With the cost of living squeezing finances across the country, there has never been a better time to switch to using coupons and unlock some savings on your grocery bills.
Coupons aren’t a new thing, and many people have been discovering the benefits of saving money using both physical and digital coupons for many years; there’s even a TV show following the antics of some of the more extreme couponers.
But for the everyday shopper, unlocking the best discounts using coupons and saving a few bucks is enough to help reduce spending without having to go without.
So how do consumers unlock the potential of the humble coupon and get what they need for less?
Stack Your Codes
Stacking your codes means using both store and manufacturer’s coupons together.
Store coupons are issued at a specific store, which means you can only use them at a specific location or a certain retailer. These are the ones you will likely find in a newspaper for you to cut out next to the checkout.
Manufacturer’s coupons can usually be used at any store that accepts coupons as long as you buy what is explicitly stated on said coupon.
Coupon stacking is when you can use both a store and manufacturer’s coupon on the same items, so you effectively stack the code to get more money off.
Use A Coupon Database or a Browser Extension
If you are a digital shopper and want to get your savings online without trawling around physical stores, then you need to use coupon databases that allow you to find all the current coupons in use. Simply search for “coupon databases ” to find sites that have done all the hard work for you. Alternatively, you can use browser extensions that find coupons you can use while you are shopping online and alert you to any discounts on offer. You can also download store apps to get personalized offers and coupons too. This works exceptionally well if they have loyalty schemes you can join for even more significant savings.
Read The Small Print and Store Policy
This applies to both the store policy and the coupon fine print. The last thing you want is to get the coupon out only to find out that the coupon can’t be used in the store you are in or has limitations for usage, e.g., it cannot be combined with other offers.
Some stores, for example, offer a double-up meaning if you have a coupon for $1, they will double it to $2. Others might require you to sign up for a loyalty scheme to access extra bonuses.
Knowing ahead of time can save you time, effort, and disappointment as your codes and deals might be refused at the checkout. Never shop with coupons without knowing both the coupon T&Cs and the store policy.
Use Apps for Common Purchases
Not everyone wants or needs a huge storage closet to store their deals in. They simply need to save money on the things they need to buy. This means you should be using a shopping list to see what you need to purchase and locate any coupons available for your products or desired brand.
Coupons are a way to save money, but it’s not a good deal if you don’t need it and aren’t going to buy it in the first place. So, write a shopping list and then look for the active coupons for those items to get the most savings. Double up on this by accessing loyalty schemes and double-up offers or code stacking.
Buy In Bulk
Buying in bulk means you can access discounts on larger purchases of things you know you will use. Great options to bulk purchase are toilet rolls, laundry products, shampoos, conditioners, rice, pasta, etc, that you use on a regular basis. Not only might you be able to access bigger discounts for purchasing in bulk with your coupons, but it allows you to monitor prices to ensure you can purchase when the prices are at their lowest, and you have more coupons to use so you don’t ever have to pay full price.
Start Small
It can be tempting to go big when you discover the joy of couponing, but starting small allows you to become more familiar with the types of offers and how to get the most from your buys. Start with a few items that are on sale and that you have coupons for to get a feel for the process. Do this with a few different strategies, like doubling up or stacking. Once you become more confident and experienced, you can increase your shop to include more coupons.
Couponing can be a great way to help you cut your grocery bills and, boost your bank balance at the same time while getting the most from your coupon. To get the best experience from couponing, you need to know how best to approach it and develop a strategy that works for you.
