know! I always read over my receipt before I leave the store to make sure everything is
correct. Any mistakes over $1 are pointed out to customer service. You may be thinking
that $1 does not seem like much, but let me put it in perspective. If you visit 3 stores per
week and each store overcharges you “just $1″ at each visit then you are being
overcharged $156 per year (that’s 3 weeks worth of groceries for some people!). It is
usually more than $1 though, and rarely takes more than a minute at customer service.
Stand up for yourself! If you are using coupons correctly then shop with
confidence. Many times the cashiers are just misinformed. Be calm and confident when
you explain why you CAN use the coupon. If the cashier still doesn’t accept it, ask
nicely to speak to a manager. It is your money and you should not feel bad about being a
smart shopper!
Retrieved from: http://www.couponing101.com/2009/05/coupon-basics-what-every-couponerneeds-to-know.html
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STOCKPILING
Many people believe that couponers who stockpile are hoarders. I am here to tell you that this is
not the case. As one wise lady once said on Extreme Couponers, "The difference between a
hoarder and a couponer is dust. If you have dust on your stockpile, then you are a hoarder". I
believe that these words are true. Before you judge someone, consider the reasons that they may
be forming a stockpile.
Always keep in mind that stockpiling means fewer trips to the store which saves you time,
money and gas.
3 Most Common Misconceptions about Stockpilers
1. Stockpilers are hoarders. As mentioned above, this is not the case. While some people
do tend to go overboard when there is an amazing deal, it is rather rude to assume
someone is a hoarder simply because they have a stockpile. Considering the economic
times we are in, many people have a stockpile to provide for their families in case of an
emergency, and many begin stockpiling due to a recent layoff or cutback in hours. This
is my personal reason for couponing. In February, my husband (who was my fiance at
the time) lost his job. Suddenly I had to come up with money to pay all of our bills and
still keep food on the table while making $8.00/hr. If we had not started couponing we
would not have eaten. Plain and simple. Ever since then, I have made it my goal to
avoid this situation ever again. In this market and being in a right to work state, job
security is never guaranteed. If one of us loses our job, we will be able to survive for at
least a few months before we get desperate.
2. Stockpilers are greedy. I'm not going to lie. There are quite a few couponers that do
seem greedy. I can think of a few I have seen on Extreme Couponing that coupon simply
so they can have lavish lifestyles. For the majority of couponers, however, I can safely
say that they stockpile for necessity and for donations. Many people will keep a stockpile
on hand at all times for certain food banks and charities. If the organization becomes low
on an item, then one can simply go to the stockpile to help them out.
3. Couponers stockpile things they don't need and won't use. If an item is free, will give
you an overage, or give you cash back, then it is always worth getting. Even if you don't
use the item, you can always donate it or gift it to someone that may really like the
item. I have seen some people that stockpile items that they don't have a use for, and I do
disagree with this practice. If you want to stockpile, live by this rule: Only buy what you
will use and keep what can be used in six months or less. If you can't or don't use an item
in this time frame, donate it. It always feels good to help someone else in need, and
spreading the wealth is what coupons are all about.
Is Stockpiling Right for You?
If you live in a small apartment or home, then I would advise you to not create a large stockpile
to clutter your space even further. If you have children then stockpiling may give you an
advantage when it comes time for sleepovers or a new little one joins the family. Stockpiling can
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save you tons of money, keep your family safe in times of crisis, and give you a sense of
accomplishment. Only you can decide whether creating a stockpile is good for you.
Items to Stockpile
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Toilet paper
Paper Towels
Soaps
Cleaning Supplies
Rice
Canned goods
Pasta
Spaghetti Sauce
Toothpaste
Beverages
Frozen Items (If you have a large freezer or deep freezer)
Meat (Note: Meat sales don't happen often. Take advantage of the sales and use a
vacuum sealer to keep it fresh)
Trash bags
Aluminum Foil and other kitchen products
Dish detergent
Laundry detergent
Condiments and Herbs
Pet Items
Toiletries
Items You Should NOT Stockpile
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Dairy products (cheese, eggs, butter, etc. Cheese is the exception. Cheese can be frozen
as long as they are not in single packages)
Bread (unless you like frozen, stale bread. YUCK!)
