When I teach my coupon classes I talk about how much or your budget to set aside  for couponing and how to stock up.  When a new couponer watches a shows like Extreme Couponing they are lead to believe that you are suppose to build a massive stockpile in 1 day, using 100′s of coupons and walk away paying nothing.  This “can” be done but is NOT realistic and is more for tv ratings than  to teach you a skill to save you money.

When you first start couponing you will need  to still buy the “normal” things on your weekly shopping list because you do not have a stockpile at home.  What I suggest is to take 10-20% of your budget and set that aside just for couponing.  Then shop like normal with the other 80-90% of your money.  Becuase if you where to put ALL you money towards the lowest stock up deals that week… sure you would get a good deal but you would not have the items needed to create a menu plan for your family.  Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to creating a well balanced  stockpile.

Now what are you going to buy with your 10-20% set aside, you are going to focus on stocking up on the items that are at there LOWEST price point and try to buy multiples.   For example if mayonnaise  is a regular item on your shopping list you are going to pay $3-$5 per bottle depending where and when you shop.  This  last weeks ad  at Albertsons you could get mayo for low as $.49  a bottle after sale and coupons.

Best Foods Mayo $2.99 when you buy 10 $2.49

• Use the $1.00 off Best Foods Mayo in the 5/20 Smart Source Insert
• OR Use $1/2 Hellmans or Best Foods Products printable coupon
• also use a twice the value coupon
• Final Price low as $.49 each

These bottles do not expire will February  2013 giving you 8 months to use them.  So stock up when the price is low, and get 8-10 bottles for the same price you would pay for one bottle that is not on sale.  This now gives you the power to mark that item off your list for the next 8 months and you DO NOT have to buy it until it is a price point you are willing to pay. You also get to use that money towards other items like fresh produce or milk… or apply it towards more coupon deals.  The longer you shop this way you will build up a stockpile and you will get to “shop your stockpile” instead of shopping the stores for your  pantry staples.

I just wanted to invite you to my FREE Coupon Class tomorrow 5/19 in Boise, time: 11:30-1:00

It will be at the Boise Fair Grounds, at the Active Women’s Show.  It does cost $5 to get into the show but will be well worth it for all the vendors and booths.  The FREE coupon class it just a bonus.  No need to sign up or  rsvp, just show  up and I will be there ready to teach you all about how to make coupons work for your family.

I just wanted to invite you to my FREE Coupon Class this weekend 5/19 in Boise, time: 11:30-1:00

It will be at the Boise Fair Grounds, at the Active Women’s Show.  It does cost $5 to get into the show but will be well worth it for all the vendors and booths.  The FREE coupon class it just a bonus.  No need to sign up or  rsvp, just show  up and I will be there ready to teach you all about how to make coupons work for your family.

  Sign up for our FREE coupon class

Next Saturday - 4/28 at Stevens~Henager College Nampa Satellite.

Right across from the Nampa Costco – see map

 If you would like to sign up for the class:

• Call 1-208-467-0501 then press * to get receptionist.  Tell them you want to sign up for the A Thrifty Mom coupon class on 4/28.  They will handle sign ups.
• Class held at 4 pm with 150  but they will fill FAST so do not wait to call.
• Sign up for class is open Monday – Friday (during business hours)

 Sign up for our FREE coupon class

Next Saturday - 4/28 at Stevens~Henager College Nampa Satellite.

Right across from the Nampa Costco – see map

 If you would like to sign up for the class:

• Call 1-208-467-0501 then press * to get receptionist.  Tell them you want to sign up for the A Thrifty Mom coupon class on 4/28.  They will handle sign ups.
• Class held at 4 pm with 150  but they will fill FAST so do not wait to call.
• Sign up for class is open Monday – Friday (during business hours)

Sign up for our FREE coupon class

Next Saturday - 4/28 at Stevens~Henager College Nampa Satellite.

