An overage is when the product you have is a price that is lower than your coupon.
Example:
Colgate toothpaste
Regular price: $2.39
Sale price: 99 cents (and you even price matched!)
You have a coupon for: $1.50
You have an overage of 51 cents per toothpaste you purchase.
This means that the coupon can be accepted (some stores say "yes" to the overage), some say "no" to the overage, but will accept the coupon UP TO the value of the sale price (example: 99 cents will be written on the coupon to show that you got the toothpaste for 99 cents, it's still "free" to you, but you don't get the difference). Some stores won't accept the coupon at all.
The BEST store for accepting overages is Walmart.
The best time to have an overage, is when you can get enough of one coupon to get the product overage and use the overage towards your other cart purchases (items that are more difficult for finding coupons and discounts for- like fresh produce, meat, eggs, etc).
Check a "coupon policy" for each store in order to find the specific way that overages are dealt with.
Showing posts with label coupons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label coupons. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
When IS it a Good Time to Use a Coupon?
The best time to use a coupon is when there is a sale. You will get more "bang for your buck" and save more money.
The next best time, is if you need the item (example: toilet paper) and it's a critical low time in the house, you can't wait for the next sale cycle in the store... make your own "sale" by using the coupon. At least you are still saving "something" and not paying full price.
The best time to try a "new" product on the shelves is when you have a coupon! When a new product comes out, product taste testing in stores or demonstrations for a products effectiveness are usually performed. This is also when they hand out coupons (sometimes) and this is when you will find the product on special (sometimes). Use the coupon (watch for Smart Source, Red Plum, etc for "new" products about to hit the shelves, and have your coupon ready for when it arrives in stores).
This is when to buy a product, on sale with your coupon, when it's new. Then, if you don't like it; it's not as big a ding to your pocket-book!
The next best time, is if you need the item (example: toilet paper) and it's a critical low time in the house, you can't wait for the next sale cycle in the store... make your own "sale" by using the coupon. At least you are still saving "something" and not paying full price.
The best time to try a "new" product on the shelves is when you have a coupon! When a new product comes out, product taste testing in stores or demonstrations for a products effectiveness are usually performed. This is also when they hand out coupons (sometimes) and this is when you will find the product on special (sometimes). Use the coupon (watch for Smart Source, Red Plum, etc for "new" products about to hit the shelves, and have your coupon ready for when it arrives in stores).
This is when to buy a product, on sale with your coupon, when it's new. Then, if you don't like it; it's not as big a ding to your pocket-book!
"Yeah, but you really don't use that!"
The number one mistake, in my humble opinion, is buying something you don't use just because you have a coupon.
It's not saving you money if you are spending money on an item that you don't use!
Your real savings come when you use a coupon on an item that you do use in your household!
Example:
You get a coupon for Fruit Roll Ups. You don't buy them because you prefer your kids to have a real piece of fruit with their lunches, not a pre packaged (etc) snack. But, you have a 50 cents off coupon, and they are on sale this week for $1.47. You get the box for 93 cents. Are you really getting a good deal if you are compromising your shopping list and nutrition of your kids, if you purchase this item? Would you be better off buying the fruit that you normally purchase (and it happens to cost more this week because you are comparing the sale of the Fruit Roll Ups versus the fresh apples during the mid-winter)... it's tempting. But don't give in. You'll feel better in the end knowing that you stuck through and sent the kids with something you feel good about.
(Nothing against Fruit Roll Ups, it was just an example!)
The same could be said of sugary cereals, pre packaged meals, meal starters, etc.
It's not saving you money if you are spending money on an item that you don't use!
Your real savings come when you use a coupon on an item that you do use in your household!
Example:
You get a coupon for Fruit Roll Ups. You don't buy them because you prefer your kids to have a real piece of fruit with their lunches, not a pre packaged (etc) snack. But, you have a 50 cents off coupon, and they are on sale this week for $1.47. You get the box for 93 cents. Are you really getting a good deal if you are compromising your shopping list and nutrition of your kids, if you purchase this item? Would you be better off buying the fruit that you normally purchase (and it happens to cost more this week because you are comparing the sale of the Fruit Roll Ups versus the fresh apples during the mid-winter)... it's tempting. But don't give in. You'll feel better in the end knowing that you stuck through and sent the kids with something you feel good about.
(Nothing against Fruit Roll Ups, it was just an example!)
The same could be said of sugary cereals, pre packaged meals, meal starters, etc.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Choo Choo! Coupon Train
Basics
A coupon train is basically an envelope of coupons which is sent to a list of 'passengers' or 'riders' (people who have coupons which want to participate).
The train is first advertised (on my website Coupon Train area to show we're taking passengers).
A conductor (the person responsible for organizing, initiating and monitoring the train) asks for people to participate with the upcoming train 'ride.'
