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.

The store flyer is really a wealth of information, savings, and tips. I prefer the hard copy, but lately I have used the online versions as well. The flyer helps me determine my weekly purchases. So I use it before I ever enter the store.

First and most important is the organization of the flyer. It’s divided into the same categories as the supermarket so planning is made easier. Next special coupons and promotions are printed throughout.

The front page usually has all the best sales, sometimes called loss leaders. That means that items are sometimes sold at cost to attract shoppers. On the front page of the Tom Thumb flyer in Dallas, TX, a gallon of milk was selling for $1.49, baby carrots $1 for a pack, a head of lettuce $.77, and $.99 for Quaker granola bars. All fantastic deals.

The inside pages include frozen, beverage, snack, dairy, meat, deli, health and beauty aid specials among others. These are all legitimate sales. But as always some sales are better than others. Take the Quaker granola bars. The regular price is $2.99 each. Some sales are 2 for $4. At $.99 the savings is 66%. Now that’s a great sale and the time to buy.

So knowing the prices for the items you generally buy will help you decide the value of the sale and the reason to make a purchases.

Way back in June I shopped at a Sweetbay Supermarket for a TV show in Tampa, FL. Sweetbay offering varied types of community programs thought a coupon seminar would be another great outreach program for their shoppers. So here I am in Florida visiting 8 Sweebay markets.

We completed 3 seminars so far, but we have 5 more scheduled so I thought I’d list them here and hopefully some of you can find time to attend. Sweetbay is also giving out a $5 gift card for their store to all those in attendance.

• Monday, October 19, 4 PM: Bonita Springs Store: 8951 Bonita Springs Rd. & US 41, Bonita Springs
• Tuesday, October 20, 11 AM: Golden Gate Store: 4995 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples
• Wednesday, October 21, 5 PM: Santa Barbara Store: 4015 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples
• Thursday, October 22, 2 PM: Estero Store, 10026 Coconut Rd, Estero
• Friday, October 23, 10 AM: Punta Gorda Store, 10175 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda

At the seminars I’ve seen some great coupon organizers and picked up lots of tips about couponing policies here in Florida. If you get a chance I’d love to see some of you too. Come over and say hello.

Slash your grocery bill in half

Today I was featured in the New York Times. It is a great article by Stephanie Rosenbloom called “A Clip-and-Save Renaissance“.

Degree is giving a $1 coupon

http://www.degreewomen.com/Women/Fine-Fragrance-Collection.aspx

Lever $1 coupon

http://www.lever2000.com/

$3 in Dove Coupons

http://content.dove.us/dimensions/coupons.aspx

$3 in Pledge Coupons

http://www.pledge.com/savings/2009-1/

$6 in Coupons from Eat Better America: Yoplait, Wheaties etc.

http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/coupons/?WT.dcsvid=MzQ4NjY4ODU2NQS2&WT.mc_id=Newsletter_EBA_042909

$7 coupon for Crest White Strips

http://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/pgeds/en_US/jsp/EDS_Page.jsp?pageID=SCSCL&edstempseg=BB&utm_source=BB&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=May09Newsletter

I recently heard from Tom Carney, he does the family preparation for shopping. Here’s what Tom told me. He created a Spreadsheet on Microsoft Excel. He listed all the products his family uses. Next, he checks the stores flyers and decides on the best place to shop. He checks off the sale items that match his family’s favorites.

He found this system very time saving. He has the one master list, makes his choices by the sales and coupon offerings, and prints it off. Each week his purchases change to take advantage of all the great deals.

He never has to make another list. What a time saver, and what an easy way to prepare for your weekly shopping. He does adjust the list on occasion to allow for change in preferences. One last mention from Tom, he also goes to other stores, discount drug chains etc. to take advantage of their specials.

In 1973 when I discovered the world of coupons and refunds, nothing was automated. Coupons were added up by the cashier, and I was handed the cash. I was amazed, when stores could deduct the coupons via the register. What a time saver.

Today, Single Check Rebates have become such time savers. Stores that we are all familiar with: Rite Aid, Walgreen and Eckerds have initiated these programs. For example for the month of May, Rite has $910 in various refunds and rebates. These range from toothpaste, tissues, and cleaning products to small appliances and other assorted merchandise sold in the store.

The concept is simple, sign up online (even I can and have done so), enter all register receipts for the month and at the end of May hit the submit button and believe it or no, your refund check is in the mail. I have gotten upwards of $40 on an occasion. No computer access, no problem, you can submit all your receipts by mail and receive the same benefits.

All the rebates are listed online or in a booklet distributed as you enter the store. Get those cash savings started, and let me know how well you’re doing.

Coupon shopping is a big money saver especially in today’s economy. I remember once shopping in Rochester, NY where the store actually had a ‘no coupon line’. That’s how much coupon shopping meant to those upstate New Yorkers. So, it’s not unusual to find a fist full of coupons at the checkout.

But for some, coupons can be embarrassing. Somehow saving 50% or more on my groceries, and the thought of not using coupons would never enter my mind. But for some coupon use can be embarrassing. I do a couple of things that may aid the shy shopping. I hope these work for you. They are desired to hasten checkout, to aid the cashier, and customers waiting in line.

First, I have all the coupons ready, and make sure they exactly match my purchase. Next, I take a quick look at the person in back of me on line, if I have coupons for some of their products, I share. That always makes a happy shopper, and eases the annoyance my batch of coupons might present. And last, I help pack my groceries to reduce the wait for those in back of me. A little courtesy goes a long way.

So put on a big smile, stack up those coupons and head for the supermarket and savings.