Store coupon: These coupons can only be used at certain retail stores and specifically say on them that they are a store coupon. Don't be tricked. Many stores print out manufacturer coupons that have their store logo on them. These are still considered manufacturer coupons, can be used anywhere manufacturer coupons are allowed and are not considered store coupons.
Manufacturer coupon: These typically are the coupons you find in your Sunday newspaper inserts or print out online.
Stacking: This is when you use a store coupon along with a manufacturer coupon to increase your savings on an item.
Filler: Filler items are extremely low cost items that can be purchased to follow store policy and allow you to stack higher priced items.
Now that you know the lingo, let’s break down how to stack coupons. When you stack coupons you are using a store coupon with a manufacturer coupon to increase your savings. Many large retail stores allow coupon stacking, including Kroger, Meijer, Walgreens, CVS and Target. However, each store has different rules and policies that come with stacking coupons.
For example, Walgreens will let you stack coupons, but you have to have an equal amount of items and coupons. You can’t have more coupons than you have items. So, you can’t go in buy 1 razor and use 2 coupons. This is where filler items come into play. If Walgreens were having a sale where you can get a candy bar for $0.39, this would be a great filler item. It doesn’t cost that much money, but it allows you to stay within the guidelines of their coupon policy. Here is a fictional scenario for you to see what I am talking about.
Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor — $9.99
Use: $5/1 Gillette Razor (5/28 RP)
And: $4/1 Gillette Razor (WCB — Walgreens monthly coupon booklet)
Final Price: $0.99
Filler: Hershey chocolate bar $0.39
Since Walgreens requires that you can only use as many coupons as you have items, this scenario would work. You purchased 1 candy bar and 1 razor and used 2 coupons in total. So, for $1.38 you get both items and still saved $9.
Stacking coupons is a great way to save even more money when couponing. However, my advice to you is to be aware of each store’s coupon policy. Do their reward programs count as coupons? Are coupons that go on your store card considered store or manufacturer? To see the coupon policies for major retail stores in our area, visit www.SaverSavvy.wordpress.com.
Jessica Garringer is an avid couponer and bargain hunter. Contact her at Jessica Garringer@gmail.com or visit www. SaverSavvy.wordpress.com.
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