Q: How do I read the coupon match ups and lingo on coupon blogs?
A: For couponers, time is of the essence and we have a code to make things short and sweet. When reading match ups on a blog, you may see something like this:
$1/3 SS 3/28 exp 4/14
This means that there is a coupon in the Smart Source (SS) insert that came out on March 28th. In order to get $1 off of the product, you have to buy three. This coupon expires on April 14th.
As for the lingo, here's a list of the most common used abbreviations:
$$/$$ – This means $ off when you spend $ amount. Example: $5/$30 is $5 off your purchase when you spend $30.
$/# – This means that you get $ off for every # you buy. Example: $5/2 would mean that you get $5 off every 2 that you buy.
B1G1 = Buy One Get One Free (B1G2 is Buy One Get Two Free etc.)
Blinkie = A coupon that prints out at a machine in the store. They are located by the product associated with that particular coupon.
BOGO = Buy One Get One Free
Cash Register Tape = Your Receipt. Also referred to as CRT.
CAT = Catalina. A coupon that prints out at the register that is either $$ off your next purchase or $$ off a certain product. You typically have to use them at the store they printed, but some stores will take “competitor’s” coupons. Note: These are sometimes delayed in printing so wait a minute before walking away from the register. If you think you were supposed to get one and didn’t, talk to the cashier/manager and explain.
Closeouts – These are typically greatly reduced items that the store does not plan on re-stocking.
Competitors – This is the term meaning “of related chains.” For example, grocery stores will take other grocery store’s coupons and drug stores will take other drug store coupons. Always check with each store on what their couponing policy is and whom they consider to be a competitor.
Couponing Policy – This is the statement that each individual store abides by, in relation to coupons. What is typically included in their policy is whether they: take competitor’s coupons, take coupons past expiration dates, “double” or “triple” coupons, accept Internet Printables or if they even accept coupons.
CRT = Cash Register Tape, or your receipt
Discontinued – This means that a store has depleted their inventory of an item and does not plan on re-stocking it.
Double Coupons = This is the term used when stores will double a coupon’s value. Example, if you have a $.50 off coupon, they’ll take $1 off. Stores vary on how often they do this ranging from never, always, on occasion or specific days of the week. Some stores may also set a maximum value limit.
ECB = Extra Care Bucks. Exclusive to CVS. They work like cash on your next order.
EXP = Expires or Expiration Date
FAR = Free After Rebate
FAE = Free after Extra Care Bucks (See ECB or Extra Care Bucks for explanation)
FARR = Free After Register Rewards (See RR or Register Rewards for explanation)
Inserts = These are “packets” of coupons found in Sunday papers and also sometimes in the ads mailed to you during the week. These are typically sent out by Smart Source (SS or S), Red Plum (RP) and Proctor & Gamble (PG).
Internet Printable = A coupon that can be printed online. Also referred to as IP or Printable.
IP = Internet Printable Coupon.
IVC = Instant Value Coupon. These are found at Walgreens in their weekly ads.
MFR = Manufacturer
MIR = Mail In Rebate. These are checks or coupons that the manufacturers/stores will send you if you meet the requirements on the rebate form.
OOP = Out-of-Pocket. This is the amount of money that you have spent after coupons, ECBs, RRs, Catalinas.
OOS = Out-of-Stock. This means that the store is temporarily out of an item but plans on getting in more inventory. Sometimes they will offer a raincheck in cases like these.
OYNO = On Your Next Order. Used when referring to coupons that you can use on your next order at that store. (Sometimes Competitors will take them.)
OYNP = On Your Next Purchase. Used when referring to coupons that you can use on your next purchase (order) at that store. (Sometimes Competitors will take them.)
Peelie = Coupons found on products in the store. (Don’t forget to pull these off and hand them to your cashier when you check-out. Don’t rely on the cashier to notice them for you.)
PG = Proctor & Gamble.
Prtinables - These are coupons that you can print online. Also referred to as IP or Internet Printables.
Q = Coupon
Raincheck = A slip you can ask for in the store when an item’s on sale and out-of-stock.
RP = Red Plum. This is a coupon insert that you’ll either find in your paper or the mail.
Register Rewards or RR = Exclusive to Walgreens. They work like cash on your next order. (Some restrictions do apply.)
Rolling Catalinas – This means that you can use a catalina (see definition) as payment on another transaction of equal merchandise and another catalina will still print. Example, if you buy 5 “name brand items,” a $5 catalina will print. If you then buy another set of those same 5 “name brand items,” you can use the previous catalina you received as payment towards the order and another $5 catalina will print.
S or SS = Smart Source. This is a big name coupon source. They not only send out inserts in the papers but they also have an online site with printables.
Stacking Coupons = This is the term used when stores will let you use their own store coupons along with a manufacturer’s coupon for the same item. Example: Most Targets would let you use their $ off “specific brand” product coupons along with a manufacturer’s coupon for that same “specific brand” product.
Triple Coupons = This is the term used when stores will triple a coupon’s value. Example, if you have a $1 off coupon, they’ll take $3 off. Stores vary on how often they do this ranging from never, always, on occasion or specific days of the week.
UPC = Universal Bar Code. This is the bar code that’s scanned on products for pricing/info at the stores. Several companies will ask you to mail these in on rebates
WAGS = Abbreviation for Walgreens
YMMV = Your Mileage (Manager) May Vary. This is what you’ll see when someone finds a deal but they want you to know that your store branch may not offer the same deal.
WYB = When You Buy
(Email me at couponmomoftwo@live.com with the LINGO as your subject and I can email you the lingo list in a Word document! :)
Hope that helps someone newer to the game. If that's you, hang in there! It gets easier!
I'd love to hear your thoughts or tips on this topic! Leave it in a comment! Have a question? Email me at couponmomoftwo@live.com! Read more Money Saving Q and A HERE!
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