Right across from the Nampa CostCo – see map

If you would like to sign up for the class:

• Call 1-208-467-0501 then press * to get receptionist.  Tell them you want to sign up for the A Thrifty Mom coupon class on 4/28.  They will handle sign ups.
• Class held at 4 pm with 150  but they will fill FAST so do not wait to call.
• Sign up for class is open Monday – Friday (during business hours)

I will be teaching it FREE (in English) at the Day Of the Child event 4/28 at Stevens~Henager College Nampa Satellite.

If you would like to sign up for the class:

• Call 1.208.467.0501 then press * to get receptionist.  Tell them you want to sign up for the A Thrifty Mom coupon class on 4/28.  They will handle sign ups.
• Class held At 4 pm with 150  but they will sell out FAST so do not wait to call.
• Sign up for class is open Monday – Friday (during business hours)

 I will be teaching it FREE (in English) at the Day Of the Child event 4/28 at Stevens~Henager College Nampa Satellite.

If you would like to sign up for the class:

• Call 1.208.467.0501 then press * to get receptionist.  Tell them you want to sign up for the A Thrifty Mom coupon class on 4/28.  They will handle sign ups.
• Class held At 4 pm with 150  but they will sell out FAST so do not wait to call.
• Sign up for class is open Monday – Friday (during business hours)

I hope all my local readers plan to come to Dia De Los Ninos/Day of The Child – Uniting Families with EducationSaturday, April 28, 2012

11:00am until 4:00pm
Stevens~Henager College Nampa Satellite
In 2003, Governor Dirk Kempthorne affirmed his commitment to Idaho’s children by signing into law the Day of the Child: Día de los Niño’s, to be celebrated annually on April 30. Idaho is the first state in the nation to officially give children their own holiday. House Bill 259 was signed by Governor Dirk Kempthorne on March 20, 2003 and became effective July 1, 2003.

Event highlights include:
• Free professional family photographs by Photos By Kristina.
• A free coupon class hosted by Athriftymom.com. Call 1.208.467.0501 then press * to reserve your spot. Space is limited.
• A free children’s clothing swap by Swap Kids Apparel.
• Stage performances including the Summerwind Skippers from America’s Got Talent and more.
• Orientations for Free Services, information for college and blood pressure checks from Stevens~HenagerCollege.
• Food from local eateries
• Art and crafts from local businesses.
• Free Books and giveaways.
• Coloring contest
• Mascots
• Much, much more!

Plesae Note: This is a smoke free environment.

Free vendor space is still available. Call Ken Corder at 1.208.467.0501 ext. 1620 for details. Vendor space available for the Friday celebration as well!

Today I will be live on KWEI Spanish 1450 am Radio at 10 am mst.  This is Spanich radio and I do not speak ANY Spanish so it may be a little tricky but I am sure we are going to have a great time!

Listen Live Here online at noon eastern, 10 am mtn, 9am pacific

First off I will be talking about my upcoming coupon class on 4/28.  I will be teaching it FREE (in English) at the Day Of the Child event 4/28 at Stevens~Henager College Nampa Satellite.

If you would like to sign up for the class:

• Call 1.208.467.0501 then press * to get receptionist.  Tell them you want to sign up for the A Thrifty Mom coupon class on 4/28.  They will handle sign ups.
• Class held At 4 pm with 150  but they will sell out FAST so do not wait to call.
• Sign up for class is open Monday – Friday (during business hours)

I hope all my local readers plan to come to Dia De Los Ninos/Day of The Child – Uniting Families with EducationSaturday, April 28, 2012

11:00am until 4:00pm
Stevens~Henager College Nampa Satellite
In 2003, Governor Dirk Kempthorne affirmed his commitment to Idaho’s children by signing into law the Day of the Child: Día de los Niño’s, to be celebrated annually on April 30. Idaho is the first state in the nation to officially give children their own holiday. House Bill 259 was signed by Governor Dirk Kempthorne on March 20, 2003 and became effective July 1, 2003.

