The first thing you need to check is if your FREE coupon is valid. Many stores will not accept printable coupons for FREE items, because they are often counterfeited. Check for some watermarking or holographic marking, because FREE coupons often have one or both.
1. Free coupons should take off the entire price of the product you are purchasing. Some cashiers will take the maximum amount off automatically, but they are supposed to take off the purchase price.
2. Stack free coupons with other promotions or sales for maximum benefit. For example, it works perfect with the Kroger Mega Sale events.
3. Be cautious if you try to use a free coupon on a buy one, get one 50% off sale. (Many cashiers will take off only the price of the 50% off item.)
4. Stack with a Buy One, Get One FREE sale to get both items for free. That is, if you cashier will allow it and your store doesn’t ring up BOGO items half price.
What other questions do you have about free coupons?
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I recently got a free coupon for Jif To Go from a Target mailer. It has the Target bullseye logo on it but doesnt say “redeem only at Target”. In fact no reference to Target other than the bullseye. It does say manufacturer coupon, has a remit address, expiration date, etc. Since this product isnt sold at the Targets in my area I’m going to try to use it at a grocery store but I bet they wont take it. I wish manufacturers would make coupons more clear about where they can be used. I want to use it correctly and stores are always so hestitant to take free coupons, they will look for a reason to deny it.
I have a question… Lately when I receive a free coupon the maximum amount is often times less than the sale price of the item. For example, the el monterey 2 pack burritos has a coupon out from a recent insert that said free with a maximum value of $1. But the normal price is $1.33. So I have to wait for a sale. The Johnsonville chicken sausage had a coupon out for maximum value of like $3.50 or something and they tend to run just over $4 something. Is this becoming the case more? I have not been doing more serious couponing for long, but used to be msrp was always more than the maximum value on the free coupons.