There are two major kinds of coupons, manufacturer and store coupons. It is important to know which is which, the difference between the two and how to use them.
Things to look at:
1. In the upper left hand corner is printed "Manufacturers Coupon". This means that in the example below that Colgate put out this coupon.
2. The expiration date in the upper right corner tells you the last day you can use your coupon by.
3. The amount the coupon is good for.
4. What the Coupon is good for. Here the coupon is good for $1.00 off of ANY 2 Colgate Toothpaste. In fine print below is states, "except for trial size". This means that you can use this on any flavor or type of toothpaste Colgate puts out as long as it is not a trial size...You do not have to get what is on the picture, it is just an example.
5. The fine print at the bottom. This varies by coupon and can state many different things. The most important things to look for is if there is anything about how many "like" coupons can be used in the same shopping trip. One thing that can be confusing is the wording of "Limit one coupon per purchase". This does not mean you can only buy one. It simply means that you can only use one manufacture coupon per item(s) that you buy. Also, if a coupons states you have to buy two make sure to actually buy two.
Many stores give out coupons as well. They are very similar but there are some simple differences. Just like above you want to check out the main items listed above. Here the coupon is a Target coupon and can only be redeemed at Target.
Both types of coupons come in the paper and online. When printing online coupons make sure to print from reliable sources such as coupons.com, couponnetwork.com, redplum.com, smartsource.com, target.com/coupons. Never, never, never photo copy coupons to get more. This constitutes as coupon fraud which is a criminal act.
