Couponing and Frugal Living in Canada

Brochures - Information brochures about products and/or services may sometimes have discount coupons inside

Calendars - Pharmacy calendars often have tear out coupons in the centre and food calendars may offer coupons too

Checkout Receipts - Coupons can sometimes be found on the back or on the bottom of your sales receipt

Coupon Boards - Some grocery stores and warehouse stores have coupon boards when you enter the store, where you can take the coupons needed for your shopping trip

Coupon Club - Freebies Deals And Rewards offers a FREE coupon club for Canadians

Coupon Dispensers - Smart Source has coupon dispensers that are sometimes referred to as a blink due to having a red flashing light on some dispensers

Coupon Inserts - Found in local and National newspapers, usually on the day the sales flyers are delivered

Coupon Swaps - Local gathering of coupon clippers who trade coupons with one another (can also be considering coupon trading)

Coupon Trades - Refers to online trading of unused or unwanted coupons between couponers or even in-person coupon trading. You may have several coupons you won't use and another person will and they have coupons you will use that they won't

Coupon Trains - A coupon train is an envelope of coupons sent by the train conductor and follows a mail route from one couponer to the next, each taking needed coupons and replacing with coupons of the same value they don't need

Direct Mail - Sign up for the newsletters and mailing lists of the brands you use to be included in any potential mailing opportunity, which may include coupons and samples

Doctors & Dentists Offices - Many health products will provide exclusive offers to professionals to provide their patrons. A dentist office will often have toothpaste coupons, a doctors office often has baby formula offers, eye drop offers and more

Friends and Family - Don't underestimate the help you could get from friends and family who do not use their coupons, ask them to save any they get for you

Flyers - Retailers sometime offer exclusive coupons inside their flyers which are not available on the flyers found inside stores

Hang Tags - Can sometimes be found hanging on products, such as around the neck of a bottle with an elastic tie or even a cardboard hangtag

Inside Product Packaging - Coupons can found inside some products in a cellophane package

Magazines - Coupons can be found printed on the pages, you can also find peel-off or peelie type coupons on advertisements and the magazine may periodically come with the Clip N Save coupon circular

Newspapers - Coupon circulars are distributed through newspapers, generally on the day the flyers come out or in the weekend papers. Plus sometimes you can find a coupon within the pages of the newspaper too

Online - At sites such as Save.ca, GoCoupons.ca, Brandsaver.ca, Websaver.ca, Rightathome.ca, LiveWellSaveWell.ca, LifeMadeDelicious.ca, SmartSource.ca, travel sites, grocery store sites, retailer sites, manufacturer sites and social networking sites (especially Facebook). You can find both printable coupons and mail out coupons online. Plus there are many eBayers who sell coupons if you really desire, but with so many free ones out there, it doesn't make sense to purchase them!

On Product Packaging - A large variety of products have on packaging coupons, including cereal, milk, water, pop, meal kits, etc

Product Feedback - Sometime companies will offer coupons to customers who provide feedback about their products, or even a satisfaction guarantee

Product Sampling Events - Grocery stores and other retailers will have product sampling events where you can taste foods and beverages or demo products and they give you coupons in return

Product Tests - Companies like BzzAgent and other survey companies offer consumers a number of product testing opportunities. You may get a product or a free product coupon to try the product and a number of money saving coupons to share with your friends and family members

Publications - Other than magazines and newspapers, there are many newsletter type publications

Samples - Often samples received through the mail or other methods will come with money saving coupons to save off your next purchase

Shoppers Voice Survey - A Canadian survey company providing coupons as incentive for completing shopping surveys

Tear Pads - Pads of coupons found hanging at product shelves or on product displays that have tear away coupons

Welcome Wagon - If you're new to an area, getting married or having a baby; you can attend a Welcome Wagon party and receive local merchant info, samples and discount coupons

