Couponing Basics

What is Coupon Stacking?

You have multiple coupons for the same product, but you can’t use all of them… or can you? While you can’t always use multiple coupons for the same item, you can combine some coupons, and the results are often phenomenal.

Coupon stacking can help you save big. Expert coupon stackers sometimes snag items free of charge. We’ll tell you everything you know to stack coupons like a pro.

What is Coupon Stacking?

When you use multiple coupons on the same item, that is considered coupon stacking. You generally can’t use two like coupons on the same item. However, if you have both a store coupon and a manufacturer’s coupon, you should be able to use both on the same product. That’s because these coupons are put out by different sources.

What Types of Coupons Are There?

Since coupon stacking relies on pairing store and manufacturer’s coupons, it is important for coupon stackers to know how to differentiate between types of coupons. Here are the three types you need to know:

  • Manufacturer’s coupons – You can find manufacturer’s coupons in fliers, on printable coupon websites, on product packaging, and on tear-off pads or blinkies in stores. Manufacturer’s coupons say “manufacturer coupon” and do not usually list a specific store, which makes them easy to tell apart from store coupons.
  • Store coupons – Store coupons are distributed by the store itself. These coupons most often appear in the store’s weekly flyer and usually list that they are only redeemable at that store.
  • Manufacturer’s coupons with store names – Occasionally, a coupon will be labeled “manufacturer coupon” but still list the name of a specific store. This is kind of a gray area. Since they’re technically still manufacturer’s coupons, some stores will accept them regardless of which store’s name appears on the coupon. However, don’t get your heart to set on it since some stores may reject them.

How to Make Coupon Stacking Easier

Coupon stacking can seem complicated, but with a little prep work, it doesn’t need to be hard at all. These tips can help you prepare.

  • Stay organized – Knowing what coupons you have and being able to find them can make stacking coupons more convenient. Organizing your coupons in a way that makes sense to you will make it much easier to find coupons you can stack on the same item.
  • Prepare ahead – If you’re managing a lot of coupons, finding them on the fly can be stressful. You may wish to decide what coupons to use before you go shopping so that you can have everything ready to go.
  • Know store policies – Knowing a store’s policies can make you more confident that you are doing everything above board.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

  • Cashiers may not know store policies – Even if you’re doing everything correctly, some cashiers may try to claim you can only use one coupon per item. Many coupons contain fine print that specifies only one coupon may be used on the item. However, this wording usually means you can only use one manufacturer’s coupon on the product. You should still be able to pair it with a store coupon.
  • Digital coupons may be store coupons or manufacturer’s coupons – Many stores offer digital coupons. Generally, these are a mix of store coupons and manufacturer’s coupons. You may still be able to stack them with printed coupons as long as you don’t try to use two manufacturer’s coupons or two store coupons on the same product.

Have you ever gotten products for free by stacking coupons? Tell us your favorite deals in the comments section below!

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