I post a lot of Catalina deals on here and yet, I don’t think I’ve ever taken the time to explain just exactly what Catalinas are (and no, I’m not talking about Salad Dressing or the Island).
When you see “Catalina” think Money!!!
Catalina Coupons are coupons that print from a small box/machine by the register. They are called Catalina coupons because that machine is ran by Catalina Marketing.
There are several different types of coupons that can print from those machines:
1. Manufacturer’s Coupons
These coupons are similar to the ones you get in your Sunday paper inserts or print from your computer. They are only valid on a specific product. There are minimum purchase requirements and there is an expiration date. They cannot be combined with another manufacturer’s coupon, but they could be combined with a store coupon.
Example: The coupon above is only valid on Real Challenge Butter. I have to buy ONE package of 1 or 1/2 lb. This offer will expire on 4/20/10.
One thing to note about these coupons is the Store name on them. While these coupons are technically “manufacturer’s coupons” and should be taken at all stores, I have found that cashiers will only accept these if their store name is on them. The exception to this would be Yoke’s and Fred Meyer (both accept competitor coupons).
2. On Your Next Order “OYNO” Coupons
These are the “Money” Coupons. Basically, these coupons allow you to purchase almost anything in the store (items like alcohol, tobacco, and Rx are examples of excluded items). While these coupons do expire, you are NOT required to buy any specific product. However, most often, these coupons will “roll” (meaning you can purchase the same items again, use the OYNO Catalina you just received to bring down your out-of-pocket, and you will still get a OYNO Coupon back).
There are no “time” restrictions on these coupons. They can be used right away. I’ve heard stories of cashiers telling customers they needed to leave the store for the coupon to be “activated” – this is a lie. Your coupon will scan right away.
And just to be clear, while I fully support “rolling” your catalinas to build your stockpile, I caution you to play fair and nice. If there is a deal that you really need a huge amount of, please be sure to place a special order. There is no need to wipe out a shelf. Another hint? Most sales will repeat every 12-13 weeks. There is really no need to purchase 70 years worth of one item, when you will likely find another sale before you run out.
OYNO Coupons are Manufacturer’s coupons, but they can only be redeemed at the store listed on the coupon (I was able to use my Yoke’s OYNO Coupon at Fred Meyer, under their “competitor coupon” policy).
Example: The above picture shows the OYNO Catalina Coupon I received for a General Mills Promo at Albertsons.
3. Catalina Ads
These are not coupons, but rather an advertisement for an upcoming Catalina promotion. To my knowledge, Catalina does not supply a list of these promotions to consumers. This is the reason I started my “Catalina Deals” list. This link will always be available to you on the menu bar above.
These ads have several pieces of valuable information:
- Which products & what sizes are eligible (sometimes it will even list products that are excluded).
- The quantity needed to purchase and the OYNO coupon amount. For example, “Buy 3, Get $2 OYNO” – means if you buy three of the items listed, you will receive a $2 OYNO catalina coupon.
- The promotion dates. Sometimes I receive these ads well before the promotion starts. Please make sure you are buying within those dates. I try to delete entries from the list once they have ended.
- Reference number – this is a 27 digit number on the left side of the ad. This reference number is very helpful if you are having problems getting your coupon to print. You can use this number when you call Catalina (to help them find the promotion faster).
You’ll notice that I have these catalina promotions listed under separate stores on my list. However, most often, these promotions run at all stores. I list the information according to the store I received the information from. Fred Meyer tends to have the most promotions listed because I get a lot of those ads from the Fred Meyer Coupon Exchange.
If you receive a Catalina ad that is not on the list please email me or leave a comment (on any post – I’ll find it) with the information. If it is on the list, but you received the information from a different store, please email me the reference number – this information is great because it confirms that the other store is participating.
Stores have limited knowledge of these promotions. Catalina does not send them a list or give them any more information than we receive in the Catalina ads. If you have a problem with these promotions, the store will likely be confused and have no idea how to help you (that’s when you call Catalina – 1-888-8COUPON).
4. Rebate Forms
I don’t have an example of these to scan in, but Catalina will occasionally print a rebate form for items that were in your purchase. Kraft has ran promotions like this in the past. I have also seen Beer rebates. These forms will only print if you have bought a qualifying item, so be sure to mail it in (I’m always surprised when I see these in the Coupon Exchange, I guess people don’t want to waste the stamp to get the $6 back?)
I hope this helps clear up any confusion over Catalinas. If you have more questions, please leave a comment or email me.
Remember, if you ever have a problem getting your Catalina to print, call 1-888-8COUPON or send Catalina an email. They are very helpful and will gladly put your Catalina coupon in the mail.
