Coupons 101

Albertsons Puts a Stop to Passing out Twice the Value Coupons in stores.

07/01/2011 7:00 am · 17 comments

One thing you will learn about couponing is the rules are always changing.  We try hard on A Thrifty Mom to keep you up to date on any policy changes.  In an effort to help make you a better informed shopper.  Alberterson added this note on their facebook page last night.

They will no longer be handing out Twice the Value coupons in their stores.  They will still have them in select papers (hope that means my local papers)  but will NO LONGER have them in stores.  The change does not really effect me as I buy my papers with the A Thrifty Mom paper deal and get them for only $.28 each.  I bring them to the store with me, and plan my trips accordingly.   I understand that they have to limit TTV coupons for those who choose to “extreme coupon” and clear the store of deals.  But in trying to stop the extreme I worry they may be hurting the “everyday shopper” or “everyday couponer”.   As you know A Thrifty Mom has always taught you to be thrifty, but never extreme.  I guess time will tell how it will all work out, your opinions are valued and I encourage you to share them with Albertsons.  One thing is true Albertsons has always been a wonderful place for me to shop, and I do not see that changing any time soon :)

Hi Albertsons Fans!

Thank you for your feedback surrounding the recent changes to the availability of our Twice the Value coupons in our Intermountain West stores. To be clear, we are not eliminating the coupons, but we are making a necessary change to the program. Let us emphasize that we will continue to offer and accept our Twice the Value coupons and they will continue to be available in select Sunday newspapers. But, unfortunately we have seen such a large number of customers using these coupons in excess, and because of this we can no longer provide extra coupon copies at our store locations. It has been a challenge to keep select sales stocked, so we needed to reconsider offering these additional savings in such large quantities.

Please know that we are always open to hearing ideas and suggestions on ways that Albertsons can help you stretch your dollars. We’re excited to see that a number of our fans are interested in seeing us expand on our Preferred Savings card. We also continue to offer coupons in our in-store booklets, as well as in our exclusive email savings programs. This change allows us the opportunity to expand our savings into new programs, rather than just discontinue our Twice the Value coupon program entirely.

We welcome your feedback, so please feel free to share your thoughts with us as we continue to reevaluate how to make shopping and saving at Albertsons a great experience. Most importantly, please know that we do appreciate your business. Thank you!

 

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Winco updated coupon policy… no more overage

06/20/2011 11:02 am · 0 comments

I have told you before that one of the hardest parts to couponing is keeping up to date with coupon policy’s for each store.  We try hard to keep you informed of changes to make your shopping trips easy as possible.

Looks like Winco just updates their coupon policy, the two main changes I see, they no longer allow overage and you can not pay with mass cuts, a huge stack of coupons that all have the same cut marks.  Normally this is if you have 10 or more of the same coupon… but ask you local stores for more details.

  • No cash back for coupons with a higher value than the item’s purchase price
  • No mass-cut coupons

For the Current Winco deals at the Nampa location click here, over 100 deals listed.

What is your coupon policy?

WinCo Foods gladly accepts manufacturer’s coupons where all the following apply:

  1. The coupon has a valid barcode that can be scanned into our system,
  2. The item is in stock,
  3. Restrictions and requirements listed on the coupon are met. This includes but is not limited to: quantities (minimum required and maximum allowed), sizes, brand names, product variety, expiration dates, and store location.
  4. The coupon(s) is not a result of coupon “stacking,” “doubling,” etc. (*1* coupon per item limit)

*WinCo Foods reserves the right to deny any coupon at any time.
WinCo Foods Coupon Policy

  • We do not double or triple coupons; WinCo has a one(1) coupon per item limit. If a coupon has been used with an item, no other coupon may be used with that item and no other item may benefit from that coupon
  • WinCo Foods does not accept competitor’s coupons
  • All coupons must scan properly
  • Coupons must be presented along with the item purchased
  • No cash back for coupons with a higher value than the item’s purchase price
  • No mass-cut coupons
  • No photocopied or visibly altered coupons
  • Customer is responsible for all sales tax
  • Coupons cannot be purchased, sold or transferred

For the full list click this link.

 

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Can I use a Coupon and still have a Register Reward print?