Event highlights include:
• Free professional family photographs by Photos By Kristina.
• A free coupon class hosted by Athriftymom.com. Call 1.208.467.0501 then press * to reserve your spot. Space is limited.
• A free children’s clothing swap by Swap Kids Apparel.
• Stage performances including the Summerwind Skippers from America’s Got Talent and more.
• Orientations for Free Services, information for college and blood pressure checks from Stevens~HenagerCollege.
• Food from local eateries
• Art and crafts from local businesses.
• Free Books and giveaways.
• Coloring contest
• Mascots
• Much, much more!

Plesae Note: This is a smoke free environment.

Free vendor space is still available. Call Ken Corder at 1.208.467.0501 ext. 1620 for details. Vendor space available for the Friday celebration as well!

I taught a coupon class on Tuesday night to a group of ladies at a local church.  I told them you can coupon and save money on many different levels… some will go all out and coupon at several stores.  Others will shop as normal but just add one or two coupons to each trip… it may not seem like a lot but even a $5 savings per week = $20 a month = $240 a year.  That could be put towards a family trip, professional family photo, college funds… so many things $240 could be used for.

So one of the easiest ways to save is to print coupons for item you already have on your shopping list.  You can look for coupons by name on our Coupon Database or you can check out Coupons.com and see what is listed, or tune into our site daily and we will try and keep you up to date on all the hottest printable coupons.

If you live in Idaho or Utah you will be happy to know that (normally) each month we get printable coupons for $.75-$1.00 off any brand of milk or any brand of cheese.  Really this is such an easy way to save!  They are normally listed the first day/week of the month and run out of prints by the 2nd week.  Then they are refreshed (which means you can print them again) the next month.  You can print 2 per computer in your home.

To find these coupons head to Coupons.com ( remember if you use our links, you help support our site)

In the zip code bar on the top left type in an Idaho or Utah zip ( I used 83605)

Then you can narrow your search by clicking on the Food category on the left side bar.

You can print your coupon, select a few more because you can print 3 per page, and this saves paper and ink because sometimes if you only print one, a big ad will print on the bottom of the page as well.

You can then come back and print them again, often they will be found on the vary last page on your second print.

Once you have printed a coupon 2 times it will show up on the very last page highlighted in blue, and say that the print limit has been reached.

Simple as that… you are on your way to saving money on the items you already buy.

Thanks to Brittaney for this question: Paul’s is having their case lot sale going on right now and I wondered your opinion about whether or not items were worthy to buy or not.

Answer: I know many people who do not coupon but instead use the case lot sale as a chance to stock up each year on some of their pantry staples.   It is a quick way for them to save each year without the weekly stress of matching coupons with sales.  It works for them so for that I say great job.

A few of the draw backs are you do have to buy in bulk (not always depends on store) so since the case lot sale is only once a year you have to put a HUGE investment down in one shopping trip. If you have the money now great, but never put it on credit, the interest you have to pay will defeat any saveing you may see.  I know many who use their tax return each year to purchase case lot items and it works for them.  Also often you are buying store brand, so if you are brand loyal you may not be happy with the selection offered at your store.

That being said I think many of the price below are rather good (not rock bottom but good), and if it is a product your family uses worth stocking up on.  Yes you may find some of these items much cheaper throughout the year with coupons but you can just add them to your pantry and know not to purchase them next year.

 I would LOVE to hear READERS FEEDBACK…. what do you think of these prices?

Here is the current case lot sale items: (all of these are the western family brand)

