Feb
15
Print PostRegister to use Hip2Save Hip List!
"Follow Me Monday" Couponing for Newbies!
This Hip2Save.com Deal was hand-posted on Monday, February 15th, 2010 at 1:30 pm.
It’s Monday and what does that mean? It’s time for another “Follow Me Monday” video! Today’s video is for all you couponing newbies. I know I have lots of new readers that are just starting out in the crazy couponing world… which can be pretty confusing in the beginning. This video goes over some coupon basics and tips. If you’ve been couponing for awhile, this video probably won’t be too interesting, but I’m hoping it will be helpful to some of you.
Enjoy!
**If you can’t see the video, then go here to watch it.
Still Confused?
Make sure to check out my Couponing 101 posts:
Coupon Basics, Tips, & More
My Top 10 Couponing Tips
Coupon Organization
Where to Find Coupons
Video: 5 big houses for under $400,000
Anonymous says:
Great tips for us newbies!
am says:
Good job!!!! Now if only we had written policies for each store…..can you imagine how much easier our lives would be!!! When the cashier says “no”, just whip out the corporate policy……maybe one day
Kathleen says:
I have been “couponing” for about a year now. Thanks to your blog I have learned a LOT. Watching the video just made me realize how MUCH I have learned form you Collin. Thank you for helping me and my family save money! I hope you show your friend how to make a coupon binder. That thing is a lifesaver! I made one after seeing yours and it is SO much better than the wallet I was using.
Kim says:
Great video again!! Thank you.
I was wondering if you could do a post or video about how to handle it when a cashier wont take your coupon and you know your right. Ie: Target wont let me use the Cherrios coupons on the bowls. How would I prove to them (without making a huge scene lol) that its ok to use it? Not, that I would ever want to see you in an arguement with a cashier and/or manager but I would love to know how you get them to take it.
Thanks
Kim says:
Oh, and I did whip out the policy…….still nothing. Then I was getting embarrassed arguing and gave up.
alison says:
our target has given me issues too, it’s sad to say (because I really love target) but I only get the things that won’t bring up questions because I got tired of dealing with it.
I don’t even use my coupons that beep, like for sample stuff. Our CVS has just as good sample section.
Bev says:
Here’s how I handled it at Walmart. (Not that it would work everywhere!) I had a BOGO free coupon and a $1/1 for Soft Scrub. I was buying two Soft Scrubs, so I can use both. Well, the cashier told me I couldn’t use both, so I said “Fine, I’ll just purchase them at Target.” Her response was, “Well, okay then. I’ll just enter it manually.” And. she. did.
SaraJC says:
Your lucky because there have been times where the cashier just wont care and be like
” Ok, here’s your coupons “. lol
Anon says:
I am at work and can’t watch the video right now. Been couponing since last Oct but am still learning. Thought I write and ask you what is “Catalina” and how is it used or where can it be applied? I have heard it many times over but don’t know what it is. Please help! Thank you…..
an says:
A Catalina is a coupon you get from a special Catalina machine next to the register (look over there sometime, especially at the self check outs if you want to see what it looks like). When you buy a certain product, or certain $$ amount of a product, you can get a Catalina. Its a promotion, so they don’t print out all the time. For example, right now there is a Pillsbury promotion going on. Pillsbury has issued Catalina coupons if you buy a certain $$ amount or certain number of products. When you buy that amount, you get a coupon for a certain value off your future shopping trip. So, a couple of weeks ago, I bought like 6 rolls of biscuits at Fred Meyer. Then, I got a Catalina for, I think $4 off my next purchase. I then went back into the store and bought other things we needed. Yesterday I got a $2 Catalina for purchasing 20 Yoplait yogurts at Safeway. Does that make sense? Oh! And its only certain stores I think, so if only grocery stores are running the Cat, you may not be able to go to say, Walmart and do the same deal to get the Cat.
Not sure if the Cat’s can be used at other stores than where you got them though…
Gina says:
Hey,
I was talking to my cousin and her boyfriend who both work at wags (she works in the pharmacy, he is the manager) and they said that walgreens ‘has to take the coupon’ coupon meaning catalina despite if it is a wags or another grocery store catalina. They both said that if the register accepts it then they have to accept it. Too bad that my cousin doesn’t work in town, think of the awsome cashier that I could have!!
