1. Basic Couponing
PRESENTED BY:
MICHELLE HULL CRAIG
COUPONISTA 411
&
KELLY NEFF
COUPONER’S CORNER

2. Where to Find Coupons
 Sunday Papers
 Online-from trusted sites, eCoupons
 On Facebook (product pages)
 In the stores/gas stations (peelies,
blinkies,catalina, CVS coupon machine)
 Magazines (All You)
 Company email lists/websites
 Clipping Services
 Coupons are EVERYWHERE!

3. Creating A Binder
 Baseball card sheets
 Scissors
 Calculator
 Pencil Holder
 Notepad
 Pen
 Binder
 Store Policies (found at www.couponerscorner.com)

4. Building a Coupon Wallet
 Coupon Wallet or Envelope (Dollar Tree)
 Scissors
 Pen
 Notepad
 Calculator
 Store Policies (found at www.couponerscorner.com)

5. The File Method
Some prefer to file inserts by date. In my opinion, this
is a great thing to do with “misc. coupons”. In other
words, file (by date) the coupons that you know your
family wouldn’t normally use. In the event that a
sale pops up before they expire, you have the
potential to get freebies or possibly even a money
maker. Just don’t forget to date them! This is
important for Coupon Database usage.
*Coupon clipping and organization shouldn’t cost tons
of time to be worthwhile. Find what works for
you and go with it!

6. Coupon Database
 You can use the coupon database at
www.couponerscorner.com
 This database will allow you to search for ANY coupon at
anytime.
 This tool is 100% free to use!
 Enter the item and click search, it will show you all coupons
available. For example, $1/1 Crest (1/1/12 RP). This means
there is a $1 off any 1 Crest product coupon in the 1/1/12
Red Plum insert. *This date is important if you use the “file
method”.

7. Store Ads, and Match Ups
 You will want to look at your local store ads every
week.
 This will help you memorize “good deal prices” or
“stock up prices”.
 Compare your coupons to store ads to see if you can
spot a good deal! *coupon database is very handy here!
 Use our store match ups each week to “aid” your
own. You may find deals we missed!

8. Say What? Basic Coupon Lingo
RP-Red Plum
SS-Smart Source
PG-P&G Product Saver
PM-Pepsi Moments
GM-General Mills
ECB: ExtraCare Bucks
EXP: Expiration Date
IVC: Instant Value Coupon, Walgreens' store coupons found in ads and monthly booklet
MIR: Mail-in rebate
OYNO: On your next order
OOP: Out of pocket
RR: Register Rewards, Walgreens' Catalina coupons
Stacking: Using both a manufacturer's coupon and a store coupon on one item
UPC: Universal product code, bar code
Tearpad: Pad of coupons attached to a display, shelf, or refrigerator door.
+UP Reward: Rite Aid reward program
WYB: When you buy
YMMV: Your mileage (or manager) may vary, meaning some stores might give you a deal but others might not

9. Deal Example #1
Gain Dish Liquid $0.99
Use: $0.50/1 Gain Dish Liquid Coupon (1/1/12 SS)
$0.49
Translation:
Gain is on sale for $0.99. There is a $0.50 off 1
coupon in the 1/1/12 Smart Source insert. If you use
it, you will only have to pay $0.49

10. Deal Example #2
Quilted Northern Bathroom Tissue $6.99
Use: $3/1 (2/4/12 RP)
Get $1.00 ECB
$2.99
Translation:
Tissue is on sale for $6.99, CVS will give you $1 Extra
Credit Bucks if you buy it. You have a $3 off 1 coupon
from the 2/4/12 Rep Plum insert. You will pay $3.99
OOP (Out of Pocket), and you will get $1 ECB back on
your receipt.

11. Deal Example #3
Pepsi $5.00
Use: $1.50/1 (www.target.com printable)
Use: $0.75/1 (3/5/12 PM)
$2.75
Translation:
This is a “stack”. You can use a store coupon with a
manu. coupon at some stores, in this case: Target.
This is a GREAT way to maximize savings!

12. Coupon Tips
 Wait until your item is on sale unless you must have
the item now. Patience pays off
 Use a BOGO coupon with a BOGO sale.
 Stack Store Coupons with Manufacture's Coupon
(Target, CVS, Dollar General, etc)
 Go by the text description, not the picture on your
coupon.
 Follow Store Policies, bring it with you!

13. Shopping List
 After you have prepared your own match up (or used
ours) make a shopping list to take to the store.
 List the store first, then the items that you want to
buy. List the coupons under each item.
 Pull your coupons as you prepare your list-this saves
time in the store. I keep mine in the pencil holder of
my binder, but a simple envelope will do!
 Some label multiple envelopes with the store name,
and put the coupons in the correct envelope.
(example: CVS, Kmart, Kroger). These can be used
over and over.

14. Check Out Time
 Watch every item price as it rings up, be sure you are
getting the right price.
 Watch every coupon as it is scanned, be sure you are
receiving the correct discount (If your store doubles,
ensure that it did).
 If there is a discrepancy, be polite and respectful.
Always adhere to the store policies, and expect the
same in return.
 Expect a delay, it happens from time to time.
Cashiers are more cautious than ever about coupons.
Understand their point of view as well.

15. Stockpiles
 Learn the sales cycle for your area (usually 6-8
weeks) and begin to plan for it…this takes time.
 Learn “stock up prices” so you know when to buy
extras, keep track of your purchases, so it’s more
clear to you, if needed.
 Keep your items in rotation, so nothing goes bad.
Always check expiration dates (preferably in the
store) and organize your “stockpile” at home
accordingly.

16. Closing Notes
 Remember that couponing is suppose to help you
save…not cost you time and money. It takes a little
to get started, but in the end, you will LOVE the
benefits!
 If you are able to make donations, please do! There
are so many people that could benefit from your
abilities as a couponer!
Confused? Just ask!