There are several key concepts that play an important role in discount or bargain shopping of any kind, and coupon use is always on this list for anyone trying to get the best deals possible. It’s important to realize that there are several different types of coupon out there, each with its own qualities, and knowing your options is valuable if you’re on the discount shopping hunt.
At NPS Store, we’re here to serve as a central hub for discount shoppers in Salt Lake City, Layton, Orem and nearby areas. We offer numerous discount products, including discount groceries, electronics, clothing and more. Coupons are a regular part of our operations and those of many other stores – here are some of the most important coupon types to be aware of, plus how to be thinking about them as you look for the best deals.
Likely the most common type of coupons are store coupons. These work just like a normal coupon, with the difference being that store coupons can only be used at certain stores and not others – usually at the issuing store in question. Store coupons can save shoppers money on everyday products, and they often come as part of weekly sales or promotions.
Store coupons can be acquired in a few ways. Many stores will post these coupons on their website, and others may have them printed in weekly newspapers or magazines. Some stores also offer a loyalty card where customers can accumulate points to later be used as store coupons.
Down strongly related lines, store coupon codes are a special type of coupon that usually involve entering an alphanumeric code while shopping online. This code will then deduct from the price of the items in your cart, allowing you to save money on larger purchases or more expensive items.
These are usually acquired in the same ways as store coupons – email, websites and flyers are all common methods that stores use to issue these codes. Email newsletters or subscription services often offer exclusive coupon codes for members, so it can be worth signing up for a few of these if you shop online regularly.
Another common type of coupon are manufacturer coupons. These work in a similar way to store coupons, but instead of being offered by the store they are issued by the product’s manufacturer or distributor. This means that if you have a coupon for a specific brand of item, you can use it at any store that sells this item and still get your discount.
If you’re collecting manufacturer coupons, it’s again important to look at the usual methods of coupon distribution. Websites, emails and newspapers are all popular options here too, but in this case you’ll be looking through manufacturer websites rather than store ones.
Don’t be worried if you haven’t heard this term – it’s the industry saying for that long printed receipt you get in many stores, which often includes more coupons for future purchases. These can be used in the same way as regular store coupons and they can help you save on multiple items at once, which is always a bonus.
These small slips are released by the store’s payment system when you finish shopping, so keep an eye out when taking your goods to the checkout desk. They will also usually be present on emailed receipts, so it’s worth saving these if you’re the type of person who does most of their shopping online.
While some people don’t consider these “coupons” per se, they are still an important part of the bargain hunter’s toolkit. Cash back or rebate offers involve money being refunded after you purchase something, usually via a credit card or PayPal account in most cases.
These often require some paperwork to be filled out, and many of them have certain limitations – but with careful research, cash backs can offer big savings and sometimes even free products, if you’re lucky.
Finally, one long-running form of “coupon” is that of store loyalty programs. These involve customers accruing points or other rewards that can be redeemed for discounts in the future – often one point will deduct a certain amount from the total price of your items.
These services usually require you to sign up, and they’re worth it if you shop at these stores regularly. They can also be linked to credit or debit cards, so you don’t even have to remember to bring your card with you when shopping.
Ultimately, whatever type of coupon you’re after, there’s no doubt that it can provide great savings and help you get the best deals available. So make sure to look out for these discounts whenever you go shopping – you’ll never know when the perfect bargain is right around the corner!
For more on this or any of our discount warehouse products or services for clients around SLC, Orem and Layton, speak to our team at NPS Store today.
