Q & A

I have a question for you? How many newspapers do you get each Sunday? Just curious...

Couponing 101: Lingo

I was recently talking to a friend, relatively new at couponing, and realized that some deals were "greek" to her. I realized that a two years ago, I had no idea what most of this meant either. I am going to take the next few Mondays and give you 5 secrets to becoming a deal diva. These are the ways to really get the most for your dollar. Secret #1: understand the lingo. Couponers have their language, here is the breakdown:

• BLINKIE =in-store manufacturer’s coupon near the product, usually from a red blinking box
  BOGO/B1G1 = Buy One Get One
• CATALINA (or Cat) = Coupon printed at register after purchased
• DOUBLE COUPON = Coupon that grocery store doubles in value
• FILLER =item purchased for the deal work, example: using a $1 item to get to the needed $25
• IP =internet printable coupon (also called printable)
• GM = General Mills (Newspaper insert)
• LOSS LEADER = item that a store puts on a fantastic sale, usually losing money on it, in hopes that while you’re in store buying the item, you will buy the rest of your shopping list there
• OOP =out of pocket
• OVERAGE=the amount of money made on buying an item (profit), also called Money Maker
• OYNO=on your next order
• OOP = Out of Pocket
• P&G = Proctor & Gamble (Newspaper Insert)
• Peelie = Coupon you peel off package
• RP= Red Plum (Newspaper Insert)
• ROLLING= using a CAT to pay for an item that produces another CAT
• SCR=Single Check Rebate (Rite Aid's Rebate system)
• SS= Smart Source (Newspaper Insert)
• STACKING = Using stores allow multiple use of coupons – manufacturer’s & store coupons or rebates.
• TEAR PAD = A pad of coupons or MIR near a product or on display

Example of an deal the way I post:

• Dishsoap $1.29, use 0.50 in ad coupon stacked with 0.75/1 coupon in 1/20 SS=4 cents...meaning dishsoap is on sale for $1.29 the store has a coupon in the ad for 50 cents off which you can use with the 75 cents manufacter's coupon in the January 20 Smart Source insert to get the item for only 4 cents!

For my deals, I usually post an = meaning the amount you will pay at the register.

However, on Rite Aid the = sign is the amount you pay after for the item after the SCR is factored in, meaning your register total will be higher, but you will get reimbursed when you get your SCR check.

Example:

• Razor $5.99
• SCR $3
• Use $1/1 from 3/7 RP with $1/1 video values coupon
• =99 cents...

which means, razors are on sale for $5.99, there is a $3 Single Check Rebate available for this item, use the $1 coupon from the March 7 Red Plum and the $1 off 1 coupon from video values, total cost of item 99 cents (you will pay $3.99 at register, but get reimbursed later)

*What confuses you? What questions do you have?

Need your input please...

I am doing a short presentation on saving money at the grocery store for my RS group tomorrow. (Anyone in the "greater" Roseburg area is invited...) Since I only have a few minutes I want to get across the best ideas. So please comment, even if you never have, I am looking for lots of opinions. Question:


What is the best shopping tip you use (besides coupons) to save money?

and/or

What is something you wish someone had told you about shopping years ago?

Thanks, any and all comments greatly appreciated!

Q & A

Question: I really want to learn this couponing thing, I just get so confused and overwhelmed. Where do I even start?


First thing, USE COUPONS WITH SALES. Second thing, collect coupons (Sunday and online)and get informed. (Blogs). Review my steps. Start slow, choose ONE store and just coupon there for a few times. Then gradually start adding stacked coupons, rebates, and other tricks into the mix. The most important thing is not to get discouraged. One day it will all click. Be sure to ask lots of questions to me and other bloggers, we have blogs set up to help people learn. That would be my best advice, what is yours?

Q & A

Question:
I had a question about Staples Rewards. I've never used the program. Is it like a rebate or do they give you a gift card to use at Staples? I'm trying to decide if the battery deal is good for me at not. We rarely go to Staples otherwise.


Good question, I will try to explain the Rewards program a little more. Please review Staples Reward program at their website if you have more questions.

