Couponing 101: How to Stack Coupons!

I know that coupon tutorials were super helpful to me as I began to seriously coupon. Some aspects of couponing are intuitive, but it's nice to be able hand over your coupons to the cashier with the confidence that you are using them correctly. So, I thought it might be helpful to some of you if I began a series of posts addressing the basics of coupon usage.

  For my first topic, I wanted to discuss the art of coupon stacking. To "stack" coupons means to combine multiple coupons toward the purchase of one item. A lot of the coupon match- ups I post here involve stacking coupons. For example, let's use a sale from this week's Albertsons ad:

 Albertsons happens to have some $0.25/1 coupons inside their Sizzlin' Summer Giveaway tickets. Here's how to maximize the sale price using two coupons, in the typical How2Coupon match-up style:

Ken's Salad Dressing, $1.67
Use the $1.00/1 coupon (5/8 SS)
and use the $0.25/1 Albertsons store coupon
Final price: $0.42!

  The above match-up is an example of how to correctly combine coupons, as it adheres to the general rule of coupon stacking:

  You can use one manufacturer coupon and one store coupon toward the purchase of one item.

  Most stores adhere to this rule, and state so in their coupon policy. The store will be reimbursed for the value of the manufacturer coupon from the manufacturer, but they are taking the hit on any store-issued coupons. That's ok, though, because they want you to buy that product!

  You'll find that many stores issue their own coupons, including:

• Albertsons: Inside store coupon booklets, or in-ad coupons; includes Twice the Value coupons
• Fred Meyer: In-ad coupons
• Rite Aid: Video Value coupons, in-ad coupons and Wellness+ coupons; also includes +UP rewards
• Safeway: E-Coupons or in-ad coupons
• Target: Online, in mailers or inside Sunday coupon inserts
• Walgreens: Online or inside store coupon booklets; also includes Register Rewards
• Whole Foods: Online or inside store coupon booklets

  Coupons, either printed or from a coupon insert, should clearly state whether they are manufacturer coupons or store coupons (i.e. printed store coupons for Target read "Target Web Coupon"). I do want to note that manufacturer coupons often include the logo of a store, or will state "Available at _______", but unless the coupon specifically states "Redeemable only at _______", you are allowed to use them anywhere!


  So... what's not allowed in coupon stacking?

• Using more than one manufacturer coupon toward the same specified item(s). 
• Using a printed manufacturer coupon and a manufacturer e-Coupon toward the same specified item(s).
  
    This follows the above rule, but I wanted to highlight this rule. If you download an e-Coupon to your store's loyalty card from Cellfire or Shortcuts, it is most likely a manufacturer coupon. Most registers will not accept a printed coupon in addition to an e-Coupon, so one will ultimately be negated.  
   
• Using more than one store coupon toward the same specified item(s).

  One major exception being +UP rewards at Rite Aid... see below for further explanation.

• And, for the purpose of the content on How2Coupon, using a B1G1 Free manufacturer coupon in combination with a cents-off manufacturer coupon toward the same two items.

  This can be a confusing topic in the coupon world, as you often are *technically* able to use a B1G1 Free coupon and a cents off coupon together. Some B1G1 Free coupons will allow this, while others will not. It's my personal conviction, however, that a B1G1 Free coupon really covers two items, not just the "free" item. I think that the intent of a B1G1 Free coupon is that you receive a free product because you purchase one at the shelf price. That's not to say you can't still use a B1G1 Free manufacturer coupon with a store coupon, or with a B1G1 Free sale (with the exception of certain stores, like Rite Aid). I just wanted to clarify why my match-ups won't show the use of a B1G1 Free coupon and a cents-off coupon together.  

  ...And, finally, I wanted to clarify the difference between using Rite Aid +UP rewards and Walgreens Register Rewards.

  +UP rewards are printed on the bottom of your receipt when you purchase qualifying items at Rite Aid, and likewise, Register Rewards printed in the form of a catalina coupon when you purchase qualifying items at Walgreens. Both act as in-store credit, but there is a major difference in usage.

  Rite Aid allows you to use +UP rewards in conjunction with a store coupon and manufacturer coupon on a single item, so long as the total coupon amount does not exceed the price of the item(s) you are purchasing. (Rite Aid +UP rewards don't cover applicable tax, and you cannot be issued overage for them).

  Walgreens does not allow you to use a store coupon, manufacturer coupon and Register Reward toward the purchase of one item. If you wish to use all three coupon types toward a single item, you will need to also purchase a "filler" item (ideally an inexpensive item like gum or candy).

  I hope this piece was helpful to you! I know how important coupon knowledge is, because correct coupon usage gives you all the confidence in the world. When you aren't worried about how you're using those coupons, you feel ten times better about the money you are saving at the check stand!


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