The Commandments of Couponing:
1~ Plan meals from your pantry, freezer, and stockpiles, NOT the store!
Know what you have on hand and what you need to complete meals. You want to be shopping each week for great sales, free and almost free items, you do not want to be buying things from the store that are NOT at their rock-bottom price.
2~ Make a list! Less time in the store = Less money spent!
Have your game plan ready. Make your list from the flyers and your coupons, add on those items you will need this week for meals, and stick to the list. The exception to this rule is, of course, when you find items that will be free or almost free after coupons.
3~ Know the regular prices of items in your store.
The more you know, the better you'll do, if you know that Cheerios are usually $4.00 a box, when it goes on sale for $3.50, you'll know that is NOT it's rock bottom price. Create a price book with your most frequently purchased products in it. This will help you along the way.
4~ Don't Shop Hungry!
Before you go to the store with your list in hand, eat a little something and have a large glass of water. If you feel full, not just "not hungry", you'll find that sticking to your list a lot easier.
5~ Leave the kiddo's at home.
There is nothing worse than trying to stick to a list and a budget, only to have your adorable children imploring you to buy Kellogg's Apple Jacks when your list, coupons, and budget all say you're getting Rice Krispies! Well, perhaps getting to the register only to find that Baby Emily has eaten, shredded, or just scattered your coupons from one end of the store to the other!
So, unless your kids are old enough and willing to help you, leave them at home if you possibly can.
6~ Bring ALL your coupons in the store with you.
Unless you are very good at sticking to a list and don't want to take advantage of those items that are on clearance sales, you had best bring the coupons in with you. At the very least, have them in the car so that you can make a quick run to the car for the needed coupons.
7~ Expect to get Sales and Free items, do NOT expect to get overages!
Negatives (overages) do happen, but it's best to not be set up for the heartbreak. Plenty of planning is necessary for deals that may turn negative.
8~ Get the Rain check NOW!
When you find that the store is out of the item that you want, go directly to customer service and get the rain check for the items. You may also find out this way that they have some in the back or in another part of the store, but more importantly, you will remember to get the rain check before leaving the store! Many times I have arrived home and then remembered that I needed to get a rain check.
9~ Check prices of generic, store brand, and other brands before using your coupons.
The ultimate goal is to save money. If you have coupons for 55¢ off Bumble Bee Tuna and it is $3.59, but the same size of Chicken of the Sea Tuna is $2.25, Buy the Cheaper Tuna!
10~ Never Photocopy a Coupon!
Photocopying coupons can get you banned from the store or even a fine. Not to mention the black mark it leaves on all coupon users.
11~ Complete Smaller transactions.
If your store only doubles 3 or 4 coupons per transaction, you will want to put together smaller transactions to take advantage of the double coupons.
12~ Do NOT impulse buy!
You will be amazed at how much money you will spend if you allow yourself to impulse buy. If you see that candy bars are on sale, but you're not sure if its the best deal... wait! Research the price with other stores, look for coupons, and THEN, once it has been added to your list, buy it.
13~ Shop other stores!
We all have our favored store. The one where we know all the cashiers and they know us and it's almost like meeting up with old friends at each store. Don't be loyal to this store. No ONE store has all the best prices in town, your store may have the best prices on Milk, but the store down the road has the best prices on Bananas. This is another reason for your price book.
14~ Find the method that suits YOU!
Does it work for you to shop once a week? 3 times a week? every day? Do you need to file your coupons alphabetically? by aisle? by store? Do you file in a box, in a binder, in an accordian file? Do what you need to do to make it work for YOU. YOU are the one using the system.
And the Golden Rule of Using Coupons....
Break Away From Brand Loyalty!
Manufacturers make money from your brand loyalty, you do not save money from it. Be flexible in the brands that you purchase. Is there really a difference in flavor between Hunt's Ketchup and Heinz Ketchup? Not a very noticable one! So why not buy the one that is SO much less expensive.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Safeway Coupon Policies
When I wrote to Safeway.com and asked for their coupon policies, I received this explanation.
Printable Internet Coupons are defined as on-line print at home coupons that consumers receive from either a retailer website (for example: Vons.com), a manufacturer website (for example: Kraft Foods.com) or from a legitimate coupon website, (for example: Coupons.com). These websites typically require shoppers to register on-line before granting access to print the coupon, and generally limit the customer to print only one type of coupon from their website to discourage duplicates coming from a single computer.