Medicines (excluding vitamin supplements)
Certain vegetables and fruits (Fruits are VERY hard to freeze)
As you can see, there are MANY items you can stockpile. The only things that are difficult to
stock up on are perishable items like dairy products and fresh produce. Considering America's
diet, this shouldn't be a problem with many people. If you want fresh veggies and fruits, start
your own garden to cut down on the costs! Even if you decide not to stockpile, don't be
discouraged! Saving even $10.00 a week adds up. If you only save $10.00 a week, you can save
$520.00 a year! What are you waiting for? Start saving!
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BUYING IN BULK VS. BUYING WHEN YOU NEED IT
One thing that comes up a lot in couponing is whether or not one should buy in bulk or buy only
what they need. This conversation also applies to whether or not one should stockpile. While I
am a strong proponant of ordering stock ahead of time to avoid clearing shelves and only using
what you need, I also believe that one should stock up on supplies and buy in bulk when there is
a great sale.
When my husband and I started dating, we began buying groceries together fairly early in our
relationship. We would spend close to $100.00 every two weeks for groceries. After we adopted
our two cats, that doubled to $120 every two weeks. We would have to go and buy cat food and
litter almost every week, cleaning supplies would be bought at least once a month, and big items
like toilet paper and paper towels we'd have to buy almost every other week.
Once I started couponing, that stress went away. I was able to start a small stockpile of paper
products in our old apartment. By the time we moved into our new apartment, I was able to start
a full-on stockpile. Our grocery bills have seen a drastic improvement. Instead of paying almost
$300 a month in groceries, we now spend about $120 - $160, which is a huge improvement
considering the cost of meat and produce has risen since we first started shopping together. We
now buy cat litter, cat food, and dog food once every 3-6 months, and laundry supplies once a
year.
When I find a sale, I do spend more up front, but the savings add up. For instance, in the next
two weeks CVS will be having a great deal on laundry detergents, cleaning supplies, and toilet
paper. I plan on spending a little over $60 total, but I will have enough toilet paper and laundry
detergent to last at least six months, probably more. This equates out to $20-$30 in savings per
month. Let's say that I use this stock up in six months, that's $120 - $180 I have saved in
groceries (this is a low estimate). My overrall expenditures for laundry detergent and toilet paper
may be $60 up front, but I am saving almost $120 over the long run. This is enough to put gas in
my jeep for two weeks, take a small trip, or to put in our savings account.
Long story short: buying a lot of stock up front DOES save money in the long run. You may
wince when you see that money leave your pocket, but think about the savings you will
experience in the long run. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the savings!
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HOW TO SPOT A STOCKPILE PRICE
To make sure you aren't spending too much on your stockpile, it is a good idea to start your own
price sheet. For those of us who are just starting out, The Krazy Coupon Lady has created a
WONDERFUL starter list and has given me permission to share it. The list appears in the book
Pick Another Checkout Lane, Honey, and has already helped me a ton!
KCL's list is not all-inclusive, however. There are no prices for pet items. I have created my
own list (based on Central VA's prices) for pet care products. If there is something you buy a lot
of (like fish or microwaveable dinners) that you don't see on the list and have an idea of what a
good stock price would be, please share! I am always looking to expand my list so that I can
guarantee that I get the lowest prices.
Please see the Binder Printouts section for the list.
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PREVENTING AND AVOIDING COUPON FRAUD
I will admit it. I LOVE TLC's Extreme Couponing. Watching others get great deals gets me
excited for my next big haul. I get so pumped I pull out my binder and see if I've missed any
deals this week that I should get.
Unfortunately, however, TLC has featured coupon fraud on their show. Coupon fraud is a
CRIME and is punishable by law. So what is coupon fraud?
Coupon fraud consists of:
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Intentionally using a coupon for a product that is not covered by the coupon language (ex.
Using $1.00/1 Tide coupon on Shout OR using $1.50/1 Tide 52oz or larger on a smaller
size product).
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Using a counterfeit or altered coupon.
A store sending in coupons to redeem from the manufacturer that were not used by a
consumer.
Using more coupons in one transaction than allowed (ex. Using 6 $1.00/1 Crest
toothpaste coupons that state Limit 4 per transaction)
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Even if you try to play by the rules and "accidentally" use a coupon for a product not covered by
the coupon language, you are committing coupon fraud. If you use a coupon that has been
altered or is a fake, you are committing coupon fraud. Even if you did not know the coupon was
fake, you have still committed a crime.
