Proper Use of Coupons

Do Not Copy Coupons– You can NOT copy coupons. This is actually against the law and is considered fraud. When it comes to printing coupons, you can usually print 2 per computer.

If you properly understand a coupon, you can then ensure that it is used Properly. So let’s look at a coupon a bit closer….

Usually Coupons have their own Unique Codes– There are numbers on the coupons that will change with each one printed to verify that the coupons have not been copied.

Here is where you can find those numbers on your coupons:

  • Coupons.com Coupons: There is a small barcode located under the expiration date. There is a different number for each one printed.
  • Smart Source Coupons: On the left side there is a pin number. There is a different pin number for each coupon printed. Some of the Smart Source coupons may have the pin number located around the perimeter.

UPC Codes– All you need to know about this is that The first number (#1 above) of the UPC bar code will either be a “5″ or a “9″. If it starts with the number 5 then it will automatically double (if your store doubles). It will double even if it states, “Do Not Double“. If it starts with the number 9, then it will not double at all.
Numbers in the 10th & 11th place of the barcode (#4 above) represent the dollar amount of the coupon. The only numbers you need to know are when there is a B1G1/BOGO Coupon. B1G1/BOGOs (Buy One Get One Free) are either coded with a “14″ or a “01″. “01″ means that the they will only be attaching to one of the items and you are free to use a dollar off coupon on the other product. “14″ mean that the it attaches to both products so you will NOT be able to use a dollar off coupon with the B1G1/BOGO.

Coupon Wording:

  • Only use the coupon how it was intended to be used. If the coupon is for $1/1 off Maxwell House International Delight Coffee, DON’T use it on Maxwell House Regular Coffee. If it states “any Maxwell House Coffee” then you can use it on any of the Maxwell House products.
  • Pay attention to the size restrictions on the coupon. If there are no size restrictions or it states “on any”, you can use it for any size in that product including trial or travel size.
  • One Per Purchase: This means that you can use one coupon per item purchased. So, if you were buying 3 Bottles of Tide Detergent, you can use (3) $1/1 Tide Coupons.
  • One Per Transaction: You will only be able to use 1 coupon even if you purchased more then one of those items in your transaction. There really are not too many of these coupons around.
  • The Value of The Coupon: If it states $1/1, you can use it to take $1.00 off 1 product. If it states $1/2, you can use it to take $1 off 2 products. So, for the $1/2 coupon you can only use one for 2 products.

Fraudulent Coupons: If you received a coupon from a friend in your email or spotted one online and you are not sure if it’s legitimate, you can Click here for a List of Fraudulent Coupons
If coupons are being used incorrectly…it may cause stores to adjust their policies.

Thanks LivingRichWithCoupons