06/17/2011 10:00 am · 9 comments

Let’s face it shopping at Walgreens can be a little tricky.  It takes a bit of time to learn all their weird little tricks and rules.  But once you get it down, it is totally worth it because they have awesome deals each week!  I happen to have a VERY coupon friendly store, with knowledgeable staff  that makes shopping there very easy.

Once of the hardest things is when your Register Reward does not print.  I get an email at least once a week from my readers telling me that their local store said the reason there register reward did not print was because they paid with a coupon.  This is the the #1 excuse given but never the case.

I encourage you to find this weeks Walgreens ad, and on the back page it clearly shows you can use a MFR coupon and still get back a register reward.  If you happen to shop at a store that is not so coupon friendly clip this out and keep it with your Walgreens coupon policy in your coupon binder for future reference if needed.

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New Updated Target Coupon policy

06/15/2011 6:02 am · 1 comment

Looks like Target just updated their Coupon Policy. Thanks Freebies2Deals for passing this on:target coupons

Target Stores Coupon Policy

Coupons are a great way to save even more when shopping with us, and it’s easy to use them at our stores. When accepting coupons, we follow the guidelines below.

Manufacturer and Target Coupons:

· Target accepts one Manufacturer Coupon and one Target Coupon for the same item (unless prohibited by either coupon).

· Item purchased must match the coupon description (brand, size, quantity, color, flavor, etc.).

· Coupon amount may be reduced if it exceeds the value of the item after other discounts or coupons are applied.

· We can’t give cash back if the face value of a coupon is greater than the purchase value of the item.

· All valid coupons should be presented to the cashier during checkout.

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

· These guidelines apply to all coupons accepted at Target (Color Checkout Coupons, Internet Coupons, Mobile Coupons, Mailed Coupons, Coupons from Newspapers and Magazines, etc.).

Internet (Print-at-Home) Coupons:

· We gladly accept valid internet coupons that contain a clear and scannable bar code.

· We do not accept internet coupons for free items with no purchase requirements.

Mobile Coupons:

· Guests can receive Target Mobile Coupons by signing up for Text Alerts at Target.com/mobile or by texting COUPONS to 827438 (TARGET).

· Message and data rates may apply. See site for full details.

· To redeem, simply show your coupon barcode to the cashier. With one simple scan, all applicable coupons are applied.

Buy One Get One Free Coupons (BOGO):

· BOGO coupons cannot be combined (i.e. you cannot use two BOGO coupons on two items and get both for free). Unless stated otherwise on the coupon, the use of one Buy One Get One Free coupon requires that two of the valid items are presented at checkout of which one item will be charged to the guest and the 2nd item will be discounted by its full retail price.

· A second cents-off coupon of the same type cannot be redeemed towards the purchase price of the first item.

o If a Target BOGO coupon is used, one additional manufacturer coupon maybe used on the first item.

o If a Manufacturer BOGO coupon is used, one additional Target coupon may be used on the first item.

Exclusions:

· Coupons are void if copied, scanned, transferred, purchased, sold, prohibited by law, or appear altered in any way.

· We can’t accept coupons from other retailers, or coupons for products not carried in our stores.

· Some items may not be available at all stores.

· We do not accept expired coupons.

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Stater Bros. Coupon Policy

06/11/2011 12:02 am · 0 comments

Stater Bros. Coupon Policy

Stater Bros. Markets gladly redeems valid coupons. The following guidelines apply to all forms of coupons:

The coupon offered must be valid. The coupon must contain a paragraph addressed to: grocer, dealer, or retailer. The paragraph must state that the manufacturer will reimburse (Stater Bros. Markets) the face value of the coupon, including handling cost. If the coupon does not have this paragraph, and also a scannable barcode, it is not a valid coupon.
The coupon must have a valid expiration date that has not expired at the time of redemption.
The original coupon must be presented. Photocopies will not be accepted.
The required item(s) on the coupon must be purchased, must be presented to the cashier at the time of purchase, and cannot be applied to a previous purchase.
Product must be purchased in sizes and/or quantities specified on the coupon.
Coupon value cannot exceed the price of the item(s) purchased/and the coupon has no cash value.
Unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer, a customer may only use one manufacturer coupon per item.
Stater Bros. Markets must follow all manufacturer guidelines.
Coupon stacking policies for manufacturer coupons apply to paper and electronic coupons. We will allow one Stater Bros. paperless coupon with one manufacturer coupon unless prohibited. Exclusive In-store ad coupons may be redeemed with one manufacturer coupon if all manufacturer redemption criteria are met.
Coupons are subject to advertised offer limitations and all other limitations and restrictions on coupon. Stater Bros. Markets has the right to place limits per purchase or transaction on all coupons.
The customer must pay all deposits, fees, and sales tax on the full value of the item(s).
Stater Bros. Markets reserves the right to refuse any coupons that we believe to be photocopied, counterfeit, being presented in a fraudulent manner, or invalid for any reason.

