Learning how to use coupons: I've got my coupons, now what?

If you're going to coupon, I am a huge advocate for learning to coupon the right way. Using coupons illegally not only is wrong, but can have consequences that hurt other people such as manufacturers producing less coupons in the future, or reducing the value of their coupons, etc.

For many people, learning how to use coupons for the first time can be intimidating. Just take a look at the fine print, and all of a sudden you start second-guessing whether or not you can use that coupon.

Scenario #1: Let's say you have two coupons for Crest Toothpaste and you want to buy two tubes, but then you see in the fine print it says "Limit One Per Purchase"

*pause*

Then you start to wonder -- Can I use both coupons? Can I buy both tubes of toothpaste?

Answer: Yes.

Limit one per purchase means you're allowed to use one coupon per item purchased. There might be some cashiers who dispute that it actually means one per transaction, but don't be afraid to explain that you're "purchasing" two separate tubes of the Crest toothpastes.

Scenario #2: But then let's say that same coupon states in the fine print, "Limit four like coupons per shopping trip"

Answer: You can buy up to four tubes of Crest toothpaste and use four of the same coupon (provided you have four separate coupons) in that shopping trip.

Also know that it doesn't stop you from using other coupons. You can still buy two shampoos and six flosses and also use two shampoo coupons and six floss coupons respectively (as long as the coupons don't have a limit on it, or if it does but you stay within the limit of that product's coupon) in that same transaction.

Scenario #3: You have two coupons for $1 off of any one tube of Crest Toothpaste but you only want to buy one tube. Can I use both coupons on the same tube of toothpaste?

Answer: No.

The coupon says $1 off 1 product, so that means you buy 1 and use 1 coupon. If the coupon was $1 off of 2 products, then you'd have to buy 2 products and still only use 1 coupon. You can't use multiples of the same coupon on the product(s) the coupon is good for. The opposite is also true --

Scenario #4: You have one coupon for $1 off of any one tube of Crest Toothpaste but you want to buy five tubes. Can I tell the cashier to scan the same coupon five times?

Answer: No.

Manufacturers only reimburse the store for the amount stated on each coupon - so if you used it five times on the same item, the store would only get reimbursed for one time. Hence the reason you must have five coupons for the store to get their fair share back.

Scenario #5: My store is having a Buy One, Get One Free sale on the Crest Toothpaste. I have two coupons for $1 off any Crest Toothpaste. Can I use both coupons?

Answer: It depends.

The answer to this question lies in each individual store's coupon policy. For example, Rainbow Foods does not allow you to use a coupon on the item you're getting for free. Some people argue that the store still gets reimbursed from the manufacturer for the coupon you're using on the free item, but it's still best to check your store's coupon policy to be sure. If you're still not sure, a call to the store should clear things up for you.


Here's a question for you -- What other questions do you have regarding coupon usage??