Coupon Lingo

There are a number of different ways that coupons phrase things. There are also a number of ways COUPONERS write or phrase things as well! Below, you will find some of the most basic phrases, and even some of the couponing rules to these phrases. If I am missing any, please feel free to comment and let me know.

Newspaper References

These are typically what other blogs (Including this one) will reference coupon inserts as. There is typically only three main inserts)
  

• SS - SmartSource
• RP - RedPlum 
• P&G - Procter & Gamble

(Often, I will let you know what paper insert the coupon came from, so make sure you know these as I will use them in my abbreviations.)

Blog Abbreviations

These are abbreviations you will see when they are describing the coupon you should use. I will do the same as well, so make sure to know these!


$1/1 - One dollar off one item
$1/2 - One dollar off when you buy two product
B1G1 - Buy one item get one item free
B2G1 - Buy two items get one item free
Blinkies - Those little machines in the isles at stores that spit out coupons.
Catalina - A fancy machine at certain stores like Hyvee and Target that print out coupons once the transaction is complete.
DND: Do not double (these really don't apply to us since we don't have any stores around that do this)
EB - ExtraBucks (CVS)
Exp. - Expires
GC - Gift card
MIR - Mail-in rebate
OOP - Out of pocket. The amount you pay up front.
Peelie - Those amazing little coupons stuck to the product that you can peel off and use instantly.
RR - Register Rewards (Walgreen's)
Q - Coupon
Stacking - This is when you use a store coupon and a manufacturer's coupon on a single item.
Piggybacking - This is when you use more than one manufacturer coupon for the same product. This is generally frowned upon in the couponing industry. You may or may not be able to do it (depending on what the register allows) but you are basically cheating the store out of reimbursement from the manufacturer. I'm sorry, but I will not be giving an example of this.
UPC - This refers to the bar code.
Tearpad - You can find these stuck to the freezer doors or shelves where the product is usually located.
WYB - When you buy

What you need to know about B1G1 and B1G1 half off Coupons and sales

These USUALLY depend on the store, so make sure you read your coupon policies. Most often then not, if you have a B1G1 Sale, and you have a coupon for a B1G1 on the same product with the sale, both items will be free. That's right, F-R-E-E!!! Doesn't happen too often, but when it does, it's amazing.
For the B1G1 50% off sale with a B1G1 free coupon, Some confusion comes about as to which product you will get for free. Will you get the half off product for free and pay full price for the other, or vice versa? Well, it again depends on the store. All of the ones I've done this deal at around the area (Walgreen, CVS), take off the full price item, and you will only pay 1/2 the price of one for BOTH items. What a deal!

Coupon Phrases, Meanings

 Did you ever look at your coupons, and notice that some will say, "One coupon per purchase" or "Limit one per person", and you weren't really quite sure what it all meant? I was there too. There are too many technical terms on coupons, that they are all hard to keep track of. One thing is for certain, KNOW HOW TO READ YOUR COUPONS. I can't say this enough because if you can't, chances are the register clerk can't either. Here are a few basic ones I have run into that stumped even me when I first started.

One coupon per purchase - Means that you can only use one manufacturers coupon per ITEM. So, if you have three items, and three coupons, this is okay. Don't let a cashier tell you otherwise.


One coupon per transaction - Means you can only use one coupon in each transaction.

One coupon per person - Means you have to have more people in your party than just yourself to use more than one coupon. I've tried this with kids, and a lot of places say then don't count. I don't know how... I mean, they're people too... It honestly depends on your cashier, and the place you're purchasing your items. A lot of times you will have to put up a little bit of a fight to get your way, because cashiers will often mistake this for the "One coupon per household" rule.

One coupon per household - Means you literally can only use one coupon per household. Of course, if you do have more of these, you can always go back another day, and to a different cashier to use it.

One coupon per visit - means you have to actually LEAVE the store, and re-enter in order to use another coupon.

Limit 4 like coupons - Means you can only use four of the same coupon in ONE transaction. If you are going to do multiple transaction, then you can use the other coupons in another transaction.

I honestly know there are more of these, so if you're stuck on a coupon phrase, and aren't sure what it means, let me know. I would be happy to help anyone with a question.