Anon says:
Thanks for the tip on the Cat’s. How do you know though when there is a Cat on a product? Will it have signs on the shelves or you just have to try it out at the cashier. One thing I am a little confused about it, if I have a Cat say like Albertson’s, can I use the Cat’s for say Smith’s? I really do appreciate this and am starting to understand more about Cat’s.
alison says:
for the stores that adjust “down” the coupon, for example like her dove deo she got for 1.49 with a 2.00 coupon, if CVS adjust it down to 1.49 do they still get reimbursed the $2 from the manufacturer….just curious because if so they actually make money off couponers!
JodiSue1 says:
Hey Alison-
I just had the adjusting down problem at CVS and corporate told me that whatever the price is for the product, regardless of how much the coupon is for, they get reimbursed that price. So, I bought the Dove deoderant for $1.29, had a $2 off coupon (that they didn’t want to honor) and CVS gets $1.29 back from the mfg. I’m tired of the bullies in these darn stores!!!
Felicia says:
How do they know what the price is? Especially since prices change and the products go on sale. Do they have some kind of link to the actual price/item the coupon was used for?
Tracee says:
I think that the cashiers are just mad because you are getting it free. They don’t understand it so they don’t like it. I went to a walgreens one time and the cashier tried to tell me I could not use one of my coupons and I told her to get a mgr and she was like fine I will put it through. She was just mad because I had about 30.00 worth the stuff and only paid 5.00.
Emma says:
I was so excited by the overage from the dove only to hav my CVS adjust down the coupon =[…i’ve never really tried getting overage before..wat r other stores policies like? do they beep when the register senses overage also?
Coupon Pro says:
great vid.
Olivia says:
Thanks Collin for this video! It was great. I am a newbie, so it came in handy.
an says:
I am sooooo glad you said something about maufacturers WANTING you to get hooked on a product!! I have said this over and over again. Especially when a store gives me trouble about getting a product for free. Like the Target employee who snickered, then snottily replied “Do you think when they issue this coupon, they expect people to buy the travel size?” I just said “I don’t know”. But was thinking to myself, “OF COURSE THEY DO!!” Thanks for putting that out there!!
haidy says:
So Collin, you have worked a lot on the bending part:)
Great JOB
Love you dear
tiffinpa says:
I was just thinking the same thing! Way to go!! Great video for those just starting out with couponing. You did great. Regarding the trouble some are having at Target: Call Target corporate. I’ve called them several times, specifically regarding the cereal bowls too. They told me I could use the q’s on that and if there is ever a problem/question again during checkout to kindly ask the cashier to suspend the transaction, step aside and call Corporate from the store. They are very nice and will handle the situation very fast.
Anabel says:
Thanks for all of your help Collin! I too don’t have babies anymore but there’s always those baby shower gifts you need to buy, so if you see a good deal just keep it in your closet for example this weekend I bought Huggies pambers on for 2.99 for 2 different baby showers and I’d rather buy them now at 2.99 than at 8.99 the price I will eventually end up paying later, when they are not on sale.
Anabel says:
I can’t even spell pampers anymore!
Anon says:
Anon says you did a good job! Spelling “pampers”, that is, just need to capitalize
Sara Newton says:
Thanks Collin! You’re awesome and seriously, you always make me smile when I watch your videos. Keep it up!
Erica DeStio says:
Thanks to you I have been saving around $100 on groceries every week and stocking up on some things. I am noticing new ways to use coupons all the time and getting better! I have been using coupons for about a year now I think.
robyn says:
i can’t watch it very well. every two second it stops and starts scrolling. anything special i should do? i have never had this problem before. thanks
Anon says:
I have been having this problem too the last couple of videos, since the Tampa ones….I now go to YouTube (where Collin says under the video, “if you can’t see it, go here…) Click on that and when you get to YouTube, you shouldn’t have any trouble seeing it.
Felicia says:
You can also click play, then hit pause – leave the page open and go do something else. Give it some time to load. Then hit play – works for me!