Why should you care?
When you use a coupon, the store sends the coupon to the manufacturer for redemption. If the
coupon is a fake, the store will not be reimbursed for the value of the coupon. Sometimes the
manufacturer will pull register tapes to make sure that the store is not committing coupon
fraud. If it is found that a consumer used more coupons than were allowed by the coupon
language, the store will not be reimbursed for the rest of the coupons made in their
transaction. This can result in stricter coupon policies which will make it harder for us savvy
spenders to save money.
What happens to a violator?
Coupon fraud is a serious offense that can lead to imprisonment and hefty fines. To date, the
longest sentence given to a fraudulent coupon user is 17 years and the highest financial penalty
was $5 million. It is not uncommon to serve a sentence of 3-5 years in prison and receive a fine
of $200,000 or more.
How do I prevent and avoid coupon fraud?
There are several things you can look out for to avoid committing coupon fraud.
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If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Does the coupon have an older version of the BARCode system? (To see a list of the
current BARCodes in use, go here)
Is the value of the coupon a large amount/larger than you've seen before? (ex. $3.00/1
Axe Bodywash)
Is the coupon in black and white?
Is the paper the coupon is printed on match the paper used in Sunday circulars? If it is on
a different kind of paper, it is probably fraudulent.
The Coupon Information Center (CIC) features a database of all fraudulent coupons that
have been reported. You can always check there if you are worried that a coupon may be
fake. Always feel free to email them so they can research the coupon, too.
There are plenty of great deals you can get WITHOUT committing coupon fraud. Remember:
NO AMOUNT OF SAVINGS IS WORTH GOING TO PRISON FOR!!! Coupon fraud only
gives others a bad impression of us who are trying to save a little bit of money, and makes it
worse for everyone to try and use coupons at stores. If you know anyone who is committing
coupon fraud, report it to the CIC. There is currently a $100,000 reward for any information on
fraudulent coupon users.
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KROGER GAS POINTS & GIFT CARD PROMOS
I have become a huge fan of Kroger over the past few years. One of the main reasons I like to
shop there (other than the fact that they double coupons up to $0.50) is because they have a great
gas rewards program. For every dollar you spend, you get a gas point that will knock the price
of your gas per gallon down. For instance, if you spend $300.00, you get 300 fuel points which
equates to $0.30 off at the gallon! The amount of points you can get is BEFORE coupons. So if
you get $300.00 in groceries and have coupons that make your purchase $150.00, you still get
300 gas points! This is such a great thing for me because I have to fill up my jeep at least once a
week.
When using the fuel points, you can get up to $1.00 off at the pump and can get up to 35 gallons
at the reduced price. This is usually enough to fill up any regular sized car, and you can pump
the extra into gas canisters if you want to get the most bang for your buck. Dad 2 will always
take a couple of gas canisters to the pump with him so he can get the full 35 gallons at the
reduced price.
Another thing to remember is that you don't have to have fuel points in order to get a
discount. Kroger members can save $0.03 off at the pump ANY TIME as long as you swipe
your Kroger card before filling up. That may not seem like a lot, but it does add up.
Every now and then Kroger will do a promotion on fuel points by making their gift cards worth
4x the fuel points. This means if you spend $100.00 in gift cards, you will get 400 points instead
of only 100. They usually offer this deal once every 3 months and make it last for about a month
at a time.
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SAVING ON NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIPTIONS
Most couponers recommend getting a subscription to the Sunday newspaper. That way you will
always be guaranteed your coupons. I cannot tell you how many times my husband has gone to
the newspaper machine and the coupons were stolen out of the stacks. If you live in an area that
has a lot of couponers that make it difficult to find papers and inserts at recycle bins, then this
deal may be a good one for you.
DiscountedNewspapers.com allows you to subscribe for a paper at a great, low price! I have
been looking to get a Sunday subscription to the Roanoke Times, but you cannot have just a
Sunday paper subscription by going to their website. You CAN get one through
DiscountedNewspapers.com, though!
It is so simple to sign up. Simply go to their page, search for participating papers in your area,
and choose a subscription! You can even set up monthly billing from your account using the
EZ-Pay feature. If you are just starting out and haven't gotten a subscription yet, I strongly
suggest you do so.
