When it comes to using coupons, you have to learn an entirely new language. While I share a lot of the most common acronyms/abbreviations used, sometimes, the terms themselves are confusing. One that I have recently received several emails about is stacking. Sure, we all know how to stack blocks, but coupons? What in the world is this about?
Simply put, it is when you stack one coupon on top of another to maximize your savings. Of course, you can’t do this with just any coupons, the coupons need to work together to be able to accomplish this. The way you do this is by using a store coupon at the same time you use a manufacturer’s coupon. The coupon can be printed or available your smartphone. Let’s cover a few stores/examples to help you better understand how this works:
STACKING A PRINTABLE STORE COUPON WITH A MANUFACTUER’S COUPON
Some stores offer printable coupons, which are available on their website. Two stores to really watch are Walgreens and Target. These are easily accessible from any computer and can be printed and then redeemed at the store. Walgreens coupons can be identified with the Instant Value Coupon wording at the bottom of the coupon (see image above). When it comes to Target, however, they offer both store coupons and manufacturer’s coupons on their website.
What is great is that this printable coupon can be combined with any manufacturer’s coupon to save you more when you shop. It is the one time you can use more than one coupon on one item. Here are a few scenarios on how they work:
$1/1 Product A Store coupon
Stack with
$1/1 Product A Manufacturer’s coupon
$1/2 Product A Store coupon
Stack with
TWO – $1/1 Product A Manufacturer’s coupon
TWO – $1/1 Product A Store coupons
Stack with
$1/2 Product A Manufacturer’s coupon
As you can see, there are various ways you can stack these coupons in order to maximize your savings.
STACKING A SMARTPHONE STORE COUPON WITH A MANUFACTUER’S COUPON
You can also stack mobile coupons with a paper manufacturer’s coupon at Target. You can sign up for their mobile coupons here. These work exactly the same way as a printable store coupon – they are just only redeemable one time! Here is how these will work:
$1/1 Product A Store mobile coupon
Stack with
$1/1 Product A Manufacturer’s coupon
$1/2 Product A Store mobile coupon
Stack with
TWO – $1/1 Product A Manufacturer’s coupon
ONE – $1/1 Product A Store mobile coupon
Stack with
$1/2 Product A Manufacturer’s coupon
As you can see in the last example, you can still only redeem the mobile coupon one time.
STACKING COUPONS ON REWARDS CARDS WITH MANUFACTURER’S COUPONS
Another way you can stack coupons is when you use those pre-loaded onto a rewards card along with the manufacturer’s coupons. Once again, these transactions look like the other situations shared above:
$1/1 Product A Store rewards card coupon
Stack with
$1/1 Product A Manufacturer’s coupon
$1/2 Product A Store rewards card coupon
Stack with
TWO – $1/1 Product A Manufacturer’s coupon
The only issue where there could be differences is in the number of times you can redeem the offer. Each store has it’s own restrictions. I know that here in Kansas City, we have Hen House. This store does not apply limits to the offer on the card. You can use it once or ten times – it is up to you. The good news is that you can still redeem it each time along with a manufacturer’s coupon
FIVE – $1/1 Product A Store redwards coupons (meaning buy 5 products)
Stack with
5 – $1/1 Product A Manufacturer’s coupons
You will want to check with your store to know the policy as to the pre-loaded coupons and how they can be redeemed
WHEN YOU CAN NOT STACK (TRICKY WORDING)
Many coupons include working such as “Redeemable only at”, “Available At” or even “Redeemable At.” These often include the store’s logo on the coupon. The issue is that most of the time, these are still manufacturer’s coupons. That means, you can not use them along with another manufacturer’s coupon. You need to carefully read the coupon to see if it reads that it is a store coupon or if it is a manufacturer’s coupon. You can often see this wording at the top of your coupon.
Another way to know for certain is if there is redeem to information included on the coupon. If this wording, including the address, is included, it is a manufacturer’s coupon. This is printed so that the store knows where to send the coupon for reimbursement. If it is a store coupon, they do not need to submit it, so it is not printed.
Let’s explain some of these confusing terms on the coupons:
REDEEMABLE ONLY AT — This means you can redeem it only at the store listed on the coupon. If another store accepts it, they do run the risk of not being reimbursed, which is a loss.
AVAILABLE AT – This is only an advertisement. It is just letting you know where you can find the product. It does not mean you must shop there.
REDEEMABLE AT – This also lets you know which store will accept the coupon. Again, you should be able to use the coupon anywhere.
One word of caution with coupons with other store logo or wording on them — some stores will not accept these. As you know, it is at a store’s discretion to accept or deny the acceptance of your coupon. With fraud like it is, we find this happening more often.
There you have it! An easy way to know how to make your coupons work harder for you — and help you to save even more when you shop!