Friday, April 20, 2012

UPC collections

Our coupon club often trades coupons and upcs. The universal product codes can be used for rewards from companies. Kellogg’s is the one of the companies that often offers their customers rewards like gas cards, movie tickets and merchandise. This week one of our members was one Rice Krispie UPC short! The UPC is the actual barcode found on products that are unique to that brand and that particular product. These codes rarely change over time and therefore have a very long shelf life for refunders.

The UPC will need to be either torn off the box, or cut out. I have sent in upc’s missing a corner and they were still accepted for the refund. Try to make sure at least 80% is legible for the person processing your refund. There are some companies that repeatedly offer deals if you have the upc to mail. My experience has been that even if there is not a current offer out by the beer companies or by Kellogg’s, keep the upc! You can often use the upc’s later.

Kellogg’s is the one company that you will need to start keeping. Any cereal, cereal bars or snacks will be upc’s that can come in handy and save you money. Often a promotion will involve a kids cereal like Apple Jacks, and I have only been buying Granola. So it helps if I have a baggie so the upc’s from last year that qualify for a by mail promotion this year. It never fails, then next year I’ll need the granola upc’s. You can see offers anytime at Kelloggs.com.

The other companies that require UPC’s are beer companies. Any beer will occasionally have promotions if you have upc’s to mail them. Most 6 pack girlie drinks are malt beers or liquors. Those upc’s can be of value to you as well. One special note on trading these items: It’s illegal to sell a upc or a receipt. Mainly because two people would be able to work together to qualify for more rewards if they were able to pool their resources. That is why you do not see upc’s or receipts being sold on coupon trader boards. It’s perfectly legal to be given a upc or receipt. Or to give yours away!

Sometimes, we crafty refunders will look for ways to acquire more upc’s without breaking the law. Easy ways to increase your upc stock involve getting your friends or family members to keep their upcs and give them to you. Other ways involve upcs that are abandoned. Yes, I mean the recycling centers, neighborhood recycle bins and dumpsters. The same is true with receipts. Maybe try asking friends to keep their receipts and you’ll pick them up monthly, or take a look around while you’re walking in the parking lot. I admit it, I found a receipt that qualified for a $50 rebate one day just blowing across the pavement. To a non refunder, it was litter, to me it was money.

Finally, I often keep the upc, but then forget which product it belongs. You can type the number in google, and the company and product will usually show up. Or you can look at your receipt (for beer companies especially) and see the UPC number typed right next to the item. County Market is the best place to buy your refund merchandise because we list the UPC and we list the regular price for you to circle as opposed to the discounted sale price that you paid. These will help you acquire MORE refunds. Occasionally you'll find companies that require you to write a upc code, you can always find those on google as well.


For additions Print N Save Coupons:
Print N Save Section of this Blog
County Market
CouponNetwork.com
Coupons.com
Coupon Clipping Services:

Lynn’s Coupons and Refunding Service Put COUNTY MARKET FREE SHIPPING in check out for free shipping on your first order. This offer must be for a purchase greater than $5, and can not be combined with any other offer. She provides newspaper, non newspaper, coupons and rebate forms.
Kuntry Klippers This service specializes in newspaper coupons. Their fees vary but are between 10% and 15% of face value. They also run specials on products. They ship a bit slower, allow for 3-4 days in Illinois. All coupons are sold in sets of 20 like coupons. County Market shoppers also get Free Shipping with “First Time County Market” in check out box.

Coupons by Dede This site sells full inserts, and clipped coupons. All of these coupons are newspaper coupons. The price is generally 15% of the face value of the coupon. You can buy 1 coupon, or 100 coupons. Shipping from this site is fairly fast. Very reliable service. She will run “Specials” on coupons when they get within 10 days of expiration.

The Coupon Clippers is the largest clipping service in the country. They provide newspaper, non newspaper, coupons and rebate forms. They have good service, and a large selection. Being the largest, the hottest coupons disappear fast. However, they do get LOTS of coupons.


The Coupon Master has a mix of newspaper and non newspaper coupons. They ship quickly. Their handling fees are 10%-12% of face value. Shipping is quick, usually arrives in 3 days. They do carry rebate forms on the site.

All internet coupon print limits are subjective. At the time of this email coupons were available for print. If the daily or weekly print limit has been reached, the coupon will be automatically pulled from the websites. You can try to print again tomorrow. All coupons listed are not available in our stores. We list them so you can order or find them to save you money. Check with clipping services, trade boards, or ebay to find coupons not in your store. It is our intent to help you find as many savings opportunities as possible. Enjoy!