Writers strive to be clear, but we don't always succeed. Sometimes, readers let me know that I confused them--like when I wrote about Comcast's digital switcheroos.
What's the difference between a store and mfg. coupon?
Save even more using a store and a manufacturer's coupon on the same item
February 23, 2010 at 9:36PM
In Tuesday's column I wrote about saving money using a store and a manufacturer's coupon on a sale item. Does everyone know what a store coupon even is? If you do, you can stop now. If you don't, let me explain. On page two of the RedPlum coupon insert in Sunday's paper, there are 4 coupons for Swiffers, Charmin and Duracell batteries. At the top of each coupon are the words "Target coupon. Expires 3/28/10." If you look at the other coupons in the RedPlum insert, the words "manufacturer's coupon" are listed at the top.
Smart shoppers will clip Target's store coupon (good only at Target) and combine it with a manufacturer's coupon for Swiffer, Charmin or Duracell. If they don't already have a mfg. coupon for one of those items, they have a month or so to find one. Or they can search online for one to print, using, for example, "Printable Charmin coupon" in the subject line, Once both coupons are in hand, wait for the item to go on sale for maximum savings. It is perfectly legal to use both coupons on one item, but some shoppers hesitate to do so because you cannot use two manufacturer's coupons on the same item.
For infrequent coupon users, this probably seems like a lot of time. To an experienced user, it's a snap.
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