The Anatomy Of A Printable Coupon

Lets explore the aspects of a printable coupon! The more we know about the way a coupon is composed, the better our chances of using it properly and getting the most out of it!

1. The Fine Print These tiny words can be found wrapped around the outer edge of a printable coupon, around the expiration date or below the main body of the coupon. This may include: time and date the coupon was printed, details of what the coupon is for and the specific value of the coupon, redemption mailing address, expiration date and consumer guidelines (one coupon per purchase, etc).

2. The Old School Bar Code This is the bar code that is being phased out. It will appear on some coupons ALONG WITH the new bar code, to make it easier for stores to accept the coupon. For more information about the double bar codes, please read The New Coupon Bar Code. 3. The GS1 Databar The future of coupons is here! This is the NEW bar code that will eventually be the lone bar code on every coupon. This is what tells the registers computer what the coupon is to be used for, the value of it and any other specific details about the products. For more info on this new bar code, check out The New Coupon Bar Code. 4. Unique ID Little did you know, when you print a coupon, the manufacturers can track it! This helps prevent photocopies and coupon fraud. That funky looking code is linked to the IP address of your computer, and has a unique number on it. If you photocopy these coupons, once they are redeemed, the manufacturers know they were copied and can track who did it! 5. Manufacturer QR Code Advertising jumps into the 21st Century! These codes are direct links to the manufacturer or companys websites, when scanned by your smartphone. 6. Product Picture These pictures are NOT always the product you must buy with the coupon. These are suggested products to purchase, using the coupon, sometimes. ALWAYS go by the wording of the coupon to decide what you are purchasing. 7. Wording & Details The wording on a coupon is crucial, when understanding what you are meant to purchase with the coupon. Here, youll find products included on the coupon, details about those products and size restrictions. 8. Coupon Type On EVERY legitimate manufacturer coupon, youll see the words, Manufacturer Coupon. This simply means it is a coupon generated and distributed by the manufacturer of the product on the coupon. Store coupons are the only exception to this, and youll either see the words, Store Coupon or the actual name of the store on the top. Store coupon bar codes are also quite different from manufacturer coupons. 9. Expiration Date The life of a coupon is short - and its expiration date is ALWAYS listed on the coupon. Most stores will not accept a coupon without a visible expiration date, so be sure not to cut it off! Coupons expire at 11:59pm on the date listed. 10. Consumer Guidelines This is directed to us, the consumers. We are told how many of each coupon we can use per purchase, per transaction, per person and per shopping trip in this section of the coupon. Any other restrictions will be listed here, as well.