The conductor adds coupons to the envelope and the list of passengers and addresses is usually also included.
The first passenger receives the train and follows whatever 'rules' the conductor has established during the initial advertising of the train. (for example: no save.ca coupons, no coupons under a specific value, etc).
The first passenger removes the coupons which they them self, will personally use. It is not generally acceptable to take coupons for other trades.
After removing the coupons from the envelope, the passenger totals the value of coupons selected. (This is a dollar and cents total, plus any additional special value coupons like B0G0, FPC, etc.)
From the passenger's personal coupon collection, they select coupons to add into the train envelope. This total is primarily based upon the total which they have removed, including B0G0, FPC, etc. The passenger has the option to add more coupons to the train above the amount they removed.
Optionally, the passenger may add coupons for other passengers either as "RAOK" or as a wish list addition.
A "RAOK" is when a passenger/conductor adds coupons for other train participants as a Random Act Of Kindness. This type of addition does not count towards the value of the train or what the passenger has added to the train as the replacement value which they removed. These are a GIFT for the intended people on board; they are not replaced by their value when the receiver of the RAOK gets the train.
A "wish list" type of addition is when a passenger/conductor adds to the train a coupon (or more) for a specific person because it is a coupon which that person desires (by means of a wish list). This coupon (or coupons) is added to the train with the person's name on it, in hopes that it will be taken out by the person 'wishing' for it. Occasionally, a person has a wish that is very easily filled and the recipient just can't use more of that coupon, and has the option to take it or leave it in the train. When you receive a wish, you replace it's value just as you would with the remainder of the train.
The train is sent to the next person on the list (usually a passenger list is included onboard the train) and information is sent to the conductor.
What A Conductor Likes To Know
Each conductor is different in what information they ask you to update them with in regards to their train. I have found that many conductors generally ask for the following about their train:
When you received the train (this is the date you got it in the mail).
When you sent the train to the next passenger (this is the date you dropped it in the mail box).
How much you removed from the train (this is the total value you took out, NOT each specific coupon) Plus: any speciality value coupons like B0G0's etc.
How much you replaced in the train (this is the total value you put in the envelope to replace what you took out, NOT each specific coupon) Plus: any speciality value coupons like B0G0's etc.
Any expired or near expiry coupons need to be mentioned to the conductor and a decision will be made if near expiry coupons will have enough time to travel to the next person on the list or not.
You are NOT responsible for replacing the value of the expired coupons, but telling the conductor is important.
Role of a Respected Passenger
A good passenger will be someone with a collection of coupons with reasonable expiry dates and values to add to the train.
A respectful passenger is someone who follows any rules or guidelines, themes, etc. which the conductor has established prior to the train boarding.
A responsible passenger is someone who gets the train weighed and mailed in a reasonable amount of time (usually 48 hours maximum).
If you have questions ask the conductor, it is their train and their job to make sure you understand how it works and what is acceptable to them.
A Great Conductor
A conductor's role is to inititate, supervise, stay informed and keep passengers up to date and knowledgable about the train's rules, location, etc.
Each conductor is different; each conductor's train is unique. Even with two identical trains leaving on the same day to the same list of people, the train will never really be the same for very long.
Who Can Start A Coupon Train?
Anyone could start one. Basically you don't need any special training for being a conductor, you don't even really need to have been a passenger before on another train. What you do need is coupons, lots of coupons.
A coupon train is basically an envelope of coupons which is sent to a list of 'passengers' or 'riders' (people who have coupons which want to participate).
The train is first advertised (on my website Coupon Train area to show we're taking passengers).
A conductor (the person responsible for organizing, initiating and monitoring the train) asks for people to participate with the upcoming train 'ride.'
The conductor adds coupons to the envelope and the list of passengers and addresses is usually also included.
The first passenger receives the train and follows whatever 'rules' the conductor has established during the initial advertising of the train. (for example: no save.ca coupons, no coupons under a specific value, etc).
The first passenger removes the coupons which they them self, will personally use. It is not generally acceptable to take coupons for other trades.
After removing the coupons from the envelope, the passenger totals the value of coupons selected. (This is a dollar and cents total, plus any additional special value coupons like B0G0, FPC, etc.)
From the passenger's personal coupon collection, they select coupons to add into the train envelope. This total is primarily based upon the total which they have removed, including B0G0, FPC, etc. The passenger has the option to add more coupons to the train above the amount they removed.
Optionally, the passenger may add coupons for other passengers either as "RAOK" or as a wish list addition.
A "RAOK" is when a passenger/conductor adds coupons for other train participants as a Random Act Of Kindness. This type of addition does not count towards the value of the train or what the passenger has added to the train as the replacement value which they removed. These are a GIFT for the intended people on board; they are not replaced by their value when the receiver of the RAOK gets the train.
