I was reminded by a friend of mine today, that not everyone knows all the terms and acronyms that I use throughout some of my posts, so I thought I would try to compile a list. Please comment here or on any post if there is something else that I missed, and I'll add it to the list. I will possibly add a quick reference guide to one of the sidebars later, too.
General Store Deal Terms:
- FAR = Free after rebate
- QP = Coupon
- OOP= Out of pocket - how much you pay in cash
- GC = Gift Card
- wyb = when you buy
- B1G1 = buy 1 get 1 free
- Overage = you make money on the transaction. Most stores don't allow you to get overage from coupons alone on the sale price, but you can get overage if you are paying for the item with a coupon and then get ECB's, RR's, or a rebate back from the purchase.
Rite Aid:
- +UP Reward - what Rite Aid calls their loyalty coupons that print when you buy select items
Walgreens:
- RR = Register Rewards - a coupon that will print at the register when you purchase a required number of advertised items. For example, last week, I purchased 2 Nabisco cookie items and a gallon of milk (as advertised) and received $3 RR when I paid for my items. These RR's can be used on your next purchase. They usually expire within 2 weeks, and you cannot use them to pay for a purchase where you are buying the same things again (if you want to receive more RR's). For example, I could not use the RR's from the previous example to buy more Nabisco cookies and milk.
CVS
- CVS ECB card = CVS's loyalty card. You need to have one of these to get the advertised savings in their ad.
- ECB = Extra Care Bucks - if you purchase certain advertised items, ECB's will print out when you pay for your order. There is usually a limit on how many items you can purchase for ECB's in a week/month. You can use these ECB's to pay for future purchases at CVS. They usually don't expire for about a month.
- CRT = coupon that prints either at the register on your receipt or at one of the machines in the store that will print coupons when you scan your ECB card
Coupon References:
- RP = Red Plum newspaper insert
- SS (or S) = Smart Source newspaper insert
- P&G = Procter & Gamble newspaper insert
- GM = General Mills newspaper insert
- Tearpad = coupons found throughout a store, most likely near the item
- Blinkie = dispersed from dispensers with blinking lights in the aisles at the grocery stores (mostly Kroger in MI, Dominicks and Jewel in Chicago).
- Printable = coupon that you print yourself on a printer
- Catalina = a coupon that prints out on the catalina machine (a small printer next to the cash register). At Walgreens, this is where the Register Rewards print. But, it can print other coupons too, usually based on the items that you purchased.
How a Coupon is Referenced:
- 8/3 RP (10/26) $1/1 = the coupon is from the 8/3 Red Plum newspaper insert. It expires on 10/26 and it's for a $1 off 1 item.
Anonymous
Thanks for this. I am new to the coupon thing, and although I figured a few out, I have been going "Huh?" alot. LOL
Anonymous
I save ALL the coupons from the Sunday paper, but use hardly any of them. Is there any place I can send these unused coupons?
Corrie at "Cents"able Momma
Hi Anonymous,
Thanks for the question. Troops overseas can use expired coupons for 6 months past the expiration dates at their overseas commissaries. So, the Happy Housewife has organized a program called Coupons for the Troops. Click here (http://www.thehappyhousewife.com/thank-you/) to see the details about the program and where to send you coupons.
Thanks for reading!
FatSingleMom
What are catalina deals? I keep seeing the term everywhere, but no explanation? Is it something specific to stores in a certain region?
Recent blog post: *UGH*
Corrie @ "Cents"able Momma
Hi Fat, Single Mom! Thanks for reading my blog. That's a good question about catalinas. I was surprised that I didn't address them in this post (I have added them now).
A catalina coupon comes for the small printer next to the register. The Walgreens Register Rewards print here. Plus, it can print other coupons...sometimes the coupons print for everyone and sometimes they print based on something that you purchased.
Lecia
I have a question about coupons. I have a B1G1 free coupon on Gillette shampoo. Can I stack that coupon with another coupon, for $2.00 off of 1 bottle of Gillette shampoo?
Corrie @ "Cents"able Momma
Hi Lecia,
I have never tried it myself, because I didn't think it would work. But, I have done some research online, and it appears that it should work. You are only using 1 coupon per item.
Lecia
Thanks so much for looking into it - I'm new to all this couponing. I'll try it out and let you know if it works for me 🙂
Carol
This may seem redundant but I wanted to add "defintions" tip.
Blinkies - are dispursed from dispensers with blinking lights in the aisles at the grocery stores (mostly Kroger in MI, Dominicks and Jewel in Chicago).
Corrie @ "Cents"able Momma
Thanks, Carol! I've added it to my definitions list.
Bree
I have a question,
Rite Aid is going to have Bic razors on sale next week Buy one Get one 50% off.
if I used a B1G1 free coupon....... how much would I have to pay.
thanks. 🙂
jill
when using bother store and manufacturer's coupons, are you supposed to use manufacturer's coupons first and then store coupons or the other way around?
Corrie @ "Cents"able Momma
Jill,
The only store that I know of where it matters about the coupon order is at Walgreens (and that may have changed, since I rarely shop there anymore). You should give manufacturer's coupons first and then Walgreens coupons.
Sherry
I am new to couponing I started collecting the Sunday paper coupons the first of May I don't know when to start using them. Should I wait until the item is 50% off? I have used a few but still spending to much money. Can you give me some advice. Thanks, Sherry
Corrie @ "Cents"able Momma
Sherry - sorry I missed your question earlier. It really depends on the product when you want to use your coupon. You could try to create a price book on the items you purchase most often so you know when it's a good price to stock up. Plus, many blogs like Bargains to Bounty color code the stock up price in their deals so you know when it's a good deal. Hope that helps!
Shanon
I became very ill about six months ago and me and my bf have been going through hard times. I am trying to become a "coupon diva" but I do not have a printer, and it will take me a while. I guess my question is; can I still save the same amount of money on just buying the Sunday paper?
Corrie @ "Cents"able Momma
Shanon - you may not be able to save the same amount of money without printable coupons, but you can still save a good deal of money. It's a little known fact, but you can request some printable coupons in the mail (they're called bricks coupons). Good luck with your saving!
Kelly croslin
Love the site. Very helpful wish I would have had it 20 years ago.
belinda tucker
Thanks...I needed this ....a newbie:)
helen pagola
What does the R mean in the CVS section under softsoap, (SS 08/14/11 R)?
Thanks, Helen
Corrie @ "Cents"able Momma
It means that the coupon may be a regional coupon - either not available in all areas or available in a differing value.