If you cannot get a good subscription with DiscountedNewspapers.com, you can still save on
newspaper costs. Dollar Tree has started selling newspapers at their locations and they are only
$1.00! You can get a maximum of 5 papers per customer, and I have never had a problem with
missing inserts. Even though it is only a $0.75 savings (compared to the price at a newspaper
machine), it is still worth it to go to Dollar Tree so you can guarantee you get your coupons.
If you have any other ideas on how to save on newspapers, please feel free to share!
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SAVING FOR COLLEGE WITH COUPONS
If you thought saving for college was next to impossible, for another day, or if you were praying
your kid was good enough and poor enough to get scholarships and grants, FEAR NO
MORE!!! You can save for your child's college education by using coupons!
Saving Star and UPromise have partnered up to help you save money for college. UPromise is
an online rewards program run by Sally Mae. There are several ways you can utilize this into
your saving plan.
How can you earn with Upromise?
Here are just a few ways:
Upromise Online Shopping
Earn 1—25% back at over 800 online retail and travel sites.
Upromise Dining
Get up to 8% back at thousands of restaurants — on food, drinks & tip!
Upromise Grocery
Up to $40 a month in eCoupon offers at thousands of stores.
Upromise Credit Card
Earn 1% back on all your purchases, all the time.
Savings earned through these programs can either be put into a high yield savings account,
invested, put towards existing student loans, or you can request a check for your earnings. This
is a great way to help build your child's college fund or even pay down your existing student
loans.
The coupons on UPromise are run by Saving Star, which is a similar program. Every month
Saving Star will load new coupons that you can load directly onto your store cards. Instead of
taking an amount off at the register, it will load the coupon amount into an online storage
account. Once you reach $5.00, you can then choose to release the funds to a bank account or
request a gift card.
Learn more by visiting their websites!
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SAVING ON GAS PRICES
Today I had to fill up my jeep and I think I hit a personal record for most money spent on a
single fill up. It cost me $67.02 to fill up my '95 jeep. Yikes! Unfortunately I was on fumes,
otherwise I would probably have waited to search for the lowest price.
So how can you save on gas prices without buying a Prius or Scion? Seems impossible,
right? We are just doomed to pay what the oil moguls want. WRONG! There are plenty of
ways you can save on gas prices, and one of the easiest is just a click away!
Gas Buddy is a free app that can be downloaded to any iPhone or Android. It searches your area
for the lowest gas price and gives you the address and distance to each pump. I used this a lot
when my sister, friend, and I went to a concert in North Carolina. I have been pretty lazy about
using it around town, but am going to start trying to use it.
I also posted about how you can save on gas at Kroger. This is my preferred method of
savings! Gas Buddy also has a list of tips on how to save on gas. It's as easy as using the A/C
less and making sure your tires are properly inflated. To see the whole list, check it out here!
You can also save on gas by signing up for a credit card that offers gas reward points. Chase
gives up to 5% back on gas purchases. If you are interested in this, Fox Business has created an
article on the best gas reward credit cards. You can check it out here.
If YOU have any tips or tricks on how to save on gas, feel free to share! I am always open to try
new things and up for new ideas!
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MANAGER’S SPECIALS
Manager's Specials have a bad rap. Most people believe that Manager's Specials are placed on
items because they are about to expire or because there is something wrong with the
product. While it may be true that some items may be about to expire, the idea that the product
is sub-par or defective is completely wrong. Stores can't sell spoiled
merchandise. Period. Never feel afraid or ashamed of getting a manager's special deal because
the fact is these deals can help save you a ton of money!
First let's talk about expiration dates. While some products on Manager's Special do have
expiration dates, the majority of these products can be used past this date. There are two
different kinds of expiration dates:
Use By - This type of expiration date is cut and dry; do not use product after this date unless it
has been frozen.
Best By - This type of expiration date is a general guideline. You can use the product after the
date, just keep in mind it may not be as effective (such as household cleaners) or tasty (like stale
potato chips). Most products have this type of expiration date.
One of the biggest budget-breakers on most peoples' lists is meat. Meat is very expensive, and
usually there aren't coupons on fresh meat available. Manager's Specials are a great way to
combat the price. As long as the meat doesn't smell or look bad, you are good to go. Some meat
will have expiration dates on it. Remember, most expiration dates are just a guideline.. If the
expiration date is approaching, freeze it. This will keep the product fresh for much longer than if
you were to simply refrigerate it.
