DOUBLE COUPON: A store coupon that doubles the value of a manufacturer’s coupon
Double coupons are the primary way we are able to get free or almost free food and household items in the Pacific Northwest. You can only double a small amount of manufacturer’s coupons per transaction at any PNW store, so it is inevitable that you will be doing multiple transactions, especially if there is a fantastic deal running on something your family regularly uses.
When talking about double coupons, I’m always asked how many transactions someone needs to do. The answer: As many as you want and no more than that. It all depends on how much you want that item at that price, how much energy you have and, mostly for me, how much your children will cooperate (read more about how I make couponing work in my schedule).
Here are some strategies that I have used in the past to do multiple double coupon transactions:
- I sweetly as my cashier if I can do two transactions if there isn’t a line.
- I do one transaction, put the bag in my cart, grab another deal’s worth of items, and hit the register again. I’m a wimp and usually go to a different cashier.
- I shop with my husband and we each do a transaction or two.
- I go out after the kids are in bed or on a Saturday and do a couple of transactions at a couple of stores. I may do this a couple of nights during the sale, especially if the deal is really good.
- I send my husband off to work with a ready-to-go transaction in a Ziploc baggie (shopping list, coupons, doubles, and exact cash — usually $.32) and he does a deal or two while he’s out. The “list” usually consists of 4 items, so it’s really not complicated or time-consuming. Plus, my husband is pretty sharp and can handle doing a deal on his own.
- I errand trade with a couponing friend — one babysits the kids while the other does a few deals and then we trade.
- I keep my coupon box/pouch with me at all times and stop by a store if I happen to be kid-less or my kids are especially agreeable at the time.
There are two stores that double manufacturer’s coupons in the Pacific Northwest: Safeway and Thriftway.
SAFEWAY: Safeway offers double coupons in Oregon and SW Washington only. They do not offer double coupons in Western or Eastern Washington or Idaho.
The Safeway double coupon is found in Safeway’s weekly ad that is released on Wednesdays. There are always extra ads in a display at the front of the one of the entrances and/or the customer service desk. The double is located at the bottom of one of the inside pages and looks like this:
This one piece of paper is what we refer to as a “Safeway double coupon.” Here are specifics about Safeway doubles:
You may double up to 4 manufacturer’s coupons per transaction with this double coupon.
You may only use 1 double coupon per transaction.
Each manufacturer’s coupon may be doubled up to $.50. For example:
- A $.35/1 coupon will be doubled to an additional $.35 off = $.70 off one item.
- A $.55/1 coupon will be doubled to an additional $.50 off = $1.05 off one item.
You many not double “FREE” coupons, which includes BOGO coupons.
You may not double “internet” coupons. Some stores and some cashiers will double internet printable coupons without hassle. Just depends on your store (all Safeway store managers have final discretion over coupon policy, so if he/she allows it, go for it!).
You may not “make money” using a double coupon. You can get an item for free. For example:
Colgate Toothpaste on sale $1
Use $.75/1 coupon
Use Safeway double (-$.25)
FREE after coupon & double
In this scenario, the cashier is supposed to double your coupon to an additional $.25 off, not $.50 off. Otherwise, you’d make $.25 “buying” the toothpaste. Again, some cashiers will allow overage.
You cannot manufacturer’s coupons that state “DO NOT DOUBLE.”
THRIFWAY: Thriftway also double manufacturer’s coupons in Oregon for sure, not positive about Washington. Thriftway double coupons are located in the weekly ad and function similarly to Safeway double coupons.
Read more from The Ultimate Guide to Couponing in the Northwest here.
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I am looking to start couponing and I am trying to learn as much as possible about couponing in Ptld, OR. I am a single mom & I also am reaponsible for both of my parents & my aunt so I need all of the help that I can get. With COVID19 my financial situation is even more precarious. I would love to learn more and learn any other tips or tricks you may have that could help me. I am super organized & detail oriented so I know I will be great at it once I learn the tricks & get a hang of it!😁 Thanks for your time!
Amy
Most, if not all, Albertsons have been switched over to Safeway. I’m not sure how current the information about coupon doubling is, bit it may be prudent to update it. I appreciate the information, just sad that Safeway doesn’t do it where I am.
Hi my name is Shawnee b and I live in Spokane Washington. I would love to start couponing. How far would I have to travel so I can double my coupons to save money. Anything will help.. thank you
Any coupon clubs in Wenatchee?
