Coupons are a special type of deal. Often, they represent the greatest opportunity for savings. Coupons tend to expire more quickly than instant discounts and may have a limited number of redemptions.
Types of Coupons
Online Coupons: Obviously, if you are shopping online, you are going to be using online coupons. Online coupons are supplied in the form of a coupon code or promo code. Coupon codes / promo codes are rarely published on the store website and require action on your part to get the discount. To redeem online coupons, you must copy the coupon code to your clipboard and paste it into the coupon box during checkout. After applying the coupon, you are usually either informed of the discount amount or notified that the coupon has expired. Online coupons are very convenient in this way.
Printed Coupons: Before people were shopping online, there were printed coupons. Paper coupons are still widely in use and are applicable for "brick and mortar" stores. Printed coupons appear in newspapers, magazines, local tabloids and in coupon books made by stores. These coupons are not as convenient as online coupons for the following reasons:
- You have to cut or tear the coupon out and remember to bring it with you before going to the store.
- It is important to read the fine-print on the coupon to make sure it hasn't expired and there is no instant feedback to let you know if the coupon will work or not.
- While standing in line to checkout, you have fish the coupons out of your pocket or purse and then watch the register to make sure they work.
- It usually takes longer to checkout because some of the coupons might not scan properly or there may be some other problem. This is a drag for the people waiting inline behind you.
While they may be inconvenient, for some stores (grocery stores in particular) printed coupons are the only option.
Printable Coupons: These coupons are very similar to printed coupons, except that they can be found online and printed from your computer. The main advantage to printable coupons is that you only print the ones you want. Therefore, they cut down on wasted paper and are better for the environment.