Coupon Doubling and Tripling

[DigDoug]

I've heard of this... but I don't know of a single grocery store that advertises it. Is it a secret club or something? A secret handshake or password to get in?

[RossMAN]

I think it depends on your geographical location and which grocery store chain.

We have never had our coupons tripled, but we have doubled. Safeway mails out 4 double coupons every Tuesday and each household receives one "Food Day" newspaper which has these coveted coupons. Albertsons accepts competitors coupons. So we can double our mfg coupons at either Safeway or their competitor Albertsons.

[outnumbered]

Back home, Ralph's would double coupons up to $1.00. (This was about 3 yrs ago, it might have changed) You'd hand them the manufacturer's coupon for 25 cents off and they'd make it 50 cents off. I don't remember them advertising--it was just store policy.

Out here I think Kroger does it, but we live kinda far from Kroger (20 min or more) and the commissary (military grocery store) is only blocks away so I shop there instead--no doubling.

[freesia39]

kroger = ralphs. kroger is ralph's parent company.

i shop regularly at ralph's and vons (parent company: safeway.) ralph's actually had signs that said "double coupons everyday!" and i remember when i lived in san jose safeway had double coupons also, and every vons i've been in has the same.

albertson's doesn't double down here.

[outnumbered]

Hey, where in LA are you? I'm from the south bay...went to CSULB. I miss home...

[flowergal]

I shop at Kroger most all of the time now. This week, they are only doubling up to and including $.50 but they have an amazing 10 for $10 sale going on and then take your coupons off that. For example, the Great Starts Breakfasts are 10 for $10, I have a $.50/1 coupon~then they double it, so they are all free (I used 10). Also, all varieties of Kellogg's Pop Tarts are 10 for $10......take my $.75/1 coupon...got 10 boxes for $.25 each. Oscar Mayer sliced lunch meats are 10 for $10 too but I skipped them today to find my coupons I have for them and will go back.

Here is a list of what I can get 10 for $10 this week (without coupons):

Dole Greener Selection Salad Mixes (Mix or Match)
Kroger brand Peanut Butter (Mix or Match)
Kroger frozen potatoes/fries
Eggs....dozen large 10 for $10
Double Q Pink Salmon~~bargain price around here
Zesta saltines
Frito's (all varieties.....10 oz size)
Kroger big roll paper towels
Kroger pasta sauce
Kroger English Muffins
Kroger Facial Tissues
Kroger 6 pack drinking water
Kroger cream cheese
Lifesavers/Creamsavers/Altoids...assorted varieties...mix or match
Kroger spices
Sea Pak Shrimp Poppers (6 oz.)

the list goes on and on......incredible deals that I will be going back several times this week, stocking up on. Glad I have a huge upright freezer!

[almalady]

I'm going to Waycross tomorrow and stopping by Kroger's. My DIL went today and got alot of the deals.

[outnumbered]

Are those good prices? I don't know how much things go for in the civilian stores anymore. I'm looking at the ad and I know some things I buy are cheaper without that deal--like those Armour Lunchmakers, they are 69 cents each every day at the commissary. So 10 for $10 is not a good deal for me LOL. Plus, TN charges sales tax on food! The commissary is tax-free, just a minimal surcharge. And I think those $3.59 meatballs were like $1.something at the commissary. Some things aren't cheaper there--Walmart sells Gatorade cheaper, I think--but most things I get aren't worth going to Kroger for.

[flowergal]

For me, they are great prices, seeing that I can't shop at the commissary. I do have friends here that shop the commissary's and one is going to Kroger this week for some items she said she can get a better deal on.

Linda........good luck and let me know how you do tomorrow!

[outnumbered]

I'm starting to pay more attention to civilian prices, since dh gets out next year...no more commissary. Yikes! Still looking at that ad...I think there are a couple things that are cheaper at Kroger but gosh, it would be so hard to go through the ads every week just to see which things are cheaper where, shop at both stores, etc...I have 3 kids under 5 and it's all I can do to get the shopping done at just one store.

Some military person ought to make a version of the grocery game or whatever tailored to the commissary...which things are cheaper there, which are cheaper elsewhere. It'd be so much easier--I'd know exactly where to go and for what, without having to do the legwork or drive all over town.

[flowergal]

Originally Posted by briansmommy999

I'm starting to pay more attention to civilian prices, since dh gets out next year...no more commissary. Yikes! Still looking at that ad...I think there are a couple things that are cheaper at Kroger but gosh, it would be so hard to go through the ads every week just to see which things are cheaper where, shop at both stores, etc...I have 3 kids under 5 and it's all I can do to get the shopping done at just one store.

