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Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Ecoupons Explained

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Coupons are everywhere. There are coupons in the Sunday paper, coupons you can print online, coupons that come in your mailbox. Coupons. Coupons. Coupons. There is also a variety of coupons called electronic coupons or just ecoupons for short.

What are ecoupons?

Electronic coupons are loaded directly on to your store's loyalty card (i.e. Kroger Plus card) and will automatically deduct once you purchase the specific product. It's so easy and there is no "clipping" required. You may have even seen me refer to some of these ecoupon sites in my coupon matchups each week. Some of the popular sites are Cellfire, Shortcuts & Kroger.

Top 7 facts about electronic coupons:

1. You can load up to 50 ecoupons on your loyalty card at any given time. Coupons cannot be removed once they are loaded. You would either need to redeem it or let it expire.
2. Ecoupons are frequently updated either twice a month (Cellfire & Shortcuts) or monthly (Kroger & Upromise).
3. You can stack an ecoupon and a manufactuer's coupon for the same item.
4. Only 1 ecoupon can be redeemed per item purchased. You cannot stack a Cellfire ecoupon with a Shortcuts ecoupon.
5. Ecoupons for the same item but with different expiration dates must be used in separate transcations. i.e. You can not use 2 Cellfire coupons for 2 identical items in the same transaction.
6. Quantity, variety and size restrictions do apply. If the ecoupon states $1.00 off when you buy 2, you will need to purchase 2 like items in order to see that savings. Same thing goes for a specific size or flavor.
7. Ecoupons do not double.

How are Upromise ecoupons different?

Upromise also offers ecoupons but they work a little differently than the companies mentioned above. Coupons redeemed via Upromise go directly into a college savings account that you set up. You can read more about Upromise and their program here. I am using Upromise to help me pay back my student loans and then I will begin using it to save for Skylar's college fund.

Troubleshooting:

If your ecoupons do not come off at checkout, please verify that you bought the correct item/size/quantity/variety and that your ecoupon has not expired. If everything is correct simply contact the company via their website "Contact Us" form. They may require some information from your receipt and your shopper's card # to help you obtain your refund.

How do I sign up?

Simply visit each ecoupon site and follow the step-by-step instructions. You will need the # from your store's loyalty card to register. All of them are easy and free.


Happy clipping! Oh wait. I mean, clicking!
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