Couponing Tip: Learn the Difference Between Per Purchase and Per Transaction

Every couponer needs a firm understanding of coupon fine print, including the ominous, “One coupon per purchase.” It may be written in a number of different ways, such as “Limit one per purchase” or “Limit one coupon per purchase of specified item(s).” No matter how it is written, these phrases mean the same thing: Only use one manufacturer coupon per item. It reinforces the point that you may not use two of the exact same coupon for one item.

“One Coupon Per Purchase”

The word “purchase” on the coupon should not be confused with “transaction” or “shopping trip.” The coupon merely limits shoppers to one coupon for every item purchased during a shopping trip. When the cashier says “You can only use one coupon on this shopping trip because these coupons read ‘limit one per purchase,‘” respond by asking the cashing how many items you are purchasing. This is a good way to help your cashier or manager understand that the manufacturer is not concerned with how many products you PURCHASE in one transaction, just that you may only use one manufacturer coupon for each item purchased.
For example: If someone is buying three tubs of frosting and they have three $0.50/1 Betty Crocker frosting coupons, they can use one coupon for each frosting. On the other hand, if the coupon is $1.00/3 Betty Crocker frostings, the shopper can only use one coupon per three frostings that are purchased.

One Coupon “Per Transaction” or “Per Shopping Trip” Limits

Now that you understand what constitutes a purchase, what happens when you want to use a coupon which states “LIMIT OF 4 LIKE COUPONS in same shopping trip”?
When a coupon limits the number of “like” coupons, such as “Limit 4 Like Coupons,” you may only use four of the same kind of coupon. A transaction refers to the entire purchase (especially the payment made for that purchase). If you buy 30 items and then pay the cashier, that is considered one transaction. The term “shopping trip” describes the process of going into the store, making a purchase, then leaving. If you go to a different location or come back later, you are completing another shopping trip.
When trying to understand the fine print on the coupon, remember: Words like “transaction” or “shopping trip” refer to the entire shopping order. The words “purchase” or “purchase of item” mean you can use one coupon for every item purchased, even if purchasing 20 items!

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