Pam says:
No one has mentioned the LEMON!!! How cute!!! Video was informing, thanks!!
kelly says:
Hi Collin! I am new to the coupon world and LOVE your videos…you are too funny! I live in CA and have a 4 month old son. I dont work so I feel like this is my way of contributing financially to the family. THank you for all of your tips. I think your blog is by far one of the BEST. You make it easy and fun.
Valerie says:
Hi Collin, Just Love All Your Tips! I just wanted to make a comment regarding the last part of your “Following Me Monday” video. I went to Babies-R-Us in Orland Park, Illinois on 2/13/10 and the Terra chips there were $3.99 each – with a sale stating “Buy 2 – Save $2″. I also used 2 of the $1 coupons you suggested. But unfortunately these were not free, I still paid $4 for 2 bags. Is $2 a bag a decent price? My kids wanted to try them, so I bought them anyway.
Anon says:
I think you did good. You got them for 1/2 price, to me that’s a decent savings.
Sheila says:
I don’t think it’s a great price if you thought you would get them free and you paid $4 on something you might not have bought. HOWEVER, if you would actually buy this product, then $2 a bag is decent. I have had to stop myself from “settling” on deals where they don’t work out how I wanted them to. I have even had cashiers tell me, “See, you’re still getting a great deal” (Yeah, but great for you might be different than great for me) So it’s really up to you on if it’s a great deal or not.
Stephanie says:
Hey Valerie,
Great to see a fellow couponer not to far away! I’m about 40 mins south of Orland Park.
Adrimom says:
I’m about a half hour from Orland Park and was excited to see someone from the area, too! : )
Valerie says:
Hello, 1 more fact I just found out about regarding Toys-R-Us versus Babies-R-Us. When I was at Babies-R-Us getting the Terra Chips, they told me that only Babies-R-Us will accept printed coupons from the internet. So, check your area first, because in my case, the Orland Park, Illinois Toys-R-Us does not accept internet printed coupons.
Sara says:
My Babies R Us did the same thing… however, in their add it states what Collin posted. 2/$2 and they had to adjust the price for me… I then used the coupon and got them for free. They did not change their sign to match their add though! The cashier totally did not believe me and I thought it was funny when she pulled out the add and I pointed to the 2/$2 right in front of her. She wasn’t very nice!
Valerie says:
Ahha, so it was a misprint in their sales ad. When the item scans it comes up as $3.99.
Too bad I didn’t think to ask the cashier to check the ad for me. I’ll remember that tip for next time… : )
Kristyn Jones says:
If feel your pain. I went to Babies-r-us on Sunday to get my free chips. When the cashier rang them up they came to $2.99 per bag. I told her that when I price checked them in the store it was showing 2/$2. They declined & I asked for my coupons back, & left. They were talking about me leaving my 4 bags of chips behind, but I didn’t care b/c I wanted free chips not $3 per bag chips.
Shannon says:
Quick question and VERY off topic:
Wasn’t there a link for a $3.00 off Q for disney/pixar movie to be used with the Target deal this week?!?!??! So you could get Up or Monsters Inc. for $6?
Anyone??
Annon says:
Glad the lemon has made another appearance. I have been using coupons for years, but have learned so much from this site & reading the comments. I have never thougth of the travel sizes until H2S.
Erin says:
love this!!!! I just bought a boatload of huggies wipes coupons on ebay because I thought they were on sale at Wags and they aren’t : ( Wags has that coup of theirs and I wanted to stack. Booooo. But this made me smile!
Carlene says:
Collin thanks as usual! Great points and wonderful smiles!
Laurie Bell McLean says:
Same here, Valerie!! I can’t believe Terra chips are normally 3.99!!! I was hoping to get them free, but I just paid the $4. Probably won’t get them again unless they are free, though.
