Coupon Stacking
A guide on where and how to stack coupons in Canada
We’ve all seen TLC’s infamous show Extreme Couponing, where individuals hand over huge piles of coupons to get a mountain of groceries for free (or even make some small change!). Coupon stacking is a popular misconception in Canada and a rare occurrence, but still possible. Today’s blog is dedicated to explaining the practice of stacking coupons, helping Canadians understand the “do’s and don’ts” of coupon stacking.
First and foremost, the majority of Canadian stores do not allow for coupons to be stacked. In fact, the only store where you can stack coupons is London Drugs, a western Canada retailer. To find a location near you click here. But this doesn’t mean you can’t get great deals in Canada! While traditionally we think of stacking as using more than one coupon per item, there are many ways you can stack money saving offers. So, before we detail the ins and outs of coupon stacking, lets breakdown how you can stack great deals (almost) anywhere.
Cashback offers. Lots of great cashback platforms allow you to claim cash back and use coupons. Make sure you read the cashback offer for details, some will contain language specifying if it cannot be used with a coupon. For example, if it states, “Cannot use this offer with any other print or in-app coupon or rebate.” you can claim that cash back offer OR use a coupon, but not both. If there are no exclusions outlined, you are good to go!
Loyalty Programs. We love a good Air Miles or PC Optimum deal. These platforms allow customers to earn miles or points back on everyday items. They also don’t limit or exclude coupons! So, mix and match your coupons with these offers, bonus savings if you can combine with a sale price!
Price Match + coupon. This is our fav money stacking option (even better if you can get a points or miles deal on top!). Despite some stores not understanding coupon policies (we get this a lot) you absolutely can price match AND use a coupon. This is where we often find the biggest savings. Remember, coupons are just like cash. Grocers get reimbursed for these coupons by CPG retailers, so its no loss to them! If a coupon states, “Cannot be combined with any other offers” that does not refer to sale pricing, so please proceed.
Now on to stacking. Before you stack coupons it’s important you read the fine print of any coupon and understand any exclusions listed. The following are things you need to look for.
Terminology. This one is a bit tricky, but terminology will dictate any exclusions and / or limitations to a coupon’s use. The following phrases will mean your coupon cannot be stacked with any others
Use of more than one manufacturer’s coupon per item is strictly prohibited
Cannot be combined with any other coupons or offers
On the other hand, if it says one coupon per product, you can stack. Coupons that state one coupon per customer can also be stacked, but you will be limited to using only one of those coupons in a shopping trip/visit.
For coupons to be stacked they must have different UPC codes. UPCs are different than the unique IDs, tearpad coupons that come out at the same time will almost always have the same UPC, as will printable coupons. That means you cannot use two printable (same UPCs) or two tearpad (same UPCs) coupons on the same item. However, if there is a tearpad and printable coupon available these most often have different UPC codes and can be stacked together.
Regardless of what the coupon states some CPG retailers will not allow for stacking, including brands like SC Johnson. Check with your local store to see what limitations apply.
Reminder, stores may limit the number of coupons you can use or the number of items you can purchase. Coupon use is intended for personal consumption, overuse of that can (and likely will) result in limitations on what you can buy. Check with your local store manager to see what you can do.
For great offers and deals that can be stacked check out the Savin Groceries App today!
Happy Shopping!
