Coupons 101

I've received some questions about the "rules" of using coupons.  I don't know everything there is to know about coupons, but here is some basic information you might find helpful.

Manufacturer vs. Store Coupons:  There are 2 kinds of coupons: manufacturer coupons and store coupons.

• Manufacturer Coupons:  Look at the top of the coupon; if it says "manufacturer coupon" then it is issued by the manufacturer.
• Store Coupons: If the coupon says "Meijer" or "Kroger" or "Target" or some other store name then it is a store coupon, meaning the store will cover the cost.  These are usually found on the store's website (meijermealbox.com, target.com, etc) or are sent to your home (I've gotten Target and Kroger coupons in the mail several times.)

Stacking Coupons:  You can use one manufacturer coupon and one store coupon per item.  For example, if you have a manufacturer coupon for $1 off Old Orchard Juice from coupons.com and a store coupon for $1 off Old Orchard Juice from meijermealbox.com then you can use both to get $2 off one container of Old Orchard Juice.

Catalina Coupons: In addition to using coupons, another way to save money is to pay attention to "Catalina" coupons.  These are the coupons that print at the check-out when your receipt prints.  Catalinas are usually manufacturer coupons, but occasionally you'll find store coupons too (Meijer will often print ones for Meijer brand items).  Here's how to find out about current Catalina deals:

• Look for tags next to items in the store stating something like "Buy 3 and receive $2 off your next order." 
• Follow blogs and online forums.
• Pay attention to the Catalinas that print at the end of your shopping trip.  There are often announcements of upcoming deals.
• If shopping at Meijer, look at meijermealbox.com under "Specials" and click the "Custom Coupons" tab.  There you will find a list of current Meijer-specific catalina deals.

FYI:  If you are expecting a Catalina coupon to print but it doesn't, be sure to ask the cashier or customer service about it.  They can write you a store coupon for it.  This happened to me a few weeks ago when the Catalina machine wasn't printing in the checkout line.  I told the cashier about it and she was able to give me handwritten coupons to use on my next order.

Doubling Coupons:  Meijer and Kroger will double your coupons that are $.50 and under. For example, a $.45 coupon will double to $.90 off.  This should happen automatically when the cashier scans the coupon.  Some Meijers will even round coupons $.51 and higher up to $1 off.  Unfortunately the Meijers around here don't do that, but I know some do.