Staples Rewards program is simple. You sign up at the store or online and then are given a card to use each time. It tracks your purchases automatically. The main benefits are:
*10% back in Staples Rewards on all ink & toner purchases
*10% back in Staples Rewards on all case & ream paper purchases
*10% back in Staples Rewards on all Copy & Print purchases

In addition to these, they also give you $3 for each ink cartridge you recycle.

They also will frequently have rebates. Right now the rebate is on batteries, you buy them and it is automatically attached to your account. You can check this online to make sure it was credited to your account. Once a quarter, they will mail out coupons for the amount you have earned. It is an actual coupon with a bar code. It has your name and account number on it (for tracking) and an expiration date, so be sure to use it before it expires, which is usually a few months.

To sum it up, if you don't have a rewards card:

1)Go to Staples, buy batteries (at front display in my store)
2)Cashier will ask for your rewards card, if you don't have one they can give you one right there. It is a simple 3 minute form with just a few name/address/email/etc type questions. (It is not a credit card!) Once you have a card, the rest is done automatically by Staples. All you have to do is wait for your coupon.
3)Your coupon should come in the mail for $12.99 in January. (You can double check your account status online if you want, but not necessary)
4) Use it like cash on anything in the store. No minimum purchase amount required.

It really is free batteries with very little effort. However, like all "deals" you have to decide if it is worth the time and effort on your part, to get to the store, to find the product, to fill out a card, etc... Use your best judgment.

Q & A

Q & A: question from a reader:

I have heard and seen expressed by many couponers that it is usually the best deal to use your coupons to buy the smallest size items you can (trial or travel sizes.) I am having a hard time understanding this concept - sure you get lots of free stuff by doing it that way, but what if you really need and use that item, a travel size really isn't going to last very long. So maybe that's the key, those coupons you have that aren't your regular items, you can use for small sizes but ones for things you would use regularly use for a more normal size product. I don't know - what is your take?

Good question, I have been going to address coupon/product size for awhile now. First of all I am not a huge fan or the travel section, simply because most of that stuff, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, I can get free or very cheap by doing other deals, especially at drugstores. A lot of couponers on other blogs might get 10-12 copies of the Sunday paper, so they have 10-12 copies of every coupon. Buying ten travel size bottles of mouthwash for free, easily equals a larger bottle, even though it is less convenient to use. The reason most couponers say to buy the smallest size, is because it drives your out of pocket expense lower. For instance if the 24 oz size is $1.99 and the 36 oz size is $3.19 and you have a $1 coupon, it is the better deal to use it on the smaller size. Ounce per ounce, it is usually cheaper to do it this way. I usually buy the smaller size (not trial) because of this. Three more things to consider when using coupons:

1)How often you use this item? Many jumbo size items, might go bad before you use it all anyway, so the smaller size is better. If you use it everyday, the large size might be better.

2)Try not to be brand loyal. There are some things I have to have a certain brand of and so I watch for sales on these, but for the most part for me, juice is juice, cereal is cereal, shampoo is shampoo, cleaner is cleaner, etc, etc... Some brands that have been around for years have few coupons, whereas newer brands have lots of coupons. When a product is released, it usually is quickly followed by coupons, sales and rebates. This is a great time to try new products. You might find one you love better than your old standby.

3) How often do you see coupons for this product? I will use Huggies Diapers for an example. About once a month Huggies has coupons in the paper, often they are on the internet, and I can request to get them from the website. Since I usually have a coupon for Huggies, I will buy the smaller size because I know I can get another one soon. Some products like Dreyers Fruit Juice Bars (one of my favorites) only come around about twice a year. I might consider buying a larger size on this because a coupon is so rare for this item.

I hope that helps. It is really up to personal discretion. Remember your primary goal is drive down your out of pocket expense, so look for the best deal for you. Have a question, let me know because someone probably has the same one. Email me at dealsbydawn at yahoo dot com.

Q & A

I got a question from a reader:

How do I know how long a catalina lasts?

