In yesterday's post we talked about how to match sale prices with coupons. Today I want to begin the conversation about how to maximize your savings at the checkout counter. We're back to coupons!
I have an assignment for you. I want to make sure you know your store's coupon policy like the back of your hand. Many stores have a written policy on their website, but if you can't find one, call the store and ask to speak to the manager. Ask these questions: (Yes, I realize there are NINE of them!)
1) Do you accept coupons?
(Some stores, i.e. Aldi and Sam's Club do not accept coupons.)
2) Do you double coupons?
3) If so, up to what amount do you double?
(i.e. coupons 50 cents and under are doubled)
4) Do you have a limit on the number of coupons you will double?
(I have never experienced this, but I know some of my mom's stores in Wisconsin have a limit.)
5) Do you allow more than one coupon per item?
(manufacturer's and store coupon)
6) Do you take competitor's coupons?
7) If yes, who do you consider to be a competitor?
(Publix considered Rite Aid to be a competitor in Georgia, and they would take Rite Aid's $5 off $25 coupons!)
8) Do you accept one coupon for each BOGO (buy one, get one free) item?
Usually the only way they will do this is if their policy is to charge 50% for each B1G1 item, rather than full price for the first and nothing for the second. Publix is a good example of this--you can actually buy one of a B1G1 item and it will be 50% off. If your store has this policy, they should accept one coupon each for B1G1 items. And if they allow coupon "stacking" (accepting both a manufacturer's AND store coupon for each item), you are pretty much getting free items because you are basically paying full price for one item and using four coupons against it!
9) How can I receive your store coupons in the mail?
Feel free to post comments and let me know your store's coupon policy! I have more to share on this topic of maximizing your savings at the checkout counter, so be sure to stay tuned!
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1 comment:
thanks for the ideas....we don't get the Sunday paper...but a lady at church gives me a bunch she doesn't use. so there is an idea for some who cant afford to get the Sunday paper every week. Ask someone to give you their "left overs". In my case, this lady is elderly and doesn't use the "baby/child" coupons so she saves them for me!
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