Contrary to popular belief, Walmart is not always (and in my opinion, rarely) the cheapest place to shop. Not even with competitors ads. And in fact, drugstores such as Walgreens, Rite Aid, and CVS are sometimes the cheapest even though they are known to be on the expensive side! Why? Because of store coupons and rebate programs. Each of the above drugstores have some type of rebate program where you can end up getting many items free after rebate. And my favorite – STORE COUPONS! I didn’t realize that you could use a store coupon AND a manufacturer’s coupon on one item! Plus, most of the time you can get a $5 off a $20 purchase or something similar to use WITH your coupons. One month, I actually PROFITED $50 at Rite Aid after rebate! So when it comes to couponing, do not stereotype your stores. Just look for the best deals!
1. Make a list of all the stores in your area. I am currently in Knoxville and I regularly watch CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Kroger, Target, and Ingles. Also, Rite Aid is a 40 minute drive, but this is my favorite place to buy diapers and is some times well worth the drive.
2. Know the coupon policy for each store. Each one is unique. It may be beneficial to print off the policy and carry it with you in case you run into an unfriendly cashier.
- CVS: Krazy Coupon Lady’s CVS coupon policy
- Walgreens: Krazy Coupon Lady’s Walgreens coupon policy
- Walmart: Walmart Coupon Policy
- Kroger: Kroger’s “General“ Coupon Policy
- Target: Target Coupon Policy
- Ingles: Coupon Mom on Ingles Coupon Policy
- Rite Aid: Deal Seeking Mom’s Rite Aid Coupon Policy
3. Know the rebate program available. Especially important when you are just starting out.
Feeling Overwhelmed? That’s natural…just take a breath and take it one store at a time. Pick just one and try it out first. You will learn it as you go. Just be patient. No pain, no gain, right?
Adventures in Momville 
One Response to “Couponing: Step 3 – Know Your Stores”