Tricky question because the answer is, it depends. If a catalina is in an ad, it runs the length of the sale (like Sun-Sat or Wed-Tues). It might go over a few days, but don't count on it. The ad won't back you up if you don't get it either. However, there are unadvertised catalinas, as in they aren't in the ad, they are by word of mouth or those catalina printouts that tell you about them. The krazy coupon lady has compiled a good list of Albertson's current cat deals. Also, there is one for free butter here. In addition, I have gotten (for Albertson's):

*Solo, plates, cups, or bowls, purchase 2 get $1, 3 get $3, 4 or more get $4 (11/12-12/5)
*Free diaper clutch (via mail) when you buy Pampers Big Pack (11/4-12/8)
*Buy $10 in participating Duncan Hines/Vlasic/Log Cabin get $2 cat (11/1-11/30)

The problem with these unadvertised catalinas is that you don't have an ad to back you up if it doesn't work. There might be signs by the product, but usually not. These promos also have varying dates, so it makes it difficult to keep track. One more thing to remember, catalina is a company and not an extended feature of the store. The cashier have little to no control over what is prints out. Sometimes on big promos they might have an override code, but probably only towards the end of the sale. To learn more about the catalina company check out their website: http://www.catalinamarketing.com.

Q & A

I have been hearing reports of reader stacking coupons (store with manu.) to get free products. I am excited for you! Don't forget an easy freebie this week, your free Snuggle at Fred Meyer by stacking store coupon with $3 manufacturer from 10/4 RP.

So while we are on the subject of stacking here is a reader's question:
Can you stack Rite Aid video value coupons with manufacturers?
Well, I have read conflicting information on this, so I decided to try it and see what happened. First of all Rite Aid coupons say RC on them before the barcode, but some also say manufacturers coupon, so it is confusing. According to their policy though, RC (or Rite Aid coupons) can be stacked with manufacturers. These RC are the ones found in the circular and at video values. However, everytime (including today) these video value coupons won't scan (they beep)! Today it said, expired, even though it wasn't until 10/31. The cashier finally just had to manually enter it. She was totally fine about it though, but some cashiers might have refused it. I got a pack of diapers for $2.99 and 2/5 counted toward my free coupon.

Also another questions about KMart. Does KMart accept internet coupons?

From KMart: "Effective March 1, 2009, Kmart will accept industry-standard, secure print-at-home coupons." Translation yes, but again not all cashiers may be up to speed with the new policies.

Have a question? Please email or leave them in comments and I will answer them for you.

Q & A

Where do you get a cheap All You Subscription?

I love the All You Magazine. It is a great source of coupons and a fun realistic read. I also enjoy their website www.allyou.com as a good source of coupons, tips, and sweepstakes. I ordered mine several months ago from southernsavers.com
However, they are backlogged from previous orders and no longer are allowed to sell the subscriptions. Jenny at Southern Savers told me that the cheapest way to get this mag is through Amazon here. It is cheaper than buying it at the newsstand or ordering through the All You site.

Q & A

A couple of good questions answered for your Thursday.


1) Can I use store coupons with manufacturers coupons?
YES, this is a very smart thing to do. It is called STACKING and can score you some free or very cheap things. Store coupons are usually found in the weekly ads for the store. They have the store logo on them and do not say "manufacturers". If is says manufacturers coupon, even if it came in the "store" ad, it is still a manufacturers coupon and cannot be stacked with another coupon. Some stores such as Walgreens and Fred Meyer have their own coupon books, just check at customer service. On thing that took me awhile to figure out, catalinas are manufacturers coupons and not store coupons, which leads to question number two...



2) How do I get a catalina machine to trigger a certain coupon?
Catalinas took a long time for me to figure out. First off any piece of paper that comes out of that machine is referred to as a catalina or cat, even if it is just telling you of a new product. Sometimes you can get it to trigger a certain coupon based on what you buy, but it is not always reliable. For instance, I have gotten baby formula coupons buy buying one brand and got one for another brand. However, when I tried to repeat this transaction, the catalina did not print, so there is no way to trigger catalinas to print a certain coupon....BUT


If you are going for a promotion, like spend $25 get $10 on your next purchase (like the ones that are frequently run at Albertsons), you should trigger your $10 coupon. If you don't, you need to tell the cashier or go to customer service to get it. These catalinas (or register rewards at Walgreens) are WONDERFUL, because they can be used the same as cash on (almost) anything in the store! Sometimes they even roll, meaning you use the $10 you just earned, to pay for another promotion transaction and earn the $10 catalina again. Still confused about catalina, try reading this again. Once you do some shopping and really start paying attention to these catalinas, you will understand how they work better.

Q & A

Is it cheaper to go through Costco or Rite Aid/Walgreens for diapers?