15 to 15.25oz Canned Fruit, peaches, pears, apricots or fruit cocktails 24 ct for $20
14.5 oz Canned Tomatoes (crushed or diced) 24 ct for $13.20 = $.83 a can
11 to 15.25oz Canned Corn or Green Beans 24 ct for $13.50  = $.56 a can
15 oz Canned Beans (kidney or pinto) 24 ct for $13.50  = $.56 a can
15 oz Canned Mushrooms (stems and pieces) 24 ct for $13.50 = $.56 a can
48 oz Spaghetti or Macaroni 8ct for $23.00 = $2.87
Macaroni and Cheese (macaroni or spirals) 24 ct for $10.50 = $.44 a box
32 oz Mayonnise or Salad Dressing  12 ct for $28.00 = $2.33 a jar
24 oz squeeze or 20 oz upside down Ketchup 16 ct for $15.00 = $.93 a bottle
64 Apple Juice or Cider 8ct for $12.88 = $1.61 a bottle
46oz Tomato or Vegatable Juice 12 ct for $19.00 = $1.58 a can
8 oz Tomato Sauce 48 for $15.00 = $.31 a can
5 oz Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water 24 ct for $28.80 = $1.20 a can
Maruchan Instant Lunch 12ct for $3.88 = $.32 each
28-32 oz Bagged Cereal 8 ct for $21.00 =2.63 each
42 oz Quick or Old fashioned Oatmeal 12ct for $22.00 = $1.83 a can
128 oz corn, canola or vegetable oil 4ct for $34.50 = $8.63
Cake Mix 12ct for $11.50 = $.96 a box
12 oz evaporated milk 24ct for $20.00 = $.83 a can
Seasoning Packets 24 ct for $7.50 = $.31 each
16oz Saltine Crackers 12 ct for $16.80 = $1.40 each
15oz Nalley Chili with Beans 24 ct for $21.60 = $.90 a can

For a post we did on Costco Vs Ridleys case lot sale click here.

Many people worry about using fake coupons. I’m sure at least one point in our shopping adventures we may have used one and never realized it.  Even I worry about it, So how do you spot a Fake coupon?  It is not fool proof but here are a few ideas,

Look at the image – All numbers under the bar code are the same - Flag

The coupon is multiplied over and over 6 one one page???  Most coupons do not publish coupons in multiples - Flag

Look close at the image, they are cut and pasted, how can you tell? look at the edges, one image is higher then the other, one image is offset to the left more then the top row. Do you really think a company that makes millions of dollars would allow a coupon to look so home made? - Flag

No size limits listed on coupon Flag

No watermark printed on the coupon Flag

Only one set of Bar codes Flag

Look over the Counterfeit Coupon Alert at Cents Off This coupon is listed under Doritos.

It was flagged nationally read here - Flag

It was emailed by a friend. – Flag Many coupons turn out to be for just one person. For instance, if a person signed up for discounts from a company. And one day they get a coupon in their email, it is most likely just for that person. They may not have bar codes on the email, but their is usually some form of identification on them. So if your best friend sends you an email with a coupon, see how many flags pop up.

If it is too good to be true - Flag. One coupon like this per magazine, or per newspaper is most likely real. If you get multiple papers sure its real… you got them in a paper and purchased multiple papers… But if you are handed something from a friend, or emailed an image or PDF then its most likely is fake.

So what do you do? Politely tell your friend why you think they are fake, and let them decide for them self.  Sure they probably didn’t make them, they were given them too. But if we all used them and did not tell our friends not to use them then we will all suffer!

Why?

Stores make a profit off of coupons. For instance, you use a $1 off coupon. The store takes that coupon, gives you the $1 off out of their own pocket. Knowing that the store will get reimbursed. If it is a real coupon not only will they get reimbursed by the manufacture, but they are also paid on average 8 cents extra to process the coupon and mail it back to the manufacturer. It usually cost the store about 4 cents per coupon to process, pay the book keeper to enter, and submit for reimbursement. So on average the store will be paid $1.08 for that $1 off coupon you used. Minus processing of about 4 cents, the store is reimbursed the $1 and now has a 4 cent profit. It may not seem like much, but multiplied by the millions of coupons used, that is a huge profit for them.

Now if we all allowed our friends to use them, or if we use these fakes our self, then that 4 cent profit is lost, along with paying a book keeper 4 cent per coupon to process it! Not only that but the $1 off coupon is not reimbursable and the store will loose $1 for every fake $1 off coupon submitted by shoppers. And in the image we looked at in this post, the cost of each entire bag of Doritos (because they are labeled FREE)

When stores lose money they will STOP taking coupons all together to save their bottom line. We have all come across a store that has done this, at least for a while! So guard your store, help them make a profit or we will used the privileged of couponing.

