By now I’m sure you’ve heard of coupon staking. Whether it be through an episode of TLC’s Extreme Couponing or an online forum, it is a very popular topic.
Unfortunately, in Canada, it’s something most of us won’t get to be a part of. As it stands, only London Drugs and the Overwaitea Food Group chain in western Canada offer the practice of coupon stacking as a shopping option. Living in Ontario, we have never been able to stack coupons but I am going to tell you everything I do know about stacking here.
What Coupon Stacking Is
Up until now, everything you’ve read is one coupon per purchase. Now the rules change a bit. Coupon stacking is the practice of using 2 or more coupons in conjunction on a single product. By stacking coupons, getting items for free can become much easier, you just have to follow the rules.
Coupon Stacking Rules
1. You CAN price match and stack coupons on the same item. Be sure to review the Store Policy before planning your trip to ensure they allow both of these practices.
2. You CANNOT stack coupons that state “Cannot be combined with any other offer or coupon” or something similar. Most coupons have this wording making finding stackable coupons difficult.
3. You CANNONT use multiple coupons from the same source or with the same UPC code. Each coupon involved in a stacking transaction must be from a different media (coupon inserts, mail out coupons, print coupons) and each must have a unique UPC code on it.
4. You CAN get items for free by stacking coupons. You cannot, however, gain overage with coupon stacking.
5. All coupons must be be current (not expired) and valid for redemption in Canada.
6. Shop during off peak hours. Coupon stacking is time consuming and if won’t go well if you have a grumpy cashier and a line up of people tapping their feet behind you. This is a rule for any major shop, but even more so if you plan on stacking.
7. You still have to pay taxes on items you get for free by stacking.
For some great clarity, here is an example of how to stack coupons.
You receive a coupon for $1 off any Huggies diapers in a coupon insert. You also have a coupon for $2 off any Huggies Diapers that you printed from your computer. You head to the store with your coupons and pick up one package of Huggies Diapers. Stores that allow coupon stacking will allow you to use both of these coupons on one product.
In-Store Coupon Stacking
As we’ve discussed, only London Drugs and OWFG in Canada allows true coupon stacking. However, some stores, including Target & Rexall, do allow the stacking of an in-store coupon with a manufacturer coupon.
These stores, are well known for frequently offering their own branded coupons. These coupons are valid when used in the issuing store only, they cannot be used at other retailers. However, if there is another coupon available for the same product that the store is offering a coupon for then you can combine them!
To keep things clear, here is an example of how to stack an in-store coupon with a manufacturer coupon:
Target is offering a print coupon for $0.50 off Kraft Peanut Butter. You also have a tear pad coupon for $1 off any Kraft Peanut Butter. Head over to your local Target store with both of your coupons in hand. At stores that allow this practice, you can use both your Target Printed Coupon and your tear pad coupon BOTH on your Peanut Butter.
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