A "wish list" type of addition is when a passenger/conductor adds to the train a coupon (or more) for a specific person because it is a coupon which that person desires (by means of a wish list). This coupon (or coupons) is added to the train with the person's name on it, in hopes that it will be taken out by the person 'wishing' for it. Occasionally, a person has a wish that is very easily filled and the recipient just can't use more of that coupon, and has the option to take it or leave it in the train. When you receive a wish, you replace it's value just as you would with the remainder of the train.
The train is sent to the next person on the list (usually a passenger list is included onboard the train) and information is sent to the conductor.
What A Conductor Likes To Know
Each conductor is different in what information they ask you to update them with in regards to their train. I have found that many conductors generally ask for the following about their train:
When you received the train (this is the date you got it in the mail).
When you sent the train to the next passenger (this is the date you dropped it in the mail box).
How much you removed from the train (this is the total value you took out, NOT each specific coupon) Plus: any speciality value coupons like B0G0's etc.
How much you replaced in the train (this is the total value you put in the envelope to replace what you took out, NOT each specific coupon) Plus: any speciality value coupons like B0G0's etc.
Any expired or near expiry coupons need to be mentioned to the conductor and a decision will be made if near expiry coupons will have enough time to travel to the next person on the list or not.
You are NOT responsible for replacing the value of the expired coupons, but telling the conductor is important.
Role of a Respected Passenger
A good passenger will be someone with a collection of coupons with reasonable expiry dates and values to add to the train.
A respectful passenger is someone who follows any rules or guidelines, themes, etc. which the conductor has established prior to the train boarding.
A responsible passenger is someone who gets the train weighed and mailed in a reasonable amount of time (usually 48 hours maximum).
If you have questions ask the conductor, it is their train and their job to make sure you understand how it works and what is acceptable to them.
A Great Conductor
A conductor's role is to inititate, supervise, stay informed and keep passengers up to date and knowledgable about the train's rules, location, etc.
Each conductor is different; each conductor's train is unique. Even with two identical trains leaving on the same day to the same list of people, the train will never really be the same for very long.
Who Can Start A Coupon Train?
Anyone could start one. Basically you don't need any special training for being a conductor, you don't even really need to have been a passenger before on another train. What you do need is coupons, lots of coupons.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Coupons Unite!
Organizing coupons to find what you need efficiently is really important when you are looking to save both time and money shopping.
Early on in coupon collecting a baggie, an envelope or even a buck-store accordion style coupon holder may suffice however the more coupons that are collected and the more involved in swapping a trader becomes, organization is the major key to sanity and shopping trips which run smoothly.
List for organizing:
- sleeves for inserting coupons into (I used CD/DVD sheets, other coupon collectors use hockey trading card sleeves) I went with what I had.
- binder
- scissors
- high lighter
- pen
Alternatives to organizing your coupon binder:
Arrange coupons:
- according to the store you shop most regularly (aisle by aisle)
- by their food group (bread/cereal, dairy, meat/alternatives, veg/fruit, snacks, etc)
- by alphabetically order
- with expiration dates (order of first expiry)
Freezer section holds ice cream, frozen treats, fruits, fries, fish, etc.
Pantry section shown: cereal, juice, flour, soup, etc.
Coupons are folded to fit more easily into pockets, with picture of product facing outwards in most situations.In the grocery cart, place your purse under your binder in the upper seat (if not being used by a child) and your binder should lay flat near your hands, easy for flipping from page to page.
Each time you find an item in store that you have a coupon for on 
your grocery list, remove it from it's section and place it in the front of your binder in a pocket, extra sleeve compartment, an envelope taped to the inside of your binder cover, etc. This way, when you are at the check out, you will have all the coupons ready to hand the cashier and you can be watching the scanner as they ring in your purchases (this is important to ensure price accuracy and for picking up on the occasional "SCOP" (Voluntary Scanning Code of Practice).
your grocery list, remove it from it's section and place it in the front of your binder in a pocket, extra sleeve compartment, an envelope taped to the inside of your binder cover, etc. This way, when you are at the check out, you will have all the coupons ready to hand the cashier and you can be watching the scanner as they ring in your purchases (this is important to ensure price accuracy and for picking up on the occasional "SCOP" (Voluntary Scanning Code of Practice).As you are touring the store, you will probably find more coupons to 
add to your binder.
add to your binder. Unless you are using the coupon on 'that' shopping trip, don't get into filing your coupons right then. That wastes your time in the store and can get you side tracked.
Your focus is shopping, picking up sales, cashing in on good deals and clearance bins, finding coupons and getting the savings at the checkout. Save organizing for when you're at home, until then place any coupons you find in a baggie or pocket in your binder.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
The Questions Newbies Ask
New-to-coupon-use people (affectionately referred to as "Newbies") ask great questions and comments about their experiences. I really like to mentor Newbies because of their enthusiasm to learn.