Valerie says:
Well my 6 and 12 year old tried the Terra Chips today. Although they are edible and definitely not THAT BAD, they do take a little getting used to. They are thicker and harder to bite. You can definitely taste vegetable when you eat them. That’s OK. We’ll just give them to hubby in his lunch… : )
supermompdsc says:
You have the BEST videos…thanks for all your hard work. I just came home from Target (which I do love) but that $5- promotion gift card thing about drove me to drink. At our Target, you can’t scan the item to see if it is part of the promotion. The cashiers can’t even tell until all 5 products are put in…UGH! By this time, there was a line of angry looking customers behind me. They have to figure out a better system. On a side note at my Target, Keebler cookies are only $1.52 each (buy 5 and get $5 target card.) Pretty good if you have coupons on top of that:)
Deborah Stanford says:
Our Target also does not have the new scanners so you cannot tell if you are getting a $5.00 card. But I usually print what I need to get from Collins Blog to make sure I am getting the exact size. This has helped alot. Also just a tip. My friend and I always go to Target together. We live an hour away so make this a day of shopping. I love couponing but I feel terrible when lots of people are behind me just waiting and waiting. So My friend always gets behind me in line and then when I am done paying I get back behind her in line just so others think the line is long and go to another register. heheheh
Jane says:
Cute idea to get behind each other. I hate to take up so much time, as well. I read once to peak into the cart behind you and see if you have a coupon for something they are going to buy and offer it to them for the inconvience of waiting. See them smile then….! I also make conversation with the checker and thank him/her for being patient with all of my coupons. I tell them that “sometimes the checkers aren’t very friendly about my coupons, but sure appreciate their help and patience.” Usually works.
kim says:
Loved the video! I am a couponer in training! Very helpful!
Alicia says:
Hey Everyone, I just wanted to give someone a chance to use my $5 off a purchase at Toys R Us. I won’t be using it and I don’t it to expire! Email me and I can forward it to you! It’s completely valid, it’s from joining them on Facebook. I’m just spreading the coupon love! It’s $5 you can’t let that expire!! Right now you can get some great deals with their BOGO going on! Alynn1425@hotmail.com
Heather says:
Thanks for that video! I love watching all of the videos you put up! Love it when newbies are introduced to couponing for the first time. The looks on their faces at check out are oh so priceless, literally, LOL! Thanks!
Heather
Angie Hochstedler says:
WOOOOOHOOOOO! That was great! Ok, you are getting better and better! Again, I am seeing an academy award for best new reality show!! Yeah!!
Kadie says:
Hey Everyone!
I seen in the video that Collin taked a tad bit about expired coupons.. If you clip to many etc.. Well I posted a link on Blog about what to with expired or extra coupons.. Which is to send them to military Families overseas. They can use the coupon up to six months after the expiration date please see my post at http://www.couponkadie.blogspot.com Thanks! And thanks Collin for all your awsome hard work!
Cathy says:
Collin,
I couldn’t get any of the links at the bottom of your post to work. They all say “page not found, error 404.”
Kim says:
I was gonna say…WHERE did you find the Terra Chips because I looked everywhere for them this weekend! So glad they actually weren’t there and I didn’t just miss it!
Anonymous says:
Another great video!! Collin just a thought but I would love to see a video on storing merchandise after buying. My stockpile is growing and starting to get a little scary. Wondering if people would be willing to share pictures, tips and hints on organizing our stockpiles. Just an idea, thanks for all you do to help me save money for my family!!
tammy says:
love this idea!
Kristy Frederick Crowl says:
I also would love ideas on stockpiling
2jacksandapair says:
How do you find the time? I have three children, three years and under. I hardly have the time to make it to the grocery store. I would really love to be good at this. I am also a stay at home mom and feel like this is a way to help contribute financially to my family. Maybe it will get easier, but I don’t know if I have the time to put in to find the deals, print the coupons, make the list of deals, stores, what we need and get to the store. I also currently live in a small town. The only stores we have are Walmart and Walgreens. I get to Target occasionally. I would love any suggestions/advice.
Kim says:
I am in the same situation! I find it to be very time consuming…plus, I’m just not good at it yet!
Stephanie says:
Totally off topic, but I live in Tallahassee, FL and was wondering if anyone else who might live here knows any stores around here that double coupons?? I think K-Mart does, but only a few times a year. Any info? Thanks!
Theresa says:
I am in Tallahassee too— well Crawfordville— but I haven’t heard of any stores around here that double coupons
Misty says:
Hey, Im in Thomasville so not far away…IF there is a Harvey’s Supermarket there they may double up to 50 cent…Or a Fred’s store..Maybe this will help…
Rachel Francis says:
I live in Valdosta and didnt know that Harvey’s doubles.
cheryl says:
lemon??
