Here are some coupon basics:
If you are unable to print a coupon you might try changing the code in the address. Each browser has a set of letters which “tells” the computer to print. It is very simple to change the letters: when you click a PRINT link from this site a new page will open allowing you to print–check the link’s address and if needed make the changes to the letters based on YOUR browser –you should then be able to print the coupon!
FireFox- FireFox (FF) MUST USE WG OR VG
http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=qfswdye85247335&bt=wg&o=57060&c=KS&p=X0Wxi1ym
Internet Explorer (IE) MUST USE WI OR VI
http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=qfswdye85247335&bt=wi&o=57060&c=KS&p=X0Wxi1ym
Safari Apple’s browser MUST USE XS
http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=qfswdye85247335&bt=XS&o=57060&c=KS&p=X0Wxi1ym
If you try to print after you have confirmed the code is correct it is possible that the coupon has reached it’s print limit. This will only work for Bricks type coupons and does not apply to Coupons.com, SmartSource or RedPlum sites.
Lingo and Abbreviations
- $1/2 (and the like) One dollar off two items. The first number represents the discount and the second number indicates the quantity required to obtain that discount.
- BOGO (or B1G1) = Buy One Get One Free
- B2G1 = Buy Two Get One Free
- Blinkie = Coupon that you find on shelves in the SmartSource machine-usually has a blinking light.
- Cat or Catalina. The coupons that print off with your receipt (usually from a machine directly beside the cash register)
- CRT = Cash Register Tape (your receipt)
- ECB = Extra Care Buck-(CVS cash)This coupon prints at the end of your receipts and can be used to pay like cash at CVS stores. Earned via a rewards card for specific purchases. Watch the expiration dates on these!
- ES = Easy Saver. Monthly rebate and coupon book at Walgreens
- FAR = Free After Rebate
- FLIP-Food Lion Internet Printable. Food Lion has weekly coupons that can be printed and can be used at Publix as a competitor coupon (if your store considers Food Lion a competitor)
- Hangtag-coupon that is hanging from a tag around a bottle or jar.
- IP = Internet Printable Coupon
- IVC = Instant Value Coupon at Walgreens. Found in either the ES book and/or in the weekly ad.
- MFR or MQ= manufacturer coupon
- MIR = Mail In Rebate
- MM-money maker…deal where you will make money after coupons are used
- NWPN-No wine purchase necessary (applies to wine tag coupons) meaning you do not have to buy the wine to use the coupon
- ONYO = On Your Next Order
- OOP = Out of Pocket. The amount you actually spend.
- Overage-This is money you earn when a coupon amount exceeded the purchase price of an item. EX-a product is $0.75 and you have a $1 coupon…you now have $0.25 in overage. Most stores will not give you this money in cash -but it can be absorbed to reduce the cost of other items you are purchasing.
- Peelie = Coupon found on the package of a product that can be peeled.
- PG = Proctor and Gamble another insert that comes in your local paper.
- Q = Coupon
- (RC) Rain Check = When a store is out of a sale item, many stores offer a rain check that allows you to get the sale price whenever the item comes back in stock and at your convenience. Each store has different policies on expiration date-this will usually be listed ON the rain check!
- RP = Redplum. Coupon insert that comes in your local paper.
- RR = Register Rewards. Catalina from Walgreens. Watch the expiration dates-these often expire quickly!
- SS = SmartSource. Coupon insert that comes in your local paper.
- Tearpad -these are coupons that are on a tearpad usually located on a display or shelf near the item.
- TMF-Try Me Free. Form that usually require you to mail in proof of purchase for a full refund.
- UPC= The bar code that is scanned to determine pricing. Often needed to fulfill MIR’s.
- WAGS = Walgreens
- WT = Wine Tag. Coupon found around the neck of a wine bottle.
- YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary-this means that it may or may not be the case in all instances.