I have relatives there who are interested.
Hello! My name is Sarah. I just moved here from the midwest and I would love to start couponing! I’m in the Aberdeen/Olympia area if anyone is willing to lend a few tips I would grealy appreciate any type of help or info! TYIA!
Hello, i just moved to Portland a couple weeks ago and would love to give this couponing a shot! There are a few things that i am confused about that have been delaying my getting started. I am, however, hoping that someone could help me out with some tips and tricks.
Hi, i live in Eugene, OR. i am really new at this, i just recently had a baby and i still live at home. its just me and my dad and my daughter. i was wondering if anybody is in this area who would be interested in helping me? maybe we can help each other. im gonna start back at work in June and i would love to save money as much as i can.
You can double up to 1.00 at Kmart as well… :0)
Anyone live in Snohomish County, Washington? I am willing to help you out with cutting, organizing, printing, etc. your coupons in exchange for some items from your stockpile (Diapers, wipes, toiletries, etc) I am available to help anytime as right now I am a stay at home wife. I do not know much about extreme couponing but I catch on quick. If anyone is interested in this please email me at Angelancaler@gmail.com Thanks
hello Angela, I live in snohomish county (Stanwood to be exact but I’m more than willing to travel if your further away!) and I am also a stay at home mom! I’m new to the extreme side of couoning and would love to learn the ropes and have a buddy to share my new hobby! My husband loves the savings but is not interested in sharing in the experience which limits my desire to output enough time to really benefit because frankly he is a buzz kill to the thrill I get lol Anyway contact me if your still interested in you suggested offer in your post above! I’d delight in the opportunity for friendship with a mutual interest to build upon! I’m sure you understand the unrealistic compromises friendships often requires when your a full-time mom/wife! Its just hard to find appropriate family attentive relations when your primary focus doesn’t exactly tend to your specific needs or social life (or want of to specify)! Its obvious I don’t get out much without an agenda for my family ahaha
Kat….hey there! Are you still looking for a coupon buddy? I’m in Arlington, been couponing for years now. I’d be happy to show you the ropes ?
I don’t live near you but would be willing to travel I have 5 kids and just got married trying to save money and have not clue how to do this please help
Wow, I just ran across your post and would love to learn more on couponing (I live on Camano island) if you’re still wanting to show me tips & tricks.
Please advise,
Crystal
Did u find someone to teach you? I’m retired and interested in learning as well. I’m in Mount Vernon area. Please advise.
I was told at Safeway that you can double printed coupons before printing them, but I can’t find anything that supports this. Is this true and if so how I can I do it.
I shop around Bremerton / Silverdale area but am willing to travel to Olympia/Tacoma or even Seattle to be able to use double coupons do you know of any areas that would be nice to shop at for double coupons. Thank you Rob
Safeway doubles coupons in Oregon and SW Washington, but the drive is way too far for you. Unfortunately there are no stores in the Puget Sound area that double coupons.
Why’s is that, it is so unfair👎🏻👎🏻
Hello! I have been couponing on and off for about a year now, but I was doing it the way “most American’s do” and just using as many coupons as I could in one big shopping trip, and hardly saved anymore than $40 per shopping trip of spending around $200 (ouch!).
But I do have a question about the Safeway doubl’r coupons (we only shop at Safeway). On the Safeway doubl’r coupon, it says you are only allowed one doubl’r coupon in one single transaction per household per week. Which meaning I could not use doubl’r on more than one set of coupons per shopping trip or per week, no matter how many transactions I do. We shop at the Safeway in Hood River, OR. About 45-60min east of Portland BTW.
Did you find a way around this or do you just have to pick the best deals to use the doubl’r on and pay OOP for the cheaper items with manufacturer and store coupons??
I don’t even count just a few or 4 per transaction doubling… this is ridiculous. So there are no stores anywhere in Oregon that will double more than 4 coupons in one transactiom? Please help me… I’m willing to drive a long distance if they double more than 4 per… .
The max limit for stores in the NW is 4 coupons. Really, the doubl’r coupon is neat. You can get items for free or even make money off of them. You would just have to do multiple transactions (not hard, just takes time). The Doubl’r coupon doubles UP TO $.50 face value of EACH coupon (max 4). So if you had a $1/1 coupon, with the doubl’r it would be $1.50 off each item.
I am also new and very interested in couponing. Is there anyone out there in Spokane that can give advice or help me be successful in this adventure?
