FAQ's

FAQ's

Where do you find your coupons?

I find coupons a variety of ways. The most common are flyer inserts in the paper, hanging on store shelves and on internet sites like save.ca. I have also found coupons on the actual packaging of a product. Another way I get coupons is to contact the manufacturer by phone or writing them and asking for coupons.



What is coupon stacking and which stores allow it?

Coupon stacking is when a store lets you use more than one coupon on a single item. As far as I know, London Drugs is the only store that allows this. London Drugs only requires that the coupons have different UPC codes and not be expired. Some stores, like Superstore, will let you use an in-store coupon and a manufacturer coupon together but since you can only use one manufacturer coupon it isn't really stacking.



Which stores price match?

Zellers, Walmart and most Superstores will price match other stores current flyers. I'm not sure about Sobey's as I've never tried to price match there. Safeway and Shoppers Drug Mart don't price match. A lot of regular retail stores (like Future Shop and Canadian Tire) will price match so make sure you ask. Future Shop even price matches Amazon.ca - they factor in shipping but since so many Amazon items qualify for free shipping, you can get some good discounts.


What are Brandsaver, Shop & Save, and Smart Source?

Brandsaver is a coupon program from Proctor & Gamble that is available a couple of times a year at this website. Shop & Save and Smart Source are the names of the flyer inserts that are placed in the newpapers. Smart Source should be in the newspaper on the following days: March 28, April 18, May 16, June 20, July 11, August 1, August 22, September 26, October 17, November 7 and December 5. Shop & Save should be in the paper on the following days: March 28, May 2, June 6, July 4, August 15, September 5, September 26, October 31, November 21


What is the Scanning Code of Practise and what stores are a part of it?

The Scanning Code of Practise (SCOP) is a program that certain stores have chosen to opt in to to demonstrate their commitment to price accuracy for their customers. If an item scans at the cash register at a price that is higher than the price listed on the shelf, and the item is under $10 you get that item for free. If the item is over $10 you get $10 off the lower shelf price. If you are buying more than one of the same item, the SCOP applies to only the first item. The rest of that item will be charged at the lower shelf price. The full list of stores that participate can be found here: http://www.retailcouncil.org/advocacy/cp/issues/scanner_acc/scanner_accuracy02_eng.asp Just as an example, Walmart, Superstore and Shoppers Drug Mart all participate in the program.



How do your organize your coupons?

I use a small plastic file folder type thing. It's very similar to the one you can see at this link. You can usually find something like this at the dollar store - mine is actually from an old scrapbooking kit. Inside the folder there are different sections which I divide into the following categories: food, personal care, household, stacking coupons and coupons I intend to use very soon. You can use whatever categories work for you - baby, cleaning, bathroom etc. I've also seen people use a plastic bag system - use small plastic bags for each category and then one large bag (ziploc freezer bag type) to hold all the smaller bags. Another option is using a binder and having pages that are meant to hold business cards or sports cards.



How do you remember to use your coupons once you're in the store?

I almost always shop from a grocery list - when I write something down on the list I make a note beside it that I have a coupon. Before I head to the store I go through my coupons and pull out all the ones that I intend to use and put them in one section in my folder. Then at the store, I can quickly find the coupon I need and check the details on it. Once I know for sure that I'm using the coupon I will stick it in another section or even in my pocket. Couponing has become such a habit for me that when I get to the register I always remember to use my coupons - but I know this isn't the case for most people.


If you find that you are forgetting to use your coupons at the register (but you remember to check them in the store) I would recommend using a small ziploc type bag again. As you go through the store and figure out which coupons you are going to use, put those coupons into a small ziploc bag. Put that bag right into the grocery cart and add to it as you go through the store. When you get to the register and unload your groceries, put the plastic bag right with your groceries - if you forget about them, the cashier will still notice it. This way you're not fiddling around with your wallet, loyalty cards etc and forgetting about the coupons.


How do you organize your coupons to stack at London Drugs?

Here are some step by step ideas to help you get ready to go coupon stacking:

• sort your coupons so that each different brand has its own pile
• then sort those piles into different products
• sort those piles so that you make sure you are using different coupons - if you have doubles of each coupon, make 2 piles etc.
• take each pile, paper clip it together and use a little slip of paper to write what the product is, any restrictions (like minimum 350g) and the dollar amount of the coupons you have
• take all your coupon sets and put them in one section of your coupon holder or take them all in one envelope or something - if they are all together its a lot easier to stay organized
• the final thing I sometimes do (and I only do it because I have lots of time) is to make a list of what products I'm looking for so I can just refer to my list rather than checking the slips on my coupon piles