Couponing for the Rest of Us

Tutorial ~ A Full Cup

This is a step by step tutorial to help guide you through the process of using a coupon database to search for specific coupons on A Full Cup. 
  Jaime posted some of the basics earlier in the week HERE in case you missed it.  The cat is out of the bag this resource is one of our “secret weapons” for getting insider info. 
1.  Click HERE for link to A Full Cup.  If you haven’t already registered click the circled Join Now, if you are already registered then go to the top right corner to log in.
2.  After you have either registered or logged in move your curser to coupons on the navigation bar as you see above.  Scroll down to the first option, coupon database and click. 

3.  If you are looking for a specific coupon, type the product in the circled box labeled description.  For example, I am searching for a coupon for coca-cola.  I tried coke first and only three coupons were available, so keep in mind the product name when you search. 
Database provides specific details such as:
1. Description of coupon
2. Value of coupon
3. Expiration date
4. Type of Coupon (printable, newspaper insert, etc…)
5.  Category product falls under
 

After clicking ”printable” I was directed to CVS.com to print the coupon.  The coupon link at CVS.com is powered by coupons.com the most popular online printable site.  On the CVS website, the coupons are geared more toward CVS products and are different than the coupons offered on the typical coupons.com.  The same rules apply ~ typically two prints per computer.

This is a scanned in copy of the printed coupon.
We are often asked if there are ever coupons for produce.  Here under product description you can type in either ”produce” or “fresh fruit.”  Personally, I prefer to select all available coupons.  If you wanted to specify printable, blinkie, newspaper insert, etc.. you would indicate that here. 
In this example the product description was left blank intentionally.  Instead, I have selected coupon type “tearpad” to find out what tearpads are available that I may be interested in.  Tearpads can be a gem of a coupon, however they are regional and seemingly few and far between.  It may surprise you so see the number of tearpads available.  Why?  They were not released in our region, ran out before you could get any, were available in a store you don’t shop at, or the tearpad bandits may have swiped the entire tearpad.  Don’t fret, you can keep an eye out since you know what tearpads are available or you can search for specific tearpads ebay.  For details on how to search ebay click HERE.
Hope this helps you.  There are so many incredible resources available on afullcup.com, however it takes time to learn how.  This is the first segment of A Full Cup Tutorials.  Let us know if this has been helpful!

Filed Under: Tutorials
January 16, 2010 by 1 Comment

Internet Printables ~ Where O’ Where are you?

We received an email with a couple of great questions regarding internet printables that we thought others would benefit from. 
1.  “The Publix match up HERE lists a manufacturer internet printable for Ritz Crackers, but when I clicked to print, Save A  Lot came up with coupons, but no Ritz coupons.”
Many grocery stores, such as Save A Lot have manufacturer internet printables on their websites.  When the grocery deals are posted, the link is valid.  BUT the manufacturer may only release 70,000 prints for a particular coupon, for example in this case Ritz crackers.  Once the limit has reached, that coupon is replaced with a new coupon.  We always try to keep all of our links updated but it is virtually impossible for us to know when each coupon reaches its limit.  

2.  “Sometimes when I click HERE to print a coupon from the website, I am directed to a page asking a lot of information such as name, address, and email address etc.  Then, after completing the information I can’t find the coupon.  Where do I find the Dole printable coupon?”

You are right, many manufacturer’s release coupons but ask you for information before you can print the coupons.  Why?  To learn more about you, the consumer, and  to create a database of customers.
2.  “I can’t find the Dole coupon!”

Printing this coupon does require a couple of extra steps that could be intimidating to a newcomer.  As always, our goal is to help you be as successful as possible, therefore we have created a step by step tutorial to print the Dole coupon from the Pulbix & Bi-Lo ad. 



Step 1:  The Dole printable coupon is outlined in the square.  Click print, then follow directions below.

STEP 2:  To print the coupon, you need to play a quick online game.  Enter email address and click submit.

Step 3:  New user – you will be directed to the screen above, complete the information, then submit.  Returning user?  You will be directed to the screen below.
Step 4:  You’ll need to play a quick game before being directed to print the coupon.  This is a manufacturer’s way to inform you on their products.  Click play game.
Step 5:  Play the game by turning over the ornaments to find ones that match.  Even if you don’t win, you will be directed to next page.
Step 5:  No grand prize winner today, but hey, they are offering you a coupon!  See the outlined area above move your curser to “click here for coupon.”
Step 6:  HIP-HIP-HOORAY!  This is a”bricks” coupon.  Click print coupon, then the backspace 3 times to print your second coupon.  First time printing?  You will be asked to download software so that you can print coupons.
*Note:  If after you have installed the bar code printer mentioned above, and it continues to say “Install printer”, Click HERE for suggestions that should resolve that issue.
Thanks for sharing Wanda hopefully this will help.  Please leave a comment if you find that a coupon is not on the link provided.  Also if you are confused you can always leave a comment on the website (at the bottom of post.) and we’ll try and clear it up for you.  As a community of “couponers” we can work together to share information  know between us! 
Filed Under: Tutorials
November 23, 2009 by Leave a Comment

“But I don’t HAVE those coupons!”

I got a comment today from reader Emily, who was feeling frustrated and confused after coming up short, coupon-wise.  Here’s what she had to say:

“I think I’m missing something – I can’t find several of the listed coupons in the Red Plum or SS circulars. For example – I don’t see the Emerald Nuts coupon from 11/8 SS and there have been several others that aren’t in my circulars.  Help!! I’ve just spent an hour going through coupons and have about 3 things to buy at 2 different stores.”

