Getting Your Initial Startup Set of Coupons
Video Transcript:
Newspaper Inserts
- One of the most popular types of manufacturer coupons is the coupon insert found in the Sunday newspaper.
- Most Sundays (except for holiday weekends), your local Sunday newspaper will have one or more coupon inserts.
- The three most common inserts are Proctor & Gamble, Smart Source, and Save.
- Try to obtain at least one set for each member of your household (i.e., if you have 5 family members, try to get at least 5 Proctor & Gamble inserts), but no less than four.
Internet Printables
- Another popular category of coupons are Internet printable coupons.
- If your access to newspaper inserts is limited, you can print coupons from various internet sites.
- Generally, you can print 1 or 2 coupons from each device (i.e., 2 from your cellphone, 2 from your laptop, etc.).
- Make sure you do not photocopy coupons, or print more than one copy of each coupon; printable coupons have a unique code, found usually in the upper right quadrant of the coupon as a QR code.
- There are many sites from which to print: coupons.com, Proctor & Gamble, the product manufacturer, etc.
In-Store (Peelies, Blinkies, Tearpads, Hang Tags, Etc.)
- Sometimes, there are manufacturer coupons available in the store.
- These in-store coupons are often one of four types: peelies, blinkies, tearpads, or hang tags.
- Peelies are named such by couponers, because you peel them off of the product.
- Blinkies are found in the blinking dispensers usually located attached to the shelf near the product, and they dispense one at a time.
- Tear pads are on displays usually located attached to the shelf near the product, and you tear the coupon off the pad.
- Hang tags are coupons that hang from the product.
- Sometimes, there are booklets in the store that contain coupons.
Mailed Coupons
- Sometimes coupons are mailed to you.
- Sometimes you have an opportunity to sign up for coupons through a website, or a special offer, etc.
- If you are on a store’s mailing list, they may send out coupons once a month, or once a quarter, etc. Some stores send coupons based on your shopping habits at their store.
- Some coupons are part of general mailings that come to all US households (similar to junk mailings).
Digital Coupons
- Digital coupons are growing in popularity, and can take many forms.
- Some digital coupons can be accessed via your cellphone. Often, these coupons have a scannable code that you present at the register.
- Some digital coupons are made available only through your account with a particular store; you load the chosen coupons to your account, and the coupons will be redeemed when you purchase the item(s).
- Most digital coupons are specific to you, and can only be used by you; it is an easy way for a store to track you, and to have a way to advertise to you. After all, you are a proven customer.
- Each digital coupon means one less paper coupon.
Other Options
- There are other methods of obtaining coupons that are sanctioned by some but not by others.
- Some couponers will trade coupons with other couponers.
- Some couponers use clipping services, which are businesses that acquire, clip, and mail coupons for a service fee; they do not charge for the actual coupon.
- Because the language on a coupon deems it void if it is “copied, scanned, transferred, auctioned, purchased, or sold,” it is obvious why some object to trading or using clipping services. The advantage of these methods is that those who live in regions that don’t receive certain coupon inserts, can now have access to them
- You will decide for yourself if you will use any of these methods.
