Know your store's coupon policy

[OHeather]

While there is info on this in New to Couponing? Check out Couponing 101, I thought that the point bears repeating and bears being highlighted. It is VERY important!

We all have favorite stores that we shop at. Sometimes those favorite stores have a shopper's dream coupon policy, sometimes it's a nightmare, and sometimes it can be up in the air.

I have a little bit of all three. The one thing that can save you at the store--save you time and save you money--is to know each and every store's policy inside and out.

How do you do that? Contact the corporate office and ask specific questions. Some companies will give a a very detailed list, but others may be a little tight lipped about it. You can look at your store's website to get contact info, and then call, email, or ask questions through their website's online form. I personally like to go through email or the online form so that I can have everything in writing. I also don't have to write down the answers that they give me over the phone--and then end up missing something or having the rep. repeat what they said.

Some of the questions I like to ask are below:

• Do you double or triple coupons? (up to ___) Do you have a limit on the number of coupons you double/triple?
• Can I combine a store coupon and a manufacturer's coupon on the same item?
• Do you take printable coupons? Are there any exceptions?
• Do you accept competitor's coupons?
• Who do you consider as a competitor?
• Do you except expired coupons? If yes, how long past expiration?

On occasion, I do go into more detail and ask more specific questions, but the above are a great place to start.

Once you get the answers to your questions, make sure to hold onto them. Maybe you want to put them in your coupon file or binder. Maybe you want to keep contact numbers along with them, just in case you have a problem at the store. Then, make sure to check to see if the policy has changed 1-2 times each year.

[kristen.c]

Great advice, Heather! Thanks for sharing!

[wyo-helpmeet]

Our City Market just recently started doubling coupons. I am so happy. Doubles up to 50¢ & anything above goes to a dollar! That came straight out of one of the manager's mouths. She DID say that since it's so new, and the cashiers apparently have to either manually input it (or maybe press a button for it, not sure about that part), that I may have to remind them :D

Now I just need to find coupons, LOL

[ocean_brez]

Good info! Thanks! :)