Coupon Anatomy: Make Sure Your Read The Coupon Fine Print

Just a little exercise of boredom this morning as I was sorting through my coupons and decided to make this coupon road map.

Some couponers underestimate having to read the fine print which can lead to unsuccessful coupon transactions and frustrated cashiers. Always read the coupon terms and conditions before you set out to use them. This will help you find the right products in store and always refer back to your coupon when you locate the item to ensure that the coupon in fact applies. This is extremely important for the integrity of coupons and for coupon users to apply coupons on specified items only. Intentional misuse of a coupon to buy something other than what is specified is coupon fraud. This type of coupon behaviour whether accidental or not can hurt all coupon users. Retailers may adjust their coupon policies or manufacturers may not issue as many coupons.

I recommend following my 3 step verification system before redeeming coupons:

1. When making your shopping list/coupon matches; read the coupon fine print, check expiry date, applicable products and coupon restrictions
2. While shopping, locate the desired or advertised product in store
3. Verify that the coupon matches the product

Different types of coupons have information listed in various places on the face or the rear of the coupon. Here's my order of importance of checking info on the coupon:

1. First I check the expiry date, has the coupon expired, is it still valid
2. What products can the coupon be used for
3. What is the value of the coupon
4. Any store or date restrictions
5. Are there any use restrictions, such as: "one per customer" (some Canadians may look for stacking restrictions, where applicable)

While every coupon user has their own unique style and way of dealing with the organization and use of their coupons, ALL couponers MUST adhere to the coupon terms! Read, read, read! Thanks for reading, I welcome your comments!