In order to insure that we accept only legitimate printable Internet coupons, Safeway has adopted the following store policies and guidelines. These policies and guidelines are company wide.
1. We will not accept any printable Internet coupons that do not have a manufacturer's bar code or manufacturer's redemption instructions.
2. We will accept any printable Internet coupons only if they scan properly at checkout.
3. We will not accept more than one "copy" of the same printable Internet coupon per customer.
4. We will not accept any printable Internet coupons for a Free Product (other than a "Buy One Get One Free Offer" that requires a purchase of the like item)
5. We will not accept any printable Internet coupons for more than a $5.00 value or for more than 50% of a product's retail price, whichever of the two is lower.
6. We will not accept any printable Internet coupons that do not have an easy to read expiration date or that extend more than 12 weeks. (Most printable Internet coupons may expire 30-45 days after you print them)
7. We will not accept any printable Internet coupons that appear out of proportion, appear blurry, or are obvious duplicates.
8. Any printable Internet coupons that appear to have been altered in any way may be rejected. (Printable Internet coupons are nearly always printed using the same technology and therefore have a standard format, with very specific security features, including a unique serial code.
Please note that the final decision regarding the acceptance of the Internet Coupons is left to the discretion of the store management.
Additionally, please note that we follow the guidelines provided below regarding the acceptance of coupons:
1. Manufacturer coupons cannot be exchanged for cash or used to purchase merchandise other than what is specified on the coupon.
2. One manufacturer coupon is allowed for each item purchased unless the coupon states that more than one item must be purchased as a condition for redemption. As long as manufacturer coupons match the items purchased, there is no limit on the number of coupons that can be redeemed.
3. All manufacturer coupons must have the retailer statement including an address for redemption.
4. Manufacturer coupons that are competitor coupons may be accepted as long as all of the above rules are followed.
Printable Internet Coupons are defined as on-line print at home coupons that consumers receive from either a retailer website (for example: Vons.com), a manufacturer website (for example: Kraft Foods.com) or from a legitimate coupon website, (for example: Coupons.com). These websites typically require shoppers to register on-line before granting access to print the coupon, and generally limit the customer to print only one type of coupon from their website to discourage duplicates coming from a single computer.
In order to insure that we accept only legitimate printable Internet coupons, Safeway has adopted the following store policies and guidelines. These policies and guidelines are company wide.
1. We will not accept any printable Internet coupons that do not have a manufacturer's bar code or manufacturer's redemption instructions.
2. We will accept any printable Internet coupons only if they scan properly at checkout.
3. We will not accept more than one "copy" of the same printable Internet coupon per customer.
4. We will not accept any printable Internet coupons for a Free Product (other than a "Buy One Get One Free Offer" that requires a purchase of the like item)
5. We will not accept any printable Internet coupons for more than a $5.00 value or for more than 50% of a product's retail price, whichever of the two is lower.
6. We will not accept any printable Internet coupons that do not have an easy to read expiration date or that extend more than 12 weeks. (Most printable Internet coupons may expire 30-45 days after you print them)
7. We will not accept any printable Internet coupons that appear out of proportion, appear blurry, or are obvious duplicates.
8. Any printable Internet coupons that appear to have been altered in any way may be rejected. (Printable Internet coupons are nearly always printed using the same technology and therefore have a standard format, with very specific security features, including a unique serial code.
Please note that the final decision regarding the acceptance of the Internet Coupons is left to the discretion of the store management.
Additionally, please note that we follow the guidelines provided below regarding the acceptance of coupons:
1. Manufacturer coupons cannot be exchanged for cash or used to purchase merchandise other than what is specified on the coupon.
2. One manufacturer coupon is allowed for each item purchased unless the coupon states that more than one item must be purchased as a condition for redemption. As long as manufacturer coupons match the items purchased, there is no limit on the number of coupons that can be redeemed.
3. All manufacturer coupons must have the retailer statement including an address for redemption.
4. Manufacturer coupons that are competitor coupons may be accepted as long as all of the above rules are followed.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Albertson's Coupon Policy
Albertsons:
accepts manufacturer coupons and you can stack it with an Albertsons in-store coupon.
accepts printed coupons (see guidelines below)
Coupons — Definition
Coupons are a form of tender presented by the customer to reduce their order total based on merchandise purchased in stores where the retailer has agreed to accept manufacturer coupons. Retailers are not required by law to accept manufacturers’ coupon. Coupons can be printed and/or in electronic form, and maybe integrated into the register systems where they are deducted automatically when all purchase requirements are met.