Manager's Specials can also be combined with coupons for a super deal!!
Scenario: Kroger has ordered too many Suave products and needs to clear out the shelves before
the new inventory arrives. The Manager decides to place them on special for $0.75 each. There
is a coupon out for $0.35/1 Suave Product that will double. The coupon CAN BE USED on the
Manager's Special products to make each item $0.05 each!!!
Keep in mind you can also use Catalina deals (ex: $10.00 off next purchase) to help reduce your
grocery bill. Manager's Specials can also be combined with Catalinas.
Be sure to ask your local store manager what day markdowns are done. Most Wal-Marts mark
down their products on Sundays or Thursdays, and most Krogers mark down their products on
Tuesdays. Checking with your local store manager is the best way to ensure that you get there in
time to find those great Manager's Special deals!!
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BINDER PRINT OUTS
Coupon Cycles
If you have ever watched Extreme Couponing or are starting to see patterns in your couponing
forays, that is because coupons run in cycles. Every year you can anticipate the same type of
coupons around the same time. I have made a list of some of the highlights, but Grocery Coupon
Guide has a much more detailed list that I recommend printing out to stick in your
organizers. Feel free to click on the month to be directed to their detailed article of all of the
coupons and sales to expect.
January
January is the month when people try to be healthy. Expect to see a lot of deals on healthy
choice meals, lean cuisines, yogurt, organic products, and other healthy foods. Since January is
when it really starts to get cold in some areas, winter health is a big coupon category as
well. January is also National Oatmeal Month, so expect LOTS of oatmeal coupons.
February
This month expect to see coupons for canned goods since February is Canned Food month and
breakfast products. February is National Hot Breakfast Month so there will be lots of Kellogg's,
General Mills, and Quaker coupons and products on sale. February is also American Heart
Month so there will be plenty of coupons for heart-healthy products such as aspirin, supplements,
and foods. The Westminster dog show is this month so you can expect to see high dollar dog
food coupons. There will be plenty of Valentine's Day promotions and coupons, too.
March
March is National Frozen Food Month and National Nutrition Month so expect great deals on
frozen vegetables, fruits, and meals. March is also right around Easter so you can expect to start
seeing deals for the holiday.
April
April is Daylight Savings Time and Easter. Expect coupons and products on sale in relation to
Easter and Earth day. Batteries, smoke detectors, and other safety items will also be on sale due
to daylight savings time.
May
May is the start of summer sales. Expect items for BBQs, picnics, and the Memorial Day
holiday to be on sale and lots of coupons for condiments, paper plates, napkins, etc.
June
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June is National Dairy Month so expect sales on all dairy products. This month continues the
sales from May with BBQ items. National Headache Awareness is during this month which
makes it a great time to stock up on all pain relievers. Allergy season will be in full swing by
this month, so there should be sales on allergy and sinus medicine as well.
July
July marks the beginning of "back to school" sales. Bookbags, pens, pencils, and other school
items should be on sale. This month also continues the BBQ sales for July 4th.
August
August continues the "back to school" sales and also starts promotions on breakfast and lunch
foods for kids. This month marks the end of summer, so expect clearances to start on patio
equipment, sunscreen, and other summer products.
September
The "back to school" sale items will continue until Labor Day. This month is Baby Safety
Month, National Coupon Month, and Better Breakfast Month. You can expect to start seeing
sales and coupons for tomato products. Be on the look out for Diabetes items and Baby items on
sale.
October
This is my favorite month and my favorite holiday: Halloween! Expect tons of deals on candy
and you can start expecting to see baking products in the coupons.
November
November brings Thanksgiving and the beginning of the cold months. Baking goods, cooking
products, and Thanksgiving staples will be the majority of coupons.
December
December revolves around Christmas so expect deals and coupons on cold cut meats, crackers,
soda, stuffing, and other dinner related products. Fall decor should be on sale starting this
month. December also marks the beginning of winter, so you can expect to start seeing winter
care products like cold medicines on sale and in coupons.
