Coupon Stacking – How to Stack Coupons

Coupon StackingThe art of Coupon Stacking – How to stack coupons effectively and get grocery items almost for free!

Coupon clippers are always looking for additional ways to save money, and stacking coupons is another way to save big.

What is Coupon Stacking?
As the term suggests, stacking coupons refers to using a Manufacturer Coupon and a Store Coupon on the same item.

For example, if you have a manufacturer coupon that reads “$1.50 off” and a store coupon that reads “$0.50 off” – than the store will give you $1.50 off.

Stacking coupons allows you to increase your savings and reduce your grocery bills considerably.

There seems to be some confusion, even among the cashiers, between coupon stacking and double coupons. The difference between the two is that while you need only one manufacturer coupon to double coupons, you must have a store coupon on top of the manufacturer coupon for stacking coupons.





O.k., so I’ve got another 50 cents off. Big deal…
Savvy shoppers that combine our Smart Coupon Strategy with coupon stacking can get items almost for free.

For example, when a shampoo bottle that’s normally priced at $3.50 goes on sale for $2.00, you can use a $0.50 manufacturer coupon, stack a $1.00 store coupon on top of it and end up paying 50 cents for that $3.50 shampoo bottle.

Why do grocery stores stack coupons?
Grocery stores allow customers to stack coupons as an incentive to drive traffic into the store. When the store decides to allow coupon stacking, it’s the same as if the store is discounting the item by the face value of the store’s coupon.
The manufacturer will reimburse the grocery store for the face value of the manufacturer coupon, while the store ends up paying for the face value of their store coupon.

Are there any limitations to coupon stacking?
Many grocery stores and drugstores allow this practice with no limitations, while others may have a “one coupon per UPC code” rule. Perhaps the best way to tell what the store policy on stacking coupons is to ask.

What about eCoupons?
These coupons are not common yet, but participating stores will let you stack on top of the already stacked store & manufacturer coupons – tripling you savings!

Any more coupon stacking tips I should know about?

  • Bring along the competitor’s promotional ad if it allows stacking coupons. While some stores may not stack coupons, you may find that they will match the near by competitor’s advertised prices. Take advantage of it if your store does price match. Always carry the advertisements with you as proof of what items and prices you expect them to match.
  • Some stores may also accept the near by competitor’s coupons just to keep your business with them. It’s well worth asking if they do.
  • Be organized at the checkout lane. Put all like items together and have the coupons for them ready. Immediately after the cashier rings these item up, hand him/her both the manufacturer’s and the store’s coupons. That way you can detect immediately if a coupon that should have been stacked rang up correctly. In the event that it didn’t – have the cashier apply the discount manually.
  • Most importantly – always compare prices. Have your Price List ready at hand and compare prices. Buying at a store with everyday low prices can be cheaper than buying at a store with high prices, even if it will stack a $0.50 off coupon.

What about Taxes?
You should be aware that depending on jurisdiction, even if your item is free after coupons, some registers will still ring up the total tax due.

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