Save-ology 101: Basic Coupon Strategies
Ever watch the TV show Extreme Couponing? I've heard many people say, "Gee, I wish I could save that much money!" Well, much of that show provides an unrealistic view of couponing, since stores typically bend rules, contestants miraculously acquire large quantities of the same coupon, etc. However here are TEN basic principles that when used together, can provide very deep savings.
For the best savings, scout the weekly sales at your stores and find the best opportunities to match your coupons to the store sale. "Cherry pick" the best sale items at 2-3 stores (or more).
Generally speaking, it's best to use your coupons on the smallest package size (pay attention to size requirements on the coupon) to obtain the highest savings percentage.
Learn which stores double coupons and up to what value will double. Knowing this information for your stores will allow you to better evaluate where the best place to use your coupon will be. For example, Kroger and IGA double to $0.50, Foodland to $0.55, Giant Eagle to $0.99 and Kmart to $1.00. If I have a $0.75 coupon, it won't double at Kroger, but it will at Giant Eagle, so if the price of the product is less than $0.75 higher at Giant Eagle, it's better to use that $0.75 coupon at Giant Eagle, since it will double.
Find out if the store offers store coupons and if so, can they be "stacked" with a manufacturer's coupon on the purchase of one item?
Check to see if the store offers e-coupons on their website. Also, sign up for Cellfire and/or Savingstar, third party digital coupon providers. Digital coupons do not double.
Many stores will offer catalinas or $ off your next order (OYNO) coupons on select products
that print at checkout. Most of the catalina offers are detailed on http://www.couponnetwork.com/. Also, make sure that you stay aware of expiration dates so that your unredeemed catalinas don't go to waste.
Mail-in rebates are another excellent way to say money. Make sure that you complete the paperwork and mail it promptly, meeting all of the requirements to qualify for the rebate. Expect it to take 6-8 weeks to receive your rebate.
- USE TWO COUPONS ON BOGO SALE
Most stores will allow the use of two $ off manufacturer's coupons on a Buy One, Get One Free sale, which means that you are getting the advantage of using two coupons on the one item that you are paying for. This is typically possible because BOGO items typically ring up both at half price, rather than on at full price and one for free. Consult your store's coupon policy to verify if two coupons can be used.
Most stores will offer rain checks on advertised sale items if they are out of stock. Always check to see if you can get a rain check, if you're store is out of stock so you can take advantage of the sale/coupon matchup later, if the sale ends before they replenish.
- DON'T BUY WHAT YOU DON'T NEED
Don't feel compelled to buy a product that you don't need "just because you have a coupon". You'll find that this will end up costing you money rather than saving more, since you're spending money on thngs that you otherwise wouldn't buy. This is a common pitfall that new couponers tend to fall into.
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