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2012 Coupon Schedule
Here is the coupon schedule for this year. I am also working on a list of the coupon cycles per
month so you can start planning your strategies for the year. =)
January
Jan 01: Red Plum, Smart Source (2), Procter & Gamble
Jan 08: Redplum, Smart Source
Jan 15: Smart Source
Jan 22: Redplum, Smart Source
Jan 29: Redplum, Smart Source
February
Feb 05: Redplum, Smart Source, P&G
Feb 12: Redplum, Smart Source (2)
Feb 19: Redplum
Feb 26: Smart Source (2)
March
Mar 04: Redplum, Smart Source, P&G
Mar 11: Redplum, Smart Source
Mar 18: Redplum, Smart Source
Mar 25: Redplum, Smart Source
April
Apr 01: Redplum (2), Smart Source (2), P&G
Apr 08: No Inserts Scheduled
Apr 15: Redplum, Smart Source
Apr 22: Smart Source
Apr 29: Redplum, Smart Source
May
May 06: Redplum, Smart Source, P&G
May 13: Redplum, Smart Source
May 20: Redplum, Smart Source
May 27: No Inserts Scheduled
June
Jun 03: Redplum, Smart Source, P&G
Jun 10: Redplum, Smart Source
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Jun 17: Redplum, Smart Source
Jun 24: Redplum, Smart Source
July
Jul 01: No Inserts Scheduled
Jul 08: Redplum, Smart Source, P&G
Jul 15: Smart Source
Jul 22: Redplum, Smart Source
Jul 29: Redplum, Smart Source
August
Aug 05: Redplum (2), Smart Source
Aug 12: Redplum, Smart Source
Aug 19: Redplum, Smart Source
Aug 26: Redplum, Smart Source
September
Sep 02: No Inserts Scheduled
Sep 09: Redplum, Smart Source (2)
Sep 16: Redplum, Smart Source
Sep 23: Smart Source
Sep 30: Redplum, Smart Source
October
Oct 07: Redplum, Smart Source (2), P&G
Oct 14: Redplum, Smart Source
Oct 21: Redplum, Smart Source
Oct 28: Redplum, Smart Source
November
Nov 04: Redplum, Smart Source, P&G
Nov 11: Redplum (2), Smart Source
Nov 18: Smart Source
Nov 25: No Inserts Scheduled
December
Dec 02: Redplum, Smart Source, P&G
Dec 09: Redplum, Smart Source
Dec 16: Smart Source
Dec 23 & 30: No Inserts Scheduled
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Stockpile Prices
These lists will help you spot those great stockpile prices on your shopping trips. The scanned
copies are courtesy of Pick Another Checkout Lane, Honey by the Krazy Coupon Ladies. Feel
free to print these out to put in your binder for quick reference!
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29
30
31
32
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Product
Pet Care
Cat Treats
Cat Litter, sm.
bag
Cat Litter, lg. bag
Cat Food, canned
Cat Food, sm.
bag
Cat Food, lg. bag
Dog Treats
Dog Food,
canned
Dog Food, sm.
bag
Dog Food, lg.
bag
3 Month Price
6 Month Price
$0.50
FREE
$1.50
$4.00
$0.15
>$1.00
$3.00
$0.10
$1.50
$6.50
$1.50
>$1.00
>$5.00
>$1.00
$0.50
$0.25
$3.00
$1.50
$10.00
$5.00
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STORE POLICIES
CVS Coupon Policy
CVS/pharmacy coupons (ExtraBucks® Rewards and ExtraCare® Coupons) and Third Party
Manufacturer Coupons are accepted in our retail stores in accordance with the following
guidelines:
CVS/pharmacy does not accept expired coupons.
CVS/pharmacy will not accept third party manufacturers’ coupons with another retailer’s logo
Coupons cannot be exchanged for cash or gift cards.
Third Party Manufacturer coupons are issued by a third party and sales tax may be charged on
pre-coupon price.
CVS/pharmacy does not accept coupons for items not carried in our stores.
CVS/pharmacy only accepts ExtraBucks Rewards applicable to the ExtraCare card offered at
time of purchase.
CVS/pharmacy does not currently accept coupon bar code images displayed on a Smartphone,
iPhone, Droid etc.
The total value of the coupons may not exceed the value of the transaction. Sales tax must be
paid, if required by state law.
Certain CVS/pharmacy coupons may be subject to state sales tax rules similar to Third Party
Manufacturer Coupons and sales tax may be charged on pre-coupon price
Language at the bottom of CVS/pharmacy coupons provides specific coupon acceptance rules.
