Understanding the Coupon Language!

When you start couponing, the whole "language" and abbreviations and such can just seem EXTREMELY overwhelming! The trick to couponing is understanding the language that is used. Just like everything else in life, there are a set of small print rules at the bottom of each coupon. These small printed rules are the guidelines that are supposed to be followed when it comes to using that certain coupon.

ONE COUPON PER PuRCHASE
This means you can only use ONE coupon per item that you purchase. For example, I have 2 coupons that are for $.50 off ONE bag M&Ms. I plan on buying 2 M&Ms. So ONE coupon can go towards ONE bag.. and the other towards the other. You Can NOT use 2 coupons for 1 bag of M&Ms! ;)

ONE COUPON PER TRANSACTION
This means you can only use a coupon each time you make a transaction. Example, I have 2 coupons that say.. ONE COUPON PER TRANSACTION for $.50 off a bag of M&Ms. I plan on purchasing 2 bags. I would have to split these purchases up because I can only use ONE of these coupons per my transaction.

ONE COUPON PER VISIT
This is SUPPOSED to mean, that you can only use ONE coupon each time you enter the store. Anotherwards.. I have 2 coupons for $.50 off a bag of M&Ms that states ONE COUPON PER VISIT. I WANT to purchase 2 bags. So I would have to make a purchase using 1 of the coupons and then walk out of the store..come back in and make another perchase with the remaining coupon!

ONE PER CUSTOMER
Pretty simple! You can only use ONE coupon PER customer. You can split the transactions...but you can not use anymore than ONE coupon per customer per purchase!

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE
This means you buy one at a certain price and then the other item free. However.. These coupons typically have a certain amount listed  ("Not To Exceed..) Example--I have a coupon for Buy One Bag of M&Ms get one FREE! Then it lists a "Not to Exceed" price of $.69. So This means I can purchase 2 bags of M&Ms--where Ill buy one at $.69 and get the other bag "free!"

Matching B1G1 FREE with a B1G1 Free Sale!
You can use your B1G1 Free with B1G1 sales! Typically the store will take the item and cut it in half so the each individual item wil ring up at its own price..FOR EXAMPLE--Just 6 Dog Treats were on sale at Bi Lo not too long ago for B1G1 Free! I had a coupon to B1G1 Free! The price was.. you buy 2 at $3.59. Instead  the items rang up individually for $1.79. SOO0 I was able to score 2 bags of treats after my B1G1 coupon for $1.79 OR $.89 EACH! ;)

These are a few more abbreviations that will help you when reading my blog as well as other people's!

OOP= Out Of PocketMF or MQ= Manufacturer's Coupon
MS= Manager Special
BIGI= Buy 1 Get 1 Free
WYB= When You Buy
OYNO=Off your next order
FAR= Free After Rebate
RR= Walgreens Register Rewards
EB or EBC= CVS Extra Buck or Extra Care Buck
Catalina= A coupon that looks like a reciept! ;) Its printed off at the registers.. usually found in Grocery stores.. WALMART DOES NOT DO CATALINA coupons! 
Blinkies= Those little tiny machines found on aisles..typically grocery aisles! They have a little red blinking light and spit out coupons for feature prodcuts
Peelies= Coupons that you peel off packages! For good Coupon Karma sake.. DO NOT peel off peelies on items you have not brought! That is just wrong on so many levels!

I hope this helps everybody a little! If you have questions PLEASE feel free to ask me!