Got Coupons? The Lowdown on Internet Printables

Many people have heard of internet printables, but are afraid to attempt to use these coupons in their favorite stores. Who hasn't heard of a tale of internet coupon fraud? If you've used internet coupons long enough, chances are you've had an unpleasant experience with a cashier who thought you were using "fake coupons."
Here's some ways to be sure your coupon is "the real deal."


1. There are several legitimate coupon sites on the internet. These include:
Coupons.com
Smartsource
Redplum
Coupon Surfer
and
Coupon Bug.

2. Also, remember that many companies(such as Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, and more)have sites that allow you to sign up for "members only" coupons. Registration is free and the coupons are usually of higher value than the ones available in the Sunday paper.
Check your favorite product site to see if coupons are available.

3. Most companies (and legitimate coupon sites) set print limits on their coupons.
This means that the company might authorize 10,000 coupons to be available. After the print limit has been reached, this coupon will no longer be available.

4. Also, most legitimate sites limit the amount of times you can print a coupon. The limit is usually 2 per computer. After this the site will say "Print Limit Reached."

5. Be very wary of coupons that come in pdf's unless they are directly from a manufacturer or company website.

6. Remember, if the coupon sounds to good to be true (like the $5.00 any Kraft cheese I once saw), don't use it! Err on the side of caution, even if it means losing a good deal.

7. Hot Coupon World has a forum entitled "It's Got to Be Real." If you think your coupon might be fraudulent, check this site.

8. The coupon sites listed above "reset" their coupons once a month. Be sure to check the coupon sites at the beginning of the month. If you see a coupon for a product you like/need/use, print it then!
Most of the "hot" coupons reach their print limit quickly-- sometimes within a day. If you wait for a sale, the coupon will not be available.

Some Internet Printables Don'ts
1. Don't make copies of your internet printables. Many new couponers do not realize this is considered "coupon fraud." The coupon warehouses have a way to identify the coupon (by the unique serial number found on each one). If more than the allowed number of coupons come from your computer, most coupon sites will block your ip address and then you will not be allowed to print any coupons.

2. Don't print your coupon in black and white. This will raise suspicions that you have copied your coupon.

Do you have suggestions or tips that I have forgotten? Please share them with us!



Plus, the coupon for Country Bob's Sauce is back! Click here to sign up for a coupon for a free bottle sent to you through the mail!

This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday Frugal Edition.