The following coupon types are accepted by Albertsons:
1. Manufacturer Coupons are coupons issued by the manufacturer containing: “terms of agreement”, face value, expiration date, and verbiage “manufacturer coupon.” Albertsons may issue coupons such as printed ad media coupons, Avenu, or Shop n’ Scan coupons that are manufacturer coupons that contain the words “redeemable only at Albertsons.” Most manufacturer coupons have barcodes on them and can be scanned. Any coupons that do not scan or have barcodes should be checked for validity of expiration date and purchase requirements.
2. Store Coupons are your Company’s discount offers in various forms of media including, but not limited to, print, electronic, newspaper, direct mailers, kiosks and Company websites. Store coupons may also contain the words “redeemable only at Albertsons” (or a banner of Albertsons). Store coupons may state that the discount applies only with Preferred Card/Super Card/Loyalty Card.
3. Catalina Checkout Coupons/Rebates are triggered by individual items purchased at checkout which print on the Catalina printer. It is Albertsons’ policy to allow these coupons to be used only for next purchase. Catalina coupons can only be given to the customer for whom they were intended (not to any other customer or associate). If a customer does not want their Catalina coupons, it is Albertsons’ policy that the cashier destroy them immediately. Catalina checkout coupons printed at other retailers may or may not be accepted for redemption following the manufacturer/competitor store coupon guidelines.
4. Internet Coupons printed from a website are redeemable with a qualifying purchase. Albertsons DOES NOT accept Internet coupons containing the following conditions:
a. ‘Free’ product offers that do not require a purchase
b. Redemption value exceeds $5.00
c. Absence of UPC bar code
5. All coupons tendered must have a corresponding sale for the product listed and amount specified, and only at the time of purchase.
accepts manufacturer coupons and you can stack it with an Albertsons in-store coupon.
accepts printed coupons (see guidelines below)
no longer matches competitors ads or prices
no longer accept competitors coupons or Walgreens Register Rewards
Albertsons Coupon Policy & Guidelines:no longer accept competitors coupons or Walgreens Register Rewards
Coupons — Definition
Coupons are a form of tender presented by the customer to reduce their order total based on merchandise purchased in stores where the retailer has agreed to accept manufacturer coupons. Retailers are not required by law to accept manufacturers’ coupon. Coupons can be printed and/or in electronic form, and maybe integrated into the register systems where they are deducted automatically when all purchase requirements are met.
The following coupon types are accepted by Albertsons:
1. Manufacturer Coupons are coupons issued by the manufacturer containing: “terms of agreement”, face value, expiration date, and verbiage “manufacturer coupon.” Albertsons may issue coupons such as printed ad media coupons, Avenu, or Shop n’ Scan coupons that are manufacturer coupons that contain the words “redeemable only at Albertsons.” Most manufacturer coupons have barcodes on them and can be scanned. Any coupons that do not scan or have barcodes should be checked for validity of expiration date and purchase requirements.
2. Store Coupons are your Company’s discount offers in various forms of media including, but not limited to, print, electronic, newspaper, direct mailers, kiosks and Company websites. Store coupons may also contain the words “redeemable only at Albertsons” (or a banner of Albertsons). Store coupons may state that the discount applies only with Preferred Card/Super Card/Loyalty Card.
3. Catalina Checkout Coupons/Rebates are triggered by individual items purchased at checkout which print on the Catalina printer. It is Albertsons’ policy to allow these coupons to be used only for next purchase. Catalina coupons can only be given to the customer for whom they were intended (not to any other customer or associate). If a customer does not want their Catalina coupons, it is Albertsons’ policy that the cashier destroy them immediately. Catalina checkout coupons printed at other retailers may or may not be accepted for redemption following the manufacturer/competitor store coupon guidelines.
4. Internet Coupons printed from a website are redeemable with a qualifying purchase. Albertsons DOES NOT accept Internet coupons containing the following conditions:
a. ‘Free’ product offers that do not require a purchase
b. Redemption value exceeds $5.00
c. Absence of UPC bar code
5. All coupons tendered must have a corresponding sale for the product listed and amount specified, and only at the time of purchase.
Walgreens Register Rewards
I tried so hard to simplify this for you, but found another entry with a great blog that answers the questions so well:
Seven-Rules-For-Walgreens-Register-Rewards-Success
I've incorporated the Q&A from many sites here.
