eCoupons

eCoupons 101

What are eCoupons?

eCoupons, or Digital Coupons, are hands down the most hassle-free way of saving money. Many people feel self-conscious about pulling out coupons when paying, especially if you are just starting out. I used to be that way too, but now I lug my hot pink 3″ coupon binder in the store, proud as can be

Here’s a few FAQ’s about eCoupons:

These are manufacturer coupons…can I use this combined with a paper manufacturer coupon? As of November 2010, you are now no longer allowed to use both coupons on a single item. Also keep in mind that eCoupons instantly come off, so be careful about loading them onto your reward card if you are wanting to use a paper manufacturer coupon for the item!

Since it’s a manufacturer coupon, does this mean I can double/triple it? No. eCoupons are only worth face value and will never double or triple.

If I load an eCoupon and don’t use it, what happens? A great thing about eCoupons is that they are free to load and if you don’t use them by their expiration date, they just disappear!

How do I make sure my eCoupon gets discounted from my total? For starters, I always opt for self check out whenever I have the opportunity (all of my local grocery stores have them) so that I am able to take my time and see what’s going on with my balance. eCoupons are always instantly taken off of your total without you needing to do anything, but if you just want to double check (don’t worry we all do it) often times the eCoupon doesn’t register until the cashier has hit the ‘Pay’ button. This is why self check-out is great: you can hit the ‘Pay’ button after scanning your item to verifty if the eCoupon pops up. Then just hit ‘Go Back’ and finish your purchase!

Sounds like a great way to save. How do I get started? eCoupons are loaded onto your store rewards card (if they are partnered with the eCoupon company) and all you have to do is make sure to scan your card when you checkout! Simple! There are 3 Nationwide eCoupon sites, and Kroger and Tom Thumb (Safeway) have their own eCoupons as well. Now let’s get you set up for easy savings:

Cellfire actually offers grocery eCoupons as well as coupons you can load on your phone (non-grocery) like Sears Portraits or 1-800-Flowers discounts. New coupons come out every two weeks, and there is a cut-off date to load the coupons, as well as an expiration date.

Step 1. You will need to register for an account. Go to Cellfire’s Homepage and on the top navigation bar, click on “Get Cellfire Now”. It will ask you for your mobile phone number (used for your ID), year of birth (used for your password), and zip code (used to show you stores in your area that are partnered with Cellfire). Make sure to put the correct information in- don’t worry, I’ve never received any spam from them.

Step 2. Continuing on the same page, have your reward cards ready and click “Add Card” by the reward cards you have. Type in your card number, and you’re done! (In the Dallas area, you should have Tom Thumb and Kroger)

Step 3. Now that your store card is linked with your Cellfire account, it’s time to add your eCoupons! On the top navigation bar, there is a “Browse Offers” tab. Make sure to pay close attention to the fact that eCoupons from Cellfire are split up between stores. (if you have multiple store cards on your account)

Step 4. Whenever you want to see what is saved on your reward card, just go to the “Saved Offers” tab, and you will be able to see the expiration date as well as the full details about the eCoupon.

Shortcuts is similar to Cellfire, but they do have differences. The biggest difference is that most coupons on Shortcuts can be used at the store of your choice. (if you have multiple store cards) If you see a “View offer Restriction” link on the eCoupon, make sure to click it before going shopping- this link means it is restricted for use at only one chain of stores. There is also no set schedule on new coupons, so I make sure to check back at least once a week.

Step 1. Go to the right side of the screen under “Sign in” and click on “Register Now”. Shortcuts will use whatever email you register with as your ID.

Step 2. On the registration page, it has a drop down menu to choose your store(s). Make sure to have your reward cards with you and enter your information.

Step 3. Adding your eCoupons is easy once you are logged in! Just click the big “Add” button. In Shortcuts, all coupons remain in the same spot, and they with either say “Add” or “Added” at the bottom. If you would just like to see the coupons you have already added, simply go to the top tab labeled “Electric coupons, and a drop down menu will show with “My coupons” as an option.

P&G eSaver is great whenever you hit an awesome P&G sale! It really sweetens the savings. This site only updates every other month, but the coupons are high value and useful, so don’t overpass this one!

Step 1. Check to see if you have already made an account with PGEveryDaySolutions.com. If you have, that is your log in information. If not, log onto PGeSaver and click on “help center” over on the left hand side. This will take you to a page where you have the option to register underneath the log in area. You will be making an account for the PGEveryDaySolutions, but right before you click to register, it will tell you this will also be used for your PGeSaver.

Step 2. Currently, P&G only works with Tom Thumb (Safeway, or other chains) stores. Make sure to enter your reward card number before adding coupons. Many times on this site, the card doesn’t seem to register and you may need to go back in your profile and do it again. Don’t worry, once you have it sorted out, it won’t mess up again.

Step 3. When you add eCoupons on this site, the “Add Coupon” will become bold and a check mark appears. If you would like to see your saved coupons, go to the “Selected coupons” tab on the left. There is also a drop down menu which shows what coupons you have redeemed.