Buy One Get One Free

In refunder's jargon, this is also called a BOGO. BOGOs are found in a few different places. First, you may locate a manufacturer's coupon that states: Buy One Get One Free. If you're really lucky you find the product on sale, and get a great deal on the 2 items. Don't forget, you can use a regular cents-off coupon on the one you have to pay for. It can turn into a terrific savings. And best, it's such fun.

Another type of BOGO is offered by individual supermarkets and discount drug chains. CVS is popular for this type of promotion. Recently Fab and/or Dynamo was advertised just this way. The cost of 1 was $4.99, and the cost of 2, was $4.99, a 50% savings. After checking my coupons, I discovered a $1 coupon off the purchase. My final cost was $3.99 or $2 for each bottle.

Not long ago I shopped at Publix Supermarket in Nashville, TN. Since we have no Publix in New York, this was an interesting experience for me.

I had always heard about Publix BOGOF offers but I was able to fully enjoy the experience by pairing up the BOGOF with some great coupons of my own. Publix seems to be known for promoting products in this way and the savvy consumer can use this technique to rack up the deals.

Here are a couple of my coups:

Hellmann's Mayonnaise: BOGOF combined with my own free coupon, I got both and saved $12.
Del Monte Vegetables: BOGOF combined with my $.50 Del Monte coupon doubled to $1, I got 6 cans and saved $9.

Maximizing coupon use really makes sense in this case. If the coupon has a long enough expiration, use it when there are specials such as this.

The Publix manager also mentioned that the BOGOF offers ring up as ½ price each that's why you can use 2 coupons on these deals.

The most important fact here is do you need 2 of the item? In the case of the canned goods or mayonnaise, the expiration date helps determine that a multiple purchase is warranted. In other cases, a multiple purchase may not be in your best interest. Let common sense be your guide here.

In the promotions: Buy 10 for $10 you can buy any amount from 1 to 10 and still get the $1 price.
Supermarkets present it this way to encourage multiple purchases. Once again, common sense should determine the ideal purchase.

Check with your local store for their policies so you won't be disappointed at the checkout.

My rule of thumb is to save the most using whatever means you can. Apply all promotions, use your coupons, but never buy just because of the deal. Buy because you need the item.

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