Read the Fine Print

Coupon Ethics

Coupon ethics is important!When people use coupons unethically, stores change their policies and limit the use of coupons, ruining it for the rest of us! The responsibility for correct coupon usage falls on the consumer. Please make sure you’re following the rules.

Read the Fine Print:

Make sure you are purchasing the size, quantity, type, etc. that the coupon intends for you to purchase.

Often, you will see the phrase “Limit one coupon per purchase.” Some retailers unfortunately tend to interpret this phrase wrong and think that it means you can only use one coupon on your entire order. This phrase, when properly interpreted, means that you can use one manufacturer coupon for each item you purchase. You can’t stack coupons and attempt to use two $1.00 manufacturer coupons on one box of waffles. If you wish to redeem both coupons, you will have to buy two boxes of waffles. Some stores (like Target) will allow you to stack one manufacturer coupon with one store coupon and that is OK.

Check the Expiration Date:

Most stores will not accept coupons past their expiration date simply because they will not be reimbursed by the manufacturer.

Be Aware of Counterfeit Coupons:

There is a PDF coupon for a FREE 1 lb. box of Velveeta Cheese floating around on the internet. That coupon was a scan of a 20-year-old coupon with no expiration date. Using that coupon would mean you were committing coupon fraud! Be cautious of any coupon in PDF version. Some PDF coupons are legit and can be found directly on the manufacturer’s website, just make sure!

Photocopying Coupons:

It is illegal to photocopy ANY coupon! It is because of people photocopying Internet printable coupons that some stores will not accept them. Each Internet coupon has a unique serial number in the upper right hand corner. Once the coupon has been redeemed it is no longer valid!

Returning an Item:

If you return an item that you purchased with a coupon, that coupon must be taken off your return amount. It is not ethical to return an item to make money.

Coupons can be a great tool for savvy consumers like us, but only if they are redeemed properly.