How to Coupon, Save

How to Read a Coupon: Anatomy of A Coupon

how to read a coupon

Knowing how to read a coupon is an essential part of couponing. So, here’s a simple breakdown that will help you identify the basics.

1. TYPE OF COUPON

This indicates whether the coupon is manufacturer’s coupon or a store coupon. Sometimes it says it’s a manufacturer’s coupon but there’s no redeeming instruction (see #8) – that means it’s a store coupon.

2. EXPIRATION DATE

You have until midnight to use the coupon on the day it expires.

3. DISCOUNT AMOUNT

The dollar amount that the register will take off when the coupon is scanned.

4. ITEM TO BUY

The picture of the product is NOT important – notice how I didn’t give it a number? You don’t always have to buy the item on the picture.

This area includes the following important information and overrides the product picture on the coupon. 

  • the quantity of the item you need to purchase – if no quantity is stated (sometimes it will say “ANY” then it is assumed as ONE item)
  • specific product covered by the coupon
  • size of the product

5. BARCODE

The cashier scans this. (obviously, hahaha!) All joking aside, the barcode is what the cashier scans to make the redemption flow faster at the register. But sometimes a coupon scans fine at the register even on the wrong product. (Read Glittering Here) It’s actually the verbiage on the coupon #4 that determines what products qualify. So just because the coupon scans at the register doesn’t necessarily mean you used it properly.

6. BARCODE NUMBER

If the barcode doesn’t scan sometimes the cashier (if allowed) will key in this number.

7. RESTRICTIONS AND FINE PRINT

This part is important. Don’t skip this. ALWAYS READ IT!

What’s a transaction?

A transaction is completed when you receive a receipt for the things you purchased. So, one receipt means one transaction.

What’s a purchase?

A qualifying item or items is a purchase. In the coupon example above, it says “Save $1 Off ONE Pantene Styler,” this means you can use this coupon per ONE Pantene Styler product you have in your cart. Per ONE Pantene Styler is a purchase. 

Don’t use TWO coupons on ONE product to save $2.

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