Day 8: How to Download Digital Coupons

If your brain can’t handle remembering to grab the coupon binder along with your reusable bags, diaper bag, and grocery list, join the club! Harried grocery shopper; meet the digital coupon.

Historically, your store savings card has served two purposes–to offer savings for repeat customers while tracking purchases to inform manufacturing needs. Shoppers with loyalty cards can also take advantage of double and triple coupon events. But you, the savvy shopper, must be aware that not all “discounted” store card sales are actually less than at another grocer. And there’s a certain amount of privacy you surrender when swiping the card.

Big Brother concerns aside, several stores have started offering another component to their loyalty cards…digital coupons downloaded directly to your card! Here’s the most effective way to maximize this attractive, paperless savings program at your favorite store:

1. Get a store card.
   Head over on a non shopping trip to sign up for a loyalty card. How much does it cost? Nothing! What’s the catch? The systems that track purchases look for patterns in your shopping. But I only go to Kroger once a month? There are still patterns in your randomness and the computer finds them to stock the store appropriately. And you get to take advantage of the savings program that comes along with it. The store will want your address, phone number, and email. Read each form carefully–if you don’t want to be contacted via email, indicate it on the form. In less than a minute you’re done!
2. Register your card online at home.
   Head to Safeway, Kroger or another store that offers digital coupons and register the numbers on the back of your card with your zip code, email, and password. You have the options to add email and mail out coupons to the address you input on your. Many of the mail out deals are for big savings off products I use, so I’d recommend signing up. The information in the weekly circular is the same as the email notification, so pick your method and stick to it.
3. Download coupons on your account.
   Each site is different, but most have a “My Account” page that reviews the weekly ad and promotions at your preferred store. Under “My Account” look for “My Coupons” or something similar. At Kroger’s site it’s listed in the left column. Safeway has both store and manufacturer coupons available to load on your card. Then “click here to add to your card” and you’re done! Almost.
4. Make a list.
   Something smells a bit funny here. My coupon binder has easily visible offers with clear expiration dates displayed. What does your bar code tell you about the coupons you have? Absolutely nothing. You are less willing to use a coupon when you can’t see it, and you bet it’s a ploy to get Generic Shopper to pay full price. This is why, whether you clip or download, it’s imperative to make a list and highlight items that have a digital coupon. Since you’ll also have printed and clipped coupons, demarcate paper coupon items with another color. If you have a smart phone you can poke around a little in the store, but you can waste a good amount of time sifting through pages of coupons. Use your store account to make a solid list ahead of time. It doesn’t take more than 20 minutes to get your act together.
5. Test it, if you’re nervous.
   Run in for five minutes and buy something you need and have a digital coupon for to try it out.

There’s a lot of potential to this system. Many accounts allow shoppers to add sale and other items to a digital shopping list (print it or email to your helpful husband). A couple other items to consider before jumping in:

• Kroger allows a limit of 150 coupons per card at one time.
• Safeway shoppers may add store coupons and P&GeSaver coupons.
• Expired coupons are automatically deleted.
• Coupons are redeemed with other store promotions.
• Digital coupons may not be used with printed offers, unless otherwise noted.