It is now February 2012, and our unemployment rates are at 8.3 %, which has been deemed the lowest since 2009. With job gains on the up, the stock markets climbed in the opening market. Unfortunately, that is not enough to save our economy. The real truth behind it all, those most affected by it are you and I. My husband and I maintain a household of 5 people, no matter how and where we try to cut, slash and save or should we say deprive ourselves, even when it looks like we can make ends meet, they don’t.
So I have started doing my research and it seems coupons are the in “factor”, but in order to accomplish the true task of “couponing”, you have a lot of information you must know or else couponing is not effective. In order to be successful with coupons, you must understand them, to some they are just a little cut out from weekly inserts with a bar code and dollar amount placed on them. That my dears, doesn’t even begin to remotely explain what a coupon is or how to use them. Coupon success equals a thorough understanding of coupons.
The first and one of the most important keys of understanding is learning the different types of discounts and deals offered from coupons as well as the lingo. Familiarize yourself with your local supermarkets policy on coupons. The most common types of coupons are manufacturers, retail and your printable’s. Manufacturer coupons are most commonly found nationwide in newspapers, direct-mailers, magazines and they do nine times out of ten come with a sample item that you receive in the mail or in store giveaways as well as trial size purchases. Manufacturer coupons come with a face value that is paid by the manufacturer to the store you are redeeming it.
Retail coupons are the coupons you find advertised in your local newspaper ads, like manufacturer coupons you can receive them through direct mail. In the instance of retail coupons, the manufacturer offers a low fee to the retailer to cover the expenses of advertising and mailing.
Printable coupons are the coupons you find online in cyber land most grocery and manufacturers will list these coupons on their websites but there is a limit to how many you can print from your address. Online printable’s can be used in local retailers. But be aware, that some sites online do offer fake coupons. Coupon Fraud is a serious offense.
Coupon Fraud consist of modifying a coupon, meaning you’re changing the way the manufacturer intended the coupon by removing expiration dates changing the face values, changing the bar code, scanning or copying of coupons, altering codes in the manufacturers printing program. Using a coupon for another item other than what is specified on the coupon or for items not listed on the coupon or purchasing a different size than what the coupon states. If the coupon calls for a dollar off 2 items and you purchase 1, that itself is considered coupon fraud, even expired coupons are a no-no, this is where it would be important to know your retailers coupon policy, as some retailers do accept expired coupons.
Remember, you may only use one manufacturer coupon on 1 item. But an example where you may bend those rules as it is allowed is when you have a coupon for $1.00 off 2 cans of Pedigree dog food, your grocery store has a sale going that has 6 cans of Pedigree dog food for $4.00 in this instance you could use 3 of those coupons and end up paying $1.00 for 6 cans of Pedigree dog food. Not a bad deal. But as long as your purchasing 2 cans for each coupon you can continue to use the coupons. So basically, in a nutshell 1 coupon for 2 cans, 2 coupons for 4 cans, 3 coupons for 6 cans and 4 coupons for 8 cans.
Couponing can be time-consuming, but very rewarding in the end. The money that you save could be your reward to yourself take a trip, splurge on a little something special that you have wanted but could only purchase it if you robbed Peter and paid Paul (your splurged gift). I will be sharing more information like this, as I intend to create a page to teach others the art of couponing. I do not condone illegal activity or fraudulent information. But I am willing to take those on the coupon quest and teach them what I know. For more information feel free to follow me. Share this link with family and friends. Until next time, Live Love and Laugh 🙂
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