Questions from Readers…What is Coupon Stacking?

Q. I’ve been enjoying your blog for a few months now, but am trying to get to the bottom of this “coupon stacking” thing you talk about so often. I am assuming that means that you use multiple coupons for a single product? I’m just wondering how that works when most coupons say that they cannot be combined with any other offer/coupon. Do you just use them anyways and disregard the rules?

A. Most coupons do indeed contain the words “no other coupon may be used with this coupon.” So in order words, if you are about to purchase a box of Cheerios and you have two $1 manufacturer’s coupons, you may not use both coupons towards the purchase of one box of cereal. You may only use one manufacturer’s coupon. However, let’s say you’re at Publix and you also have a $1 Cheerios coupon that is issued by Publix (store coupons are often available in store ads, flyers, monthly magazines, by subscribing to their website etc. You can recognize that they are store coupons because they do not have a barcode and may only be used at that store). You may stack the $1 Publix coupon with the $1 manufacturer’s coupon in order to get $2 off one box of cereal. Combine that with a sale, and you’re sure to get a really inexpensive box of cereal!

Some store coupons state limits, but sometimes your local store manager may permit you to purchase in excess of the limit. This is common at Walgreens. Walgreens usually stipulates limits on their items, but many stores will allow you to exceed the limit with no questions asked. I contacted the corporate offices of Walgreens to get a copy of their coupon policy, only to be told that it is up to the discretion of each local store manager.

If in doubt, ask your store manager. Although most stores allow stacking, some do not. Some have limits, some do not. This may sound rather complicated up front, but once you establish the rules for each of your local stores, you’re well on your way to saving big on products you buy every day!