Q: What exactly are Register Rewards (RR) ? Are they like cash off your next order (OYNO).
A: They are catalinas that print up after your qualifying purchases. The OYNO RR can be used like cash toward future purchase.
Q: What is a catalina and catalina machine ?
A: The catalina machine is a different machine that sits right next to the one that prints the receipt. Some catalinas will print when an item is scanned. The RR come out of the machine after the transaction is complete (paid). The catalinas also look different than the register tape because they have red borders on both sides.
Q: Will more than one register rewards print out on the same transaction (buy 2 different products that each have a register reward)?
A: If you buy two (or more) DIFFERENT register rewards items in one transaction, one reward each will print. However, if you buy two of the SAME item, only one RR will print. Best to do separate transactions.
Q: Do you bring up all the items to the register and request they ring them seperately?
A. That is the easiest way. Store management may have their own policy on this practice.
Q: Can I use my RR at other stores ?
A: Walgreen's RR's should only be used at Walgreen's, unless your store has a policy that allows them to be accepted as competitor coupons.
Q: Can I use manufacturer coupons with a RR/Catalina OYNO coupon ?
A: The register considers the RR a manf coupon. You cannot have more coupons than items. If you have coupons for every product you are buying, the RR will beep. So you'll need to throw in a filler item. Look for cheap stuff in the clearance section or get a pack of .30 gum
Q: Can I combine a manf catalina and an insert manf coupon?
A: You can't combine these, you have to use one or the other. They are both manf coupon.
Q: Are RR and Catalinas manufacturer coupons ?
A: Not all RRs are manf. Manf start with a 5 or 9, & are not followed by 00000.
Q: I have a Walgreen's raincheck (RC) for an OOS (out of stock) Register Reward items. When the item is in stock (after the sale) will I receive / obtain the Register Reward Catalina coupon for the item(s)?
A: If the RR promotion for that item is still in progress, you'll receive the RR using the RC. If the RR is over, the answer depends on your local consumer advertising laws. The RC should indicate the price AFTER RR or that you'll receive a GC for the RR amount. Otherwise you're out of luck.
Q: Can I use RR to purchase gift cards? Do I need to add filler items for it to work?
A: No Register Rewards can not be used to purchase gift/phone/prepaid cards.
Q: Can I use more than 1 RR per order ?
A:Walgreens response to Hot Coupon World on Feb 25, 08: You can use your Register Rewards but you can not have more coupons than you have items. It might be easier to ring up items in separate transactions, but please check with the store management. If you have further questions, please contact Walgreens Advertising Department at 847-914-2500.
NOTE: make sure you have equal number of manf. coupons and RR as you do items. If you do not, then you will need to pick up "filler items". Inexpensive candy or gum are examples of fillers. Some stores will not allow you to use 2 or more of the same type of RR in one transaction. For example, not allowing two $10 P&G RR but do allow a $2, $4 and a $10 RR in one transaction. Again, please comply with the "one per order" as applicable.
TIP: you can use a 7-day or IVC on a filler item and should not count toward your total # of manf coupons used.
Q: If I use an RR generated from product X and buy another of product X will another RR print?
A: BEWARE! This is known as rolling RRs. Many times the register will not print an RR for product X if an RR generated from product X was used to pay for that transaction.
Q: Most RR require you to buy $X of a product/brand. For the dollar amount that it requires, is that computed on the the regular price, sale price, before mfc, after mfc, before store coupons, after coupons, etc?
A: The amount counted toward the requirement is the total of the items at the sale price before any other discounts (ES coupons, manufacturer coupons,etc.) are taken off.
If you use coupons and the RR does not print and the mgr says it's because you used MANF coupons, you may want to have them re-ring without using coupons to show that it's not the use of coupons that is making the RR not print. Be sure you have all the right sizes, etc before trying this option. Using manufacturer coupons and/or paying with a gift card should have no barring on whether the coupon prints out.
Q: My catalina expired, am I outta luck ?
A: Ask at the store. As a general policy, you're out of luck.
Q: What if the Catalina is torn and won't scan?
A: They can enter the #s manually IF the #s part in small print is visible.
Q: What if I return an item that I received an RR on ?
A? Per the terms on the RR, the RR must be surrendered at the time the items are returned. If you've already used the RR, then you would not be able to return the items for a refund.
