Getting an extra product for free is always fun and some stores use this savings technique from time to time.

There are a few tips to consider when shopping what is called a BOGOF. If you have a free coupon for the same item that is a BOGOF that’s the time to use it. About 2 months ago, Acme Supermarket in Philadelphia (I happened to be there), had a real special deal on Gain detergent. It was a Buy One Get 2 Free. The single price was $6.99 or about $2.33 per 50 oz. bottle. However, I had a ‘free coupon’ for Gain giving me all three for free, for an actual savings of almost $21.00. I also used 2-$1 Gain coupons on 2 more of these specials. For the 9 bottles the cost was about $12, $1.50 per bottle for a total savings of $51.00. I’m still using the detergent.

Next is the coupon that offers BOGOF. Not long ago Pantene had such an offer. In addition, in the same flyer, Pantene had a $2 coupon. With my 2 flyers, I had 2 sets of coupons. The Pantene was on sale for $3.33 each. For $2.66 I got 4 Pantene. I saved about $11 on the sale price or about $17.50 on the regular price.

And last is the manufacturer’s package of BOGOF. Often to promote a product, a manufacturer will package 2 items for the price of one. This happens quite often. I always check for Zoya’s favorite Pupperoni at Petco. The health and beauty sections are a famous for this too as is the household cleaning products.

So keep a sharp eye out for these bonus deals.

As you all know I live in New York. We have a number of major chains. They include A&P, Pathmark, Waldbaums, Shop Rite and Stop & Shop. Some smaller and specialty chains include Trader Joe, Whole Foods, Stu Leonards, Food Emporium, and DeCicco.

All of our major chains accept and double coupons with different limits. Some of them accept internet and competitors coupons as well. Most of these variations are highlighted on the store’s web site or weekly circulars. But I always verify this information before I shop.

For example, if the store is offering a BOGOF sale, I can only use 1 coupon since my stores consider that a single purchase. If the same item is on sale for 2/$6.00 I can use 2 coupons on this particular purchase.

After speaking with lots of good coupon shoppers here in Florida, I found the policies are different. On a BOGOF sale, shoppers here can use 2 coupons.

My point, check the options for your store carefully so you can maximize your savings fully.

Visit us at: Select Coupon Program

This is a topic that deserves some more in depth discussions.

I’ve told you about my organizer with about 20 categories, and separate sections for
• Rainchecks,
• Miscellaneous items like batteries and bulbs,
• Retail coupons i.e. TrueValue, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Old Navy
• Coupons waiting to be filed

This has worked very well for me for the last 35+ years.

But I have seen a few other styles that work well too. In Clermont, FL I met up with Diane. Diane’s organizer was a looseleaf book divided into categories. Her coupons were placed in clear plastic pages, good for baseball cards. Each pocket contained similar coupons. For example in her cereal category I could see her internet, store and manufacturer coupons for Kellogg’s cereal. Upon flipping to toothpaste, I could see all the coupons from various brands saved as well.

Diane flips through the pages as she shops the aisles by categories, and pulls out the matching coupon. She loves her system.

Gina was another attendee. She had a small organizer, about 3” x 7” that she made herself from yellow colored poster board. She stapled the ends together and placed her coupons inside in alphabetical order. Hers fit perfectly inside her handbag so no matter when or where her coupons accompanied her.

The point of all this, is whatever system works for you, that’s the best system. So get your coupons ready and head off to the supermarket and your savings.

A phenomenon that’s only about 30 years old is the warehouse store. There are about 3 or 4 major ones. They include: Costco, BJs, and Sam’s Club, a division of Walmart.

These stores are large enough to be a warehouse, hence the name. They are really bare bones. Most of the store is self-service and items are sold in bulk. Coupons are accepted in a very limited way, and there are rarely any additional store sales. What you see is what you get.

I enjoy an occasional trip to Costco because I enjoy the samples and I have found a few items that are really good buys. For example, the 32 count of Yoo Hoo at $7.49, is much cheaper than anyplace else. Three dozen eggs sell for $2.49, a best buy. But my objection here is some of the bulk buying. A 69oz. box of Cheerios will last too long in my house to maintain its freshness. The 15-roll pack of Bounty paper towels comes out to about $1 a roll. I can do much better at CVS when the 8 pack is on sale for $4.99 or $3.99 with my $1 coupon, just $.50 a roll.