Hello! I live in the seattle area. Im wondering how possible couponing is in this area. Not a lot of places if any double coupons here. So if anyone lives near here and has any tips it would be much appreciated!!!
It is possible, but you’re right, double coupons are not going to be available. I know many friends that have great luck with QFC and their mega sales. When they come around they stock up on all the great deals. Also, Grocery Outlet is a good option if there is one near you and then shopping Fred Meyer sales when they are good.
Grocery Outlet does not honor any coupons – ever, and the stock changes from one week to the next. Fred Meyer does not double coupons.
There are no Thriftway in Oregon. They are on the east coast.
There are several Thriftway’s in Oregon, google Thriftway Oregon and you can get on their site and see all their NW locations. There are a couple in Portland, one in Welches, Estacada and many other cities as well. I was unable to find their policy on their site, so I have requested they email me one….
We have Thriftway here in Tacoma/ Spanaway area
I am totally new to responding or commenting on anything but I am so in need of couponing help. I take care of a couple houses and always need more help with savings. is there anyone in Portland that know what they are doing and can help me/? im an on hands person so I mean in person or web? any help!! thx:)
Hey guys! So I’m away at college, but my mom lives alone and I would love to help her out when I’m home for the summer. She doesn’t have a lot of money, and I don’t either haha, but I’ve been looking into couponing and think it’s a awesome thing! Are there any tips on starting out? I live in Oregon, close to Portland. The closest store to me is Safeway. I read above about the double coupon, but you said only “manufacturer coupons” what does that mean? And if you can only double four items, does that mean you can only buy four items?
It does mean you can only double four items but can buy more than four items. It’s best to jump in over here on this deal thread and start asking questions. We have some wonderful longtime readers that willp help bring you up to speed quickly. http://www.frugallivingnw.com/store-retail-deals/safeway/safeway-deals-for-may-14-20-double-coupon-deals/
Im so confused on couponing and I desperately need to coupon. I moved out on my own with my boyfriend and i want to save on grocerys as well as items. I live in the Puyallup area so please if there are any strategy’s or things i should know please email me at asia.fierro@gmail.com Thank you so much in advance.
Just follow along here and start commenting on posts and we’ll help you out.
I’m in Texas. I’m new and need help.
I live in Klamath Falls, Oregon. I would love to share coupons and ideas with others that want to live as frugally as possible. I have teens and live on a teacher’s salary 🙂
I am a couponer. I will be moning to KF at the end of July. I would love to talk coupons with someone.
Hello here in tukwila wondering if anyone somewhat near does any couponing.. Would really like some help on couponing. You can email me at gonzalezm-10@hotmail.com.
Hello there I live here in tukwila, looking to save some money on grocery and house stuff. I am a 21 male working but have to many things I pay then when it comes to buying stuff for the house I barely have money left. Hoping to find someone who can help or if people get together. Just recently started collecting coupons and have tried looking at store deals just need to learn more and get more and go out and see someone actually do show. Well thanks
My husband , three kiddos and I are trying to save money to buy our first house. I would love to find a fellow couponer in the arlington /marysville area to coupon with:) Maybe we can clip together, exchange coupons and learn from each other!:) I would also love to join a coupon group if anyone knows of any!:)
mayaroxby@yahoo.com
Take care!!!
Maya
hello Maya I live in Stanwood and travel to Marysville daily and even further south a few times a week! I’m a stay at home mom and really want to put the vast amount of knowledge I’ve acquired to play with coupons! I’ve got the idea down sound and even successfully carried out a few trips but I lack the motivation to go out by myself to do it! So a buddy is exactly what I need for my family to really benefit and my interest for a hobby based purpose to flourish! There is another gal above in snohomish county I replied to so maybe we can start a club (wow my social skills are seriously outdated. There’s more than a savings factor at play here for me. I am a devoted mom who is resistant to taking time for myself and I think coupons are going to be my solution because it directly benefits my family and I LOVE the satisfaction of a good deal!? Anyway your post is a bit old but hopefully you get this!
HELP!..Single (disabled Late Stage Lyme) of 4 boys. We all have special diets. So soy/gluten free vegans(?) we can occationally eat white meats/fish, and eggs.
