Grocery Coupon Guide

Written by Shannon Christman

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My Coke Rewards: Coca-Cola’s promoters describe this program as having “prizes for every interest.” Quite a claim, as I have several interests for which I can find no rewards (reading, puzzles, crafts, etc.). However, they do have a pretty big selection of entertainment and sports rewards, as well as my favorites Coca-Cola products. I save up for coupons for free 12-packs, which cost 100 points. (Each 12-pack has a ten-point code, so it’s like getting 10% of my Coke products for free.)

Pepsi: Up until recently, Pepsi had a program where you could redeem codes for sweepstakes entries. It gets customers to the website, but doesn’t really offer much incentive to buy more Pepsi and save up. However, the Pepsi Stuff program for which I found a code on a new 12-pack seems a bit more promising. Launching February 1, 2008, the teaser site suggests prizes you can save for, including music and television downloads, in addition to the sweepstakes entries.

Pampers Gifts to Grow: Pampers diapers and wipes have codes that can be redeemed for infant and preschool toys made by Lego and other well-known brands, featuring characters from Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, and more. The rewards require shipping and handling, the cost of which the site does not reveal until you’re ready to redeem the codes for the reward. I earned a Bob the Builder Duplo set for my son, paying $8.00 to have it shipped. The shipping cost was well below the cost of the set at Toys R Us ($35.00), but considering how little he has played with it, that $8.00 might have been better off in his savings account.

Purina weight circles: Like Pampers points, Purina’s weight circles (found on pet food products) offer rewards tailored specifically for those who generally buy the products. These circles can earn checks toward future Purina purchases or veterinary services, merchandise with Purina logos, and gift certificates to restaurants and other businesses that cater to humans.

Kool Aid points: When I visited the website for this promotion, I couldn’t find any mention of an expiration date or program end date, but no products were available in the redemption catalog. Unfortunately, this experience illustrates the “here today, gone tomorrow” nature of many of these incentive programs, which the manufacturers use to create a sense of urgency. I wonder how much ill will this practice creates among those who have been saving up for a prize only to find it unexpectedly unavailable when they are ready to order it.

Disney Movie Rewards: This program offers Disney merchandise and movie tickets in exchange for codes from Disney DVDs and theater ticket stubs. Promoted in the nepotistic Disney fashion, this program (which runs through January 2009) has become quite popular among families with children.

 

Popularity: 7% [?]

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