Printable Coupons 101

Be Centsable had an excellent post this week on Printable Coupons 101. Here it is, enjoy:

Whether this is your first time to venture into Internet printable ('IP') coupons or you are an old pro, the information that follows will be helpful. IP coupons are a great way to get started saving money while you are working on building a coupon stockpile or just becoming a frugal shopper.

First, the printing tips:
* You will likely be prompted to download a small program from the site you are printing from
This is true of the "database" type sites (SmartSource, Redplum, Coupons.com) The program is not harmful (we've never had issues with them) and does not contain viruses or spyware (assuming you are using the sites we discuss here!)
* There are some browsers that work better to print IP's than others, generally though any browser is fine.
* You are typically limited to 2 prints of a single coupon at any given time. Companies have different ways of tracking this: most are by IP address (different from 'IP' coupons), some by e-mail address. Remember to use your 'back' button and 'refresh' the page if necessary to print your second copy (this will save time going through a search or signing in again.)
There are some exceptions:
~ A coupon in .pdf format is an exception, these can be printed as many times as you like (Budgeteer interjection - I like to save these to my computer so I don't have to find them later on, and so I will have a copies to print should the coupon be pulled fcrom the website.)
~ Another exception to this is a coupon distributed directly in an e-mail (these are often store specific coupons like CVS, Bath and Body Works etc., often you get these as a result of 'membership')
* Save your scrap/recycle computer paper for IP's....most coupons only take up 1/3 or half of a sheet of paper.
* You do not EVER need to print the coupons in color and most of them state that on the coupon. (Budgeteer interjection - be careful about printing your coupons in "Fast Draft" mode on the printer; somtimes the fast print can skew the quality of the coupon and then it will be questioned at the store. So just avoid this altogether by being careful about your print quality.)

Second, where to find printable coupons (because they won't find you):

* Our number one resource is Coupons.com (click the link to see a current list of available coupons).
:: There are several links on our the BeCentsable wbsite near the bottom on the right sidebar labeled "Coupon Sites" (Budgeteer interjection - I have also placed a link to Be Centsable located on my righthand sidebar.)
* We also have a link to a master list of coupons offered on a variety of manufacturer websites.
These are called "bricks". Bricks are single coupons available only at a mfg's website.
* The two most prominent Sunday coupon insert distributors also offer printable coupons on their websites - Smartsource.com and Redplum.com
* ALWAYS, ALWAYS check the manufacturer's site for coupons and special offers.