There's a lot that goes in to couponing, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming! Here's some questions I'm frequently asked by friends, family and strangers in the store! Please don't hesitate to ask a question if you have one! You can post a comment in the comment section and I'll be happy to answer it!
The Couponing Code
Just like all of the instant messengers and texters out there, couponers speak a "code" all of their own. The following is a list of abbreviations and phrases you'll find on my site and how they translate for you!
Blinkies: Coupons found in stores near a product in a red dispenser with a blinking light.
BOGO (Sometimes B1G1)- Buy One, Get One FreeB1G1, BOGO, B1G1F – “Buy 1, Get 1 Free”$1/1- Anytime you see this it means you get the amount ($1) off of the specified number of products. (ie: $1/1 is $1 off of 1 product. $.50/3 is $.50 off when you buy 3 products).
Catalina:- I get questions about this phrase a lot! It's not talking about Catalina Dressing!! A catalina is a coupon that prints with your receipt on a separate receipt paper. Like a Register Reward at Walgreens. Catalinas are usually for money off your next order. So a $3 Catalina (or Cat) means you'll get a coupon for $3 off your next shopping trip or order when you've bought the specified product.
DND- Do Not Double (Some stores double coupons, some coupons state "Do Not Double" therefore these
coupons will not double.
ECB- Extra Care Buck (CVS)
FLIP - Food Lion Internet Printable Coupons- You can sign up for the Food Lion Weekly E-mails and you will receive an email with FLIPS in them delivered straight to your inbox every week!
IP- Internet Printable; any coupon printed off the Internet
MIR- Mail in Rebate
MFR Q or MQ- Manufacturer Coupon; coupon that the manufacturer releases
OOP- Out of Pocket; what you actually spend on a product with your own money (after coupons, etc)
Peelie- Coupon found on actual products that can be peeled off.
RP- Red Plum (Sunday Coupon Insert)
RR- Register Rewards (these are the Catalinas that print out at Walgreens)
SCR- Single Check Rebate (rebate system at Rite Aid)
SS- Smart Source (Sunday Coupon Insert)
Stacking- Stacking is the phrase used when a store provides a "store coupon" and you pair a store coupon with a manufacturer coupon.
Tear Pad- Coupon pads found in stores near select products that you can tear off and use.
WYB- When You Buy
YSMV- Your Store May Vary; you'll see this posted when I post clearance items or discontinued items, etc. Not all stores have the same prices on items, etc.
Printing Coupons
Print Limits:
Virtually all IPs (Internet Printables) have print limits on them. Usually it is two, sometimes more and very rarely some will have a print limit of one. The best way to print a second coupon is to wait until your printer stops printing and hit the "back" button on your browser. Sometimes it will ask you if you want to resend the information. Hit "Continue" or "Okay" and then voila! Most sites will only allow you to print two copies each.
Sometimes companies will "reset" the coupons and print limits allowing you to reprint the coupon. Other times, you're allowed "one chance" to get the coupon. only allow to do this once though for a maximum of two coupons.
