Manufacturer vs. store coupons

This week, we'll tackle another dilemma for beginners: The difference between manufacturer and store coupons.

Q: I have a $1 coupon for a brand of cheese. The coupon has the supermarket's logo on it. Is it a store coupon? Can I use it at a different store?

Q: I have always been under the impression that if a coupon says it's a manufacturer coupon, any store can accept it, even if another store's name is advertised on the coupon. However, I just ran across a manufacturer coupon with the disclaimer that it could only be used at a particular store. I would appreciate it if you addressed this issue.

A: Let's start by looking at the difference between a store coupon and a manufacturer coupon.

A manufacturer coupon is issued by the company that makes the product. These coupons share a few characteristics: a standard GS1 barcode, a physical mailing address in the fine print and the words "manufacturer coupon" printed somewhere on the surface.

A store coupon is a little different. The barcode will look different from the one on a manufacturer coupon. It's an internal store barcode that can only be read by that store's registers.

A store coupon typically has no mailing address on it, either. A store coupon may say "store coupon" or "retailer coupon."

A store coupon lowers the price on a sale item, and it can be stacked with a manufacturer coupon for additional savings.

Keep in mind that you might see a store's name or logo on both manufacturer and store coupons. A store's logo does not mean that a coupon is a store coupon; the other identifying features noted are the indicators.

It's common to see manufacturer coupons with different store's names or logos. Depending on your store's coupon policy, you might be able to use those coupons at a different store, as long as they are manufacturer coupons and the store can be reimbursed for it.

One of my local supermarkets notes in its policy that it will accept a manufacturer coupon, even if it its only redeemable at a competing store. Other stores in my area are not as accommodating, and their policies will not allow them to accept a manufacturer coupon with another store's name or logo on it.

Remember, coupon acceptance at any store is a privilege, not a right. It's always a good idea to view a copy of your store's coupon policy to determine what kinds of coupons the store will accept.

Jill Cataldo, a coupon workshop instructor, never passes up a good deal. Learn more about couponing at her website, www.jillcataldo.com.