Store Coupons vs. Manufacturer's Coupons What's the diffference?

Store coupons vs. Manufacturer's coupons...

What's the difference?  How do they work? 

First, let's cover manufacturer's coupons...

Manufacturer's coupons generally look something like this:

This is an example of a manufacturer coupon for Ken's dressing.

Where can you get them?  In your newspaper, out of "blinkies" or pads at your grocery store located near the product, on coupon databases online, in/on products you are/have purchased, by "liking" facebook pages, any many, many more places!   Manufacturer coupons are everywhere... and that's a WONDERFUL thing!  Check out "Where to Find Online Coupons" for some ideas, too!


Manufacturer Coupons:

• Will have the words "manufacturer coupon" written on them.  They also have the information in the "fine print" as to where the store you redeem them at needs to return them for credit.

• Have an expiration date.  You must use the coupon by/on the expiration date.

• List what specific item(s) must be purchased.  They may also list an amount (e.g., buy 2, get $1 off, etc.).  They might list what size product must be purchased (e.g. 16 oz bottle, not valid on trial/travel size, etc.).  On the other hand, the coupon may NOT list these specifics (e.g.,  good on any size or flavor, 25% off any purchase of XYZ brand product).  These are the best kind!! 

• Generally, you may use one coupon per item purchased. That means if you purchase five bottles of Garnier shampoo, you may use five $1 off coupons -- one for each bottle. There are exceptions to this rule, though: e.g., your coupon says $1 off two bottles, your store only allows four like coupons per transaction, etc.

• Sometimes a manufacturer coupon will say "available/redeemable at Wal*Mart."  You do NOT have to purchase the item at Wal*Mart.  A manufacturer coupon may be used at ANY store that honors coupons. 

• May be combined with STORE COUPONS to provide additional savings.  You are generally allowed to use one manufacturer coupon and one store coupon PER ITEM.  This is referred to as "stacking."  Stacking maximizes the dollar amount you can receive off of an item.  Stacking is AWESOME!

Now, let's cover store coupons.

Store coupons come in different shapes and sizes, but might look something like this:

These are examples of store coupons from Walgreens. 

Where can you get them?  In store flyers, in newspapers, in the mail, online, by liking Facebook pages, through company loyalty cards, in the monthly "coupon booklets" at the front of the store, etc.  There are many places to find store coupons. 


Store Coupons:

• May or may not have the words "store coupon" written on them.

• Will most likely say the name of the store they are honored at.  They generally cannot be used at a different store -- unless your store specifically states that they honor competitor's coupons.

• Have an expiration date. You must use the coupon by/on the expiration date.

• List what specific item(s) must be purchased. They may also list an amount (e.g., buy 2, get $1 off, etc.). They might list what size product must be purchased (e.g. 16 oz bottle, not valid on trial/travel size, etc.). On the other hand, the coupon may NOT list these specifics (e.g., good on any size or flavor, 25% off any purchase of XYZ brand product). These are the best kind!!

• Generally, you may use one coupon per item purchased. That means if you purchase five bottles of Garnier shampoo, you may use five $1 off coupons -- one for each bottle. There are exceptions to this rule, though: e.g., your coupon says $1 off two bottles, your store only allows four like coupons per transaction, etc.

• May be combined with MANUFACTURER COUPONS to provide additional savings. You are generally allowed to use one manufacturer coupon and one store coupon PER ITEM. This is referred to as "stacking." Stacking maximizes the dollar amount you can receive off of an item.   Did I mention that stacking is AWESOME?!?

I hope this has helped you to learn more about manufacturer vs. store coupons.  Feel free to post any questions or comments.

Happy couponing!

~Amy