eCoupons, the secret to using them and the pros and cons of them

eCoupons, the secret to using them and the pros and cons 

What exactly is an E-Coupon?

An E-Coupon is just a fancy word for an electronic coupon. These coupons can be added to your loyal customer/shoppers card via the web using your computer or phone. The only stores around the Fort Wayne area that use e-Coupons are Kroger and CVS. They save both time and paper which I think are two good pluses.

So how do E-Coupons work?

Well, E-Coupons are easy to use. Once you have found an E-Coupon service for a store where you shop, all that you have to do is register, add your shoppers card number to your account, and review the list of available coupons. You can then choose which coupons you would like to use and add them to your card. That’s it! When you go shopping, these coupons will automatically be redeemed at check out.

Where can I find E-Coupons?

The first place to look for E-Coupon is on a store website. Kroger Grocery chains are especially good about highlighting all of the ways you can save at their store, and will often include links to the eCoupon service(s) that they are using.

Here is a list of E-Coupon services that I am currently aware of that has our list of stores in the Fort Wayne area:

* Upromise – offers E-Coupons at a variety of stores: CVS, Kroger, and Meijer. The main difference between Upromise and other eCoupon services is that the product savings is deposited into your Upromise college savings account versus coming off of your total at check out. In addition, unlike other E-Coupons, Upromise coupons can be used in conjunction with manufacturer’s coupons! Upromise E-Coupons are updated monthly. If you haven’t yet explored the eCoupon section of the Upromise site, here are instructions on how to register your shopper card numbers and use the Upromise eCoupons:

* Got to here if you haven’t already, otherwise log in to your account

 - Click on My Account and look for View Profile in the left hand nav bar. Click on Add Grocery Cards and input your zip code for a list of participating stores.

 - Enter your shopper card numbers and hit submit.

 - Click on Coupons & Deals in the top navigation bar, then click on Grocery eCoupons

 - Select the eCoupons you’d like to use.

 - Click Activate Coupons and head to the store! When you purchase a participating product using one of the shoppers cards you registered with Upromise, the amount of the eCoupon will be deposited into your Upromise account.

Now....My Upromise eCoupons are loaded and ready to go!



* Cellfire.com - offers savings on shopping, entertainment and restaurants via mobile web, PLUS grocery E-Coupons for Kroger. These coupons are updated bi-weekly. You also have the option of printing coupons from this site.



* Shortcuts.com – offers E-Coupons for Kroger and CVS. You can click on the links to register your store card and view coupons offered by those programs. You also have the option of printing coupons from this site.


* SavingStar.com - offers E-coupons for Kroger and CVS. You use your loyalty card at checkout (note: The total on your receipt does not change at checkout and the savings are not printed on the receipt). Your money is automatically added to your SavingStar account within 2-30 days! This means you can use their eCoupon WITH a manufacturer coupon. They will email you when your savings post. Once you hit $5.00 in your SavingStar account you can cash out. You can either 1) Deposit to your bank account 2) Deposit to PayPal 3) Put on a Amazon.com gift card 4) Donate to AmericanForests.org (protects and restores forests)

Here are some eCoupon Pros

* No clipping and/or lugging coupons to the store. Once you set up your account and register your card, these services are quick and easy to use.

* You can print a shopping list from each E-Coupon site letting you know what coupons you have loaded on to your card.

* Sometimes we see E-Coupon for store brand products (Kroger in particular).

Here are some eCoupon Cons

* You have to be extremely careful to purchase the *exact* item (size, brand etc…) specified on the e-coupon. For example, if you purchase a 6 oz. tube of Colgate Total and the e-coupon is only good for 4ozs., the E-Coupon won’t work.

* Once you have added an E-Coupon to your card, you can’t remove it unless it expires or you use it.

* If you have added an E-Coupon for the same product using two different services, there is no way to control which E-Coupon is redeemed first. For example, if I add a $1.50/1 Huggies coupon on to my Kroger card using Cellfire.com and a $1/1 Huggies coupon on to my Kroger card using Shortcuts.com, I cannot choose which coupon is redeemed first. If I buy 2 packs of diapers in one transaction, both should be redeemed, however.

* These coupons are redeemed at face value – which means no doubling or tripling. – My TIP for getting the most out of your coupons is if you are going to shop at Kroger and have a paper coupon that is for $.50, use that so it will double/triple (depending on which store you go to). If you load a $.50 eCoupon onto your Kroger card it won’t double/triple. You will save more using the paper coupon.

* There is typically a limit to how many coupons you can load on to your card (per service), and most coupons are only available for a one time download (per card #).

Now...I know the CONS list is longer than the PROS but I still think that eCoupons are a great and easy way to save! If you know how to use them it's worth it!

E-Coupon and Manufacturer Coupon “Stacking”

As of right now, you cannot use a eCoupon AND a manufacturer coupon together. You can use one or the other. Choose the best saving and convenient method for you.

If you have additional questions or comments please feel free to post them here :-)

Happy eCouponing!

Kouponing Kristyn