Getting Started Couponing: How to shop at your local store

When you are learning how to coupon, it is important that you learn how to shop at your local grocery store(s). You will be amazed at how much you can save!

Here’s the steps to take to learn how to save:

• Visit your store’s website. Check to see if their coupon policy is online and read through it. If they have any clubs, magazines, etc available make sure you sign up for them.
• Find out what dates your store flyer comes out. Some grocery sales run from Sunday to Saturday and some run Wednesday to Tuesday, etc.
• Call the local store and ask to speak to the customer service manager. Ask her what types of coupons they accept, if they accept printable coupons (and if they can be in black and white or must be in color), if you can use both a store coupon and a manufacturer coupon on one item and if there are any additional ways to save.
• When you visit the store, find out if they have a kids club. Also some grocery stores give free cookies or treats to kids. Ask if yours does.
• Find out if they give any incentives for bringing in your reusable shopping bags. Some stores give money back for bringing your bags!
• Check to see if your store has a Catalina machine at the register. If they do, make sure you get any coupons that print out during your transaction!

Did you know?

• Most stores will run sales like 10 for $10 or 5 for $1. Some stores require that you purchase the listed number of items and some don’t. If your store doesn’t, you could purchase just 1 or 2 and still get the discounted price!
• Some stores ring up their buy one, get one free sales at half price (like $2.50 and $2.50) and some ring them up at full price and zero ($5 and $0). Find out how your store rings up their sales. This will help you when you plan your shopping list.
• Some stores will give you the item for free if it rings up incorrectly. Always check the shelf price and your receipt to make sure you are charged correctly. If you weren’t, let the customer service desk know!

Also find a blogger that covers the stores that you shop at. You can find a list of stores and blogs here. If you don’t see your store there, try googling the store name. Often a blog will show up in the first or second page of results.

If you are new to Couponing, you might want to take a moment to read more in my Getting Started Couponing series.