Q: My RR/Catalina didn't print. What do I do ?
A1: The store will give you a form to fill out and mail in to catalina
A2: 1-888-8coupon, option 3
A3: use the online form: Contact | Catalina Marketing
Seven-Rules-For-Walgreens-Register-Rewards-Success
I've incorporated the Q&A from many sites here.
Q: What exactly are Register Rewards (RR) ? Are they like cash off your next order (OYNO).
A: They are catalinas that print up after your qualifying purchases. The OYNO RR can be used like cash toward future purchase.
Q: What is a catalina and catalina machine ?
A: The catalina machine is a different machine that sits right next to the one that prints the receipt. Some catalinas will print when an item is scanned. The RR come out of the machine after the transaction is complete (paid). The catalinas also look different than the register tape because they have red borders on both sides.
Q: Will more than one register rewards print out on the same transaction (buy 2 different products that each have a register reward)?
A: If you buy two (or more) DIFFERENT register rewards items in one transaction, one reward each will print. However, if you buy two of the SAME item, only one RR will print. Best to do separate transactions.
Q: Do you bring up all the items to the register and request they ring them seperately?
A. That is the easiest way. Store management may have their own policy on this practice.
Q: Can I use my RR at other stores ?
A: Walgreen's RR's should only be used at Walgreen's, unless your store has a policy that allows them to be accepted as competitor coupons.
Q: Can I use manufacturer coupons with a RR/Catalina OYNO coupon ?
A: The register considers the RR a manf coupon. You cannot have more coupons than items. If you have coupons for every product you are buying, the RR will beep. So you'll need to throw in a filler item. Look for cheap stuff in the clearance section or get a pack of .30 gum
Q: Can I combine a manf catalina and an insert manf coupon?
A: You can't combine these, you have to use one or the other. They are both manf coupon.
Q: Are RR and Catalinas manufacturer coupons ?
A: Not all RRs are manf. Manf start with a 5 or 9, & are not followed by 00000.
Q: I have a Walgreen's raincheck (RC) for an OOS (out of stock) Register Reward items. When the item is in stock (after the sale) will I receive / obtain the Register Reward Catalina coupon for the item(s)?
A: If the RR promotion for that item is still in progress, you'll receive the RR using the RC. If the RR is over, the answer depends on your local consumer advertising laws. The RC should indicate the price AFTER RR or that you'll receive a GC for the RR amount. Otherwise you're out of luck.
Q: Can I use RR to purchase gift cards? Do I need to add filler items for it to work?
A: No Register Rewards can not be used to purchase gift/phone/prepaid cards.
Q: Can I use more than 1 RR per order ?
A:Walgreens response to Hot Coupon World on Feb 25, 08: You can use your Register Rewards but you can not have more coupons than you have items. It might be easier to ring up items in separate transactions, but please check with the store management. If you have further questions, please contact Walgreens Advertising Department at 847-914-2500.
NOTE: make sure you have equal number of manf. coupons and RR as you do items. If you do not, then you will need to pick up "filler items". Inexpensive candy or gum are examples of fillers. Some stores will not allow you to use 2 or more of the same type of RR in one transaction. For example, not allowing two $10 P&G RR but do allow a $2, $4 and a $10 RR in one transaction. Again, please comply with the "one per order" as applicable.
TIP: you can use a 7-day or IVC on a filler item and should not count toward your total # of manf coupons used.
Q: If I use an RR generated from product X and buy another of product X will another RR print?
A: BEWARE! This is known as rolling RRs. Many times the register will not print an RR for product X if an RR generated from product X was used to pay for that transaction.
Q: Most RR require you to buy $X of a product/brand. For the dollar amount that it requires, is that computed on the the regular price, sale price, before mfc, after mfc, before store coupons, after coupons, etc?
A: The amount counted toward the requirement is the total of the items at the sale price before any other discounts (ES coupons, manufacturer coupons,etc.) are taken off.
If you use coupons and the RR does not print and the mgr says it's because you used MANF coupons, you may want to have them re-ring without using coupons to show that it's not the use of coupons that is making the RR not print. Be sure you have all the right sizes, etc before trying this option. Using manufacturer coupons and/or paying with a gift card should have no barring on whether the coupon prints out.
Q: My catalina expired, am I outta luck ?
A: Ask at the store. As a general policy, you're out of luck.
Q: What if the Catalina is torn and won't scan?
A: They can enter the #s manually IF the #s part in small print is visible.
