common problems you could experience while using coupons

Most coupons say "limit one per purchase." A better wording for this would be "limit one coupon per item purchased," and some companies are putting a little more descriptive wording on their coupons, but most aren't. You will eventually run across a cashier who thinks this wording actually means "limit one per transaction." Ask your cashier, "how many items am I PURCHASING?" They'll answer your quesion, and you just stand there, nod, and smile as a lightbulb goes off in their head. If you cannot get them to understand that each item is a purchase, have them ring each item as a separate transaction.

All stores locally accept internet printed coupons (IP's) as far as I know. I have occassionally run into a cashier who has said they don't accept them, but asking for a manager or even having that store's coupon policy on hand can be helpful. Some stores, such as Hy-Vee, do not accept an IP for a free item. Fareway will call over a manager to approve your IP's, but they have always taken any I've presented them with.

The store is out of stock. Get a raincheck. All stores offer them, it's the law, and many don't expire. If the item you got the raincheck for doesn't come back into stock by the time any coupons you have expire, don't worry. There's a good chance that coupon will come back again. Just hang onto that raincheck. Also, with raincheck in hand, you have time to gather more coupons (that have a longer expiration date) for items that are a definite stockup price.

Your favorite brand doesn't seem to ever go on sale. Try to get over your brand loyalties, you'll be a much more successful couponer. Cascade dishwashing detergent rarely goes on a great sale, and never has a better than 25c or 50c off coupon. If you're willing to branch out, you'll find that Finish by Electrasol puts out a $2.25 off coupon a couple times a year and they have always gone on a corresponding sale making them 25c per box or even free. I used to be brand loyal to Heinz ketchup, and it is still my favorite, but other than the recent facebook coupon, I don't think I've ever seen a Heinz coupon. I have discovered that I like Hunt's almost as well, and even though Hunt's is just cheaper in general, they put out 20c coupons each spring.