I found some awesome information at Shopping With Cents that I thought you'd all like to know. Here's what Hollie had to share:
We all love to clip our coupons and save a few dollars but do you know what the bar codes on your coupons mean. There is a great deal of information that you can get from them.
Step1::Gather a couple coupons for items that you have in your cabinet. This will help you to compare and learn to read the coupons more. Let's take a closer look at the bar code from the coupon above.
Step2::The number 5 always starts the coupon code. The next five numbers are the manufacturer's code. What you buy with this coupon will have to have a matching manufacturer's code. The next three digits are called the "family code" and designate the family of products that are included in the offer. The next two digits are the "value code". These two numbers are VERY IMPORTANT! Just because a coupon says you get $1.00 off if you buy 12 cans of fruit does not mean that is what you have to buy. Recently there was a fruit coupon that read this way but the code really indicated that you have to only buy 4. Imagine how much you can save by knowing the codes. In the links below is a pdf file of the common value codes.
Step3::Ready... Set.... GO!I know you are already pulling out your coupons. Don't forget to share the article with everyone else you know that is a coupon clipper and print off the common value codes below.
Coupon Value Code PDF
Credit to: KRLawrence, eHow Member for this wonderful explanation.
We all love to clip our coupons and save a few dollars but do you know what the bar codes on your coupons mean. There is a great deal of information that you can get from them.
Step1::Gather a couple coupons for items that you have in your cabinet. This will help you to compare and learn to read the coupons more. Let's take a closer look at the bar code from the coupon above.
Step2::The number 5 always starts the coupon code. The next five numbers are the manufacturer's code. What you buy with this coupon will have to have a matching manufacturer's code. The next three digits are called the "family code" and designate the family of products that are included in the offer. The next two digits are the "value code". These two numbers are VERY IMPORTANT! Just because a coupon says you get $1.00 off if you buy 12 cans of fruit does not mean that is what you have to buy. Recently there was a fruit coupon that read this way but the code really indicated that you have to only buy 4. Imagine how much you can save by knowing the codes. In the links below is a pdf file of the common value codes.
Step3::Ready... Set.... GO!I know you are already pulling out your coupons. Don't forget to share the article with everyone else you know that is a coupon clipper and print off the common value codes below.
Coupon Value Code PDF
Credit to: KRLawrence, eHow Member for this wonderful explanation.
7 comments:
That's good to know Katie, but what about the checkers. They aren't versed in couponing, and all they know is what the coupon says. So what do we do then? We obviously know more than most of the checkers out there, but they have to "play by the rules" so they don't get in trouble. How do we explain this to them?
So, that's the catch here. We can sometimes be too full of info, don't you think? And sometimes all this info can stress us out and make all of this coupon stuff even crazier. Take what you wish from this and see what it brings. In the end, maybe it won't help us out (but, of course, I'm hoping it will). I'm going to test the Coupon Value Code info and see how it works out. I'll keep you all posted, you all do the same, let us know what you find out.
Hey Katie- Thanks for the back link! I also added your button to my blog. Would love if you would do the same for me.....Since you are in Idaho too we can definately help eachother out on deals!
www.shoppingwithcents.blogspot.com
Great blog!!!!
Awesome ~ thanks! I am confused because obviously the manufacture "intends" the coupon to be used for the item pictured. Just because it beeps through - is it honest to use it for something else? I wish we had better information or better informed cashiers/managers to help with this one - it seems like a grey area and I don't want to be dishonest, it takes all the fun out of getting a shopping cart full of free stuff, lol! thanks so much for all your hard work and advice!!!
I just posted more info on reading your coupons in part 2 on my blog www.shoppingwithcents.blogspot.com
Enjoy!!!!!!
If you use a coupon in a way other than what is written on the coupon, you are committing fraud, no matter if it beeps or not. Call the Coupon Information Center.
KMDuff--You are correct. It is interesting to know what all those numbers mean, but you should still follow the language used on the coupon, when determining which products are eligible for the savings. Thank you for your comment.
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