Why do coupons double

You can get a good idea of doubling potential by checking the coupon bar code. If the first digit below the barcode is a nine, it will never double.

If it starts with a five, on the other hand, it will be up to the store to decide its coupon policy, and if that includes doubling, you just hit the jackpot. Your chances of finding a coupon with a five at the start of the barcode are best in the Sunday newspaper supplements. Online coupons and those offered in store are more likely to begin with a nine. As you can see, there are a lot of options, so the trick will be to find out, either by contacting the store or visiting its inquiry counter.

If the promo ad says that coupons can be doubled, bring the whole advertisement along in case you need to show it to the cashier. Again, bring the ad as proof.

There must be some reason that manufacturers don't want the coupons doubled, but what is it? The real reason that this is written on the coupons is for manufacturers to financially protect themselves when grocery stores do decide to double coupons.

If you look at the fine print on most coupons, you will see that the the coupons says that the manufacturer will reimburse the grocery store for the face value of the coupon plus a small fee usually 8 cents. A problem occurred when grocery stores first began to double and triple coupons. The grocery stores wanted to be reimbursed the double amount while the manufacturers thought that they should only be reimbursed for the face value of the coupon.

Grocery stores are still free to double and triple coupons, but if they decide to do this, the grocery store is responsible for the amount that they discount above the face value of the coupon and the 8 cents handling fee.

When a grocery store doubles coupons, the store has decided that it will take a loss on the doubled portion of the coupon.

Anything else I should know about double coupons? What about Taxes? You should be aware to the fact that even if your item is free after coupons, depending on jurisdiction — some registers will still ring up the total tax due. Perhaps the easiest and most reliable way to tell if your local store will double is to ask.

Not all stores that double coupons advertise that they do so. Double Coupons — How to Double Coupon. You may decide to split your shopping between several stores. Many drugstores such as CVS and Walgreens now carry items you would normally purchase at the grocery store, but by signing up with their loyalty programs you could more than triple your savings on some items. Also, many small, independent grocery stores double coupons, but may not have the advertising budget to help get the word out.

When shopping for stores that double coupons, always check out the smaller grocery stores. You can maximize your savings by remaining flexible about where you shop and getting familiar with the different promotions each store offers. It may not be a store's policy to double coupons, but often times by asking at the customer service desk, you will find out that they periodically offer double coupon days. Signing up on multiple grocery stores' mailing lists can help you stay informed about any special sales or double coupon day events in your area.

You may be living in an area where more than one store advertises that it doubles coupons. To get the best deal, you want to shop at the stores which offer the fewest limitations. While some stores may not double coupons, you might find that they will match the advertised prices of identical items from other stores within a specific area. Take advantage of it if your store does price match. Always carry the advertisements with you as proof of what items and prices you expect them to match.