I Want To Coupon, but I Don’t Know How to Start
The world of couponing and deals hunting can seem super overwhelming at first - between talks of manufacturers coupons, rebate apps, money maker deals, and run deals, I totally get it. But, just like with anything else, once you get over the initial learning curve life is smooth sailing (and smooth saving).
Let me help you get started so you can leave no savings behind and save money on the things you were already going to buy… or on the things you just really really want.
Below, I’ve laid out my first five initial tips to getting started!
Tip #1: Start With One Store
Walgreens is always the first store I recommend to new couponers.
Their app is user friendly, coupons and deals pop up right next to the product descriptions, and you can do most of the deals as a curbside pickup order (so you don’t even have to go in store yet)!
In fact, while you’re getting the hang of couponing, I recommend just doing Walgreens curbside orders! It’ll give you time and space to get accustomed to coupons and deals without the anxiety of being in a store. Plus, you still get the same great price (but you can do it in your pajamas).
Tip #2: Learn the Types of Deals
Let’s use the BIC Disposable Razors from Walgreens pictured to the right as our example. There are so many deals happening with just this one product. Let me break down the types.
Manufacturers coupons: These coupons are distributed by the product manufacturer, NOT by Walgreens. These are often labeled with “MFR”.
Store promotions: These promotions are distributed by the store (in this case, Walgreens). Promotions are usually the BOGO FREE, BOGO 50% off, a % off $ promo code, or any type of Walgreens cash reward. Really, you can assume any deal that ISN’T labeled MFR is a store promotion.
Tip #3: What Will Stack? What Won’t Stack?
Still using the BIC Disposable Razors for men, let’s talk about all the deals going on and what can and can’t be paired together.
Starting with the BOGO 50% off, the buy 3 get $3 W Cash rewards, and the % off $ sitewide code, these are all store promotions. Unless there is a specific term and condition stating otherwise, these will ALWAYS be stackable, meaning you can receive all these deals at the same time.
For example, if you purchase 3 BIC Razors, you will receive both BOGO 50% AND $3 back in Walgreens cash. In addition, if your online order is over $30, you can also use the promo code for an extra 15% off.
Now let’s talk about the manufacturer’s coupons. There are two applicable manufacturers coupons here. In 99% of the cases, you will only be able to use ONE manufacturer’s coupon per product, per transaction.
Let’s breakdown what deals could be done at the same time with this product:
BOGO 50% off
Buy 3, get $3 W Cash
15% off (if you spend more than $30 total online)
Buy 2 get 1 free MFR coupon OR $3 off MFR coupon
I know this tip is a lot to digest, but with practice this will become more and more familiar to you!
Tip #4: Always Check the Weekly Ad
Stepping away from coupons for a brief second, some weeks, the coupons just might not give you what you need - but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a deal to be found.
Deals shopping isn’t always about coupons. Sometimes the best deals are the ones done WITHOUT coupons.
Some of the best deals, especially if we’re still talking about Walgreens, happen in the Weekly Ad and don’t require a coupon. Some of these Weekly Ad deals might include:
B1G2 Free Laundry Detergent
B1G2 Free Sandwich Bags and Kitchen Trash Bags
$1.99 Laundry Detergent
$7 off 2 Axe and Dove Body Wash
You can score some serious savings just by being aware of what is happening in a store’s Weekly Ad, so always be sure to check that out!
Tip #5: Always Scan Your Items in the App
My last tip for today is to always scan your items in the store’s app to check for coupons or promotions you missed.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been shopping at Walgreens, scanned an item, and realized there was a coupon that I had initially overlooked. If I wouldn’t have scanned the item, I would’ve missed out on some savings!
If you’ve already ventured into the world of rebate apps (if you haven’t yet, don’t worry… I have another post just for those), be sure you scan all your items in there too before checking out so you can make sure to clip those rebates.
Deals hunting and couponing can feel like a lot at first, but getting the hang of it is the most time consuming part. Once you’ve gotten a grasp on the terminology and mechanics of it all, you are all set for some serious savings.
