Questions about coupons? I've got answers!

Lately I've been receiving questions about coupons (how to stack, how to tell the difference between store coupons and manufacturer's coupons, etc.) so I thought I'd do a quick post explaining things to the best of my abilities.  I hope this helps some of you who are new to couponing!

First off, here's the easiest way to tell the difference between a manufacturer's coupon and store coupon. I have mentioned this on the blog before, but it's always nice to post a refresher:

This is a manufacturer's coupon:

Manufacturer's coupons almost always begin with the number 5 (circled in red above). They also have two sets of barcodes. Manufacturer's coupons are found in magazines, newspapers, and they're even affixed to products or on tear-pads on product displays. Manufacturer's coupons are the MOST common type of coupons out there.

This is a store coupon:

Store coupons usually have ONE barcode, and the first number in the barcode is NOT a "5" (in this case, it's a 9). There are other clues that will tip you off that it's a store coupon, such as that you will see the name of the particular store on the coupon. NOTE: sometimes a coupon will say something like "Available at Walmart" but it will actually NOT be a store coupon! You can always double-check by making sure the coupon barcode begins with a "5". If it does, then it's a manufacturer's coupon and it can be used anywhere.

How do you stack coupons?

This is pretty simple now that you know the difference between a store coupon and a manufacturer's coupon. In order to stack coupons (use two coupons for the purchase of ONE item) the two coupons you're using MUST be one of each kind (one store, and one manufacturer's). NOTE: you also must check with the particular store to make sure that coupon stacking is an accordance with their coupon policy. To my knowledge, most stores accept this method, but I've heard that some do not.

Here's an example of two coupons that can be stacked:

As you can see, the top coupon (manufacturer's coupon) begins with the number "5" and has two sets of barcodes. The bottom coupon is a Target store coupon and has one barcode, which does NOT begin with the number "5". So if you were to present both of these coupons to your cashier, you would get $1.25 off a six-roll package (or larger) of Charmin.

In regard to drugstore purchases, I want to make sure you know that CVS coupons (the ones that print at the red scanner box, at the bottom of your receipt, etc.) are store coupons and CAN be stacked with manufacturer's coupons. More examples of store coupons would be Target printable coupons, Rite Aid Video Values coupons, and also the coupons that come in the weekly drugstore ads (Walgreens, Rite Aid, etc.) and also the coupons in the Walgreens Monthly Coupon Book.

In addition to coupons, there are, of course, things like CVS Extra Bucks, Walgreens Register Rewards, and Rite Aid +UP Rewards. These rewards are like STORE CREDIT. Which means that you could use them in conjunction with a store coupon and/or a manufacturer's coupon.  NOTE: In the case of Walgreens, you are required to have an even ratio of coupons to items when you make a purchase. In other words, if you were going to use Register Rewards, a store coupon and a manufacturer's coupon to purchase ONE tube of lipstick, you would be required to purchase TWO other items in that transaction (three coupons, three items).

How to save even MORE money? Look for coupons such as $4 off a $20 purchase, which is a coupon that CVS often emails to Extra Care members.You could use a coupon like this in conjunction with a manufacturer's coupon, a store coupon, and Extra Bucks for an incredible savings (even more if you waited for a good sale on the particular product you were planning to purchase).

I hope this helps some of you that are new to couponing and/or new to the world of drugstore beauty. Keeping an eye out for coupons, sales and rewards can REALLY add up, and I promise that you can get beauty products for free, or very close to it, if you just follow these simple rules.

As always, if you have any questions, just let me know!