Any coupon offer not covered in these guidelines may be accepted at the discretion of CVS
management.
Sale Items
CVS/pharmacy will accept manufacturer coupons for an item that is on sale.
CVS/pharmacy will not accept percent off coupons for an item that is on sale.
In the event that any item's price is less than the value of the coupon, CVS/pharmacy will only
accept the coupon only to the price of the item. CVS/pharmacy does not provide cash back in
exchange for any coupons.
Multiple Coupons
CVS/pharmacy accepts one manufacturer coupon and applicable CVS/pharmacy coupon(s) per
item, unless prohibited by either coupon offer.
There is no limit to the number of ExtraBucks Rewards that may be used in a transaction as long
as it does not exceed the transaction total.
The number of manufacturer coupons used in a transaction may not exceed the number of items
in the transaction.
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The coupon amount will be reduced if it exceeds the value of the item after other discounts or
coupons are applied. (For example, a $5.00 coupon for a $4.99 item will result in a $4.99 coupon
value).
CVS/pharmacy accepts multiple identical coupons for multiple qualifying items as long as there
is sufficient stock to satisfy other customers, unless a limit is specified. Management reserves the
right to limit the quantity of items purchased.
CVS/pharmacy reserves the right to process coupons in any order.
CVS/pharmacy accepts multiple Dollar off Transaction coupons (e.g. $3 off $15) in one
transaction if they apply
o Ex. Customer may use two 3 off $15 coupons if they are purchasing over $30.00
Buy One, Get One Free Coupons
Sales tax must be paid for any Buy One, Get One Free coupon offer, if required by applicable
state laws.
Two coupons may be used on a Buy One, Get One Free promotion as long as it does not exceed
the item total
o Ex. Suave Shampoo is on sale for $2.00 Buy One, Get One Free and the customer is
purchasing two shampoos; customer may use two coupons for $1.00 each and pay the applicable
tax.
Buy One, Get One Free promotions may be combined with Buy One, Get One Free Coupons.
Customers are responsible for paying applicable tax
o Ex. Suave Shampoo is on sale for $2.00 BOGO and customer has a MFG coupon for Suave
BOGO. Customer will receive both items for free but will need to pay any applicable tax.
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Internet/Print at Home Coupons
CVS/pharmacy accepts internet/print at home coupons that include a barcode.
CVS/pharmacy will not accept reproductions or rebates
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Dollar Tree Coupon Policy
IN-STORE COUPON ACCEPTANCE: GUIDELINES & LIMITATIONS
1. Only original and intact manufacturers’ coupons will be accepted. Retailer-specific
coupons will not be accepted.
2. Coupons are void if copied, scanned, or if they have been altered in any way.
3. Only two (2) print-at-home Internet coupons may be redeemed per transaction.
4. We are unable to accept coupons for “Free” items with no purchase requirements or
where the amount for the product is blank.
5. Coupons can only be used in stores and must be presented at time of purchase. Coupons
cannot be redeemed for cash at a later time.
6. Coupons will not be accepted without the purchase of the item specified and are subject
to the terms listed (e.g. expiration date, size, limitations, quantity, etc.).
7. Coupons cannot be redeemed for more than the purchase price of the item.
8. Only one (1) manufacturer’s coupon will be accepted per item.
9. Management has the right to refuse any coupon or otherwise limit quantities.
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Target Coupon Policies
Target stores coupon policy
Manufacturer and Target Coupons:
•Target accepts one Manufacturer Coupon and one Target Coupon for the same item (unless
prohibited by either coupon).
•We reserve the right to accept, refuse, or limit the use of any coupon.
•Limit of 4 identical coupons per household, per day (unless otherwise noted on coupon).
•All valid coupons should be presented to the cashier during checkout.
•Item purchased must match the coupon description (brand, size, quantity, color, flavor, etc.).
•Coupon amount may be reduced if it exceeds the value of the item after other discounts or
coupons are applied.
•We can't give cash back if the face value of a coupon is greater than the purchase value of the
item.
•All applicable sales taxes are paid by the guest at the full value of the item.
•These guidelines apply to all coupons accepted at Target (Color Checkout Coupons, Internet
Coupons, •Mobile Coupons, Mailed Coupons, Coupons from Newspapers and Magazines, etc.).