AC - After coupons (referring to the amount paid after coupons were applied)
Addy - Mailing address (usually referred to with coupon trains and coupon trades)
AR - After rebates (could include both instant rebates and mail in rebates)
Blinkie - Coupon dispensers found attached to product shelves, often having a red flashing light, hence the name blinkie
BOGO or B1G1 - Buy One Get One Free (you can use this term in various ways, including B2G1, B4G2, etc
Checkout Coupon - Coupons found on the back or bottom of a cash register receipt
CNS - Clip N Save coupon insert
Coupon Insert - Found in local and national newspapers, including: SmartSource, Shop & Save, Red Plum, Unilever. Also found in magazines, including Clip N Save
CO - Cents off coupon
Envie or Envy - Envelope (usually used when trading coupons or with coupon trains)
EXP - Expiry or Expiration Date
FAR - Free After Rebate
FPC - Free Product Coupon or Full Price Coupon
FWP - Free With Purchase
GDA - Good Deal Alert
GWP - Gift With Purchase
HT or HGT - Hang Tags for refunds or cents off coupons hanging on a product
HV - High Value Coupon
ISO - In Search Of
MFR - Manufacturer (could be used "MFR Rebate")
MIR - Mail In Rebate
NED - No Expiration Date
ONYP - On Your Next Purchase
OOP - Out Of Pocket
P&G - Proctor & Gamble Brandsaver Coupon Insert
Peel-Off or Peelie - Coupons found affixed to magazine pages or on products that you peel off
POP - Proof of Purchase
PP - Purchase Price
Printables - Coupons that be printed online from a manufacturer or store site, through a survey or social networking site
PSA - Prices Starting At
Q - Coupon
RACK or RAOCK - Random Act Of Coupon Kindness
RC - Raincheck
RLF - Really Looking For
RP - Red Plum Coupon Insert
SM or SMP - Specially Marked Packages
SS - SmartSource Coupon Insert
Stacking - This is when stores allow you to use more than one coupon per purchase, you may stack a store coupon and manufacturer coupon or you may just stack manufacturer coupons
Tear Pad - A pad of coupons or rebate forms found hanging from a store shelf or display
TL - Trade List (of coupons)
TMF - Try Me Free Coupon
UNI - Unilever Coupon Insert
UPC - Universal Product Code (the barcode on products, usually required to be mailed with mail in rebate offers
WL - Wish List (of coupons)
WQL - While Quantities Last
WSL - While Supplies Last
WYB or WUB - When You Buy
YMMV - Your Mileage May Vary, this may be used if a deal is found at a particular store but the same deal may not be offered at your local store

What is "Coupon Stacking?"

Coupon Stacking is when you use more than one money saving coupon for an item being purchased. Only select stores and provinces will allow you to coupon stack. It is always best to confirm with your store manager first before attempting to coupon stack.

Guidelines for Coupon Stacking

1. Coupons that you're stacking MUST be for the same item, size, brand, type, model, etc.
2. Coupons must have DIFFERENT bar codes in order to make them stackable.
3. If the coupons states, "Use of more than one manufacturer coupon is strictly prohibited" they CANNOT be stacked.
4. Some stores will NOT allow you to stack coupons which state "Not valid with any other coupon offer." Make sure you check with the stores you wish to stack coupons at for their specific coupon stacking policy.
5. Coupons must be valid in Canada with a Canadian redemption address.

Organizing your Coupon Stacking Shopping Trip

1. Use a separate coupon organizer for your coupon stacks.
2. Make your shopping list a specify the items with coupons and multiple coupons for your coupon stacks.
3. Bring the store Coupon Acceptance Policy with you and confirm with customer service about the stores policy BEFORE you shop! With couponing becoming more popular and more widely used, coupon policies are changing more and more frequently. These are NOT guarantees, but they are guidelines the stores follow.
4. Sort items in your cart by coupon stacks, coupons and price matches so they are easier to identify during the checkout process.
5. On the conveyor belt separate regular purchases from coupon purchases, price matches and coupon stacks.

Coupons Combination's That You Can Stack:

~ Buy One Get One Free Coupon + Dollars or Cents Off Coupon (s)
~ Save $5 when you buy 3 "Specific Brand Products" Coupon + Dollars or Cents off Coupon(s)
~ Save $2 when you buy 2 + 2 or more Save $1 when you buy 1 Coupons
~ Use 2 or more Dollars or Cents Off 1 Product With Different Bar Codes Coupons
~ There are many coupon stacking scenarios, just make sure you read the fine print of the coupon carefully. Can it be used for travel sizes? Do you know which "brands" are covered under a manufacturer name?

