Are you new to couponing? You've come to the right place! Grocery Coupon Network is here to help you get up to speed and start saving like an expert in no time!
Let's save some money together!
Coupons are classified into two basic categories:
Manufacturer coupons are a great way to save money on groceries and brand name products. Some examples of brands that have great coupons include:
We offer these kind of brand-related coupons all the time. So be sure to check in with GCN before you go out on your next shopping trip.
You can also find these coupons in local and national newspapers (as “inserts”), direct-mailers when you sign up with the brand's website for mailings, coupons in magazines, package inserts, through surveys, mail-in forms, and often accompany samples that you receive in the mail.
When used right, manufacturer coupons can literally save you hundreds dollars.
Want to know the big way to save? Manufacturer coupons can usually be used in conjunction with in-store coupons on the same product adding additional savings.
Retailer or "store" coupons work similar to manufacturer coupons and are a great way to save money. We have entire sections of the site dedicated to finding coupons and sales at your favorite stores, which include:
Retailers also usually post deals and special offers online or in their store newspaper ads, direct mail, or in local newsletters.
Be sure and keep your eyes out for retailer coupons around special events and holidays. During these times, you can really take advantage of in-store deals.
Abbreviations used across our site and in the couponing community:
For example: $2/1 One A Day Vitamin Product, exp. 12/31/11 (RP 12/04/11). This coupon is in the Red Plum insert from 12/4/11
$1/1 or $1/2 = $1 off 1 item; $1 off 2 items, etc.
2/$4, etc = two items for $4
BOGO, B1G1, B2G1, etc. = indicates Buy One, Get One Free, if it's different than that, should specify.
For example: B1G1 1/2 off would be Buy One, Get One Half off
ECBs = Extra Care Bucks from CVS
EP = Everyday Price
Exp. = Expires
GC = Gift Card
MIR = Mail in Rebate
NLA = No Longer Available
OYNO (my fave!) = On Your Next Order
OOP =Out of pocket (often used in a RR or ECB scenario)
RR = Register Rewards from Walgreens
Stacking = Using a manufacturers and store coupon together
WYB = When You Buy. For example: Save $3 wyb 2
Couponing can save you a lot of money, and if you start small, you can keep your sanity too!
Many people start couponing and soon give up because they feel overwhelmed with clipping coupons, sorting, finding sales and getting stressed because they don't know if a price is a 'good price' or a 'great price'.
So take baby steps and keep it fun.
You will see sales for the same product at lots of price points, and you will soon learn what's a great sale price, typically 50% of the regular shelf price.
Here's where to find coupons:
Ask yourself these questions when going through your coupons:
When starting couponing, start with the store you shop at most frequently for groceries. Once you get a hang of their policies and deals, you can branch out to other stores.
Once you get started, you'll get the hang of it. It might seem overwhelming at first, but we're sure you'll be hooked in no time once you see how much money you're saving.
Be sure to check out our collection of short and sweet couponing videos to help you along the way. Our couponing experts shared their secrets to coupon glory.
Happy couponing ~ We're glad you're joining the GCN gang!