The amazing utility of coupons has assumed an even greater role during the recent recession. If you want to take the most advantage of using coupons, take the time and learn what you need to know about coupon shopping. Read on and learn more.
When using a coupon for a product, check to make sure that you are really getting the best deal. Many times, the generic or store brand equivalent will still be a better buy than the product on the face of the coupon. Do not make the assumption that coupons are the best way to get the lowest price.
Take advantage of competition among grocers. Many stores have a policy of honoring their competitors’ coupons. By using this to your advantage, going from place to place to save the most can be avoided. You can easily wipe out your coupon savings in wasted time and fuel.
Sign up for an online forum that centers around saving money. The Internet has many sites that will put up coupons for you to save money. You can print out coupons of your own, but also read comments about whether certain coupons are worthwhile.
When checking out, make sure your coupons are properly scanning. Many times coupons aren’t scanned correctly at the checkout counter, and it’s either an error with the store or the coupon. Watch the screen to make sure that each coupon scans for the proper amount, and that none are missed.
Couple each sale at the grocery stores with your coupons. This will get you the most savings from your coupons. Also, take expiration dates into consideration as coupons typically have a life of around three months. Coupons when combined with sale prices can save you upwards of 90 percent on your total grocery bill.
Having a coupon for something does not mean you have to use it. People tend to overspend when they buy things solely because there is a coupon available. Even if it’s a good deal, you’re just throwing your money away if you never use it.
Check your coupon to make sure it is the best. At times, companies have any number of coupons out. You might have a coupon for 50 percent off one item and another coupon for 10 percent off you entire purchase. While you probably won’t be able to use both coupons at one time, you should save the other for future use.
Keep in mind that checkout coupons are not typically doubled. Instead of using that coupon for the item, use another one that can be doubled to save yourself more money.
Get used to the acronyms used with coupons. Acronyms such as “BOGO’ mean that you buy one, and then you get one. MIR, which states for mail in rebate, is another term you should know. As you can see, there are several acronyms associated with coupons. Make sure you learn as many as possible so you don’t miss on the best deals.
Never feel bad to use lots of coupons at the checkout line. If you want to save money with coupons, you can’t worry about the customers behind you in line. Besides, with a little experience and organization, you’ll find you can complete a coupon transaction fairly quickly.
Don’t depend on only the newspaper. Given the technological advances to which we all have access, coupons are more widely available than ever. Look at the various online coupon websites that are out there. Just go and look for items according to your zip code, or you can look at every coupon there is so you can print them from home.
It is difficult to dispute how useful coupons can be. Coupons save many people thousands of dollars each year, but you have to know how to use them properly. By keeping the concepts of these tips in mind, you will soon be an expert at coupon shopping.
