Josh Elledge - Chief Executive Angel
If you are new to couponing and happen to wander into an online discussion with more seasoned shoppers, you may feel like everyone is speaking a foreign language.
Couponers tend to use a variety of acronyms and terms that make it quicker and easier to list deals. However, they can be confusing if you aren't familiar with the lingo. Keep reading for a list of some of the most common terms and where to go if you aren't sure how to decipher a deal.
Types of coupons
When you are using coupon databases to match coupons to sales, you may find the following acronyms and terms to identify where you'll find the coupon.
- SS ““ SmartSource insert coupons found in major newspapers
- RP ““ Red Plum insert coupons found in major newspapers
- P&G or PG ““ Proctor & Gamble coupon insert, usually delivered once a month in major newspapers
- Peelie ““ Coupon affixed to a product and that can be peeled off
- Tearpad ““ Coupon pads typically found on store displays ““ coupon etiquette dictates you may take a couple coupons but never swipe the whole pad!
- Blinkie ““ Coupon found in stores in a shelf dispenser that blinks to attract attention
- Catalina or CAT ““ Coupons that print out at the register ““ named for the company that makes the printers
- Printable ““ A coupon printed off the internet
Store specific abbreviations
Some stores have specific loyalty or coupon programs you might find referenced as a part of deals. Here are the names and abbreviations of some of the popular stores and programs.
- WAGS ““ An abbreviation for Walgreens
- RRs ““ Register Rewards, a program offered by Walgreens which prints dollar off coupons when certain items are purchased
- Balance Rewards ““ Another Walgreens program that lets you earn points to be redeemed for cash off a purchase
- ECB ““ Used to stand for Extra Care Bucks, a CVS rewards program that is now called ExtraCare
- UP+ Rewards ““ A Rite Aid points program that lets customers earn money off future purchases
- mPerks ““ Digital coupons for Meijer
- Yes! Rewards ““ Spartan Stores loyalty program that lets shoppers earn points toward rewards
Sale and couponing terms
If you want to join in discussions on couponing boards and forums, you'll want to know what these general terms and acronyms mean.
- OYNO ““ On Your Next Order, typically refers to coupons, such as Register Rewards, that can be used for any item you purchase
- LOND ““ Land of No Doubles, a most unfortunate place to live where no local store offer double coupons, a promotion that doubles coupon face values
- DND ““ Do Not Double, a restriction written on some coupons indicating a store should not double the coupon value
- OOP ““ Out of Pocket, the amount of money you pay at the store
- Final Price ““ The price of an item when OYNO coupons or rebates are factored in. For example, if you spend $10 at WAGS and receive $5 in RRs, your OOP is $10 and your final price is $5
- Rolling ““ Using an OYNO coupon to do a deal several times. In the example above, someone rolling the deal would go back to WAGS and make the same purchase. They would use their $5 in RR when paying and then get back another $5 in RR, making their OOP $5 and their final price free! Not every deal can be rolled, but when then can, it is a great way to stock up for little or no money.
- MM ““ Money Maker, a deal in which your final price actually gives you money back.
- Stacking ““ Combining multiple coupons or promotions, such as a store coupon and a manufacturer coupon for the same item, to maximize savings
- YMMV ““ Your Mileage May Vary, a term that indicates the same deal may not be found in all stores.
Where to go for more help
While these are some of the most popular acronyms and terms, this is by no means an exhaustive list. If you have trouble deciphering a deal, there are numerous couponing message boards and blogs where you may be able to find help in sorting out what the terms mean.
At SavingsAngel.com, our members can email the help desk or ask fellow members in our members-only Angel Community. However, if you are not a member and need some help, be sure to stop by our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/savingsangel where we would be happy to answer your questions as well.
If you hate couponing,you'll LOVE SavingsAngel. If you love couponing, you'll LOVE SavingsAngel.
The most important thing SavingsAngel saves you… is TIME!
The best couponers save hundreds of dollars every month at the grocery store. However, couponers can end up living very extreme lifestyles to get those savings. For over five years, SavingsAngel.com has equalized the playing field ““ giving extreme savings to busy families who don't have the time or ability to be a full-time couponer. Each week, SavingsAngel.com's team of more than 70 angels combines over 2,000 products on sale at local grocery and drug stores with an enormous database of over 2,000 different manufacturer coupons. These combinations result in our members getting access to over 300 products each week for 50% off or better. Simply log in, choose the deals you want, print or clip only the coupons you need, and save hundreds of dollars a month at regional and national stores. Our angels will personally work with you to craft a plan that will help you buy healthier food at lower prices ““ helping you keep $200 to $400 in savings each month.
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