Q: What if I return an item that I received an RR on ?
A? Per the terms on the RR, the RR must be surrendered at the time the items are returned. If you've already used the RR, then you would not be able to return the items for a refund.
Q: My RR/Catalina didn't print. What do I do ?
A1: The store will give you a form to fill out and mail in to catalina
A2: 1-888-8coupon, option 3
A3: use the online form: Contact | Catalina Marketing
Walgreens Coupon Policies
When you write to Walgreen's customer service to ask about coupon policies, this is what you get. It sure cleared up a lot of confusion for me.
Can a customer use both a Manufacturer’s coupon and Walgreens coupon for the same item in a purchase?
What happens if the Manufacturer coupon’s value is more than the retail value?
Can a customer use a coupon after a sale has been made?
- All valid coupons must be presented to the cashier at the time of sale only!
If there is no quantity limit on a Walgreens coupon can a manager impose his/her own limit?
- Yes, managers have the right to limit the quantities of all advertised items.
Does Walgreens price match or accept coupons from other retailers?
A customer purchased an item using a manufacturer’s coupon and wants to return it. At what price do we return the item?
- If an item purchased with a manufacturer’s coupon is returned, the customer will get the retail price of the item. If the customer purchased an item with a Walgreens coupon, the customer receives the price paid.
Example 1: If the retail price for an item is $1.49 and the manufacturers coupon was 25¢ off, the refund amount would be $1.49 plus tax.
Example 2: If the retail price for an item is $1.49 and the Walgreens coupon was 25¢ off, the refund amount would be $1.24 plus tax.
Stores are not required to keep Roto ad coupons. What about Instant Value Coupons?
- For Instant Value Coupons, stores receive credit from the manufacturer ONLY if the coupon is scanned. Once an IVC coupon has been scanned and the transaction is finished, you can discard the coupon.
A customer had a coupon with no limit on it and is trying to buy an item that is “buy one get one free,” how many times are we allowed to scan a coupon for this purchase?
- Only one coupon can be used when a customer is purchasing a Buy 1 Get 1 free item, because the customer is only purchasing one item.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
How do I use coupons?
Double Coupons ~
You need to find a store that will double the value of your coupons. Here in Oregon we have Safeway, who offers a "double coupons" that doubles (up to 50¢) the value of up to four manufacture coupons and Albertsons, who don't offer the double coupons each week, but do occasionally offer double coupons that will double (up to $1.00) the value of up to three manufacture coupons. Thriftway also doubles up to four manufacture coupons, up to 50¢ each.
Combining manufacture coupons with store sales and store coupons and double coupons! Th money saving quad ~
When an item goes on sale, for example this week Kelloggs Cereal (regularly priced at $3.99) went on sale for $1.99. I paired that up with a coupon ($1.00/1), and used a double coupon (50¢) giving me a total of 49¢ for a box of Kelloggs cereal. Sometimes these "sales" are only available with a store coupon. This aids the store in allowing you this great deal without having to sell all their cereal at this price. In that case, use the store coupon to reduce the price, then take off the manufacture coupon, and use a double coupon to bring it down even further.
Instant savings and money off your next visit ~
As an increased insentive sometimes the store will offer an "instant savings" when you buy a certain number of items or spend a certain amount of money. For instance, this week Albertson's is offering $5.00 off instantly when you purchase five items in a select list. You can team these up with coupons to get the price down even further. Today I was able to buy five Sara Lee Simple Sweets Pies, regularly priced at $3.59, on sale for 2/$6.00. This made five of the pies cost $15.00, but I also had five $1.00/1 coupons, bringing it down to $10.00. But because fo the instant savings, it took $5.00 off my total, bringing my total cost for five pies down to just $5.00 or, $1.00 a pie.
This week Albertson's also has Dryers Ice Cream on sale for $2.99. But if you purchase four different Dryer's ice creams, you can get $4.00 back to use on your next visit. I was looking to buy ice cream anyway, so decided to stock up with four containers. Regularly priced at $6.49, it was a bargain on sale for $2.99, but at the register, a coupon for $4.00 off my next visit came out, which virtually means that my ice cream was now down to only $1.99! With no other coupons used.
