• Coupons.com Coupons: There is a small barcode located under the expiration date. There is a different number for each one printed.
• Smart Source Coupons: On the left side there is a pin number. There is a different pin number for each coupon printed. Some of the Smart Source coupons may have the pin number located around the perimeter.

UPC Codes- All you need to know about this is that The first number (#1 above) of the UPC bar code will either be a “5″ or a “9″. If it starts with the number 5 then it will automatically double (if your store doubles). It will double even if it states, “Do Not Double“. If it starts with the number 9, then it will not double at all.
Numbers in the 10th & 11th place of the barcode (#4 above) represent the dollar amount of the coupon. The only numbers you need to know are when there is a B1G1/BOGO Coupon. B1G1/BOGOs (Buy One Get One Free) are either coded with a “14″ or a “01″. “01″ means that the they will only be attaching to one of the items and you are free to use a dollar off coupon on the other product. “14″ mean that the it attaches to both products so you will NOT be able to use a dollar off coupon with the B1G1/BOGO.

Coupon Wording:

• Only use the coupon how it was intended to be used. If the coupon is for $1/1 off Maxwell House International Delight Coffee, DON’T use it on Maxwell House Regular Coffee. If it states “any Maxwell House Coffee” then you can use it on any of the Maxwell House products.
• Pay attention to the size restrictions on the coupon. If there are no size restrictions or it states “on any”, you can use it for any size in that product including trial or travel size.
• One Per Purchase: This means that you can use one coupon per item purchased. So, if you were buying 3 Bottles of Tide Detergent, you can use (3) $1/1 Tide Coupons.
• One Per Transaction: You will only be able to use 1 coupon even if you purchased more then one of those items in your transaction. There really are not too many of these coupons around.
• The Value of The Coupon: If it states $1/1, you can use it to take $1.00 off 1 product. If it states $1/2, you can use it to take $1 off 2 products. So, for the $1/2 coupon you can only use one for 2 products.

Fraudulent Coupons: If you received a coupon from a friend in your email or spotted one online and you are not sure if it’s legitimate, you can Click here for a List of Fraudulent Coupons
If coupons are being used incorrectly…it may cause stores to adjust their policies.

Thanks LivingRichWithCoupons

I truly love B1G1 or BOGO (But One Get One Free) Deals…there are multiple reasons, here’s why:

1. You getting an item for FREE right from the start which is pretty awesome.
2. You are able to use 2 Coupons to sweeten the deal even more because you are technically purchasing 2 items (the one you are paying for and the one you are getting for FREE).
3. It gets even better if you have a B1G1 or BOGO Coupon and use it with a B1G1 or BOGO Sale because you end up getting both items for FREE (you are already getting 1 for FREE and this coupon gives you the one you were supposed to pay for FREE)….how sweet is that?

This is why I always advise to get your coupons in even numbers…there is a method to my madness…LOL.

So take advantage of the B1G1 or BOGO Deals…I sure do

Internet Coupons are a valuable resource in Couponing. There are a ton of websites that provide Internet Printable Coupons, it is our responsibility to determine whether or not that particular coupon is in fact Legitimate.

If it is coming from a legitimate website such as Coupons.com, Smart Source, Red Plum ,etc. then you really need not worry. However, the ones you may get a link to via the email or one you may find randomly that seems to good to be true should be examined before using it. Here are some things to look for on Legitimate Internet Coupons:

• 2 sets of Linear Bar codes located at the bottom of the coupon: This barcode identifies the manufacturer, the item, and the value of the coupon.
• Usage policy in small print (just like coupons you get from your inserts)
• Expiration date
• Redemption information
• A single 2D barcode at the top right of the coupon: This barcode identifies the ip address the coupon was printed from.
  

Most internet coupon sites will allow you to print two of the same coupon per computer. However, each coupon will have a unique number sequence that is specific to the ip address of your computer.

If you want to check the validity of a coupon, feel free to check out this List of Fraudulent Coupons

Misuse of these sort of coupons is ILLEGAL, as is making photo copies of Internet Coupons. It is a criminal offense that can be investigated and prosecuted by Federal, State or Local law enforcement authorities.

This also negatively impacts us couponers because if Stores lose money on these internet coupons, they may very well stop accepting them or make it very difficult to use them.

There are plenty of great deals to take advantage of… so it really is not worth doing something illegal.

If you have any questions, feel free to comment below or email me.

Thanks WeUseCoupons

I personally LOVE doing Mail In Rebates. Although I am not a fan of having to pay for an item and then waiting for them to send me back my refund, I do love getting stuff for FREE and I really have gotten a ton of FREEBIES because of Mail In Rebates.

If you decide that you like doing them or want to give it a try, here are some tips regarding Mail In Rebates:

1. Be sure you fully understand the rebate requirements. Read all of the fine print and understand exactly what item needs to be purchased, the date you need to purchase and mail by. If you have any questions and or concerns, you should definitely contact them using the contact info. on the rebate form for further clarification.

2. Rebate typically have specific instructions, so make sure you follow those instructions. For example, if it says to circle the item and price be sure to circle them both. If you do not file the rebate exactly per their terms, they could deny your rebate.

3. Be sure to write legibly, that way you can get your Rebate and in a timely fashion.

4. Verify that all of your information is correct and that all of the criteria has been met.

5. Scan or photocopy everything you are submitting. Be sure to include the rebate form (front & back if applicable), the receipt and UPCs. I even make a copy of the envelope so I know where it was sent to. I simply scan the items and keep them in a specific folder on my computer, I don’t want to waste ink or paper printing everything.

6. Keep track of all of your rebates and its information. I simply write down the item, the amount of the refund, how long it should take and when it was sent.

It is important to know the following information (but since I have a copy of the rebate form, if I need this info. I know I can get it)

• Rebate Name and Company Responsible for Rebate
• Purchase Requirements
• Phone number and Mailing Address so you can check on your rebate status. Sometimes there is a website as well.

7. Mail your rebates in on time. You should give yourself an extra day to make sure you item gets postmarked. Most rebates will not be accepted if they are even postmarked one day late.

Do you have any other tips for mail in rebates?