Most people put aside coupons from the newspaper and/or flyers or booklets in the mail. However, that is just the tip of the iceberg. In today’s economy, families need all the help available and manufacturers and stores are eager to earn their business. One way they do this is by giving coupons, mail-in rebates (MIR) and other special offers.
Having a workable system in place for organizing and storing coupons for easy accessibility is crucial. There is no savings until discounts are used.
Sources of Discounts
In addition to the usual newspaper inserts (particularly from Smart Source and Red Plum), the internet is an excellent option today and there will be a future article covering it. Meanwhile, don’t forget to be on the lookout for the following often-overlooked discounts:
- Mailings (don’t toss as junk)
- Tear Pads with coupons in stores are often located near holiday or other displays.
- Blinkies are the same as tear pads, but usually have a small red blinking light to alert customers to the location.
- Peelies are peel-off discount stickers attached to outsides of packages. These are used for the product when checking out.
- Recipe or other booklets around displays often contain coupons.
- Free samples are usually accompanied by a coupon.
- Mail-in rebates are often on larger items, but major manufacturers, e.g. Proctor & Gamble, will run them as well. They would normally require purchase of a certain number of their items in a specific time frame. Be warned that this will require original cash register receipts for each so keep in a safe place until ready to put in the mail. It goes without saying to always keep copies of what is sent.
- Catalinas are coupons generated by the register at checkout and print on the bottom of the receipt. These are often overlooked by customers.
- Be sure to sign up for any store discount cards at not only grocery stores, but other stores, such as drugstores, e.g., CVS and Walgreen’s.
- Many restaurants keep email lists and send discounts or special deals. It never hurts to ask at favorite place.
Combine Discounts to Save the Most
Always look for items on sale and match store and/or manufacturer coupons to sales. Using both a store and manufacturer coupon for the same item should work, but check store policies which often require the purchase of more than one item. Use a cheap filler, i.e. chewing gum, for this second item. There are ways serious couponers end up getting many items free after discounts, rebates and catalinas.
Enjoy and Make it Work for You
Only do as much or as little as is comfortable. No one needs another stressor in their lives. Happy couponing!
Peggy Williams - After 20 years in the workplace, I returned to school recently and graduated in May '08 with a Bachelors degree in Dietetics and ...