Tips to Ensure a Smooth Price Match

1. Gather all applicable sales flyers, a pen or marker and your shopping list pad/paper/iphone app.

2. Circle all of the items in the competitor flyers that you plan to match at your desired store and make your shopping list. You must bring the competitors flyer with the advertised price to get the price match, but it also helps if you circle the item beforehand using a highlighter so you can easily find it at the checkout. I also use the paper clips on the price matched pages.

3. Make a notation on your flyer or shopping list of the matches you intend to do. Before you ask for a price match, remember that you must ask the store to match the exact same item and model number. The advertised items in the sales flyer usually states the size and type. Competitor stores can only price match the EXACT advertised item, so be careful with items that are marked "selected types and sizes" in the flyers.

4. Know your stores' policy and read all of the fine print ahead of time.

5. Separate your price matched items from your regular store purchases on the checkout conveyor belt.

6. Armed with your competitor sales flyers, always tell the cashier that you are price matching items and show proof of the price from the competitor flyers that you bring with you. Some stores like Zellers may cut ads from your flyers to attach to their sales records. if you have multiple stores to match at, make Zellers your last stop!

7. Have fun saving money!

What is a Rain Check or Rain Cheque?

A rain check is a slip of paper or computer printout which allows you to purchase an out of stock item at a later date for the same price. The rain check has various information such as date of visit, some have expiry dates and some do not, the size of item, description of item, style of item, how many you wish to purchase, the sale or advertised price, the store location, etc. The amount of information can vary by store.

Do all store chains offer rain checks?

No! Rain checks are not offered by every retailer, however, it doesn't hurt to ask if an item on your list has sold out.

How long are rain checks good for?

Most stores offer a 30 day rain check policy, however, stores like Wal-Mart offer no expiry on their rain checks issued. Check with your local stores and on your rain check slips for specific details.

Can I only redeem the rain check at the location it was issued?

Most stores only offer redemption at the location in which the rain check was issued. However, Canadian Tire is the exception. You can redeem a Canadian Tire rain check at any of their retail locations.

Which Stores in Canada Issue Rain Checks

Canadian Tire
Foodland
Home Hardware
London Drugs
Safeway
Shoppers Drug Mart
Superstore
Wal-Mart
Zehrs
Zellers

Remember it never hurts to ask your store if they offer rain checks on out of stock items, even if it's not listed above!

There are many places for people to look for free samples and other freebies in the online community and out in the real world! We're going to look at the various places where we've scored free stuff!

FINDING FREEBIES ONLINE - Where to Look

* Participate in Freebies Deals And Rewards' Free Stuff Friday promotion: every Friday various free samples are offered to FDR forum members to request by simply answering a quick poll question.

* Check Corporate web sites often for special offers and promotions: many companies advertise their special offers, coupons, free stuff and promotions on their web site. Visit their sites often for new offers that are added.

* Facebook: Fan or Like the pages of the products you use or want to try, many companies use Facebook as a tool to promote their products and host giveaways and other fan promotions.

* Use keywords to search for free stuff within different search engines: Use a variety of keywords and phrases, for example: samples, special offer, promotion, free sample, free coupon and free trial. You can even search more product specific such as free makeup, free toothpaste and free food. Try different searches to see what you can find.

* Join mailing lists at companies you purchase products from: some companies will send out samples, free product coupons, or cents off coupons if you belong to their mailing list. Many companies are now offering online newsletters to replace the older admail method in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint and reduce their overall operating costs.

* Free Movie Screenings: sites like Fox Searchlight and The Cinema Studies Student Union offer the opportunity to see movie screenings for free.

* Sign up for newsletters at your favorite products: manufacturers will often send out special promotions to newsletter subscribers for free product coupons or the actual products. These offers generally only accept a limited amount of people, so keep on top of your emails.

* Join a Freecycle network: freecycling is recycling to the next level. Advertise your unwanted items or search for something you need within a local freecycle group at www.freecycle.org and save it from going to landfill. The list of items you could find are endless: clothes, toys, beauty products, movies, games, books, shipping supplies, stationery and so much more.