Book mark this link HERE to scan over fake coupon alerts

Remember the Doritos coupon from yesterday? There is a $2500 reward for companies or individuals promoting this coupon as legitimate Read Here

This is a two part post, the second is tomorrow.

This recently came up in a Facebook chat on our page. And it has been a long while since we talked about it here. With couponing and the Extreme Couponing show there has been a large growth of couponing, saving money, and more and more coupon moms. Which is great! With that each of us try and save money at every chance we can get. With the couponing is a seasonal work. Certain times of the year, certain coupons come out from the manufactures. So when that time has come and gone and we miss that coupon, or have used up our portion of the stockpile, we need to find ways to replace those items in the stockpile. But what if the manufacture decides to post pone a coupon? So people make their own coupon. Some may not know it is wrong. So as part of our education here on our site about finding great coupons, we also want to share what not to do and what to watch out for.

Many of us want to share a great coupon. Many times they are too good to be true. I recently was sent this PDF image of coupons. Not that PDF’s are fake, many are, but many legitimate companies do publish them. So how do you spot a fake coupon then? We want to empower you to help yourself and all of the other coupon moms by spotting and not using fake coupons. Why? A fake coupon may be scanned and work just fine  in a store and they would never know it… UNTIL they submit it for reimbursement. Then it is flagged and denied. The store will lose that value of the coupon multiplied by how many it took in. If fake coupons spread like wildfire, like they do, then stores will be forced to stop taking coupons all together, to avoid losing money.

Look at this image. It is the way I received it, minus the big circles that say FAKE… Can you spot all the clues just by looking at the image? Leave a post here telling all the reasons why you think it is fake. Click on the image to enlarge.

Tomorrow we will post all of the answers!

Readers Update***I work for Walgreens, and the last two days I have seen several counterfeit coupons come through that I hope you can warn couponers about. They are for a free pack of Marlboro Cigarettes and $7.50 off Pampers. If you could let everyone know that these are not legit, hopefully it will save some companies some money. Thanks!

Class is now FULL!

I am excited to let you know I have teamed up with the Idaho Statesman again and will be offering a FREE COUPON CLASS on January 24th. We have 215 seats   but they will fill up quickly so you will need to RSVP to reserve your spot now!!!

When: Tuesday January 24th
Where: Courtyard by Marriott – 1789 S. EAGLE ROAD, MERIDIAN… Near Eagle and Overland Road

Time: 7-8:30 pm

Register online at idahostatesman.com/signup or a direct lick here

Any reserved spots not filled just prior to
the start of the class will be
opened up for attendees that do not
have a reservation.

Adults only please

***If you are having a hard time registering you can call the Idaho Statesman to register.

I am excited to let you know I have teamed up with the Idaho Statesman again and will be offering a FREE COUPON CLASS on January 24th. We have 215 seats   but they will fill up quickly so you will need to RSVP to reserve your spot now!!!

When: Tuesday January 24th
Where: Courtyard by Marriott – 1789 S. EAGLE ROAD, MERIDIAN… Near Eagle and Overland Road

Time: 7-8:30 pm

Register online at idahostatesman.com/signup or a direct lick here

Any reserved spots not filled just prior to
the start of the class will be
opened up for attendees that do not
have a reservation.

Adults only please

***If you are having a hard time registering you can call the Idaho Statesman to register.

Where are you tonight? Want to win a signed copy of Bobby Flay’s book “Throw Down”? Or how about a gift card to Winco? Or many more prizes? If you signed up for our Coupon 101 class tonight starting at 7pm – Make sure you are there or you will miss out more then learning to coupon!

For directions and info read here

I am excited to let you know that I have teamed up with Debt Reduction Services and  I will be offering another FREE local coupon class on 1/11/12 .  Class is over half sold out, but we still have 100 open seats, but the won’t last long so hurry and save your spot.

