Q: What is a Catalina?
A: Catalina Category Marketing (CCM) rewards purchases of promoted products with “catalinas,” also known as “check-out coupons”. A Catalina or cat, looks like a cash register receipt, it's long and white, and prints out of a machine that's next to the cash register. Sometimes it is just advertising, and other times it is a coupon for so much off a certain product, or it can be a coupon that says "$3 off your next order." (acronym-oyno)
Q: Are Catalinas manufacturer's coupons or store coupons?
A: Generally, they are manufacturer's coupons, although occasionally one will state that it is a Store Coupon. The manufacturer's coupon Catalinas can not be combined with other manufacturer's coupons. In other words, if you have a catalina for $1.00/2 product X and also an insert coupon for $1.00/2, you would need to purchase four of the product in order to use both coupons.
Q: Can I use a catalina coupon at a store other than the one where it printed?
A: Typically yes, if the other store accepts competitor's coupons, but it also depends on the store. Some stores take catalinas from other stores, but only if they say manufacturer coupon on them. The easiest thing for you to do is ask at your store. Pay attention, because often manufacturer Catalinas that print at Dillons have the Dillons logo on them, but this does not mean they can only be redeemed there. Take a look at the barcode and if it has the double barcode, the first one starting with a 5 or a 9, and says manufacturer coupon, you should have no problem. Most of them say "redeemable at X" but will usually not say "redeemable ONLY at X."
Q: I have a catalina that says "excludes RX and items prohibited by law." What items are the other items that are prohibited?
A: Stamps, alcohol, lottery, gift cards, customer services purchases ie light bill, auto tags and tobacco.
Q: If I think a Catalina should have printed from my purchase and it didn't, can I go to the service desk and get a cash refund or can I contact the Catalina Company?
A: If your Catalina coupons don't print, you can always try to resolve it with the store first, where you may be issued a cash refund if the deal is advertised at that store. This will generally bring the fastest resolution. What to do if they can't help or you just don't have the time to wait in line at Customer Service? Call the Catalina Company directly at 1-888-8COUPON (1-888-826-8766).
Q: Can you roll one Catalina from one deal into the same deal on your next transaction? Or is it like Walgreens where you can't use it to buy the same products again?
A: Walgreens is the ONLY store that I know of that won't roll Catalinas. Dillons will roll them.
Q: How can I contact Catalina Category Marketing, in case I have a question about whether my local store is doing a particular promotion?
A: Their toll free numbers are 1-(888) 322-3814 or 1-888-8COUPON (1-888-826-8766).
Q: Where can I find out about current unadvertised Catalinas?
A: Check out
Hot Coupon World! There are several forums devoted to them by specific stores!