Wendy says:
In the middle of the video, Collin balances a lemon on her head – reference to the lemon water controversy, IMO
Anonymous says:
It’s like “Where’s Waldo?” but now it’s “Where’s Lemons?” I spied a lemon on your head….a lemon in the clearance basket…did I miss one??? I love it!!!
Aedd says:
I have a question about coupons found online, how do you know how many you can print per computer?
midcountymomma says:
usually two per computer…hope this helps!
Deborah Stanford says:
I loved the tip about Babies r us. I had no idea they had cleaning supplies and stuff. You should think about doing a THINK OUT OF THE BOX VIDEO. I would love to hear your ideas. I read about making money buying bayer contour machines at Walgreens but dont get it. Help!
JodiSue1 says:
Great video Collin! Did I miss the lemon this time? So, I had to go to CVS today for some things, and I saw that you used the Dove deoderant coupon ($2.00) on the travel size so I thought I would do the same. Well, when the manager was checking me out, she nearly ripped my head off when I tried to use the coupon! She told me it is not their policy to price adjust down and I told her I’ve done it plenty of times and that it’s never been a problem. She went on to lecture me like I was 5 years old and said she would do it this one time but NEVER again! Of course I went home and called CVS Corporate to verify what their policy was, and the girl I spoke with said it is absolutely their policy to price adjust in that situation and that it always has been that way. I went on to give this nice woman the store number and the managers name so she could correct the problem. I have to say it felt so good to be right! Woo hoo!
Anonymous says:
Off topic but I have a ? I have never shopped at cvs…but I am going to start…when you get the ecbs do they print out per deal or all together? For example if you did the cover girl deal and the crest deal (5 ecbs for cover girl and 3.50 crest) would it print out as 8.50 ecbs? I know you should probably buy the crest and then roll the ecbs into cover girl, but I was just courious about this.
Wendy says:
I would separate my purchase so I wouldn’t have to lug around my extra bucks. Sometimes they print quarterly, though.
Anonymous says:
What do you mean they print quarterly?
jaime says:
Ecbs printing quarterly means on purchases you get % back quarterly. these print up at the enf of each quarter of the year and are given to you as extra bucks.
Jen says:
If they are seperate deals, as you have listed, they will print out seperately. However, if you do two of the same deal (if the limit is great than 1) then they will print out together. For example, if the limit on the crest deal was 2 and you bought two crest in one transaction, you would get a $7 ecb. Hope that helps.
Anonymous says:
Thanks so much for the info. I have also seen other sites talk about green tags you buy, how does this work? Do you buy a reusable bag and buy a tag?
Wendy says:
Thanks for yet another funny video!
Your videographer should be commended despite the ‘extra FOOTage’! You guys have a lot of fun and it shows! You make it easy to understand because it is like you are having a conversation.
I have to tell my husband I am not the only dork with a binder of coupons!
<3 the lemon reference, too
Sara says:
Hi Collin!
Thanks for all your help!! I have learned so much. Just bought the Renpure products you showed in video that said “try me free”. My question for you is that it does not state ANYWHERE on the rebate card “one limit per household”… so I am assuming I can send in many of them. Have you ever tried this before and had a problem? I bought about 5 or 6 Renpure products that all say “Try me Free”. Hope it works!
Cathy says:
Great video Collin!
I totally agree with “thinking outside the box” when it comes to couponing. For example, I live in Michigan and one place that takes manufacturer coupons is Aco Hardware. I know you’re thinking, what on earth do I need at a hardware store? But actually, they sell cleaning supplies, pet food, cereals & snacks, etc. Plus they let you stack with their in-store coupons & they price match! This week, All Detergent is on sale for $2.99 & after a $2 coupon… price is only $.99!
Misty says:
Id like to know how i can find a Binder/Bag like Collin’s????, Thanks for any help….
Wendy says:
I have a old school type “trapper Keeper” and a scrapbooking style divided purse/bag. The binder came from Target/Walmart. The true bag came from a Michaels/Hobby Lobby store (Texas).