Register Rewards at Walgreens ~
Walgreen's has recently decided to stop doing rebates, and as a substitute, they have started doing many more "Register Rewards". These are much like the ice cream example in the above paragraph. You can double up, using both a Walgreen's store coupon and a manufacture coupon when purchasing these items and still get the "register rewards" for money off your next trip to the store. The only thing is that when using these "register rewards" at Walgreen's, you need to realize that they are considered Manufacurers coupons. Since they are treated as such, you cannot use a manufacturer coupon AND a "register rewards" coupon in the purchase of 1 item. So you must have at least as many items as manufacturer coupons. So sometimes you need to purchase a small filler item to make the transaction work (I like to get ramen noodles at 29¢!). We'll go more in depth into the in's and out's of Walgreen's in a future post.
Saving more by NOT buying large sizes ~
Most people just assume that when you buy larger sizes or buy in bulk, you're getting a better deal. But when using coupons this is most often NOT the case.
Case in point, consider this example:
You need to find a store that will double the value of your coupons. Here in Oregon we have Safeway, who offers a "double coupons" that doubles (up to 50¢) the value of up to four manufacture coupons and Albertsons, who don't offer the double coupons each week, but do occasionally offer double coupons that will double (up to $1.00) the value of up to three manufacture coupons. Thriftway also doubles up to four manufacture coupons, up to 50¢ each.
Combining manufacture coupons with store sales and store coupons and double coupons! Th money saving quad ~
When an item goes on sale, for example this week Kelloggs Cereal (regularly priced at $3.99) went on sale for $1.99. I paired that up with a coupon ($1.00/1), and used a double coupon (50¢) giving me a total of 49¢ for a box of Kelloggs cereal. Sometimes these "sales" are only available with a store coupon. This aids the store in allowing you this great deal without having to sell all their cereal at this price. In that case, use the store coupon to reduce the price, then take off the manufacture coupon, and use a double coupon to bring it down even further.
Instant savings and money off your next visit ~
As an increased insentive sometimes the store will offer an "instant savings" when you buy a certain number of items or spend a certain amount of money. For instance, this week Albertson's is offering $5.00 off instantly when you purchase five items in a select list. You can team these up with coupons to get the price down even further. Today I was able to buy five Sara Lee Simple Sweets Pies, regularly priced at $3.59, on sale for 2/$6.00. This made five of the pies cost $15.00, but I also had five $1.00/1 coupons, bringing it down to $10.00. But because fo the instant savings, it took $5.00 off my total, bringing my total cost for five pies down to just $5.00 or, $1.00 a pie.
This week Albertson's also has Dryers Ice Cream on sale for $2.99. But if you purchase four different Dryer's ice creams, you can get $4.00 back to use on your next visit. I was looking to buy ice cream anyway, so decided to stock up with four containers. Regularly priced at $6.49, it was a bargain on sale for $2.99, but at the register, a coupon for $4.00 off my next visit came out, which virtually means that my ice cream was now down to only $1.99! With no other coupons used.
Register Rewards at Walgreens ~
Walgreen's has recently decided to stop doing rebates, and as a substitute, they have started doing many more "Register Rewards". These are much like the ice cream example in the above paragraph. You can double up, using both a Walgreen's store coupon and a manufacture coupon when purchasing these items and still get the "register rewards" for money off your next trip to the store. The only thing is that when using these "register rewards" at Walgreen's, you need to realize that they are considered Manufacurers coupons. Since they are treated as such, you cannot use a manufacturer coupon AND a "register rewards" coupon in the purchase of 1 item. So you must have at least as many items as manufacturer coupons. So sometimes you need to purchase a small filler item to make the transaction work (I like to get ramen noodles at 29¢!). We'll go more in depth into the in's and out's of Walgreen's in a future post.
Saving more by NOT buying large sizes ~
Most people just assume that when you buy larger sizes or buy in bulk, you're getting a better deal. But when using coupons this is most often NOT the case.
Case in point, consider this example:
| Without Coupon: Diapers 28 count package: Price: $7.00 Cost per unit: $0.25 Diapers 56 count package: Price: $13.00 Cost per unit: $0.23
With Coupon: Diapers 28 count package: Price: $7.00 - $1.50 coupon = $5.50 Cost per unit: $0.20 Diapers 56 count package: Price: $13.00 - $1.50 coupon = $11.50 Cost per unit: $0.21 |
Although the price per unit of the larger size is more economical without the coupon, the smaller size is the better buy with the coupon.
Keep a small calculator in your purse or coupon caddy to help calculate the best deal. Sometimes the larger size IS the more economical, you just have to do the math.
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