Last week I talked about the Anatomy of a Coupon.  We will be continuing our examination of coupons by looking at the security features on printable coupons to prevent fraud.

1.  Pattern of Circles or Dots behind the expiration date to prevent photo copying.

2.  “Watermark” or faded image behind the Coupon Value and Description to prevent photo copying.

3.  Encrypted 2-D Barcode which is unique to each coupon print (even for a second print of the same coupon).  The first 4-digits is the same for each coupon you print, all other numbers will vary.  You can enter this code into the Veri-fi website to verify that the coupon hasn’t been redeemed ( if you’re concerned the coupon may be a copy).

4.  The Border of a coupon is repeating text that shows the time & date stamp of when the coupon was printed, zip code where printed, redemption value and expiration date as well as a unique number sequence.  The information identifies your computer!

5.  Under the expiration date (as part of the border box) you will find the same information as on the coupon border.  You could cut off the entire border of the coupon but the information will still be obtained from the expiration date box.

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Copying or creating coupons is fraud! Don’t do it!  Learn how to recognize a fraudulent coupon to protect yourself and local store.

Next Up: Recognizing Fraudulent Coupons

 Not sure Where to Find Printable Coupons?  Read my post to learn more.

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It is important to familiarize yourself with coupon anatomy to be a successful coupon user. Today we will look at a manufacture coupon and learn how the coupon works and terminology used on the coupon.

It is important to note that you may only use 1 manufacture coupon per item.  If the coupon states to save X amount of dollars on 1 product,  you must purchase 1 item and only use 1 manufacture coupon.

How do you know you are looking at a manufacture coupon and not a store coupon?  It will say “manufacturer coupon” clearly on the top of the coupon.  Later in this post we will talk about coupon verbiage and images that may indicate a manufacture coupon is valid at a particular retailer.

The Expiration Date will also be prominently displayed on the coupon.  The coupon will be valid until the expiration date shown.  You CAN’T use a coupon that has passed it’s expiration date.

The product image will help you identify the product.  However, the image is NOT necessarily an indicator of the product(s) the coupon is valid on.  You will want to read the coupon terms to identify all products you may purchase.  It is common for manufacturers to use a product image of the most expensive product.

Redemption Value and Terms of the coupon states the value of the coupon and the terms of the purchase.   The terms are important for determining the type of product(s), how many products and what size you must purchase.   You will also find exclusions for size and variety.   A coupon that doesn’t specify a size or exclude travel/trial sizes can be used on the smallest product size available and will make the most use of your coupon.

Occasionally, you will see coupons that may indicate a manufacture coupon is valid at a particular store.    It has become increasingly common to see manufacture coupons stating “redeemable at” a specific store or including a store logo on a coupon.  While these are still manufacture coupons and can be used anywhere, some stores will not accept coupons that mention or are “sponsored by” another store.

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I have spent several weeks discussing where to get coupons and a lot of focus has been put on where to get printable coupons.  One important fact that must be mentioned before we can go any further is…

You may NEVER photocopy a coupon

Coupons have a unique serial number that is specific to that coupon.  Each time you print a coupon, it is given a different serial number (most sites allow 2 prints per computer – the barcode is the same but the serial number is different).  The store will not be reimbursed for duplicate serial numbers.

So, what happens if you DO photocopy a coupon?  The coupon will likely scan in-store and you will save money on the product.  The coupon will be shipped to the clearinghouse (where they process the coupons), and only 1 coupon will be valid while the others will show as duplicate serial numbers.  The store will not get reimbursed for the duplicate coupon value and the store will lose money.  In all likelihood, the store manager and cashier will get reprimanded for accepting the coupon and will be more stringent with other coupon users in the future.

To sum up – Copying coupons is illegal.  Don’t do it!

Next Up: The Anatomy of a coupon and how you’re identified on all coupons you print.

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RecycleBank is a program that allows you to earn points by completing Eco-friendly tasks that can behttps://www.thecouponchallenge.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=21165&action=edit redeemed for coupons, discounts and gift cards.

To get started, you need to sign up for a FREE account.  Then you can earn points for:

• Home Recycling (if available in your area)
• Learn and Earn Opportunities
• Completing Challenges
• Entering Coupon Codes from Participating Products
• Referring Friends

If you are planning to use RecycleBank for coupons, you will notice there are “Print at Home”, “Mailed Rewards” and “Online Rewards”.  The “Print at Home” coupons are available to be printed right from your computer before you head to the store, while a “Mailed Reward” will be sent to you via snail mail.

Watch the video to learn more. *This video was taken on the older site design, but all the information is still the same!

Having trouble watching the video?  Click here.

Make sure you know how to Use Coupons.com, Smartsource.com & Redplum.com!

Do you use RecycleBank for printing coupons?

Next Up: Can You Photocopy a Coupon?

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I have been talking about where to get printable coupons for a few weeks, and I’m not finished yet!  However, this week I wanted to step back and give everyone a bit of homework.  Your first assignment?  Set up a coupon email address. 

Why do you need a coupon email address?  You will be registering through a lot of websites to get coupons and free offers.  You don’t want these coupon related emails to clutter up your personal email account.

First, set up a new email account just for coupon use with a FREE service such as gmail, yahoo or hotmail.  Then whenever you are required to register to print coupons or to get on an email list for a store or restaurant, use that new coupon email address.  That way, all those emails are going to one account.  You can check your coupon email account as frequently or infrequently as you choose.

Next Up: Make sure you Set Up a Facebook Account to print coupons!

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Last week I posted specifically about 3 popular printable coupons sites (Coupons.com, RedPlum.com and SmartSource.com) and How to Use each.  This week I am focusing on How to Use Coupon Network.

Coupon Network is a printable coupon site that has only been around for a year.  There are some great features about Coupon Network that should be beneficial to you in your money-saving endeavors.

Having trouble viewing the video?  Click here.

If you missed it, find out Where to Find Printable Coupons!

Next Up: Get a Coupon Email Address

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