Emily, I know EXACTLY how you are feeling right now.  When I started out, I would get so excited, only to feel deflated when I realized I didn’t have many of the coupons listed.
The reason for this, is that coupons & inserts vary GREATLY depending on how “Big” your paper is.  The bigger the city you live in, the better your coupons will be.  Always buy the biggest paper around you- to make sure you get the best selection of coupons.

*You can see what coupons your city’s paper actually got, right HERE.
 
If that’s not very comforting though, here are some tips to pad your coupon collection:

✮ – Order from Ebay or TheCouponClippers the moment you find something you want/need that you don’t have the coupons for.  In most cases, these will get to you within 3-4 days, plenty of time to use them! (If the items are sold out by then, just grab a raincheck!)

 ✮ – Be vigilant at grocery, gas stations, chain stores, etc.. for coupon books, tearpads and blinkies.  (The other day I scored Nesquik & Coke coupons from a tearpad at the Shell station!)
 

✮ – If you have relatives or friends in large cities, ask them if they would mind mailing you their inserts (or, offer to pay them to buy a couple just for you).  My Papaw loves to cut coupons, but doesn’t do much of his own shopping anymore.  He sends me an envelope of coupons once in awhile, and in return, I send him my best brag-receipts!  It gives him a sense of pride to know that his cheap-ness was passed down to someone in the family….

✮ – Find a local coupon-swap group! What others don’t need (baby coupons, pet coupons) you may find to be a Godsend, and vice-versa!! (If you live in Cleveland, go HERE to get updates on a local coupon group!)

✮ – Sign up for all the coupon booklets and mailers you possibly can!  Even samples usually come with coupons.  Plus, who doesn’t like finding a little freebie in their mailbox a couple times a week?

✮ – Last but not least, print out new coupons as soon as they come available- the good coupons go fast, and they’re often high-value!  We’ll try to keep you abreast of all the best new printables, so you don’t miss out!

Emily, I hope that helps a little- and just remember: Deals come and go, and if you miss out on a few this time, there will be more just around the corner!  Between Bi-Lo, Publix, and the others, there is never a long gap in great bargains!

Filed Under: Tutorials
November 12, 2009 by Leave a Comment

How to Order Coupons On Ebay

How to Order Coupons On Ebay

Ebay is a great source for coupons.  You can purchase assorted coupons in bulk, a particular coupon that you don’t have, or inserts just to name a few.  Since we are all looking for ways to earn more money read below how to earn money back for your ebay purchases. (also over 1,000 other retailer’s)

EBATES

  • Before searching ebay, go to our website to sign up for Ebates.  You will earn money back on every ebay purchase plus receive a $5 bonus for signing up.  Four times a year or more, they will mail you a Big Fat Check, or transfer the money to your PayPal account if you’d prefer. They can even send the money to your favorite charity. All 100% free. (you can earn cash back from 1,000 over 1,000 stores.
  • After you have signed up for ebates type ebay in their search window, then click the ”coupon” link to ebay.  This is how ebates calculates how much money you are earning on your purchases.  If you don’t follow this step you don’t earn money back.

    • SEARCHING EBAY

    • BUYING ASSORTED COUPONS IN BULK – In order to have a variety of coupons when you first start couponing you can order assorted coupons in bulk on ebay.  Simply type in any of the following: grocery coupons, food coupons, or just coupons.  Read the auction carefully in regards to expiration dates, coupon variety, and kind of coupon.  Only purchase coupons from a Sunday Newspaper, don’t purchase internet printables.  It is fairly cheap to buy 100 or more assorted coupons for $2 or $3.  
    • SPECIFIC COUPON – To search a specific coupon type in the item you are looking for.  For example, if you want Crystal Light coupons, then you would type Crystal Light Coupon in the search bar.  This is a great tool if you see the coupon matchups for an item you want but don’t have the coupon for this is a great place to search that coupon.  Remember, coupons are regional.  Even if you have been couponing for a long time, we may not have received the coupon you are looking for in our inserts.
    • COUPONS FOR STOCKPILE/DONATION ITEMS – If you really want to stockpile on an item ebay is a great source to buy a large number of coupons.  For example, when Kelly and I wanted to stock up on cake mix we ordered 60 coupons off ebay for less than 5 dollars to split between the two of us.  Then we each had 30 coupons to us to stock up on cake mix and to buy some to donate to food pantries.  Cake mix is a luxury item that isn’t typically a food pantry staple.      
    • ENTIRE INSERTS - If you haven’t ordered your newspaper subscription yet and miss out on a Sunday, you can order inserts online.  In the search window you could type in any of the following, Red Plum, Smart Source, P&G, Sunday Inserts, Coupon Inserts, or newspaper inserts.  Why so many search options?  Each seller lists their products differently – this gives you several options if you aren’t finding what you are looking for.

    Keep in Mind when ordering off ebay

    1. Check sellers feedback rating.
    2. Read feedback.
    3. Check expiration dates.
    4. Don’t buy internet printables.
    5. Compare prices – look for the best bargain.
    6. Some coupons are state specific – read auction description carefully. 
    7. In doubt or have questions? Email seller and ask.
    Filed Under: Getting Started, Tutorials
    September 7, 2009 by 2 Comments
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