Specially Marked Packages

I love supermarket shopping. I not only get great savings I plan for, but I always find unexpected deals.

I call these Specially Marked Packages, packages that have something special, extra or different to offer. You have probably seen them, but were unaware of the large numbers of deals out there. Here's what to look for.

The most popular types of SMP, that's refunders jargon, are products that offer more quantity at the same price. For example, plastic bags that have 10 extra inside, detergent that is 16 oz. heavier or cereal that touts 25% more and always at the same price at the non-promotional item. As a matter of fact, on the same shelf, often right next to each other, you'll see both products.

You think this would be an easy choice, but most shoppers take the items that's closest without ever noticing the deal they just past up. With this new knowledge that's no longer the case. As they say, ‘Knowledge is Power.' Next comes the items that offer instant coupon savings, these are called Hang Tags and/or peelable coupons. Have you ever noticed a box of rice as I just did with a $1 peelable coupon on the front? Or a hang tag on a jar of pickles? These instant coupons can be found on almost every product in the supermarket: most condiments, pet food, detergents, frozen food, dairy items and the list goes on. Alert shopping is the key here. A similar package is one that offers an in-package or on-pack coupon good for a future purchase. These can't be removed in the store but still offer good savings. I recently purchased Mr. Clean erasers that promoted $3 on future savings. I bought 2 packs, cut out the coupons and have already used some of them.

A fun SMP is one that offers a freebie. On a can of shaving cream I found a free razor, on my last purchase of hair spray, a brush was attached and on detergent came a sample of a fabric softener. Of course the purpose of all this is not only to promote the current purchase but a future one as well. I tried that free razor and I was hooked. And last are the packages that offer a refund. Here are some that I recently found. Coca Cola has a promotion called ‘My Coke Rewards'. Each package has a code that when entered on the web site offers coupons for free coke or premiums like T-Shirts. Nothing to mail, it's all done on-line and there are no restrictions. If you have the points, you can continue to get free things. Kelloggs has been offering a full purchase price refund on many of their cereals. I've gotten refunds so far on Cinnabon, Simply Cinnamon Corn Flakes, Smart…. And…. The boxes are almost identical to the non-refund ones, so set your radar to check all the cereals for freebies.

Another great refund, for free gifts, was on Energizer batteries. In conjunction with Susan B. Komen for Breast Cancer. Energizer was offering a free journal and more recently a great free tote bag.

With practice, finding these SMP's will become second nature, fun and a little of a challenge. Visit my web site www.couponqueen.com and check the home page and discussion board for all the amazing offers we find.

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