WHAT: Couponing Class
WHEN: Wednesday January 11, 2012 7:00-8:30pm
WHERE:  Courtyard by Marriot Hotel (1789 S. Eagle Rd, Meridian)
COST: Free (Non-perishable food item donations accepted but not required)

All collected food items will be donated to the Oasis Food Center in Caldwell
Idaho and used in their food pantry and children’s weekend backpack program.
Class size is limited to 250. Reserve your spot by emailing you and your
guests names to Couponing@DebtReductionServices.org. One guest per person

Dear A Thrifty Mom,
I am a new couponer (since October) and need a little help. I love your site. I found you soon after starting the coupon adventure and I am afraid that couponing has become a bit more of a bad dream than a joy. I read about the people who spend $400 and save $1500 and am at a loss. I have been pretty hard core couponing for 3 solid months and have yet to see a dip in my spending. I am working on stocking up on items that are on sale, buying meat only on sale, and shopping multiple stores only to feel like I am wasting my time and energy on something that is pie in the sky. I had hopped to save some serious money to help with our one income budget. My husband works hard and I was hopping my couponing could support him and help our family to make ends meet as I stay home with our 3 boys.
I just feel like I am missing some key ingredients. I get 5 papers weekly. I clip them all. The major portion of my time is spent clipping, organizing, looking online for additional coupons, using your site to find match ups. Then I shop at Albertsons, Fred Meyer, Winco, and Walgreens with occasional stops at Pauls and Walmart. I have 2 young children with me most days so shopping and price comparisons are time consuming and often less than pleasant for 2 busy boys. I live in Kuna so a trip to the store is a 20 min drive one way and I don’t want to tote my kids to the store daily.

Do you have any ideas any ways I can make the major savings happen for our family. I am so thankful for the matchups you do. Without it couponing would be even more labor intensive and I am sure I would have given up long ago. I don’t want to give up on couponing, but I am close to deciding it is more stress than benefit.
Any thoughts????

Sincerely,
Jenny

********************************

Dear Jenny,

Well it sounds like you have your hands full, I wish I had the magic answer but I hope a few of these tips will help.

• First there will never be a guide to couponing  that will fit everyone’s life.  Everyone’s needs, lifestyle, location, stores and habits are so different that you have to just find what works best for your family.
• Couponing is a huge blessing but does take work… so  try and stick it out so you can see the rewards!
• Couponing is a learned skill and you will get better with time, and find what works best for you.  You will get into a groove that fits your family and their needs.  You are just starting out… so do not be to hard on yourself.
• This one might surprise you but, I would suggest cutting back…. I know saving your family money is important, but if you get burnt out you will give up and it will be like a fad diet that was not successful .  Instead you need to make couponing  part of your life,.. but not take over your life.  I suggest to start small, get really good at shopping one  or two stores (notice I stick to pretty much 2 stores a week) , and as time and income permit you can try and add another store.
• It is ok to miss a sale…. it is hard to select which deals are the best and which ones to pass up.  But if you try and hit them all, you will find your whole life revolves around sales and coupons.
•  Take your budget and take 80-90% and shop like you normally would (before you knew about coupons)…. but then take the other 10-20% and have that be your “stock up or coupon money”.  Focus on the top deals, and just try and stock up on those items.  NO NEED to run to 4-6 stores each week, you will burn yourself out.  Each week you will be able to stock up on those hot items, slowly but surely your stockpile will grow and you still have a life.  The longer you coupon will be learn how much to dedicate just to stocking up and your normal “must have list”.
• I always say Mom First… Thrifty Mom Second.  Dragging your sweet little ones along is never fun, I know you need to take them with you so that is another reason limiting the stores you shop at may be a good idea.  You will find a good deal is nice, but quality time with your little ones is better.
• Last but not least… never compare yourself to others…celebrate any amount of savings.  You are doing a great job, now go hug those 2 busy boys of yours !

Today 12/17/20011 Albertsons put a new coupon policy for stores in ID, OR, WA, MT, UT, WY, and Elko NV !  They did a great job of clearing up a few grey areas, and unanswered questions.  Few hot topics are Overages and Buy 1 Get 1 Free!