Some military person ought to make a version of the grocery game or whatever tailored to the commissary...which things are cheaper there, which are cheaper elsewhere. It'd be so much easier--I'd know exactly where to go and for what, without having to do the legwork or drive all over town.

LOL.....it's a job in itself! I spend quite a few hours on Sunday's, going through the ads and clipping my coupons. I am lucky in the fact that my DH shops with me on weekends as he loves to see the savings. It is a great help when both of us go together, but I do alot of it during the week alone with the little girl I babysit too. Even on the weekends when we go together, it can take us 2 hours to shop, but when you save over $100 and spend maybe $20 out of pocket, it is well worth the trip and time.

[outnumbered]

Wow--only $20 out of pocket for $100 worth? That is definitely worth the effort. The few times I've tried to come up with deals like that, though, I've only wound up saving maybe $5 extra. I've found that a lot of times every last coupon is for something I don't buy--so clipping the coupon wouldn't do me any good. I want coupons for chicken and ground beef, LOL...things that I buy all the time! And the commissary advertises their specials, but not their regular prices--and those can fluctuate. I have to shop there to know for sure how much everything will cost. That makes comparision shopping harder too. Ugh, I'd have to make a big old list of all the Kroger foods, take it and compare it to commissary prices...with 3 kids in tow! It just isn't going to happen.

My dh stays home with the kids, usually, but he's gone right now for over a week so my next shopping trip is with all kids...ugh. It's not gonna be pretty.

[flowergal]

Do the stores in your area sell beer/wine? If so, look for wine tags. A wine tag is a coupon that can be found hanging around the neck of wine bottles. We have them here and almost always you are not required to purchase alcohol to use them. I mostly find them for $1 or more off "ANY" chicken or beef (I have even found them for $$ off any flowers/bakery products/fruit/produce/ you name it).......and they really come in handy. Right now, I have a $15 rebate from Miller beer's for ANY MEAT. DH and I both did this offer (sent one to his work address) so we are going to get $30 back in meat purchases only. The wine tags and rebates really save us a ton.

[outnumbered]

The commissary doesn't; at Class Six that's all they sell so no meat/etc coupons on the wine...hmmm. I may have to go check out Kroger to see if they do that. Which store do you find those at in your area?

[flowergal]

All the stores here, as beer/wine are sold in all grocery stores/7-11's, etc.. It depends on the state you live in, whether you will find wine tags. The ones I find here are usually only valid in Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Maryland and West Virginia.

[Luckycharm]

Here they triple and ad match because we have too many grocery stores LOL! So they are cutthroat here. Always trying to outdo the other one.

About once a month I do my COUPON shopping and will go in and ONLY buy what I have coupons for that make an item 50¢ or less. I can get around $150 worth of groceries for right around $15 if I'm careful.

Today I went to get garbage bags and came out with

FREE 3 pack of Orbit gum ....was $1.99 and I had a coupon for $1 off and they doubled.
Coupon for $1 off (double that) on one box of Nabisco crackers (2/$3) and one brick Kraft cheese (2/$3) Made em 50¢ each.....Eat your heart out Flowergal was a tear pad and I ripped 10 of those puppies LOL!
Sara Lee Chocolate pie for $2.33 then had a 50¢ coupon that they tripled....

Stuff like that LOL!

[outnumbered]

Originally Posted by flowergal

All the stores here, as beer/wine are sold in all grocery stores/7-11's, etc.. It depends on the state you live in, whether you will find wine tags. The ones I find here are usually only valid in Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Maryland and West Virginia.

Cool!!! I live on the KY/TN border!

[flowergal]

Originally Posted by briansmommy999

Cool!!! I live on the KY/TN border!

IF you want, PM me your mailing info and I will be happy to send you a couple of those $15 meat rebates. You will have to use 2 addresses as they are only 1 per household/address. They are valid from now until 1/11/05, so plenty of time to buy the meat and send in the form and receipts.

Once you start, you just can't stop! LOL


Hey Lucky, I sent you a goody "surprise" envie today, so remember me on those tear pads, will ya??

[Luckycharm]

Originally Posted by flowergal

IF you want, PM me your mailing info and I will be happy to send you a couple of those $15 meat rebates. You will have to use 2 addresses as they are only 1 per household/address. They are valid from now until 1/11/05, so plenty of time to buy the meat and send in the form and receipts.