* Surveys: complete surveys for compensation such as a product test, a gift certificate or a cash reward. Clinical research facilities have compensated studies if you're eager enough to try a new medication. There are lots of companies which offer online surveys and pay you for your time. You can also find product testing facilities where you try products, complete surveys and receive money for your time.

* Craigslist and Kijiji: offer free stuff listings as well. Beware though because there are some offers which are just spam.

FINDING FREEBIES OFFLINE - Where to Look

* Listen to the radio: there's tons of free stuff given away daily on most major radio networks. Free stuff ranges all over the board including: cash, sports tickets, concert tickets, food, CD's, movie passes, DVD's, meet and greet celebrity events, vacation packages, spa experiences, facials, manicures, pedicures, gift cards and the list goes on and on as each station has a variety of sponsors who donate gift giveaways.

* Check the SmartSource/Red Plum/P&G Brandsaver Coupons Clipper Flyers: on occasion they will offer a free product coupon or a buy one product and get the second product free.

* Ask when making purchases: ask the places where you shop if there is any free today with purchase or special offers.

* Birthday offers: Restaurants, other food places and various companies sometimes offer free items if it's your birthday. Don't be afraid to ask places if they offer the 'birthday gal or guy' something special for their birthday. Many venues will ask for proof of birth, so make sure you have identification.

* Watch newspaper and magazine advertisements: reading can have its rewards. Companies often advertise to targeted demographics offering free products through a printed ad. Sometimes the free stuff is in the form of an FPC (free product coupon), other times they direct you to call-in or fill out an online form.

* Listen to television commercials: although this type of advertising for freebies is less common these days, there are companies still using this approach.

* Read literature at your medical professional's office: companies which are associated with health care issues will often advertise to patients visiting a medical care facility. They leave pamphlets, postcards, booklets, mini magazines, samples with coupons and brochures.

* Ask medical professional's for samples: if they recommend a medicine or other health product, ask if they have a sample for you to try. Sometimes pharmaceutical companies give general practioners, specialists, dentists and other medical professionals new product lines for patients to sample.

* At Exhibitions, Trade shows, Consumer shows and Grand Openings: freebie hunters will find free stuff offered at an array of different consumer and trade show events. Keep in mind that many of these shows charge an entry fee; so make sure you check online or in local newspapers for free or discounted entry. Some examples include: Truck shows, Bridal shows, Pet shows, Canadian National Exhibition, Pacific National Exhibition, Rotary events, Food expos and more. Also many grand opening events or anniversary events for stores, banks, malls, restaurants, coffee shops and more offer free goodies to entice people to attend.

* Watch for BOGO deals when making your regular purchases: this type of freebie is not entirely free but if you're making the purchase anyways then it helps put money back into your pocket.

* Libraries: they often offer workshops, books club readings, children's shows, computer education and training and other free events locally. Be sure to check your local library's current or special events on their website or inside the library on a community board.

* Museums and Galleries: larger cities often have museums and galleries which offer free admission on specific days or for specific events. Plus there are a number of events like Nuit Blanche and Doors Open which allows members of the community to take advantage of free admission to exhibits and museums.

* Subway and Street Giveaways: In Toronto and other large Canadian cities, commuters will often find people handing out free stuff. You'll find them on the streets, in the malls, in the subway stations, at Nathan Phillips Square; just keep your eyes peeled. You can find free food, free drinks, free samples, coupons, trials and so much more.

* Shopping Malls: here's another place to find deals, contests, sales, giveaways, events and other stuff happening. During holidays many malls have free giveaways, free photos, free gifts with purchase and more.

* Grand Opening or Birthday/Anniversary Events: this is a great time to get free stuff! Often new stores or re-opened stores will have great sales, free giveaways, contests, free refreshments and/or food and more to celebrate the grand opening or grand re-opening. Plus birthday and anniversary celebrations are starting to see more goodies for customers.

* Scanning Code Of Practice at participating retailers: If the scanned price of a non-price ticketed item is higher than the shelf price or any other displayed price, the customer is entitled to receive the first item free, up to a $10 maximum.