I think I might have to come up with a nifty name and do this once a week…You all have sent some great questions! I thought everyone would benefit from the answers.
Trading coupons:
Trading is a critical component to my weekly savings! Coupons can vary in availability and value. While California may get a $1/1 coupon for an item–here in Georgia we may get a $.55/1 and South Carolina gets a $.50/1 SO–I NEED the $1/1 or $.50/1 (doubles to $1/1) to maximize my savings! Some areas may not even get coupons that other areas have in their inserts. You will also notice that the match ups that I do for the ads include tearpad coupons, blinkies, peelies and the like. Not all areas will be so lucky to get all of these wonderful non-insert coupons. My area is quite lacking in the non-insert coupons! If I want these gems I HAVE to trade!! I prefer trading coupons rather than buying them online since my cost is usually just a stamp! I will pay a clipping site if I have to but I really prefer to trade!
I have introduced a small trading area on the site. You will need to be a registered user to complete a trade since posting personal info such as your address would not be a good idea! Anyone is then welcome to post on the Trades page anything you need or would like to offer! This is a great way to get started. Some of you have indicated that this is a perfect way since it is on a small scale. For those who want to have access to a bigger trading forum–I would HIGHLY recommend Hot Coupon World. They have a FANTASTIC forum and some wonderful people! Some of you have expressed some fear and feelings of being overwhelmed…there is no need to feel that way. They have a program called Traders In Training where they will help you learn the ropes–you can find out more and join HERE.
Another option would be a local coupon exchange. For you all in my neck of the woods you can try Atlanta Coupon Exchange HERE . Ask around or look on city websites to see if you can find groups in your area. Citysearch and momslikeme might be a good place to start??
Where to get printable coupons?
Here are my favorite printable sites: If you have other favorites let me know and I will add them for everyone else to see!
Coupons.com
Smartsource
Redplum
Healthy Seasons
Pillsbury
BTFE
Eat Better America
Everday Eating
Very Best Baking
Unilever
Home Solutions
How to determine coupon type?
A manufacturer coupon has a bar code that begins with the number 5 or the number 9. Coupons that begin with the number 9 will not automatically double at the register. You will need to ask the cashier to manually double these coupons.
A Publix coupon will have a LU number and typically does not have a bar code (some Publix coupon will scan but they are identified as a Publix Q)
Competitor coupons may vary. Some may have a bar code but a true store coupon will not begin with a number 5 or 9. Some coupons may have a store name on the coupon but actually be a manufacturer coupon. If you look carefully you will be able to tell the difference.
Here are some samples (click on the pic to see it up close)
Manufacturer begins with #5
Publix Coupon (note the LU number and no bar code)
Manufacturer Coupon –but has a Kroger Coupon…this is not a store coupon!
Store coupon–notice the different bar code and that it begins with the number 1
Remember at Publix you can stack a MQ with a Publix coupon OR you can stack a MQ with a competitor coupon. Look carefully to make sure you are using the correct coupons as it can be tricky sometimes!
Keep sending me questions and any comments!
I have to say that in the past few weeks I have become and AVID fan of this site. You provide such amazingly helpful information and for that I say
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!
I just love your site. Thank you so much. I do have a question……I noticed that you provide the link to the Target coupons. I tried to use the Target Driscoll’s strawberry coupon at my Publix location yesterday and they did not want to accept it, stating Target is not a “true competitor”. I live in Birmingham, Alabama so I know we are part of the same Publix region. Does this just vary from store to store? Or were they wrong not to accept?
Every store has the right to decide who they consider a competitor…There is only one store in my area that will still accept Target coupons!
Here is another coupon printing site…
http://www.pgesaver.com/Sites/PG_eSAVER/Page/HomePage
Kim – I also live in Bham and I found the following articles on AL.com regarding the Target IP’s:
http://blog.al.com/saving-for-eight/2009/05/is_publix_changing_their_coupo.html
http://blog.al.com/bargain-mom/2009/05/publix_coupon_policies_havent.html
Some of the posters in our city said they have been able to use the Target IP’s and some havent so I think its hit and miss. I havent tried and dont plan on it. I shop at the one on Montclair Road alot and there is not a Target near that store so I think its pretty pointless to even try. HTH!
Love your Publix updates! I’m fairly new to the coupon scene, can you tell me – Is there a way to print these online coupons in black & white instead of color ? It always bypasses my default printer settings. Thanks!
Hey Stephanie
Thanks for the link…the P&G easysaver site is loadable Q’s or ecoupons…Publix doesn’t work with any of the ecoupon sites (but I keep hoping they will soon!)
Annie–hmmm….not sure why it is bypassing your default settings?? I can change mine and get them to print in B&W?