Additional guidelines apply for the following types of coupons:

Printed Internet coupons

The same manufacturer and store coupon rules above apply to all internet printed coupons.
Stater Bros. Markets does not accept Internet coupons for items prohibited by law or free items. Coupons that have a purchase requirement to receive a free item are acceptable. Examples: Buy One Get One free, Buy Two Get One free.
Internet printed coupons must have a serial number and follow an industry-standard format. (see example below)
The coupon must be obtained from a legitimate site, where the coupon never appears on the screen. All legitimate printable coupons are sent directly to the printer, after clicking on a link in your web browser or email. A legitimate coupon is never sent as a graphic or PDF or sent in a Word document.
Internet Coupons with a value over $5 will not be accepted.

Example of a Valid Internet Coupon

This internet coupon would be acceptable. It does not exceed $5.00, contains a valid statement of reimbursement, a valid expiration date and has a scannable barcode.

Example of valid Internet coupon

Catalina Check Out Coupons

Only valid Catalina check out coupons that read “redeemable at Stater Bros. Markets” will be accepted.

Stater Bros. Markets reserves the right to change this policy at any time without prior notice. All coupon redemptions are subject to the policy in effect at time of redemption. Coupon redemption policy changes may not be advertised.

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Winco Foods Q&A on coupons in their store

06/06/2011 2:00 pm · 4 comments

I am excited to let you know I have been hard at work the last few month working with Winco to start bringing you Winco coupon match ups.  A Thrifty Mom will soon be bringing you deals found at the new Nampa Winco store.  This store was newly remodeled, huge and full of thrifty deals!  I thought it would be a good idea to list their coupon guide lines, so A Thrifty Mom readers will be well informed and confident when using coupons at Winco.

One of the keys to your savings success is knowing the store rules, limitations or guidelines before you start your shopping trip.  I even suggest printing off there policy and keeping it in your coupon binder.

Q: How I can be added to your mailing list?
Q: What kind of coupons does WinCo Foods accept?
Q: Do you double or triple coupons? If not, Do you have special events when you do?
Q: Do you accept internet coupons?
Q: How should I print my coupons for best results?
Q: Can I use multiple coupons on one item?
Q: Do you accept BOGO coupons?
Q: Do you accept competitor’s coupons?
Q: Do you have a limit on coupons?
Q: If the value of a coupon is more than that of an item, will I get money back?
Q: Where can I find internet coupons that will work at WinCo Foods?

 

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Free Coupon Class 6/17- plus we still need 30 volunteers to donate blood

06/05/2011 8:00 am · 1 comment

Welcome Idaho Statesman readers, we would like to invite you to our SAVE LIVES SAVE MONEY giveback event.

I will be teaching a coupon class on 6/17 at 3:15 pm.

You will need to pre-register for the coupon class by calling 208-467-0501 then hit the * key. Calls will be taken starting 8am-8pm on Monday - Thursday 6/6 – 6/9.  Due to limited seating adults only please.

We invite you also to open you heart and sign up to donate blood being held in honor of our son Matthew.  We are still 30 volunteers short from meeting our goal. CLICK HERE to read more about the blood drive and why it means so much to our family.

All presenting blood donors can enter to win

“An Enchanted Evening Prize Pack”

including a

night at the Grove Hotel in Boise,

dinner at Emilio’s,

a gift card for the Cottonwood Grille

and tickets to the Shakespeare Festival’s The Taming of the Shrew.

 

We will also be holding a Food Drive to benefit the Idaho Food bank as well as a local food pantry.

We have teamed up with many local businesses and have  planned a fun filled day, you will want to bring the whole family too! Each food donation will enter you to win prizes. We invite you to bring a food donation and then sign up for many prizes, eat samples from local restaurants …lots more details to come!  But you will not want to miss it!

