Getting Started

Getting Started

Are you new to couponing?  Are you wondering what all the craze is with couponing? Have you wondered how these couponers are getting their groceries and drug store items for free or practically nothing?  Well, here you have it.  If you have the time to read up and/or watch my tutorials right here on CincyShopper.com you will soon be joining the wonderful world of couponing. There are a few important steps in order to strategically shop for maximum savings at the Grocery stores and Drug/Pharmacy stores.  Follow the step below and you quickly see how it is possible to have free groceries, health and beauty items, toiletries, etc for Free or cheap.

First, Understanding Coupons and the Different Types of Coupons That Are Available

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Before you can begin couponing, you need to know what exactly a coupon is. First, coupons will always have some sort of barcode on them and, they usually have an expiration date. Coupons can not be copied, it is illegal to do so.The first step in understanding how to coupon is to know that there are different TYPES of coupons.

The most common type of coupon is a Manufacturers Coupon. These coupons are put out by companies/manufacturers to promote their products. You are only able to use one manufacturers coupon per item you are purchasing. Please note that stores do get reimbursed by the manufacturer for coupons that we use. Additionally, the store receives a handling fee.  So the store is not losing money when we redeem our coupons.This type of coupon can be used at Any store that accepts coupons.

Another type of coupon is a Store Coupon. These coupons are put about by the specific store. Some of the stores that have their own coupons are, Target, Walgreens, CVS, Meijer, Rite Aid, as well as others. These coupons can be found online, in the stores, in your mail, or in the store’s circular.  Stores that provide “Store Coupons” to their shoppers normally allow you to combine a manufacturers coupon with their store coupon.  This is called Stacking. (i will discuss this in more depth later on).

When you are examining a coupon you can normally find “Manufactures Coupon” or “Store Coupon” located in print somewhere on the coupon.  Be careful as some coupons with a store logo on them can sometimes be a manufactures coupon.

Second, Acquiring Coupons. Where Do you Find Coupons?

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In order to be successful at couponing you must accumulate coupons. Each Sunday there is usually two different coupon inserts/booklets (Smart Source-SS and Red Plum-RP) in your local newspaper with a third insert (Procter & Gamble- P&G) available once a month. Having multiples of each coupon enables you to take advantage of the great deals in bulk so you can begin stockpiling. Obtaining multiples of each coupon is not difficult. You can either purchase multiple newspapers, or ask family, friends, neighbors or co-workers if they have extras.

Another great source of coupons is the internet. Printable coupons and coupon offers can be found at many manufacturers and coupon related websites. Some of the popular print from sites can be found here.This is a great way to start accumulating your coupons.  A printer is a must for many of the hot deals.  I recommend this printer found here.  I purchase my ink in bulk from  here.  I like to purchase my printer paper with some of my overage (Money Maker trips) when shopping. Most coupons can be printed 2x per computer.  If you have access to additional computers, you will be able to print more which helps with accumulation. They can not be photocopied as each has it’s own unique serial number.

Many manufacturers also offer coupons which are sent through snail mail, you can find a list of some of the important ones here.  Signing up for individual coupons as well as coupon books is a great way to accumulate high value and “hard to find” coupons.

Start clipping the coupons found on or inside the products you use.  Many times products have coupons right on the package or inside for you to use the next time you purchase the product or on one of the other items their company manufacters.

Also, you can find many manufacturer and store coupons right in your grocery store. You can normally find blinkies, tear pads, and peelies as well as coupon booklets scattered through out the store. These are great coupons to accumulate as the expiration dates seem to be longer and the coupons are quite often unique (meat, milk, dairy).

Trading coupons with others is a great way to acquire coupons that you may need multiples of.  We have a great forum found here at CincyShopper.com.  Many local couponers who would love to do some trading.

The last way to accumulate coupons would be purchasing from a clipper.  You can purchase full inserts or individual coupons.

Third, How To Use Coupons For Maximum Savings-Stacking!

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