Whether you’re new to the world of couponing and refunding or consider yourself a seasoned pro, navigating through the myriad of acronyms, abbreviations, and specialized jargon can be daunting. The landscape of deal-hunting is ever-evolving, with new platforms and technologies introducing a fresh lexicon to master. This guide is designed to help demystify these terms, making it easier for you to spot deals, understand forum discussions, and maximize your savings.

Here is a quick reference guide of some of the most common abbreviations and terms used by couponers and deal-seekers:

  • AC: After Coupon – The price of an item after applying a coupon.
  • AR: After Rebate – The final cost of an item once a rebate is received.
  • B&M: Brick & Mortar – Physical stores as opposed to online shopping sites.
  • BOGO/B1G1: Buy One, Get One (Free/Half Off) – A deal where purchasing one item secures an additional item at a free or reduced rate.
  • Catalina: Coupons printed at the register after purchase, named after the company that provides them. These can offer discounts on future purchases or cashback.
  • DIGI: Digital Coupon – Coupons available on store apps or websites, often requiring a store loyalty account.
  • DND: Do Not Double – Indicates that a coupon cannot be doubled in value.
  • Double Coupons: Some stores match the manufacturer’s value on a coupon, which “doubles” the value of the coupon for the consumer. For example, a coupon printed as 50 cents off of one item may be “doubled” by the store to become $1 off the item. The store covers the cost of the additional discount, and each store sets its policy on whether they double coupons, how many coupons may be doubled at once, etc. Please check your store for their specific policies.
  • ECB: Extra Care Bucks – CVS’s loyalty program rewards that function like cash for future purchases.
  • FAR: Free After Rebate – Indicates that an item is free after submitting a rebate form.
  • GC: Gift Card – Often used in deals where purchasing certain items grants a store gift card.
  • HT: Hang tags for refunds or coupons hanging on a product
  • IP: Internet Printable – Coupons that can be printed from online sources.
  • ISO: In Search Of
  • MIR: Mail-In Rebate – A discount given after mailing in proof of purchase.
  • OOP: Out of Pocket – The amount paid at the time of purchase, after all discounts.
  • OOS: Out of Stock
  • OYNO: On your next order/purchase, usually referring to Catalina-type coupons that provide a discount on your next purchase.
  • P&G: Proctor & Gamble, also referring to the PGBrandsaver coupon insert
  • Peelie: A coupon found on a product’s packaging that you peel off.
  • PM: Price Match – A policy where a store matches a lower price found at another store.
  • Q: Coupon – Used in discussions to refer to coupons in general.
  • QR/Q Code: Quick Response Code – A type of barcode that can be scanned for information or to redeem offers.
  • RR: Register Rewards – Walgreens’ version of Catalina coupons, offering discounts on future purchases.
  • SASE: Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope
  • S&S: Subscribe and Save – A program offering additional discounts for subscribing to regular product deliveries, commonly found on Amazon.
  • SS: Smart Source, also referring to the SmartSource coupon insert package
  • STACK: Using a manufacturer’s coupon in conjunction with a store coupon or discount on the same item.
  • Tear pad: A pad of refund forms or coupons found hanging from a store shelf or display
  • WYB: When You Buy – Often used in deals requiring the purchase of multiple items for a discount.
  • YMMV: Your Mileage May Vary – Indicates that a deal may not be available in all areas or to all customers.

This guide represents a snapshot of the constantly changing world of couponing and deal-hunting. As platforms evolve and new technologies emerge, so too will the terminology. Staying informed through communities and forums can help you stay on top of the latest terms and trends.

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