Just getting started seriously shopping deals and coupons. Love your site. Question: seems as if Colgate toothpaste coupons don’t have to be specific to work. Example: The ad may be for Colgate Max but any Colgate coupon seems to give the same discount. Is this true or has it been a fluke for me?
Hi Pam –It depends on the coding of the coupon. That could take a whole page to discuss. Coupons are often coded to cover any item from a brand family.
Many couponers have strong opinions on the subject of deocoding coupons–some people feel it is taking advantage of a loophole while others see it as using the coupon as the manufacturer chose to allow.
I personally just use the coupon for the product indicated in the text on the coupon —this is my level of comfort (and all I possibly have time to do…I would be matching coupons forever if I attempted to decode them all
I am just curious about how you get all of your newspaper coupons. Do you purchase several newspapers each week or is there another way??
I am pretty new to this and I was just wondering what are some of the best ways to organize all your coupons…for each item(mfg and PQ’s). I havent really found an efficient way yet, do you do it by brand name, type of product..( canned veggies) or a general overview…( frozen stuff)… are all of the above. Thank you in advance.
When I got really serious about couponing, I was totally overwhelmed! I finally came up with a system that works for me that you might find helpful. It does take a bit of work up front, but it has definitely paid off in the long run! I purchased one of those photo albums that has the sticky full page coverings (terrible for pics but great for this). Really cheap – $5. I then organized divisions on basic categories. Turned out to be a lot, but really helps when I’m in a hurry (always). I then put clipped coupons (stacking like ones) under sticky sheets. I put an “expiring this week” page in front so I won’t miss out. Works for me, so hope it might help you also. Good luck and happy couponing!
I have mine in a big accordion file with about 10 categories, plus space for weekly sale flyers and a slim notebook in front. It’s getting a bit bulky, so I’m shopping around for a new method.
Krazy Coupon Lady explains several methods here:
http://krazycouponlady.blogspot.com/2009/01/get-organized-once-you-have-way-to-get.html
I keep my inserts in hanging file folders by week. I like to make my entire list before I go to the store, have all my coupons pre-cut and organized with quantities listed etc. My time spent in the store is very quick and I do very little, if any, impulse buying. I usually buy extra newspapers each week, and how many depends on how good I think they are. It used to take me way too long to separate all the inserts and cut out the coupons, so for now I like this method best.
All these methods although highly impressive are greatly lowering Publix’s profits. We lose the money you save on competitor coupons. We may add a coupon limit on competior coupons among other things to help this. Please continue to shop at Publix still where shopping is a pleasure.
Publix has a great reputation with amazing customer service and the great ability to try and please every customer. By accepting competitor coupons, they stand out as a confident and exceptional place to shop. However, that being said, I can guarantee that if competitor coupons were any way capped at Publix, the fellow coupon clippers like myself would just find ways to shop more at the different competitor’s stores to utilize those coupons. Therefore, Publix would lose more business as I am sure competitors would welcome us with open arms. Of course Publix loses money accepting competitor’s coupons, but they gain more business because there are many more items to purchase during a weekly shopping trip than just items with coupons. I work at a Publix and I see this everyday. I also shop using large amounts of legitimate coupons and am shunned everytime I go grocery shopping in my store. The economy is rough on us all, and coupon clipping really helps my family to “get by.” This website has changed my life literally and I am so thankful for it. I have seen several store managers and their spouses also shop with the help of this website, so I feel okay by saying Publix is being a little hypocritical by stating that they are losing large amounts of money due to competitor coupons. There are about 1 in 100 customers that even actually use coupons. Publix still rules the south as far as grocery stores are concerned, so “Publix Associate”, I’m sure you will be just fine. : )
It keeps talking about using gift cards I don’t understand about that. I didn’t know if it was just a gc someone had given them or what
I use hanging file folders, too. I have 3 milk crates that hold hanging file folders. The first crate has 12 folders with the months labeled. Inserts go in there, each week in a separate manilla folder and dated, then into the hangers. The second crate has several hangers, each labeled with food groups…frozen, dairy, meat, pet foods, etc. All clipped coupons, blinkies, tearpads, one page flyers, IP’s, etc. go in there. The third is for booklets, Advantage Buy flyers, magazines, etc. It works very well for me. I pull, clip and organize coupons each week for just the items I’m buying that week…I make a list and stick to it. If I see unadvertised bargins, I’ll go back another day…with coupons!