These are the two biggest changes I noticed…. (love that we get overage now, and BOGO coupon with BOGO sale = free)

•  Coupons that exceed the retail value of an item will have the remaining amount applied to the balance of the transaction. In the event a transaction balance results in a “credit”, additional items WILL be added/suggested to the order to utilize the remaining value of the coupon. We will not provide any “cash back” on coupons; however we will provide full redemption value.
• Albertsons offers of Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) promotions in their weekly advertisement can be combined with Buy One, Get One Free manufacturer coupons to result in BOTH items being Free. The items in the manufacturer coupon must exactly match our weekly advertisement offers and meet the redemption criteria.

Albertsons Official Coupon Policy

To view it on their site click here 

Albertsons promotes a coupon friendly shopping experience and encourages customers to participate in store, manufacturer and internet coupon use. The following policy guidelines are current, but Albertsons may change this policy at any time and policy changes may not be advertised. Coupon redemptions are subject to the policy in effect at time of redemption. The current policy information can be discussed with individual store management but is not posted in each store.

Coupons – Definition: Coupons are a form of tender to reduce an order total based on merchandise purchased. Retailers are not required by law to accept manufacturers’ coupon. Coupons can be in print and/or in electronic form, and may be integrated into the register systems where they are deducted automatically when all purchase requirements are met.

General Coupon Acceptance Guidelines

·         Coupons are accepted in accordance to the stated requirements on the coupon at the time of purchase. These requirements include, but are not limited to: product type, flavor(s), size(s), quantities and minimum/maximum dollar purchase limits.

·         Coupons are intended for one time use and cannot be redeemed more than once.

·         Coupons have no cash value.

·         Albertsons only accepts original coupons and does not accept photocopied or reproduced coupons (including multiple prints of same series internet coupons).

·         Albertsons does not accept expired coupons. Printed expiration dates are verified in addition to scanning the coupon for validity.

·         Coupons stating “on next/future purchase or visit” cannot be used in the transaction in which they are generated. Next purchase is defined as a separate transaction.

·         The coupon redemption value on ‘Free’ coupons may not exceed the value of the item.

·         Albertsons will accept ONE manufacturer coupon and ONE store coupon on the same qualifying item. (Twice the Value coupons are considered a store coupon.)

·         Albertsons does not accept competitor coupons. (Coupons generated by any competitor with competitor logo are considered competitor coupons.)

·         All applicable sales taxes are paid by the customer at the full value of the item.

·         Albertsons reserves the right to refuse any coupons at its discretion.

Manufacturer Coupons

·         Coupons issued by manufacturers contain redemption guidelines including, but not limited to: “terms of agreement”, “face value”, “expiration date” and the verbiage “manufacturer coupon”. Albertsons adheres to all manufacturer redemption guidelines.

·         Albertsons may issue private promotion “manufacturer coupons” in advertisements that state “redeemable only at Albertsons” in which Albertsons is the only retailer that will accept.

·         Coupons that exceed the retail value of an item will have the remaining amount applied to the balance of the transaction. In the event a transaction balance results in a “credit”, additional items WILL be added/suggested to the order to utilize the remaining value of the coupon. We will not provide any “cash back” on coupons; however we will provide full redemption value.

·         Albertsons accepts internet generated manufacturer coupons that have the following conditions:

o   Coupons must scan at checkout.

o   Coupons must have serial numbers and follow an industry-standard format.

o   Coupons must clearly indicate that they are a manufacturer coupon and have a valid manufacture address on the printed coupon.

·         Albertsons does not accept internet generated manufacturer coupons that have the following conditions:

o   FREE product without a required purchase.

o   A redemption value that exceeds $5.00.

o   The absence of a clear and scannable UPC bar code.

o   Same serial numbers (internet sites print time & date stamps on coupons and limit the number of coupons that can be printed from same computer).

o   The absence of a valid manufacturer address on the printed coupon.

