Coupons are digital or printed documents that are distributed by retailers and manufacturers. Coupons usually offer discounts in the form of a percentage or dollar amount off a certain item. However, discounts can also be free shipping or a free item. Coupons come in many forms such as online coupons, printable coupons, promotional codes, coupon codes and discount codes.

Coupon codes, promotion codes and discounts codes are words that are often used interchangeably. These codes are primarily used when shopping online. Coupon codes are a string of letters and/or numbers that are used when a customer is doing shopping. The code is inserted into a coupon or promotion code box during the checking out processes.

Printable coupons are coupons that can be printed on a customer’s home computer and printer and taken to a brick-and-mortar store.

Coupons can also be found locally through a local newspaper, which often have a special coupon section. Mailers, fliers and ads also carry coupons. These coupons are often clipped out with scissors and taken to the store where they are physically handed to a sales clerk.

Coupons in all their forms can be found in different areas. Here are some examples of where to look.

• Printable coupons and coupon codes can often be found on retailers and manufacturer’s websites.
• Coupons.com is on online coupon website that carries printable grocery coupons as well as some retail coupons. Customers check mark the coupons they would like and they all print out at once.
• Retail coupon websites such as RetailMeNot.com and CouponCabin.com carry restaurant and retail coupons.
• Some websites are set up to swap coupons or discount codes.
• Local newspapers, ads, mailers and fliers.

Coupon policies vary greatly depending on the product or service the discount is for. Many are for a limited time only and subject to expiration. Some are for a single day or event, and some expire on a specific date. Some coupons never expire.

Coupons can carry restrictions or requirements as well. In the case of travel coupons, blackout dates often apply, where you cannot redeem them on certain days of the year, typically high traffic seasons. Some are only available as part of a larger package, or you can be required to make a specific purchase in order to redeem the coupon, such as a buy one get one free offer, or free shipping when you spend over a certain dollar amount.

In most cases, the terms are clearly stated on the coupons themselves, however, at times, it will be stated on the company website instead. Especially in the case of coupon codes redeemed online, check the location where you received the offer and the company website for specifics.