*Disclaimer: I have not shopped at Costco for like eight years. They are supposedly (maybe?) getting one here, but now the closest one is an hour away and not worth the membership fee for me.

Cent for cent, Costco is cheaper, 19 cents versus 26 cents per diaper. However, that is assuming you are not going to try for sales, promos, or coupons. Then it gets complicated.

Pros to buying diapers at Costco:

1) Cost...that is all I can think of.

Cons to buying diapers at Costco:

1) They don't except manufacturer's coupons.

2) The diapers come 258 per box (for size 3). Those will last you a long time and you never know when your baby could possibly have a growth spurt, causing possibly extra too small diapers.

3) You have to factor in the cost of membership and getting to a Costco.

4) Costco is a danger zone for spending...you will never leave with just the diapers.

Pros to buying diapers at drugstores:

1) They accept coupons (you can even stack store and manufacturers)

2) The run promos (Like Rite Aid's current one, buy five packs

Huggies, get one free) By doing a recent promo, I also got Huggies diapers for 12 cents each.

3) They qualify you for rebate money or register rewards, which you can roll towards another purchase.

4) Diapers will often go on clearance at these stores.

Cons to buying diapers at drugstores:

1) Price if you don't do with a promo

2) The stock may be limited when the deals are great, especially in say Utah, where they have lots of babies :)

So personally, for me and my situation. I think drugstores (or other stores running great promos) are the way to go. If you don't want the hassle of figuring out promo scenarios and you are sure your little will stay in their current size for awhile go with Costco.

*FYI, I have read on several coupon blogs that they authors have let their "warehouse memberships expire".

Q & A

Question and Answer time

What is a catalina? How does it roll? A catalina is any piece of paper that prints out of that little box next to the cash register. ("Catalina" is just the name of the company that makes the boxes.) They may announce new products or promotions, but most of the time they are coupons. They are triggered by what you buy. For instance, buy baby food, you will probably get one for diapers and formula, or buy frozen food and maybe you will get one for another kind of frozen food.

The most valuable catalinas are the ones you earn by doing promotions. Like buy $25 worth of certain products, get $5 back to spend on your next purchase. This comes out in the form of a catalina. Grocery stores like Albertsons and Safeway use these the most. You can also get them at KMart, Fred Meyer, and Walgreens (they are called Register Rewards at Walgreens.) Make sure your cashier gives you all your catalinas when you leave, you never know what you might get. Also, the promotion ones usually print out after you have paid, so watch for the flashing green light on the box, if it is still flashing, it is still generating catalinas for you. Make sure you get them and not the lucky person behind you.

A rolling catalina is when you do a promotion, earn a catalina and then turn around and do the promotion again (on your next shopping trip), use your catalina coupon, and then earn another one. Sometimes they roll nicely, sometimes they don't. I will be sure to point out when one is rolling nicely. FYI a "shopping trip" is defined when you leave the store, so technically you can go to your car, unload your car, and come back in to complete another transaction.


Which brings me to a second question,
Where do you get Gerber coupons?
Gerber coupons are hard to come by considering how often you need to buy baby food when you have a little one. I get them from two main sources: Catalinas and home mailer.

The catalina machine will usually print out Gerber coupons when you buy baby food or graduate products. Sometimes they will also print out if you buy Stoneyfield or BeechNut products too (it doesn't work the opposite way though, if you buy Gerber, it won't give you BeechNut). These catalinas are not always high value coupons, but if you need to buy baby food anyway they help.

The second source, which is better is to sign up with Gerber to be on their home mailing list. They will send out coupons every few months according to your baby's age. Lots of companies do this, here are a few to sign up for if you have babies. They also will send you coupons, free samples, and information geared towards your baby's age. Sometimes these site also have coupons on them.
BeechNut
Huggies
Pampers
Luvs
Enfamil
Similac

*Bonus: Did you know you can use a coupon and a formula check together when purchasing formula? You can! The formula checks that Enfamil/Similac/
Good Start issue are considered checks (ie forms of payment), which are different than coupons. Formula coupons often come out of the catalina machine. Also if you move, these mailings are not considered "first class" mail and will not be forwarded, so you need to sign up again...something I need to go do. Someone at my old house is scoring some major coupons!