Introduction to Couponing – How to Coupon in Canada

This is the first post in an 7-part blog series. Each Friday we will break down the different elements of couponing and show you how you can use them to become a savvy couponer in Canada.

So you want to start couponing. Great. And you’re Canadian. Even better! Your head might be swirling with images and stories of Americans reaping the rewards of dedicated couponing,  but you would be surprised to learn that couponing in Canada is a little different. There are still plenty of rewards to be reaped, but in Canada, we’ve got to approach it from a different angle.

If you’re unsure of how to start saving, we’re here to teach you how to coupon in Canada both online and in your neighbourhood stores. Are you ready?

Online Coupons

You might be a little intimidated by online couponing given how new it is to Canada. But there’s no reason to worry, it actually couldn’t be any easier! Just check out our primer on how to navigate a Canadian coupon website:

1. Search to your heart’s content.

So you’ve logged onto the home page, but you can’t quite find the deal you want. Check out how the coupons are categorized – you might see them grouped together as ‘New Coupons’, ‘Coupons by Store’, or ‘Most Popular Coupons’. Be sure to look for a category that features the site’s absolute deals. On FabulousSavings, we have them under Exclusive Coupons.

Most coupon websites will feature a search bar. Even if you might have a specific product in mind, you’ll find the best results if you search by store. For instance, instead of searching for Apple iPod coupons, try “Apple Store coupons”.

2.  Keep an eye out for coupon codes & expiry dates.

While not all online coupons have a set expiry date, it’s important to always check for one! Some sites have a special category for soon-to-expire coupons. On FabulousSavings, we call them Last Minute Deals.

Another detail to watch out for is the coupon code. These are the codes that some merchants require you to type in at checkout. Again, not all coupons have one, but be sure to check by reading the terms of the deal.

3. Click and let the coupon work its online magic.

After you click on the coupon of your choice, most sites will then redirect you to the merchant website (e.g., after clicking an Apple Store coupon, you’ll be directed to the Apple Store online shop). And voila! Unless you’re required to enter a coupon code, the discount has already been applied.

Shop for your items and you’ll see the savings show up once you get to the merchant’s checkout page. It’s like magic. Magic that saves you money.

In-Store Coupons

One of the biggest ways couponing differs between Canada and the United States is the use of physical coupons. The dedicated shoppers of TLC’s Extreme Couponing prove that there’s no end to the lengths some will go to take advantage of the many loopholes of couponing.

These loopholes, for the most part, don’t exist in Canada. Few if any stores allow you to stack coupons and most have a limit over the amount of products you can buy them with. You might have noticed that the weekly grocery flyers you get in mail aren’t exactly bursting with coupons, either.

“So how do I coupon in Canada to begin with?” you ask? Here’s where to start:

1. Watch for grocery store displays.

If you’re miffed over the lack of coupons in weekly flyers, you might not realise most coupons can actually be found in the stores themselves. Considering how huge many grocery aisles are, they can be easy to miss! You can usually find them right next to the product they’re for. Even if you don’t need it right away, grab a few to use during a later trip. Just be sure to note the expiry date!

2. Give a shout to the manufacturers of your favourite products.

Manufacturers are just like you and me – they love a good compliment. Get in touch with the makers of the item of your choice and let them know how much you enjoy their product. Be sincere, of course! Most will be more than happy to send you a few vouchers as a way of saying thanks. You never know, they might just send a few free samples, too.

3. Shopper loyalty programs are your friends!

Many people seem to avoid registering for anything, but it’s definitely worth your time and your money. Are you a movie buff? If you sign up for Cineplex’s Scene Canada card, that’s 10% off concession food and drinks. Lots of grocery chains have members-only coupons and even online deals that you just wouldn’t be aware of if you weren’t signed up. Google or call your local chain to ask about the benefits of their shopper appreciation programs. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

As you can see, learning how to coupon in Canada isn’t hard at all, it just requires you to be a little savvy. Good luck and save big!