This is a list of the most commonly used terms and abbreviations in couponing which you will need to know as an avid couponer. Consider this your "cheat sheet"! (You may want to print this list or bookmark this page).

Basic Coupon Terms

• $1/2: $1 off of 2 items
• 4/$5: Four items for $5
• ALA: As Low As
• B1G1 or BOGO: Buy One Get One Free
• B2G1: Buy Two Get One Free
• BTFE: Box Tops for Education
• CO: Cash off or Cents off

• CPN: Coupon
• CRT: Cash Register Tape or Customer Receipt Tape. These are coupons that are printed at the end of your receipt.
• DCRT: Dated Cash Register Receipt. When sending in a refund or rebate offer some manufacturers require that you include the dated cash register receipt as proof of purchase.
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The purpose of this series will give you a brief overview of  different types of coupons as well as where to find them.

Before we get to the many different types of coupons, let us first distinguish the difference between a manufacturer coupon and a retail or store coupon.

1. Manufacturer coupons come directly from the maker of the product. When you use a coupon and provide it to the retailer, they are reimbursed by the manufacturer for the coupon amount (and usually a shipping fee).
2. Retailer coupons (store coupons), are printed and distributed by the retailer. Sometimes the manufacturer will cover a certain amount of the expense of printing and distributing the coupons but they are different from manufacturer coupons. Retailer coupons are often distributed in their store's ads, direct mail or a via a store’s loyalty card.

Tip to Remember: The best savings occur when the retailer allows you to stack these two coupons together on one product. If that product is on sale, you’ve hit the jackpot of savings.  (Coupon Stacking is covered a little further on in this series.)

• Sale + Retailer Coupon + Manufacturer Coupon = MEGA SAVINGS!

Although many people rely on the newspaper for coupons you may be surprised to find that coupons can actually be found in many different types and from multiple sources. Here are some of the most common types of coupons:

Perhaps the best place to start is to ask yourself, “How do I feel about using coupons?” or better yet, “How do I feel about using a LOT of coupons to build my family's stockpile in order to save the most money?” Not all couponers are going to stockpile and perhaps you are one of the majority of coupon users who is simply interested in learning how to save a little extra here and there so let's look at the different types of coupon users.

In my opinion, there are three main types of coupon users and this is how I categorize them.

1. The "drive by couponer", who occasionally picks up a coupon to use here and there or may use one if it's placed in front of a product at the grocery store.
   
   
2. The "classic couponer", has an envelope of coupons or even an expandable coupon sorter and usually takes them with her to the store but doesn't mind shopping without them if she forgets it. She wants to save money but may not have the time or knowledge to take full advantage of coupons.
   
   
3. The "crazy coupon lady" - The crazy coupon lady is the shopper at the grocery store with multiples of specific items in her cart, a binder full of coupons and the one you hate to be behind in line at the checkout counter!