Types of Coupons

There are different types of coupons, knowing the difference is important as not every retailer takes every type of coupon.  Let's take a look at the types.


Manufacturer Coupons - These come directly from the manufacturer of the product and are usually found in your Sunday newspaper or mailed to you from the manufacturer.


Printable Manufacturer Coupons - These are the same as manufacturer coupons except you print them yourself and not all stores accept printed coupons.

Store Coupons - These are from your store and only redeemable at that store (unless competitor stores accept them as well).  They are usually available either from the weekly sales ad for that store, a monthly book available from that store or printed from that store's website.  Sometimes these are a Manufacturer coupon as well.

eCoupon - These are coupon codes that you use when you shop online and are not useable when you are physically in the store.

Catalina -  These are coupons that print out after your receipt at a store and are either for products, a percentage off or other local businesses.

Tearpad or Tear offs - These are usually found in the store on a pad near a specific product.  You tear off the coupon to use on your purchase (or for later).

Blinkies - These are found in the store in those (usually) red electronic boxes that spit out a coupon for use on your purchase.

Mobile Coupons - These are typically store related and available on your Smart Phone/Iphone/Android Phone.  You load them onto your mobile phone and show the coupon on your phone to the cashier who then scans the barcode that appears on your phone.

Savings Card Loaded Coupons - Some stores let you load coupons via their website to your savings club card, when they scan your card the coupons load onto your total.