We've talked about
SavingStar and e-coupon sites like
Cellfire in the past. These are a convenient way to save money with some clip-free coupons, without spending the time cutting, organizing and maintaining a coupon binder. This is just one more option in the couponing world that you have! SavingStar is awesome, because they are a unique type of e-coupon. These aren't the typical e-coupons that you upload to your shopper's card, then redeem instantly at checkout. SavingStar e-coupons can be thought of more like mini-rebates that are electronically filed, without having to do more than click on the offers you want!
For example, you can head over to
SavingStar. register your shopper's cards, then scan through the offers on products you purchase. SavingStar automatically knows you bought the offered items, and deposits the "rebate" amount into your account. Your deposit will show up in 2-22 days. Once you collect and redeem $5 worth of offers, you can have that amount transferred to your PayPal account and cash out! Pretty cool, right?
Here's where the grey area appears. Let's say, for example, that you intend to buy Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal. Let's also assume you have a manufacturer coupon for that product. We'll let you know when and where to use that coupon, to maximize your savings. Here's the big question:
Can you stack your manufacturer coupon with the SavingStar e-coupon?
The short answer is no. According to the SavingStar policy, SavingStar e-coupons are to be used in lieu of manufacturer coupons, just as any e-coupon. Check out their policy on this issue:
Do SavingStar eCoupons stack with in-store discounts or manufacturer’s coupons?
SavingStar eCoupons will work whether or not you combine them with other services’ coupons, but they are not intended to be used this way. Generally, manufacturers state that it is against their policies for shoppers to redeem more than one manufacturer’s coupon for the same purchase. Using in-store coupons in combination with SavingStar eCoupons is not a problem. Using coupons from other services in combination with a SavingStar “One or Many” deal is not a problem.
In the future, we may implement mechanisms to limit the combination of SavingStar eCoupons with other manufacturer coupons.
Here at The Binder Ladies, we want to endorse ethical and moral couponing. Taking advantage of "holes in the system" with sites like SavingStar is something we definitely don't promote. This hurts everyone involved when policies aren't followed. Although sites like SavingStar don't have the ability to restrict the use of manufacturer coupons with their e-coupons yet, when we spoke to a representative of SavingStar, she alluded to this system being in the works. So, yes, you can stack your manufacturer coupons with SavingStar e-coupons. Right now, you have that ability. BUT - it's against their policy, and they've stated that clearly. SavingStar e-coupons
are manufacturer coupons, and therefore, stacking them would be using 2 coupons for each item.
When we take advantage of great sites like this, we risk losing the privilege of using them. Manufacturers have already began implementing limits and restrictions to the use of their coupons, because of fraud and unethical couponers that manipulate the system to their advantage. Let's keep couponing fun and productive by following policy! We guarantee you'll STILL score freebies, get great bargains and you'll feel good about the way you did it!