As long as you have something that zips, you can make simple dividers – dining, food products, health/beauty, cleaning, pet stuff…
Shandrika says:
On the Bargain Buggy website, she has these really cool coupon bags you can buy. They come with the plastic sheets for coupons and there are a few designs. Check them out if you are wanting a stylish coupon carrier. I think they were around $25 with a coupon code for an amount off. Hope you find something you like.
Holly says:
Collin explained how she made hers in a past video, just fyi. I know her bag came from target, and she uses a 3-inch binder. I use a zipper binder through. That is just my personal preference though. The zipper makes me feel safer in case I was to ever drop it!
Sarah says:
You guys make a great team!
Mary heEllen says:
Colin,
Love your videos! I look forward to them every week… I was just wondering if I might have missed the end of your last video post when you were in Tampa checking out…. I thought you left a cliffhanger for this week to the total of your checkout… Did I miss it?
You are doing a fantastic job… and your videographer is to be commended as well!
LemonGirl says:
There were two videos last week, Part 1 and Part 2. The second one begins right where the first one ends, at the checkout.
Anna in VA says:
They sell Renpure at Rite Aid for $6.99 there’s a $3 VV Q. So it’s a $3.00 money maker when you submit the Try Me Free.
Jaclyn says:
Great video! One problem I have – being that I am a seroius couponer – is getting recognized at stores. I feel like I have to brace for battle everytime I go into my nearest Target or Walgreens. I have never done anything wrong but they don’t like to see me walk away with a ton of free stuff. I even get asked “where I get all these coupons from”. I swear I feel like I am being accused of buying something on the black market. Is it wrong to buy 6 newspapers? When did this become a crime? How else am I supposed to stockpile?
**The thing that really gets me is that one of the reasons I am in Target all the time is for my mother. I don’t work so that I can care for her full time (she was diagnosed with Cancer this past year). I am in Target sometimes as much as twice a week to get perscriptions. I always try to make the most of my gas by doing a few deals while I’m in. Anyways, they certainly don’t mind me spending money at the pharmacy. ** – sorry…just needed to vent
Collin – It would be great if you could do a video on how to deal with problem managers/cashiers. You know – an alternative to leaving a full cart behind and walking away angry or even in tears.
Jean in Calif says:
Hi Collin,
I have been couponing for a while now but am always ready to learn something new. Your site is great and thank you for all your hard work.
jaime says:
I agree—you should make a video about dealing with dumb cashiers/managers. I used to have arguments all the time. Now im just so fed up and even when i know im right i dont even bother to correct it. u rock!
Kari says:
I’ve had mixed results with misinformed cashiers and managers. Sometimes they are so ignorant about their own policies that I’ve actually had to read the coupon fine print and their own corporate coupon policy to them. Typically I get non-native English speakers who point to the pictures on the coupon and say “you didn’t buy that” and I have to explain to them (in a nice way) that there are words on the coupon that explain what the coupon can be used on. This usually results in one of two things, A: I’m able to convince the cashier to do whatever I tell them because they don’t “get it” and just want me out of the store. Or B: The misinformed manager comes over and speaks to the cashier in Spanish about how I’m trying to “scam them” (thinking I can’t understand what they are saying) and I have to explain to both of them, why I am right.
I’m not embarrassed to “hold up the line” when I know that I am right. I always offer to move to customer service if there are people behind me and things are taking too long. I say stand by your guns and don’t be embarrassed if people recognize you as “the crazy coupon lady”. After a while they start to realize that you’re not doing anything wrong and they will be much more understanding. I also usually try to be friends with the manager and explain why I do what I do, how much I give to charity etc.
Wendy says:
I only try once with a cashier if they have a problem with one (or some ) of my coupons. After that, I just go to customer service to resolve the problem and I have always had polite service…..and got my money back at every store!
SaraJC says:
Ugh It bugs me when people think you dont understand native languages and turns out you actually do! I would of complained about the incident. Good for you that you stood your ground.
SaraJC says:
Goes for Kari ^^^ lol
Valerie says:
Thanks for thinking of us “newbies”. I’ve attempted couponing so many times and it never sticks because I get too frustrated. With your help (indirectly or otherwise), I am hoping to make it happen this time around!
BTW, you’re so super cute!