I have a question about the cereal coupons that are out right now for General Mills. Seems to me that Publix won’t accept more than one of the same printed coupon from Target in a transaction. (ex. I have the $1 off GM’s cereals coupon). I have 7 of them printed out, but all 7 show the same UPC code on them. Ok, yes, I have a question coming..LOL. If my husband & I shop together & each of us take a cart to different cashiers, will it flag this coupon as being used more than once? In other words, will I be able to use all 7 if they have the same UPC?
Hey Jamaie
Yes if your husband does a different transaction you will be able to use both coupons. You can print multiple Target Q’s and they will all have the same code–that is normal. Ask your store if they will allow you to use multiple Q’s in one transaction (on multiple items of course) Some stores don’t mind if you use more than one coupon per transaction as long as you are using one competitor Q per item purchased. My store just has a $$ limit on competitiors Q’s ($12 per transaction per day) So technically I could use 12 of the Target Q’s in one transaction if I wanted to. Ask you store as they will all have different rules.
Sure would make life easier if they did do it the way u say. I will ask when I get there cuz’ it’ll be my first time shopping in any Publix store. Thanks for ur info.
Another question. Will Publix accept Walgreens print-out coupons that say things such as “2/$1 Scotch Tape” ? I just got the Walgreens flyer emailed to me with coupons that are like that…they aren’t cents off coupons…some just state a price such as 59 cents for a can of tuna. Will they accept those?
Jamaie
IP’s will all have different PIN numbers—so that is the primary way to tell. As for the Walgreens coupons–you will have to ask your store their policy. Stores vary and every one will have different specific policies.
Ok…here’s one more question…When I print out the same coupons across several different sites, how will the cashier know they are from different sites if the coupons don’t state that?(They do have diff. UPC codes…is that what they look at)? I just don’t want them calling the manager while I’m standing there holding up the line. I hate being embarassed, but if I’m right, I will fight…LOL.
OMG…I went to Publix yesterday & saved $91 off my total bill(double Q’s, in-store deals, stacking competiter Q’s). I ended up with a $42 total bill. My hubby was floored. He stood there watching as it was wrung up & then all the coupons bringing down the price..LOL. The cashiers around us were all looking, too.(I saw one roll her eyes…jealous much?). Our cashier was so impressed, she asked me where do I find all of those coupons. I just said online. This was my 1st Publix experience & it was a good one. I intend to get better at this.
Oh I almost forgot…this Savannah store will also take Harvey’s coupons even though there is not one in the main area. Cool !!!~
Also, this store accepted my $5 off $25 Rite Aid Q on top of my $5 off $20 Publix Q. I couldn’t believe it…..sorry I keep going on. I sure hope my info can benefit someone that may end up shopping in this particular Publix.
What is WYB ? I see it all over this site, but it’s not on the lingo & abbreviation sheet.
WYB = When You Buy
I wanted to let people know that I purchased the BOGO A-1 and there was a $.55 cent coupon around the neck of the bottle on top of the already discount.
I am curious how everyone organizes their coupons and flyers. I saw a couple but I would like to know more. I am just starting this and if I can stay organized and make things easy and quick, that =’s me sticking with it and SAVING MONEY
Thanks all, Jessica
Does anyone know if Publix accepts military coupons?Thanks!
Hi Michelle,
I just wanted to say thank you so much for all of the hard work that you put into this site. I have learned so much about coupons from reading your blog and I have saved so much money thanks to your coupon match ups and deal suggestions.
Can anyone tell me if they will accept the coupons that are printed out from the machine by the register in Winn Dixie? I know those coupons have a special name (and so does the machine) but I’m very new at this. I got a great coupon from WD the other day and just wondering if it’ll be valid at Publix. Thanks!!! Love the site!
