Store Coupon Policies

Have you ever run into an uninformed (or cranky) cashier when you're using coupons? I had the pleasure this past Saturday at Target. Luckily I had my store coupon policy printed out and tucked inside my coupon binder to show the cashier.

If you've ever had any trouble, I recommend doing the same. Print the coupon policies for the stores you frequent, and keep a copy tucked inside your coupon binder. That way you've always got it with you, in case the need arises.

I also recommend knowing these policies. Don't let a cashier push you around or make you feel guilty for using coupons! You are doing nothing wrong! Politely show them your coupon policy or ask for a manager, if necessary, but never escalate an issue just to prove you are right. You can always return/rebuy or come back another day!


Here's a little bit of detail on each of the coupon policies in my neck of the woods, along with links to printable, official copies for those available.

• Target - accepts one MFQ and one TQ per item. Accepts IPQ's.
• Walgreens - accepts one MFQ and one store coupon per item. Accepts IPQ's.
• Rite Aid - accepts one MFQ and one store coupon per item. Accepts IPQ's up to $5.
• Walmart - accepts one MFQ per item. Accepts IPQ's.
• Smith's - accepts one MFQ per item. Accepts IPQ's. Has a $3 scan law in Utah. (If it scans incorrectly and it's over $3, you get a $3 discount. If it's under $3, you get it free.)
• Albertsons - accepts one MFQ and one store coupon per item. Accepts IPQ's. Also has a $3 scan law in Utah.

MFQ - manufacturer's coupon
IPQ - internet printable coupon
TQ - target store coupon

Saturday Walgreens Deals

I ran to Walgreens on Saturday to use up my last $10 RR left over from the Huggies deal. Here is what I got:

Listerine $3
Reach Toothbrush $3
Reach Floss $3
4 Tylenol @ $1
Candy Bracelet $0.10
-$10 RR
-$3/3 Reach MFQ (SS 3/15)
= $0.10 + tax
(Plus I got back a $6 RR!)

Not a bad run! Now I just need to find something great to use my $6 RR on at Walgreens this week!

Sushi Class

I've found a really great opportunity for Slavetosave readers in Utah! My friend Jonas teaches hands-on sushi making classes in North Salt Lake. How cool is that?

The next class taking place on Saturday, March 28th will be making Unagi Maki (Broiled Eel rolls), Spicy Tuna and California rolls made with real Rock crab and fresh avocado, as well as tempura fried rolls. (I'm getting hungry just talking about it!)

Jonas is offering us a 50% discount on his upcoming sushi class. Simply check out his website -- sushisurfer.com -- and mention "Slavetosave" when you book the class to get your 50% discount! What a great date night idea!

Mysurvey and Swagbucks

• I got an email this morning from one of my favorite survey sites -- Mysurvey.com. They are in need of members with children under the age of 4. If you fit this group, give them a try! It's a fun and easy way to make a little extra money.

• I also recently joined a new company called Swagbucks. You can earn points towards gift cards just by searching the web. I don't know about you, but I'm "googling" things all the time!

Beer Rebate Winners

The winners of the beer rebate giveaway are:

Katie

and

Us!

An email has been sent to both of you. Please reply with your mailing info within 24 hours. Thanks to everyone for participating! More to come soon!

Freebie Roundup

• Free one year subscription to Woman's Day Magazine.

• Free Arby's food...again!

• Free Leapfrog Didj Games at Walmart using this $5 coupon (if your store has them on clearance for $5 like most Walmarts).

• Free Little People DVD at Toys R Us on Saturday, March 21st in-store. More details HERE.

Target Deal Updates

I just added some updates to the Target Deals page!

-Free Archer Farms mini-bread loaves
-Free Pledge Furniture Wipes
-Free GE Energy Samrt Light Bulbs


Check out the updates HERE.

How I Get Free Groceries

I got some free cheese at Smith's last night. Here's how you can get some too!

I was doing my regular shopping and I came across some marked down cheese on the dairy aisle. The Cache Valley shredded cheese (4 cups) was marked down 50% to $2.99 because it was getting close to the sell by date. By close I mean April 15. Not that close -- still plenty of time to use or freeze.



In front of the cheese was a tearpad of $0.55 manufacturer's coupons for any Cache Valley product. When I turned the corner I found a giant Budweiser display with some beer tearpad rebates. I LOVE these! Here is what a beer rebate looks like:


It basically states buy $15 worth of certain grocery items and we'll mail you a check for $15. How cool is that?!? No beer purchase necessary! Budweiser comes out with rebates like this about once a month in Utah, usually coinciding with holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving, the Superbowl, etc). I've done these 10 or 12 times and never had one denied, they always come. If you ever have a question about what items qualify, call the number on the rebate and ask -- their support is super helpful.

So, with my rebate in hand, I went back to the cheese aisle and grabbed 6 bags of the marked down Cache Valley cheese, and 6 of the tearpad coupons. My total came to $15.18 after coupons and tax. The rebate uses the pre-coupon price, so I was still over the $15 mark for the rebate. Here's what the receipt looks like:



Now I've got a freezer full of free cheese (that would have cost me $36 retail) and a $15 rebate on it's way to me!


I have two extra rebates that I'd love to give away to two people who can use them. To be entered in the drawing, leave me a comment with your email address. I'll choose two winners Thursday morning at 8AM (3/19/09) and the winners will be notified via email to get mailing info. Good luck!

Monday Drugstore Deals

I went to Rite Aid yesterday morning to pick up a few good deals. Dove products are buy one get one 50% off this week, plus get a $5 Rite Aid gift card when you buy $15! Here's what I came home with:

Dove Shampoo $4.99
Dove Conditioner $2.49 (50% off)
Dove Shampoo $4.99
Dove Conditioner $2.49 (50% off)
Samy haircare $4.99
6 Mentos gum $0.99 each
-$5/25 RAQ
-$1.50 Dove MFQ (RP 1/18) x 4
-$1 Mentos MFQ x 6
= $8.89 + tax
(And get back $9.99 in Rite Aid rebates!)

My Dove product total is only $14.96 in this scenario, so I'll have to wait and see if Rite Aid will qualify this for the rebate. If they don't, I'll go buy a $1.69 single soap bar to push it over the $15 total. I saved a total of $17 in coupons on this trip. Not bad!

Total spent for February: $42.96 (Plus I still have a $10 RR for Walgreens)
Total February coupon savings: $363.xx