Coupons are found everywhere!!! I have found that most people know that coupons are in the newspaper, but most have no idea where to look. In this lesson we are going to take a look at where we find coupons.


Number One: The Sunday Newspaper. Every Sunday your local newspaper should have the coupon ‘inserts’. An insert is a book of coupons. The 4 common inserts in the Sunday paper are SmartSource (SS), RedPlum(RP), General Mills(GM) and P&G Saver(PG). Let’s start with the P&G Saver. This comes out once a month on the first Sunday of the month. Many people look forward to this insert because it can have very valuable coupons that make many items free or nearly free. SmartSource and RedPlum usually come out every week with varying quantities of coupons in each. The General Mills Insert varies, and usually is seen every two months and only has a few pages of really good coupons. The only exceptions to these timelines are holidays. Holidays interrupt the schedule, so be aware of that!! I usually check the paper before I buy it to make sure the coupons are inside.
On a frugal note, the newspaper is generally more expensive on Sundays, so find a store that is selling it for a dollar. Usually stores like the Dollar Tree or even your local grocery store sometimes have newspapers for $1.00. I usually buy 4 or 5 papers every week because if something is free, I can buy it five times to maximize my savings.

Number Two: The Internet.We do not have internet coupons on WeUseCOuopns.com!!! We are able to direct you to some internet coupons, but internet coupons are found on sites like www.coupons.com or www.couponbug.com!! These and many others have online coupons that you can print. You are usually allowed to print two copies of these coupons but no more. The first copy is intended for you to use; the second copy is allowed in case of printer malfunction. The second copy must be obtained by hitting your back button on your browser after you print the first one. If you try to print more usually the screen with say, “Sorry, you have printed the maximum number allowed.” If you really want to print more, go to a different computer. Many people go to libraries because there are many computers all of which will give you a yield of two each. Retailer’s websites like Food Lion, Target, and others have online coupons. They put out new coupons every week for you to print and use only in their store. Many stores like Albertson’s will honor their competitor’s coupons. Other stores like Kroger are starting to allow you to load coupons onto your Kroger cards. Ask your retailer to find out if they have any special programs, and don’t forget to register at your retailer’s website.

A word of caution: Many people have been scanning coupons or copying them on color photocopiers. Because of high fraud rates, many stores are now refusing to take internet printables. It is illegal to copy or scan coupons. Don’t do it because it hurts everyone when stores crack down on coupon usage.

Number Three: Tearpads. Have you ever seen coupons in a pad form at the store usually in one of the aisles? That is a tearpad. When I go to the store I keep my eyes open for them because I have found some of the best coupons there. When I see a good tearpad, I usually take 5-10 coupons, always making sure to leave many behind for others. Always be kind and leave some behind! Remember, if you find the tearpad in Walgreens, you can use those coupons anywhere (as long as they are not store specific)!! So if Walgreens has a .50 coupon, take it to Kroger, because they double and you get more bang for your buck!

Number Four: Peelies/Blinkies. Peelies are coupons you peel off boxes. Blinkies are machines that spit out coupons and are usually situated around the product featured on the coupon. These are always found in your stores and never anywhere else. Blinkies are not very controversial. I stand at the machine and wait for it to spit out 5 or 6 coupons and go on my way. Peelies which are peeled from boxes are a little touchier. Many people will say that it is unethical to take peelies off a product without buying that product. Others will tell you to take as many as you’d like as long as you will buy that product in the future. Do what you feel is right. I have read that over 35% of people still do not use coupons even when they are taped to the boxes. These often can be great coupons, and remember, as long as the coupon is a manufacturer’s coupon, it can be used anywhere.

Number Five: Sample Displays.Many stores will have a sample day, usually Saturday or Sunday. Many times there are very good coupons at those displays. Make sure to ask the person attending the table if you could take a couple extra coupons.

Number Six: By Mail. Contact the manufacturer of all the products you buy. Check the back of the boxes and bags to find the 800 number. Tell them how wonderful (or terrible) their product is, and ask if they have any coupons or coupon booklets they send out. Often the manufacturer is eager to put these in their customers’ hands.

Number Seven: Manufacturer’s Website. Go to the websites of large manufacturers. Often they will have coupon booklets they will mail to you totally free. These are some of the best coupons because the manufacturer wants you to try the product. These often will contain free product coupons. The manufacturers are very eager to get coupons into the hands of consumers!

Number Eight: EBay or Coupon Clipping Services. Many people swear by these. I have in the past been purchasing coupons on eBay. Usually these are the most effective if you have a specific coupon you are looking for. Buying non-specific coupons on eBay doesn’t usually help much. For example, I purchased 60 Green Giant Steamer Coupons on eBay a while back. They were for $1 off one bag. Meijer a local grocery store near me had them on sale for $.89!! They were free, so I spent $8 and got 60 coupons. That works out to be around $.13 a bag. For me that is a steal!! It’s definitely worth looking into. Some coupon clipping sites are www.thecouponclippers.com and *********.

Number Nine: Trading Coupons or Coupon Trains.On WUC you can join coupon trains and trade coupons with other members. We often have many people that are trading with each other by checking the wish lists of other members and making offers. This is one reason you should always clip and save every coupon! You never know if someone may want it, and if they do, you could reap the rewards. Coupon trains are very simple to join as well. Check out our Trading and Trains section to learn more!

Number Ten: Dumpster Diving.I think by far the most fun!! This is a very unorthodox way of getting coupons. Of course during the winter months this is not a viable option, but during the spring, summer and fall, you will be amazed at what people throw away. I am a big proponent of dumpster diving for coupons. I would suggest reading some of the articles posted about this if you’re interested or checking out some paper dumpsters near you. I visit this website to locate paper dumpsters: www.paperretriever.com


There are so many ways to get coupons. It’s incredible once you open your eyes, you’ll start seeing them everywhere!! The homework for this lesson:
- On your next trip to the grocery store find a tearpad
- Go to coupons.com or click one of the banners and print a few coupons.
- Join a coupon train or start one.
- Keep your eyes open for blinkies and peelies!!

Another great post Mr Coupon! Thank!

Good post....really helpful to newbies!!

Without Coupons I would be broke

Is there a list somewhere online of Manufacturer’s Websites?
Candy

I'm new... And this is very helpful I've been wondering where to get MORE coupon amd what a 'blinkie' was. THANKS

http://www.cellfire.com/kroger/

is the way you add q's to ur kroger card and other companies even by texting!!!

http://shortcuts.com/

is good too

WOW this is addicting!!!

This was great info on the dumpster dive. I have done that in my neighborhood. We have seperate recycle for paper and such. But I like the Paperretriever site. Thanks a bunch!

Great information. I had no idea where to start but now I have a list of places to look. Thank you so much.