So I have about $4-500 to spend a month on food….its not working even shopping at Winco. I could really use a couponing mentor here in SW Portland. I can’t handle hearing my kids are still hungry and I have no money left. I’m fairly frugal, and I’m at a loss as to why this is happening, other than they are GROWING! 🙂
Thank you,
Korina
Look and see if there are coupon groups by asking over on the FB page — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Frugal-Living-NW/180842293838
Keep following the blog and a certain store to gain more understanding of how you can save money. New Seasons deals would be helpful for you too.
Anyone have an idea where I can find a binder for baseball cards to use for organizing coupons? Also, would love to start a couponing group in the Wenatchee area, please email me if interested. will also join facebook page. Thanks!!
try the dollar store
Staples or walmart
Check thrift stores! I have seen great binders at Goodwill
Hi Mary K. I have relatives in Wenatchee who are interested
in a couponing club. Email me at maxspeedwell@gmail.com
I live in federal way,wa . I want to learn how to coupon . I’m a stay at home mom with 2 kids and have all the time in the world but i just don’t know where to start. Plz help me on how to be a couponer.
Hi, im a begginer as well, I say as a couponing tip dont try to do this on your own. First you need coupons from your mailbox,newspaper,friends,you can print them have them mailed to your home, then comes the dirty work of scouting out the deals and price matchups. Find a good couponing blog you can follow and let them do all that for you, make sure they are profesional and not asking you to commit coupon fraud..
I need help with couponing, salem, oregon. My kids aee always hungry.
Help me start couponing, I want to save, so I have food always in my house, salem, oregon.
Someone in salem, oregon help me get started.
I am so glad I stumbled across you. I live in Salem and am fairly new to couponing. I don’t have a lot of time to sit down and try and figure everything out. It is nice when deals and senarios are listed for me. I also get confused about what is the best size to by sometimes. But what I really want to know is who do you figure out if bath tissue is a good deal? I get mine at Costco which I have heard is not a good deal. Help…And Thank you
Im new to couponing. Im so confused i dont even know where to start. Is there anyone in kent,federal way,burien,or anywhere close to these areas that can teach me how to coupon.i have all these coupons and its really overwhelming not knowing how to use them properly.PLEASE HELP!!!
The Thriftway in my town in washington has a double coupon in the back of the paper. Says up to four coupons up to .50. But i also do not shop there since they are the only store here in the mountains and charge alot for everything….$5 gallon milk,$3 loaf of bread…etc…
At my Albertson’s (in Beaverton), they will not let you do more that one transaction using the three doublers. Boo!
I have not used the safeway double coupon yet though….Is Safeway more lenient on this? Can I snatch a few papers and break it up into multiple transactions to use a double coupon (along with my MC’s) in each transaction?
I’ve been couponing for years, just at different levels of obsessiveness. 🙂
Thanks!
Alberson’s has officially re-worked their coupon policy and in there it is specifically stated you can do three transactions. See the link below. This was as of December 2011 so some stores and cashiers are not fully familiar with it yet.
http://ems02013.egain.net/system/selfservice.controller?CONFIGURATION=1000&PARTITION_ID=1&TIMEZONE_OFFSET=&CMD=VIEW_ARTICLE&ARTICLE_ID=2816
Hi! I’m going home this summer to Beaverton and wanted to try couponing to help out my mom! Have you tried any couponing at Safeway? I’ve never gone to the Albertson’s in Beaverton, but my family loves Safeway!
can you help me?..desperate, and watch extreme couponing everyday but still cant seem to get it right
Does anyone know where i can go to get coupon inserts out of recycling centers?
To the folks in marysville, snohomish and lake stevens…i’d love to start a couponing group to exchange coupons and help others out. I can get those diaper deals and baby things but I don’t need them. Would love to give them to those that do! Please contact me at kc725@hotmail.com
Hello I live in Renton, wa and need help on saving lots of money and be able to feed my family. I am just starting and would love help in saving. And learning more about how it is done. Thank you
Louise-My email is agostinojennifer@yahoo.com Just send me an email.
I just moved to Marysville, WA a couple months ago…were expecting our 3rd child soon and have had a recent severe decrease in income…I desperatly need help getting stocked up on EVERYTHING and saving as much as possible as my household budget has gone from about 350 every 2 weeks down to about 75-100 every 2 weeks!!!! I’m a stay at home mom and have all the time in the world if someone could please HELP!!! I don’t know where to start, and I’m from the east coast where the stores and rules are TOTALLY different! PLEASE contact me if you can help me~~~THANKS!!!
