Most people coupon because they want to save money. But, they may not realize there is an art to it. It’s not a creativity that will result in a masterpiece to hang on a wall, but it’s one that will bring results to the wallet. One tool in the art form of coupons is stacking coupons.
Stacking doesn’t involve the sport of cups, if that’s your first thought. While you can’t use two manufacturer coupons on one item, stacking simply means using one manufacturer coupon and one store coupon on one product. Thus, you are “stacking” two coupons on one item.
A store coupon is just that. A coupon that a particular store has released for use only in that store. Store coupons usually have a unique look and are marked with the store logo and name. Walgreens, RiteAid, CVS, Target, Dollar General, Family Dollar and Winn Dixie all have store coupons.
A manufacturer coupon is one that is issued by the manufacturer of a product. Manufacturer grocery coupons are located in the newspaper inserts and printed online. They are clearly marked with “manufacturer coupon” on the top.
The key is to save money by stacking in a practical way. There are “extreme” deals that you can find, but here is a practical one.
At Walgreens this week, Huggies Wipes (184 or 216 pack) are $5.99 each. There is a $2 off Walgreens coupon in the August booklet, which can be found in the store. You can stack a $.50 manufacturer coupon from the 7/17/11 Smart Source insert with the store coupon. So, you would:
- Buy one Huggies wipes at $5.99
- Have the cashier scan the Walgreens store coupon.
- It subtracts $2.Then give the cashier the manufacturer coupon. It subtracts $.50
4. Your total for the wipes is $3.49
Another example is at RiteAid this week. If you purchase two M&M’s (9.9-12.6 oz) for $2 each, you will receive a $1 UP, which prints on your receipt. If you are registered on RiteAid’s website you can watch videos and print “Video Value” coupons. There was one for $1 off two M&M’s. If you watched this video, you can stack this RiteAid coupon with a $1 off two manufacturer coupon from the 7/24/11 RedPlum insert. So, you would:
- Buy two M&M’s at $2 each, equals $4
- Use one $1 off two RiteAid Video Value coupon. It subtracts $1
- Use one $1 off two manufacturer coupon. It subtracts $1
- Your total for the two bags of M&M’s is $2
5. Plus, you will receive a $1 UP reward that you can use on another purchase. This makes the two bags of M&M’s $1
The key to stacking coupons is knowing the store coupon policy to make sure of the limitations on stacking. Target, for example, recently changed the store coupon policy and now has limits on stacking.
Although Target still accepts one manufacturer coupon and one Target coupon for the same item, there are new limitations on stacking coupons with Buy One Get One items or BOGO’s. In the past, if you had a BOGO manufacturer coupon, you could use two Target coupons. Now, in the same scenario, you can only use one Target coupon with the manufacturer BOGO. Target’s policy states, “A second cents-off coupon of the same type cannot be redeemed towards the purchase price of the first item.
· If a Target BOGO coupon is used, one additional manufacturer coupon may be used on the first item.
· If a Manufacturer BOGO coupon is used, one additional Target coupon may be used on the first item
So my advice is to first research the stores you shop most often and read the coupon policy. Then, register for any promotions on the store website so that you can receive store coupons in the mail or your email. After that, when you read match-ups online, you will be prepared for the art of stacking.
Do you have a question about couponing? Email me at tshadrix@annistonstar.com. Like Clip2Save at www.facebook.com/clip2save
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