I want to make sure all of my readers understand something extremely important in the world of couponing….. OVERAGE!  Coupon overage is when you have a coupon valued higher than the price of the item you are purchasing.  Some stores will allow coupon overage and some will not.  Some cashiers just scan and push through coupons and allow overage and some will not.  Its important to always shop with the stores coupon policy – you can find that in the store guide section of this blog. Let me share with you a great deal I did in Dover DE at the Walmart on 2/24/11;

I walked out (I still have the receipt) paying 28¢ for;

17  boxes of Gain Fabric Softener (40 count boxes) $31.79 (coupon was for $3.00 off)
1 lb of Fresh Deli Meat Turkey (non processed, high quality) $6.54
Bananas 94¢
Cucumber 98¢
Red Bell Peppers $2.48
Red onion $1.01
Rolls $1.98
Flour tortillas $2.08
Butter $3.48
Paid After coupons 28¢ TOTAL!

Now I could have purchased the Gain Fabric Softener in Easton at the Walmart priced at $3.26 for a larger box and that still would have been an awesome deal  at just 26¢ per box when using my $3.00 off coupon but I knew if I took the coupon to a super Walmart I’d find smaller boxes and be able to take advantage of coupon overage….  Tips and tricks of the trade that I share with Family Frugal Fun readers.

Now 99% of the time Walmart allows coupon overage and so does my local Target in Easton, MD.  Beth says that her Target in Florida rarely allows overage so you’ll find each store a little different.  Check with other couponers in your area and ask around.  When you hand over your coupons “assume” the overage will be allowed and have other items ready in your shopping order to absorb the overage otherwise the register will beep and your transaction will not be completed.

The registers are programmed at Safeway so as NOT to allow coupon overage.  I am usually able to get coupon overage at ACME however.

Keep couponing!  If you’d like more information consider a couponing seminar.  Extreme couponing can really change your life!