A free course for beginner couponers.

1. Basic Couponing
PRESENTED BY:
MICHELLE HULL CRAIG
COUPONISTA 411
&
KELLY NEFF
COUPONER’S CORNER

2. Where to Find Coupons
 Sunday Papers
 Online-from trusted sites, eCoupons
 On Facebook (product pages)
 In the stores/gas stations (peelies, blinkies,
catalina, CVS coupon machine)
 Magazines (All You)
 Company email lists/websites
 Clipping Services
 Coupons are EVERYWHERE!

3. Creating A Binder
 Baseball card sheets
 Scissors
 Calculator
 Pencil Holder
 Notepad
 Pen
 Binder
 Store Policies (found at www.couponerscorner.com)

4. Building a Coupon Wallet
 Coupon Wallet or Envelope (Dollar Tree)
 Scissors
 Pen
 Notepad
 Calculator
 Store Policies (found at www.couponerscorner.com)

5. The File Method
Some prefer to file inserts by date. In my opinion, this
is a great thing to do with “misc. coupons”. In other
words, file (by date) the coupons that you know your
family wouldn’t normally use. In the event that a
sale pops up before they expire, you have the
potential to get freebies or possibly even a money
maker. Just don’t forget to date them! This is
important for Coupon Database usage.
*Coupon clipping and organization shouldn’t cost tons
of time to be worthwhile. Find what works for
you and go with it!

6. Coupon Database
 You can use the coupon database at
www.couponerscorner.com
 This database will allow you to search for ANY coupon at
anytime.
 This tool is 100% free to use!
 Enter the item and click search, it will show you all coupons
available. For example, $1/1 Crest (1/1/12 RP). This means
there is a $1 off any 1 Crest product coupon in the 1/1/12
Red Plum insert. *This date is important if you use the “file
method”.

7. Store Ads, and Match Ups
 You will want to look at your local store ads every
week.
 This will help you memorize “good deal prices” or
“stock up prices”.
 Compare your coupons to store ads to see if you can
spot a good deal! *coupon database is very handy here!
 Use our store match ups each week to add to your
own. You may find deals we missed!
 Ask your local grocery store if they double coupons
and up to how much. This will save confusion, time
and money!

8. Say What? Basic Coupon Lingo
RP-Red Plum
SS-Smart Source
PG-P&G Product Saver
PM-Pepsi Moments
GM-General Mills
ECB: ExtraCare Bucks
EXP: Expiration Date
IVC: Instant Value Coupon, Walgreens' store coupons found in ads and monthly booklet
MIR: Mail-in rebate
OYNO: On your next order
OOP: Out of pocket
RR: Register Rewards, Walgreens' Catalina coupons
Stacking: Using both a manufacturer's coupon and a store coupon on one item
UPC: Universal product code, bar code
Tearpad: Pad of coupons attached to a display, shelf, or refrigerator door.
+UP Reward: Rite Aid reward program
WYB: When you buy
YMMV: Your mileage (or manager) may vary, meaning some stores might give you a deal but others might not

9. Deal Example #1
Gain Dish Liquid $0.99
Use: $0.50/1 Gain Dish Liquid Coupon (1/1/12 SS)
$0.49
Translation:
Gain is on sale for $0.99. There is a $0.50 off 1 coupon in
the 1/1/12 Smart Source insert. If you use it, you will
only have to pay $0.49
*Be sure to check for LIMITS on the number of items you are allowed to
purchase at a time! (Not every product has limits, but some do)

10. Deal Example #2
Quilted Northern Bathroom Tissue $6.99
Use: $3/1 (2/4/12 RP)
Get $1.00 ECB
$2.99
Translation:
Tissue is on sale for $6.99, CVS will give you $1 Extra
Credit Bucks if you buy it. You have a $3 off 1 coupon
from the 2/4/12 Rep Plum insert. You will pay $3.99
OOP (Out of Pocket), and you will get $1 ECB back on
your receipt. So it's like getting Quilted Northern for
$2.99

11. Deal Example #3
Pepsi $5.00
Use: $1.50/1 (www.target.com printable)
Use: $0.75/1 (3/5/12 PM)
$2.75
Translation:
This is called "stacking" coupons. Using a store coupon
with a MFG (manufacturer's) coupon. In this case -
Target. This is a GREAT way to maximize savings!

12. Coupon Tips
 Wait until your item is on sale unless you must have
the item now. Patience pays off
 Use a BOGO coupon with a BOGO sale.
 Stack Store Coupons with Manufacture's Coupon
(Target, CVS, Dollar General, etc)
 Be sure to check coupons for size restrictions on your
purchase. Some items are cheaper to buy the
smallest (trial) size, but not always! Rely on the
description, not the item pictured on the coupon.

13. Shopping List
 After you have prepared your own match up (or used
ours) make a shopping list to take to the store.
 List the store first, then the items that you want to
buy. List the coupons under each item.
 Pull your coupons as you prepare your list-this saves
time in the store. I keep mine in the pencil holder of
my binder, but a simple envelope will do!
 Some label multiple envelopes with the store name,
and put the coupons in the correct envelope.
(example: CVS, Kmart, Kroger). These can be used
over and over.

14. Check Out
 Watch every item price as it rings up, be sure you are
getting the right price.
 Watch every coupon as it is scanned, be sure you are
receiving the correct discount (If your store doubles,
ensure that it did).
 If there is a discrepancy, be polite and respectful.
Always adhere to the store policies, and expect the
same in return.
 Expect a delay, it happens from time to time.
Cashiers are more cautious than ever about coupons.
Understand their point of view as well.

15. Stockpiles
 Learn the sales cycle for your area (usually 6-8
weeks) and begin to plan for it…this takes time.
 Learn “stock up prices” so you know when to buy
extras, keep track of your purchases, so it’s more
clear to you, if needed.
 Keep your items in rotation, so nothing goes bad.
Always check expiration dates (preferably in the
store) and organize your “stockpile” at home
accordingly.

16. Expired Coupons
You can mail your expired coupon to soldiers that are
stationed overseas. They can use them up to six
months after the expiration date. Here’s the website:
www.ocpnet.org
They ask that coupons be no more than 60 days expired when you mail
them, as processing can be time consuming. All details are available
in the above website.

17. Closing Notes
 Remember that couponing is suppose to help you
save…not cost you time and money. It takes a little
to get started, but in the end, you will LOVE the
benefits!
 If you are able to make donations, please do! There
are so many people that could benefit from your
abilities as a couponer!
Confused? Just ask!