This spring I hosted an online contest open to members of on online forum-style community specifically to Newbies only. The requirement for the contest entry was to include something they'd learnt and something they hoped to learn on while using the website/forum with regards to coupon use.
The selection which follows, are the questions (and answers) which they Newbies posted. The replies (Mentor) were posted by one other member or myself.
Newbie: How to resist the good deals for stuff that I don't need so that I won't end up with buying things that I have no use for - or worse, become a certifiable shopaholic.
Mentor: Practice, practice, practice! Take the coupons that you plan to use, in the store with your shopping list and flyer. Keep focused and remember the prize at the end of the shopping trip is to watch the savings pile up from your coupons! Don't give in to temptation when it's something you don't "normally" buy "just because" you have a coupon for it. (trying something on sale/with a coupon is one thing, good shopping for sure) but buying a case of something you don't use, just because you get it for cheap... well...? You could donate it to a food bank, woman's shelter if you have a 'fall of the wagon' with your coupons. Try to remain focused on your goal of saving (not spending) money.
Newbie: One think I'd like to learn is how to organize myself - so I can remember to get the paper when the coupon flyer's are out, storing my coupons and remembering to use them and finding the sales - lol! Also organize myself with my contest entries as well - always have a hard time remembering if I've entered or not and I could end up disqualifying myself if only one entry is acceptable. Yikes!
Mentor: I look through the flyer's online usually on Thursdays. If I happen to see any good deals I then check to see if I have a coupon for it as well. I take all my coupons with me shopping, but put the ones I will use for sure that day in a separate envelope. As for the contests, I'm not the greatest on the computer, many folks bookmark each contest and put them in categories as daily, weekly, or one time entry. For me I do it the old fashioned way. I always thank the person who posted the contest, so when I return to SC [SmartCanucks.ca], I look for my check makers. That way I know if I entered the one timers already, and know which dailies to do.
Newbie: I would love to learn how coupon trains work.
Mentor: Coupon train: basically it is a group of people who send their address to one "conductor" and they have a "train" (envelope) of coupons sent to their address. The "passenger" removes what coupons they will personally use, calculate the value they have removed from the train, and replace that value (or more if you like), address the envelope to the next "rider" on the train and then you contact the conductor with your information (when you received the train, sent it out, took out/put in, or any info that the conductor asks you for).
Newbie: I want to keep learning that it is okay to use coupons, to not be embarassed by "holding up the line" and to be able to organize my coupons properly!
Mentor: Never be embarrassed because you want to save $$. I don't like to hold lines up either, so I try to put the products I have coupons for at the end and hand the coupons to the cashier as she rings in each product, that way there is no searching for them afterwards. For organizing my coupons, I put them in envelopes, beauty, food, cleaning, FPC's etc. I also take an extra one [envelope] with the coupons I plan to use for sure that day shopping. [alternatively, the owner of this blog uses a binder format, the mentor who answered this on my behalf was using a different organizational method]
Newbie: The thing I need to learn is to become better at sorting/using coupons prior to expiry and standing up for my money when a sales clerk says a coupon is no good and I know it is.
Mentor: To try and get organized you can use a file folder or recipe box holder with the dividers. You can sort them many different ways, but you could try by the month of expiry. If you have a problem with a cashier not wanting to accept a coupon, ask for the manager. If that dosen't work, send your concerns to the company itself, the one you got the coupon from and the one that refused to accept it.
Newbie: Hey came across your post, just learning and hoping for some good tips about trading.
Mentor: Trading tips... sure I can give you some. Check ratings (yes, even though the person may be new you can trade with them, but good to check, just in case). I trade with newbies and allow them on trains all the time. Some members, do not. [this refers to online communities where trade ratings or scores are left for each member as they trade]
Always be fair and reasonable with your offering (when you propose a trade). Don't offer something that is not going to benefit the other person (more likely to have them say "yes" to a trade proposal if you have something on THEIR wishlist that you can offer them)
On the other hand, don't be taken advantage of. If a member offers you a stack of say $50 in coupons and wants a $10 GC for Tim Hortons, you really should weigh out the benefit of that trade for you. (I offer $100 + in coupons to get a newbie started for $5 GC to like Subway or something, but that's a small amount and the person getting $100+ in coupons, even if they use 1/3 to 1/2 of them personally and trade the rest; I have regained the $5 GC (gift card) and it covers my shipping (which is usually about $2 (or even more)... so I don't do things to "make a profit."
Ask, (for help). Offer, (what coupons you are willing to trade) and try to keep your tradelist up to date (this benefits you and others). Be reasonable, flexible, honest and friendly. Prompt, and follow through with trade ratings and "thank you, the envie (envelope) arrived", etc.
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