Jennie, welcome! The best place for you to post this question would be on our Facebook page. There are several couponers out there who would be willing to help. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Frugal-Living-NW/180842293838
We can also teach you what you need to know here. Just follow the blog daily and you’ll start to see some patterns.
One thing to note is that we’re based in Portland and our Safeway has double coupons. Safeway’s in WA do not have double coupons. So you’ll want to follow our Safeway non-double deals.
Other than that, all the stores are the same. Hopefully we’ll be a big help to you in this transition.
I live here in Marysville! I am home with my 2 little ones and do a bit of couponing. Not extreme, but a good amount. Marysville is the perfect location since there are just about 1 of every store locally. I grocery shop for our fam of 4 for food and household prod for around $200 a month myself. Let me know if you’d like my help. 🙂
I just watched extreme couponing…how do these people make money off of these deals with coupons? Is it just that they won’t allow it in the NW?
Just watched extreme couponing. So how do these people get stuff for free? Is it just their location? Our stores won’t allow it?
I need a couponing mentor in Kent, WA anyone able to help me out?
Jennifer did you find a mentor in kent, I know it was a long time ago. I am looking for one in the area (Puyallup)!
Jackie! I am looking for someone to get into couponing with me im in Federal Way!!!!!!
Jackie!! I am looking for a partner to coupon! Im in federal way! Email me at taylor.andrea0807@gmail.com if you are still looking !
I’m just getting into couponing and looking for more people in the area that are into it.
I don’t know which part of Federal Way you’re in, but I am in Tumwater/Olympia. Email me if you’re interested fleurdevereux@yahoo.com
hello, im in the tumwater area looking for a coupon buddie/ group
At safeway they have the double coupons up to four coupons does this mean four different types? Can I double two or more of the same coupon plus three more? or is that a total of four coupons even if they are the same coupon?
Hi Mary, did you ever find out if Safeway allows four different types or is it just four items total, or what?
Thanks!
Does the Thriftway in Oregon take as many coupons as you have for doubles or just 3 or 4 like the other stores?
you guys are awesome! so helpful. I was very overwhelmed at first but you guys have helped alot! I no longer have to take a xanax before a shopping trip 🙂 lol
If I have a bogo can I also use a .50 off coupon on the item I do purchase?
Yes, you can use $.50/1 coupon for the item you are not getting free.
Do manufacturers actually reimburse the stores when they double coupons? My instinct says no because Albertsons will “double” even though the coupon says not too. But on the same note, if they don’t get reimbursed, then why would Safeway care if it says Do Not Double. I think the Do Not Double is meant to effect other regions more than us, such as the MidWest, where Kroger always double all your coupons and sometimes even triples. I know this because I used to live in Kansas and my mom always used coupons at Dillons, as did I until I moved to PDX.
I tried to use a coupon that said manufacturer coupon on it but also said redeem at albertsons on it. The cashier said they could not accept at bales thriftway. I do not agree. Have you had this problem?
i’ve recently started couponing, and albertsons and the coupon have a deal, so yes, these coupons can only be redeemed at albertsons. i have one for axe products that has the albersons logo. i guess the companies have figured out a way to take the advantage out of our hands.
In the earlier post, “Know your coupon”, it says that unless the coupon states “Use at ______ Store ONLY”, you can use them at any store that accept manufacturer’s coupons. Having the store logo on it is just for marketing purposes, where the store pays the manufacturer to have their logo put on it.
Thanks SO much for this site! I live in Astoria and am new to couponing. But if I can’t earn more money, then I gotta save more, and I’m willing to try it out. Thanks for your time-honored tips–saves me a lot of trouble!
Thriftway sometimes triples coupons. The ad says “See store for details” so you’ve got to ask.
So here’s a question: (for Safeway)
the Double Coupon actually states:
‘1 double coupon per manufactures coupon. 4 double coupons per family this shopping trip.’ What does SHOPPING TRIP mean? and is that the same as TRANSACTION?
Yes-that is the way I have always heard it interpreted and experienced it in the store.
What are the limits for the doubling at Thriftway?
I believe that Thriftway will double up to 4 manufacturer’s coupons every day of the week.
I was in Albertson’s the other day and my cashier told me (after she had already doubled it) that they do not double coupons over $1. I said that I thought they doubled upto a $1 but she said that was not correct. But she doubled it anyway! Go figure.
That is true though-it isn’t the same as Safeway.
I did not know that Albertsons will double a “do not double” coupon. My checkers will not take them.
Mine always have with out any hesitation in Hillsboro OR.