Part Two in Coupon Tips

General Helpful Hints:

• Have your list carefully organized before you go shopping.


• Have coupons cut and organized to minimize confusion, frustration and time.


• Watch your cashier carefully.


• Make sure all your coupons get scanned, all promotions come off your total and all items ring up correctly--otherwise you might not be getting the best deal.


• Have your total figured out before you go shopping. This will ensure that you will know at checkout if anything got missed.


• Before checking out, double check quantities of promotional items. For example: "Mix and Match any 10 participating General Mills products and receive $5 off at checkout". This means you have to buy in quantities of 10. Make sure you only have 10, 20 etc.


• Read the fine print on all coupons and ads.


• Watch expiration dates on food as well as on coupons.


• Use club cards where offered.


• Even if an item is free you still have to pay tax on it.


• Don't be afraid to ask for a manager.


• Look for e-coupons offered by your local grocery store.


• You need one manufacturer coupon per item. You cannot use one coupon for multiple items or sets of items. For example: $1 off two boxes of cereal, means you need one coupon for every two boxes.


• Check the specifications on every coupon and ad carefully. Check for things like; ounces, quantities etc. Buy the correct item.


• You can always call a parent company and ask for coupons to be sent to you for their items.


• Don't buy anything your family won't use no matter how good of a deal it is!!


• You don't have to get EVERY deal. There is always another deal.


• Sale cycles rotate roughly every three months. Stock up for 3 months.


• Couponing is just like any other new skill. It takes time to master. Be patient!