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Back when I was a novice couponer, I had NO idea that you could get items free using what I would call regular, everyday coupons, i.e., coupons that aren’t marked as getting the item free. Most stores will accept your dollar and cents off coupons on items that are less than the value of the coupon. This happens more frequently than you think if you use a coupon to buy a sample size item or if your store doubles coupons.
For example, you can purchase many Johnson’s sample size items with the $1 off coupons that they frequently have out and receive them for free. You do have to read the fine print on the coupons, because some specifically state the sizes that they’re valid on, but if it’s not stated, samples are fair game!
Better yet, many stores will apply the “overage,” the difference between the value of the coupon and the price of your item, to the balance of your transaction. I never count on this happening, as it can vary from store to store and even cashier to cashier, but it’s always a pleasant surprise when it does happen.
This doesn’t have to apply to just sample sizes. For example, a few weeks ago CVS had Excedrin 24-ct. bottles on sale for $1.99. I printed some $2 off coupons from online and was able to purchase them for free, and in this case the cashier did apply the one-cent difference from each to the rest of my transaction.
This little tip has saved me quite a bit since I learned it, so I love to pass the info on!!!
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi,
I just started paying close attention to the money you can save with coupons. I was wondering if thesites where you can purchase coupons are worthwhile. I would aslo like to know other spots to get coupons online.
Thank You,
Spencer
Hi, Spencer. Coupon clipping services as well as eBay can be useful services for stocking up on coupons in anticipation of a great sale. I think you might find my 5 Great Coupon Resources post very usful. Please let me know if you have any additional questions!
If an item is on a BOGO free sale (example – shampoo) and you have a BOGO free coupon – does that make the entire transaction free?
Also, if you use a BOGO free coupon on something producing ECB’s, do you get ECB’s on both items (if it’s under/no limit), or just the first one?
Cheri, whether or not your entire transaction is free will depend on the store. At some stores you’ll have to buy one and then you’ll receive two items free.
If you’re talking specifically about CVS, their policy is to give both items free. If it happens that the item is generating ECBs, you will earn the ECBs on both items.
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