Once you start, you just can't stop! LOL


Hey Lucky, I sent you a goody "surprise" envie today, so remember me on those tear pads, will ya??

Awwwwwwwwww I just addy'd yours LOL!!!!!! TOld ya I was sending out tonight

[flowergal]

Come on Ms. Vickie (My mail lady who is also hooked)......Thanks Lucky!

[AshleyNichole]

When I lived out in the boonies, Kroger doubled. I haven't known any large chains in the city or burbs to ever do it.

[jaycebee]

Originally Posted by Luckycharm

Eat your heart out Flowergal was a tear pad and I ripped 10 of those puppies LOL!
!

ROFL almost spit coffee on the keyboard laughing when I read that

Couponing starts as a hobby but turns into an addiction! heh

[flowergal]

Yep, in my case, we have to do it. My DH just finally quit working a 2nd full time job~~first time ever since I have known him, so we are really cutting back, but fortunately, I don't have to cut corners in the grocery department.

[jaycebee]

Yep I understand. At first I felt hopeless then did something about it, well as much as I can. I got laid off a few years back, searched for a job but most wouldn't get me in the positive after daycare. So I decided to try staying home. We made the adjustment then about 6 months ago hub had to go on disability. Thankfully he is feeling better now and started back working again
Bills are behind but the kids are fed!
The nice thing about stocking up with coupons is your bill goes down except for some parishables
I try to find creative ways to cut corners.. traded a turkey and canned goods for a working dryer last week haha

Lots of people are feeling the pinch this season so we can all work together and save $$

Take care!

[flowergal]

Originally Posted by jaycebee

Yep I understand. At first I felt hopeless then did something about it, well as much as I can. I got laid off a few years back, searched for a job but most wouldn't get me in the positive after daycare. So I decided to try staying home. We made the adjustment then about 6 months ago hub had to go on disability. Thankfully he is feeling better now and started back working again
Bills are behind but the kids are fed!
The nice thing about stocking up with coupons is your bill goes down except for some parishables
I try to find creative ways to cut corners.. traded a turkey and canned goods for a working dryer last week haha

Lots of people are feeling the pinch this season so we can all work together and save $$

Take care!

I totally agree. Great trade on the dryer. I always watch the classifieds in my area. A year ago, I found an ad for a washer/dryer (GE Profile).....said $200. I called and asked about them and if it was $200 each or for the pair. He said for the pair. Went to look at them, they were brand new, still in the boxes.....all paperwork inside. My husband didn't blink, as he told the man we bought them from that I save that much in 2 weeks grocery shopping. The man almost passed out. 2 weeks after buying them, both my old washer and dryer died!

[BFQueenofNY]

My supermarket Tops (Ahold chain they own Giant, Stop & Shop as well) doubles coupons BUT you can use a maximum of 4 per item so you can't buy too many of one thing. We get triple coupons (up to 6 items) about 4 times a year.

[freesia39]

Originally Posted by briansmommy999

Hey, where in LA are you? I'm from the south bay...went to CSULB. I miss home...

well i'm originally from san jose, but i've been displaced down here when i came here to go to UCLA. wound up meeting the bf and stayed down here after graduation.

i'd really love to go back up to the sf bay area, since life is so much quieter up there, the hustle and bustle and crappy drivers of LA really gets to me sometimes. right now just waiting to see where the bf gets into law schools and if i make the same jump myself.

where in the south bay? i used to work in torrance/rpv. more rpv, way up on silver spur.

[freesia39]

aiya, i totally forgot about that regarding ralphs. they'll only double two of the coupons for the same item now, and every coupon after will only be face value. it SUCKS, i used to get such AWESOME deals with the coupons that would print out with my receipt along with other coupons i'd pick up. i would assume ralphs would have the same deal.

i wish the local ralphs and vons would triple some coupons, they are right across the street from each other.

[RossMAN]

Originally Posted by BFQueenofNY

My supermarket Tops (Ahold chain they own Giant, Stop & Shop as well) doubles coupons BUT you can use a maximum of 4 per item so you can't buy too many of one thing. We get triple coupons (up to 6 items) about 4 times a year.

Same here with Albertsons or Safeway, max of 4 per week.

[outnumbered]

Originally Posted by freesia39

where in the south bay? i used to work in torrance/rpv. more rpv, way up on silver spur.

Are you serious?!!! I grew up in Torrance! Took art classes and went to church up on the hill growing up. Do you recognize my avatar? Taken at Malaga Cove.