With hikes in gas prices and housing outstripping average salary raises, people are looking for new ways to save money. Clipping coupons has become a veritable hobby for some, and a necessity for many cash-strapped families. Using stackable coupons is one technique by which thrifty shoppers maximize their savings.
The way these coupons work is that several different coupons are "stacked," or used in conjunction with each other for several discounts in a single purchase. For instance, if you purchase an item online, you can stack a 10% off coupon with a free shipping coupon and a $10 off a $50 purchase coupon. Of course, using stackable coupons is only possible with a vendor that allows more than one coupon or discount per purchase.
When looking for stackable coupons, make sure that you read the fine print. The key words to look for are limit one coupon per purchase. If you find this disclaimer, you cannot stack the coupon.
Some merchants and online stores only allow one coupon or discount per purchase, while others allow as many valid coupons you can throw at them. According to coupon "experts," the best places to use stackable coupons are higher-priced supermarkets, because they are willing to discount more often than discount or no-frills stores. They are often more willing to double coupons and allow you to use manufacturers' coupons in addition to their sale prices.
Finding new ways to save money with stackable coupons has become such a big business that there are numerous web sites at which frugal consumers can find shopping lists to use in conjunction with their weekly clipped coupons, swap coupons, or share places to find coupons or deals. Because many merchants do not advertise these coupons, consumers must rely on shared information to find and take advantage of these saving opportunities.