·         Albertsons offers of Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) promotions in their weekly advertisement can be combined with Buy One, Get One Free manufacturer coupons to result in BOTH items being Free. The items in the manufacturer coupon must exactly match our weekly advertisement offers and meet the redemption criteria.

Store Coupons & Promotions

·         Rain checks for store coupons will be given out as long as the store coupon does not state on it “while supplies last”.

·         Coupons issued by Albertsons contain redemption guidelines including, but not limited to: “terms of agreement”, “face value”, “expiration date” and the verbiage “store coupon”.

·         Albertsons offers store coupons in various forms of media including, but not limited to, print, electronic, newspaper, direct mailers, kiosks and Company websites.

·         Albertsons may issue “store coupons” in advertisements that state “redeemable only at Albertsons” in which Albertsons is the only retailer that will accept.

·         Store coupons may require that the discount applies only with Preferred/Loyalty/Rewards Card use.

·         Twice the Value store coupons can only be used in combination with a $1.00 or less manufacturer coupon (a printed face value of $1.01 or greater cannot be combined with Twice the Value store coupons).

o   Albertsons DOES allow manufacturer coupons that state they cannot be ‘doubled’ to be used in conjunction with a Twice the Value store coupon.

·         Market Basket coupons can be provided via US mail or email for loyalty, special events, or local relevance. Can be used in transactions where all/many items have manufacturer coupon since it is for total purchase. These may be “stackable” according to guidance in ad/redemption guidelines. Must meet minimum purchase requirement after all other valid coupon redemptions and customer card discounts. The store Point Of Sale system is programmed to limit or restrict coupons in accordance with the redemption guidelines.

Catalina Checkout Coupons/Rebates

·         Catalina is a third party vendor that partners with vendors and Albertsons to offer both manufacturer coupons and Albertsons in-store coupons. The coupons are triggered by purchasing qualified items at checkout which generate a coupon to print on the Catalina printer.

·         Albertsons delivers 3 types of coupons via Catalina:

1.       Manufacturer “cents off” – common type frequently distributed

2.       Store Coupon – clearly states “store coupon” in title (cannot be combined with Twice The Value)

3.       Market Basket – earned from prior purchase and not associated with an item, but rather the purchase. Can be used in transactions where all/many items have manufacturer coupon since it is for total purchase. These may be “stackable” according to guidance in ad/redemption guidelines. Minimum purchase requirements must be met after all other valid coupon redemptions and customer card discounts. The store Point Of Sale system is programmed to limit or restrict coupons in accordance with the redemption guidelines.

·         It is Albertsons’ policy that these coupons are to be used in a future purchase, not within the purchase in which they are generated. (“next purchase” is defined as a separate transaction)

·         Catalina coupons are provided to the intended customer based on that particular customers shopping experience or purchase, therefore, such coupons are non-transferable. If a customer does not want the issued Catalina coupons, it is Albertsons’ policy that the cashier or store associate destroys them immediately, including any Catalina coupons delivered at the Self Check Out lanes.

The Total Shopping Experience

·         In an effort to serve our all customers better than our competitors, and provide a timely checkout, Albertsons requests that customers do not exceed three (3) consecutive transactions.

·         Additional lanes will be opened to serve all customers in a timely manner if the current business and staffing level permits.

·         If you have questions or comments about your overall experience, please ask for the Store Director or Customer Satisfaction Manager. Customer’s having a highly satisfied experience is our priority!

I have a question on starting a stockpile. How do you get started and what do you start with. Do you start with what you can get free ? It seems that when Im able to get something at a realy good price, and for one I may  only have four coupons per item, I dont know how to get more but by the time a sale runs on the same item again, I have already used what I was able to get from the last time, I guess I feel that I cant keep a stockpile its always gone. How do you fix that problem. The only thing I have been able to get free is floss,and my family cant live on that And I also was wondering do you just take extra money and start your stockpile that way. If I had more of a stockpile it would be easier to add to it, but like I said when you only have a few of each item it doesnt last long in my house. Just wondering how and what you did to start your family stockpile .

What tips do you have for starting or maintaining a Coupon Stockpile?