How to Read Coupons!

1. Be sure to ALWAYS read the wording of the coupon, and follow what it says. Using a coupon for anything else then it states is coupon misuse, and a big NO-NO! The manufacturer can’t put a picture of every item they have. Always go by the words.

2. Type of coupon: You’ll see 2 types of coupons, a Manufacturer coupon (found in Sunday paper inserts, magazines, printables, flyers, store ads sometimes have them) and Store coupons. A Store coupon will usually say “store coupon” at the top or the name of the store. If it says can redeem at Walmart, but also says manufacturer’s coupon” it’s still a manufacturer coupon and can be used anywhere they are accepted. the “can be redeemed at” is a suggestion. Some printable coupons have a store logo on them, again, as long as it says “manufacturer coupon” it’s only a suggestion and can be used anywhere manufacturer coupons are accepted.

3. Expiration date: You can use that coupon up to 11:59 pm that day. Some stores allow you to use expired coupons, be sure to ask yours to find out their policies on that.

4. Amount of Savings: That’s how much you will save using that coupon on that item(s). For the coupon above, you’ll get it free (up to $1.50). If your store has these for more than $1.50, they will take $1.50 off and you will pay the balance. If it’s less then $1.50, they will write the amount in the box and take that off. Some stores registers do it automatically, some they have to manually enter the amount. Some stores double coupons up to a certain amount, so say you have a $.50 off 1 bread and your store doubles up to $.50, you’ll actually save $1 off that loaf of bread. Always ask for your store’s coupon policy to know if they double and how many coupons they accept.

5. Product to buy: This tells you what exactly this coupon is for. If it states: any up to 15 oz, then you can use it on any. Always read. This coupon is for a FREE Air Wick scented oil warmer gadget (excludes free item packs), that’s what it’s for. You can’t use it on a package that includes a “free item”. If the coupon has a specific size to buy, like 8 oz or larger, you can’t use it on a 2 oz bag.

6. Coupon specification: Most coupons state “limit 1 per purchase”. That means, you can use one for every one you are purchasing, unless the coupon states any other specifications. This coupons also states “limit 2 like coupons in the same shopping trip”. So, for this coupon, you can buy 2 Air Wick Oil warmer gadgets and use 2 of the same coupons. If the coupon says you can use 4 per shopping trip, then you can buy 4, and use 4 of the same coupon in the same transaction. Per purchase and per transaction are different! Some stores limit how many “like” (the same) coupons you can use. If you don’t know, ask for their policy or print it before you go to the store and carry with you.

7. Barcode: This is what the cashier must scan for your coupon to work. If I’m using a lot of coupons, I’ll hand them to the cashier a few at a time, to ensure they don’t miss any.

Mistakes happen, smile and be courteous. If you don’t agree with something the cashier is telling you, ask for the manager or their policy (if you don’t have it). It’s not going to help if you get upset. Always use coupons as they’re intended for.

If you have any questions or tips/suggestions, please comment below! Thanks for reading!