I use printable coupons all the time. What I’ve realized though is some people don’t really understand how to use printable coupons.
The Basics
There are many reputable sites to print coupons from. All legitimate printable coupons should have a scan-able bar code, bar code number, expiration date, and clear description of product and valid purchase.
Check your stores’ coupon policies. Every store is different. That goes for different stores in the same chain. For instance, Giant Eagles have corporate run and independent stores. Independent stores will have different policies than corporate stores. My local Dollar General won’t take printed coupons for FREE coupons of any kinds but other Dollar General stores will. If you ask at the customer service desk they should be able to give you a copy of their coupon policy. Here’s a coupon deal at Dollar General to check out.
You just need a printer and some type of device connected to the internet such as a phone, laptop, desk top, or tablet.
Most printable coupon sites will allow you to print 2 of each coupon to use. Sometimes printer errors will print out more than 2 copies. Check the bar code numbers. If the numbers are exactly the same, discard one of the duplicates. Using more than one coupon with the same bar code can make a business think you photocopied or mass printed the same coupon which is considered coupon fraud. As long as your barcodes are different you’re fine.
Regardless of if a coupon is printed or found in your local paper you still must make sure you’re purchasing the correct product to use with the coupon. If the coupon says “Good for 23 count or larger” then you can’t buy the 15 count with it, even if it works.
DOs and DON’Ts of using printable coupons
NEVER photocopy coupons. It’s considered coupon fraud and you can get in trouble
NEVER use more than one coupon with the same bar code
ALWAYS check with your stores coupon policy before using printable coupons
DON’T follow the “coupon glitch” groups out there. A “Coupon Glitch” is an error that allows someone to use a coupon for the wrong product or amount. Only use the coupon for the product/size/time explained on the coupon.
Recommendations
Now, there are times where you might find a good deal with a printable coupon and you might want more than two coupons. Since printable coupons are tied to your IP address and won’t let you print more than 2 from one IP address, you can print from your laptop at home and from your phone to get you 4 coupons total. You can ask friends to print the coupon for them if they aren’t planning on using it.
You can find a lot of helpful site and facebook groups for coupon match ups for specific stores. MySavings.com is one of them. Checkout this deal I found on there that tells you how to get Suave body wash FREE with coupons!
This post is sponsored by MySavings.com. This post also contains affiliate links. Regardless I only post legitimate offers from trusted sites.