Coupon Verbiage--What the Words Really Mean?

Whether you are new to couponing or a long time pro at it, sometime the verbiage on the coupon can be confusing---and it shouldn't be. I see a lot of confusion with two different kinds of people, the actual couponer and the employees at the store.

Before I started teaching coupon classes, I just assumed that because the coupon verbiage was clear to me, that it was to everyone else--WRONG!

For the cashiers, at the store, that have been scared to death by their managers to be sure not take any coupons that are not for the products that the person is actually buying----this is why the cashier will take several minutes to scan your coupons and cause a long line to form behind you---but they fear for their job, so they do what their boss tells them and rightfully so!

Management should train their cashiers how to read coupons--literally! And not put fear into them!

For the new couponer---someone that is trying to save money, or maybe trying to jump right into extreme savings, but the wording is so confusing---OY!---hopefully this post will help you.

Most people understand that $0.50/1 means 50 cents off of one item--which will double to $1 at most grocery stores; and that $0.50/2 means $0.50 off two items ( so you have to buy 2 of the same items to use the $.50/2 coupon (this coupon will also double at most grocery stores).

Here's a couple of confusing ones .....
::Coupon says $0.50/1 Dawn Dish soap Limit 1 coupon per purchase
This means 1 coupon per item you buy, if you want 10 Dawn dish soaps, then you will need to use 10 coupons. 1 Coupon per Dawn Dish Soap bought.

::Coupon says $0.50/1 Dawn Dish soap Limit 1 coupon per transaction
 If you want 10 Dawn dish soaps, per the coupon, you will need to do 10 separate transactions.
-Honestly most stores will let you do just one transaction, but per the coupon, you would have to do 10 separate transactions.

I hope this helps you new couponers some---and you managers at my local grocery stores ( I know you read my blog posts and I am happy to have you here!)
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Learn to Coupon -- Part 1

Recently, I have been receiving emails from people overwhelmed wanting to learn how to coupon, many are mislead whether by watching "that show" or by friends that coupon the wrong way. I am always happy to help---thus my decision to start a series on how to coupon the right way.

Part 1:

To begin your couponing journey, you will need to have a good stash of coupons. The easiest place to get coupons is from the Sunday paper. You can also ask your friends for their coupon inserts, use a clipping service or get them off of Ebay.

If you decide to get your coupon inserts from the Sunday paper, you will need to buy more than one paper. I always suggest buying an even number of papers to give you an even number of coupon inserts, mainly because of all the Buy one get one free deals.

Another reason to have more than 1 of the same coupon is because when you get your first free tube of toothpaste---you will be hooked and I guarantee you will have wished you had another coupon.

So how many "Like" coupons do you need?
If you are just starting to coupon I suggest one coupon per person in your family. If there are only 3 people in your family, you will need 4 like coupons (always round up, not down and remember to have an even number of coupons for the buy one get one free sales).

You will also want to "Stock Up" on free items or close to free items when you can, so that you will not have to run back out the following week and pay full price for an item.

To maximize your savings ALWAYS use your coupons on items that are on sale NEVER use a coupon on a full price item!

Do you have a coupon tip that you would like to share with someone just starting their coupon journey, if so please share.
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