I am completely new to this. My neighbor gave me the website. I would really like to know how to get started with using coupons. I occasionally use them but just a few.
Cris–check out this post: http://www.iheartpublix.com/?p=3549
Look at the weekly ads tab and you will find the entire ad with all the coupon match ups that I could find.
I am new to the whole couponing thing and after reading over your sight, which I love, I have a question. If something is BOGO can you use two $1/1 coupons, or say one $1/2? I guess I always assumed you could only use a coupon for what your actually spending money on, and not the free item. But I think I may be mistaken…thanks so much for helping me save money!! You have been a blessing to our finances!
Sara you can use a coupon on both items during a BOGO sale–that is what makes Publux GREAT!!
Michelle — I looked around the website, and I can’t find the answer for this, so here goes. Can you use a MQ, a competitor Q and a Publix Q on the same item? I just picked up a coupon booklet at Wags and they have a coupon for Zantac. I’m just curious — want to make sure I do the right thing. Thanks.
the large majority of stores do not allow this but there are a few that do…you will need to ask your store what their specific policy is on taking all three
Michelle — to follow up on my previous question, I asked the store manager today at the Villa Rica Publix if you can use all 3 Q’s and he said “sure”! I have one of each for Zantac ($10 total for a $4.79 priced item) so I will be using them this week. Thanks again for all you do. I swear, I’m addicted to this website. I’ve also gotten several people at work hooked too!
One more thing, I was wondering where you get all the booklets. I used to see them all the time at my store, but there hasn’t been any in weeks. I asked at customer service and they said they put the out when they have them. I wonder if some stores get more than others?
At our Publix, the coupon booklets have been moved behind the customer service counter (apparently some people were taking them excessive amounts and leaving none for everyone else.) You just have to ask them and they will give you one.
I am a single mom to 5 small children,We recently had to get on food stamps to make ends meet,I am new to both foodstamps and coupons and trying to make the little help I do get stretch (I am supposed to be able to feed a famly of 6 on $334.00 a mth)can you use cupons if you used foodstamps?
jen: you can use coupons for foodstamps
My amazing deal of the week. I looked over the site entirely and didn’t see it posted yet. At the front of the store in the Winter coupon/recipe book there’s a coupon for 1.00 off philly cream cheese. This week it’s on sale for 1.29. So just going to the store it’s only 30 cents a brick. In the sunday paper was a 1.00off/3 coupon… So you can have 3 cream cheeses for free with an additional 10cents.
Hello,
I’m new to the coupon world.I’ve been reading the poastings from everyone.I just want to make sure I understand.I can use coupons from different stores to purchase an item and I can stack those coupons on top of each other for that single item? Thanks.
I am not sure of the price @ Publix because i haven’t bought it yet, but i noticed in the green flyer there was a $2.00 off coupon for Sudafed & over @ Coupons.com there is a $4.00 off coupon. This may be old news but i just discovered it.http://print.coupons.com/couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=13903&nid=10&zid=xh20
I have a question. I was shopping at the new Publix in Mt. Juliet, TN and they suppressed some of my double coupons. For instance I had a 50 cent coupon for scotties and the cashier keyed something in when she was going thru my coupons. My receipt says bonus coupon suppressed. Does anyone have any experience with this and why they did that. I am new to this couponing thing but have been going to Publix at other locations for the last month and this has never happened. Maybe it’s because they are a new store. Any other ideas??
question, if I am reading this right. if I buy 3 thermocare and use a $3/1 coupon or 3/2 I can use 3 coupons ?
Hey I am very new to coupons and I need a little advice. I went to pUblix in my town the other day with 3 different MF coupons for the same item. The cashier said they only take one MF coupon per item. My coupons were all different. Was she right?
Yes 1 MQ coupon per item. You can stack it with a store coupon. On a BOGO you can use 2 MQ coupons. Hope this helps!