The Art of Couponing: Coupon Lingo & Rules

Hello there fellow Coupon Queens (and Kings! we don't discriminate).  If this is your first time here, please check out the series, The Art of Couponing, to get up to snuff with all things coupon.

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This week, we are going to uncover the strange and often misunderstood world of coupon lingo.  What do all those crazy abbreviations mean?! Some are self explanatory, while others take a bit more thought.  Don't be mystified and intimidated by the language, after some time, it'll be old hat.

Coupon & Sale Lingo

BOGO or B1G1 or B1G1F - Buy one item at full price, get a second item for free.  However, if this is a store sale, most do not mandate that you must buy two items.  You can usually buy one item at 1/2 price!

B2G1, etc. - Same as B1G1, but you must purchase whatever amount is specified to get the deal.  

B1G1F - For a paper coupon, buy one item, get an item free.  Look for fine print on these, because the coupon will usually put a limit on the max. price of the free item.  Flag this item for the cashier, since they will have to write in the amount on the coupon.  

Q's - Coupons!

Cat or Catalina - Printed coupons at the register, usually from a separate machine and on receipt tape.  Can be store or manufacturer coupon.  Great for stacking!

MFG, MFR - Manufacturer coupon

SS - Smart Source insert (Sunday paper or online)

RP - Red Plum insert (Sunday paper or online)

WYB - When You Buy - Again, be careful with the fine print to make sure you are purchasing what is required to get the deal. 

GC - Gift Card deals - Target is famous for this!

ETS - Excludes Trial Size - sorry, can't get that freebie every time.

DNB - Do Not Double - sad, but true.  Many stores will double coupons under 50 or 99 cents.  However, many places are more stringent if they state DO NOT DOUBLE on the coupon.

$1/1, $2/2, etc. - $1 of 1 item, etc...

Coupon Rules

I only promote using coupons in a fair and non-scheming way.  It's not my intention to stockpile every inch of my home or clear shelves.  Sadly, when coupons are misused, stores tend to alter their rules.  That ruins it for people who are just trying to save money during their weekly shopping trips.  Nobody needs 12 jars of mustard.  Unless you have a dozen teenage boys who only consume Oscar Meyer hot dogs for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Alright, even then.  Not okay.  

• Read the fine print.  
• Remember the Golden Rule. 
• Don't try to trick a cashier.  But, you might need to educate them.
• Know the store's coupon policy.  If you are unsure, carry a print out of your favorite store's policy with you in your binder.  You can find them on their web page.  Never hurts to be prepared if there is a question.
• Be considerate of the time of day you shop.  I find Friday nights are the most coupon friendly.  No crowds and I'm not holding up a line.
• Be prepared for discouragement.  If a hot freebie or deal has already been wiped out, don't fret.  Chances are, the same deal will return in a matter of days or weeks.

Next time, we'll talk about strategic shopping moves.  We'll also talk about the importance and strategy behind a detailed shopping list.  I am a lady who loves a good to-do list - are you?

Did I forget something?? Leave a comment and let me know.

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