Internet (Print-at-Home) Coupons:
•We gladly accept valid internet coupons that contain a clear and scannable bar code.
•We do not accept internet coupons for free items with no purchase requirements.
Mobile Coupons:
•Guests can receive Target Mobile Coupons by signing up for Text Alerts at Target.com/mobile
or by texting COUPONS to 827438 (TARGET).
•Message and data rates may apply. See site for full details.
•To redeem, simply show your coupon barcode to the cashier. With one simple scan, all
applicable coupons are applied.
Buy One Get One Free Coupons (BOGO):
•BOGO coupons cannot be combined (i.e. you cannot use two BOGO coupons on two items and
get both for free). Unless stated otherwise on the coupon, the use of one Buy One Get One Free
coupon requires that two of the valid items are presented at checkout of which one item will be
charged to the guest and the 2nd item will be discounted by its full retail price.
•A second cents-off coupon of the same type cannot be redeemed towards the purchase price of
the first item.
•If a Target BOGO coupon is used, one additional manufacturer coupon may be used on the
first item.
•If a Manufacturer BOGO coupon is used, one additional Target coupon may be used on the
first item.
Returns:
•Returns of items purchased using Manufacturer Coupons may receive coupon value returned in
the form of a Target GiftCard.
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Exclusions:
•Coupons are void if copied, scanned, transferred, purchased, sold, prohibited by law, or appear
altered in any way.
•We regularly monitor the Coupon Information Corporation (CIC) website for counterfeit
coupons. We do not accept counterfeit coupons.
•We can't accept coupons from other retailers, or coupons for products not carried in our stores.
•Some items may not be available at all stores.
•We do not accept expired coupons.
•We do not accept Canadian coupons in our US stores.
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Walmart Coupon Policy
Walmart Coupon Policy
We gladly accept the following types of coupons*
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Print-at-home internet coupons
o Must be legible
o Must have "Manufacturer Coupon" printed on them
o Must have a valid remit address for the manufacturer
o Must have a valid expiration date
o Must have a scannable bar code
o Buy one, get one free (BOGO) coupons with a specified price
o Are acceptable in black and white or color
o May not be duplicated
Manufacturers' coupons
o For dollar/cents off
o For free items (except those printed off the Internet)
o Buy one, get one free (BOGO) coupons
o Must have "Manufacturer Coupon" printed on them
o Must have a valid remit address for the manufacturer
o Must have a valid expiration date
o Must have a scannable bar code
o May not be duplicated
Competitors' coupons
o A specific item for a specified price, for example, $2.99
o Buy one, get one free (BOGO) coupons for items with a specified price
o Have a valid expiration date
o Are acceptable in black and white
Soft drink container caps
Checkout coupons ("Catalinas")
o Printed at our competitors' registers for dollar/cents off on a specific item
o Must have "Manufacturer Coupon" with specific item requirements printed on
them
o Must have a valid remit address for the manufacturer
o Must have a valid expiration date
o Must have a scannable bar code
o Are acceptable in black and white
o May not be duplicated
We do not accept the following coupons:


Checkout coupons
o Dollars/cents off the entire basket purchase
o Percentage off the entire basket purchase
Print-at-home Internet coupons that require no purchase
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
Competitors' coupons
o Dollars/cents off at a specific retailer
o Percentage off
o Buy one, get one free (BOGO) coupons without a specified price
o Double- or triple-value coupons
*The following are guidelines and limitations:
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






We only accept coupons for merchandise that we sell.
Coupons must be presented at the time of purchase.
Only one coupon per item.
Item purchased must be identical to the coupon (size, quantity, brand, flavor, color, etc).
There is no limit on the number of coupons per transaction.
Coupons must have an expiration date and be redeemed prior to expiration.
If coupon value exceeds the price of the item, the excess may be given to the customer as
cash or applied toward the basket purchase.
SNAP items purchased in a SNAP transaction are ineligible for cash back.
WIC items purchased in a WIC transaction are applied to the basket purchase and may
not be eligible for cash back. Refer to state-specific WIC guidelines.
Great Value, Marketside, Equate, Parents Choice, and World Table coupons have no cash
value and are ineligible for cash back or application to the basket purchase.
The system will prompt for supervisor verification for:
o 40 coupons per transaction.
o A coupon of $20 or greater on one item.
o $50 or more in coupons in one transaction.