 

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Save Money Save Lives- we are looking for 55 volunteers to donate blood on 6/17

06/03/2011 2:55 pm · 12 comments

We have been hard at work the past few weeks planning a giveback event SAVE LIVES SAVE MONEY on June 17 9am-3pm at Stevens Henager College in Nampa.

We have a goal to get 55 volunteers to donate blood to the American Red Cross, a blood drive being held in honor of my son Matthew.

Over the years little Matthew has been the recipient of the life saving gift of blood, that was selflessly given by a total stranger…but saved his life! To read more about his heart click here.

Matt has never given blood. Even though he is a nurse he is scared of needles. But he will there with a needle in his arm too!

You will need to pre-register by calling 208-467-0501 then hit the * key…. call to reserve your spot today.

Calls will be taken till 5pm today (6/3), 9am -2pm on Saturday 6/4 and from 8am-8pm on Monday - Thursday 6/6-6/9

We hope to fill this blood drive within 24 hours.

Date: Friday, June 17

Time: 9am -3pm

Place: Stevens Henager College Nampa, 16819 N. Marketplace Blvd MAP (across of Nampa Costco)


All presenting blood donors can enter to win

“An Enchanted Evening Prize Pack”

including a

night at the Grove Hotel in Boise,

dinner at Emilio’s,

a gift card for the Cottonwood Grille

and tickets to the Shakespeare Festival’s The Taming of the Shrew.

Yes you can give blood if:

  • you are a nursing mother and baby is at least 6 weeks old
  • you are diabetic
  • you have a tattoo done in Oregon
  • you had Hepatitis before the age 11

NO you can’t give blood if:

  • you are a pregnant woman
  • you are on blood thinners
  • you are on Antibiotics
  • you had a tattoo done in Idaho with a year
  • you had Hepatitis after the age 11

For all other questions please call 208-467-0501 then hit the * key

Stay tuned for more info and sign up info for the Food Drive and Coupon Class

We will also be holding a Food Drive to benefit the Idaho Food bank as well as a local food pantry.

We have teamed up with many local businesses and have  planned a fun filled day, you will want to bring the whole family too!

We invite you to bring a food donation and then sign up for many prizes, eat samples from local restaurants …lots more details to come!  But you will not want to miss it!

Last but not least we will also be teaching a FREE coupon class, after the blood drive that day, to help teach those in the community to save money!

Please save the date of June 17th on your calendar and plan to spend some time with the A THRIFTY MOM FAMILY.  We look forward to seeing you all.

If your business would like to take part in this event please send  us an email with Save Lives – Save Money in the subject line.

Remember THE GIFT WE ALL HAVE INSIDE OF US, HELPED SAVE HIS LIFE

 

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Filed Under: Coupon class, Giving back

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Extreme couponing- Tip for finding promo items at Walgreens

06/03/2011 2:00 pm · 10 comments

Many of you know Walgreens is one of my favorite stores to shop at.  With the new “extreme couponing” craz many of you (myself included) have seen some big changes.  It started off with shelf clearing which left many shoppers trying to finding the items in stock, we did a whole post dedicated to that topic here. I talked about how Walgreens is not a warehouse store, yes they are ready to give you a good deal but not the place to stock up at.

A few weeks later I saw my favorite local Walgreens put limits on Register Reward items. This was to help a community of coupon shoppers find a good deal instead of just a few greedy couponers take all the stock within the first few hours of the sale. Personally I loved the limit of 4 like items per day.  My local store went a step further and the last two weeks have ordered huge quantities of register reward items.  I went to the store last night, and found almost every register reward in stock and waiting for coupon shoppers to take them home.

But while I was there I saw a rather grumpy coupon shopper complaining that she was not able to find any of the deals she was looking for.  She was looking for them on the shelf (which was empty)  what she failed to see was the store had two end cap displays dedicated to register reward items.

This brought up a good tip that we may forget sometimes.  It is always good to look for promo displays or end caps for hot items.  Or simply ask the store if they have more in the back.

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Grab A Thrifty Mom Button

06/01/2011 10:18 pm · 22 comments

A Thrifty Mom Logo

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Filed Under: A Thrifty Mom - Topics, Become your own ATM

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