Why would you want to print coupons?
Why not? more coupons...more deals. Sometimes, printable coupons can't be found in the general published inserts. Sometimes the value is better.
There are a bunch of reputable places to print coupons from, but we're focussing today on printing from Coupons.com. Coupons.com is a public company that was founded in 1998. Printables can be catagorized into a few different areas; "bricks", "revtrax", and "smart source". "Bricks" refers to the printing software that Coupons.com uses to ensure they will be scanned at the register. You are typically limited to 2 prints per device. Device, meaning each computer, laptop, tablet, or phone.
Your coupons will print with 2 bar codes. One in the lower left that is the bar code scanned at the register. you'll notice that it looks similar to the bar code on a paper coupon. This code stores all the information for that coupon, so the register can identify the correct amount and product. The second bar code is on the right hand side and features a unique serial number. This number is unique for each coupon printed. This also helps identify the URL (your internet "address") It also serves as a security feature to prevent duplication. Basically, Don't copy coupons. Ever. because they'll know it was you. You'll have you're house surrounded by ninjas coming to take you away. Seriously though, don't copy coupons... its the first step in stores cracking down on printables. To clarify, yes you can print in black and white. As long as its a scannable, valid coupon, unless its prohibited by store policy, you're good.
The first place to go to print from your computer is Coupons.com. You will be required to download a coupon printer app. This is necessary to print any "Bricks" coupons. You will need to make sure your browser allows for that. The website is pretty straight forward, select the coupons you want to print, and then print. You likely won't see the coupons before you print...this is normal, and one of the security features built in.
If you are operating Windows 8 or higher, there are a few things you can do that will enable to you get more prints. This involves apps you can download (for free) from the windows store.
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There are 2 apps you can download, "Coupon" and "Coupons". These run the same, but are independent of each other and of the coupons.com website. A few things of note, these print when you select one coupon. So you are going to use more paper, and make frequent trips to the printer. There is also no option to change a zip code.
This is where the apps will differ from the coupons.com website. It will show as an image you can print. Remember what i said about copying coupons and ninjas? The same goes for this. (Note, these screen shots are from Windows 10) Do NOT choose to print to PDF or change the number of prints. That's the same thing as copying. This app is a legitimate way to get a few more prints from your computer if you need them. Each coupon still prints with a unique code.
If you have an android mobile device you can use the coupons.com app. This is a free app from Google Play. (note, this is designed specifically for phones, you can not use it to print from android tablets or kindles...at this time.) You do need a compatible wireless printer. Unfortunately, there is not a master list available of printers. you can find more info here, http://help.coupons.com/articles/407-What-printer-models-do-Coupons-com-App-support
The mobile app will open and you can select "Grocery Coupons" select the coupons you would like and then click, "view clipped" This will take you to another page to select print and you will need to select your printer. Since I've mentioned the coupons.com app, I should mention that again, if you are running Windows 8 or higher on a home computer or laptop, you can also download their app from the Windows store. It operates in the same way as the mobile app, but again, acts independently from other apps and internet sites.
Did you catch all that? Through the use of a few apps, you can potentially print 8 coupons from your home computer. Yes, I'm running Windows 10 on a laptop, so I'm not sure how these apps relate to Windows Surface devices. I'd love to hear from you if you are though.
If you are using Apple products; iPhones and iPads, you can use the coupons.com app and the GroceryIQ app independently and potentially get 4 prints from each device.
If you are still running Windows 7, don't worry, there's still the ever popular, AskYourFriends app. You know, the "Hey can you print these coupons for me?" app.
- Emily
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