Ask the Readers - Best deal on Candy?

Reader Kim asked yesterday over at the FM Cheapskate Facebook page:  Where is the Best Deal on Halloween Candy?

To be honest, I have no idea. I'm using FREE Fruit Roll Ups from Cash Wise last week to hand out to trick or treaters. But I'm guessing some of you have been out looking for a good deal on candy? Please share what you found and where in the comments!

Kim also mentioned that she's looking for nut-free and non-choking hazards.

Can anyone help there? Thanks in advance for sharing!

Reader Questions - Answered!

Today, a question from reader Amy:

What stores in Fargo takes printable coupons? Have you ever encountered difficulty in redeeming them?

Fabulous question, Amy. Most major retailers accept them. That would be grocery stores, discount stores (Walmart, Target), drugstores, and even gas stations! Anywhere you can use a regular coupon should accept internet printable coupons. I even used a printable coupon recently at Sydney's Health Market in Moorhead. I was impressed that such a small retailer would accept it with no problems, but many coupons for natural and organic foods are printable as well!

I haven't had issues redeeming them anywhere, save for a new cashier here and there that has never seen one. In those cases, a manager is always quick to educate them. :)

I have had issue when the value exceeds the product price, making the item FREE, but again a manager can usually resolve the situation by adjusting the coupon down to the item's value.

Another note is that Cash Wise will not accept internet printable coupons for FREE items. They will accept a Buy One, Get One Free printable, but not a FREE item coupon with no purchase required. (These kind are rare to begin with, but they are available every so often. Remember the FREE Libby's Can of Veggies coupon?

Do you know of other locations that accept internet printable Manufacturer's coupons in the area? Where have you encountered issues redeeming them?

Reader Questions - Answered!

I'm excited to start a new series around here called Reader Questions - Answered!  I'll need you to keep emailing in questions to me at fmcheapskate @ gmail . com (just remove the spaces). If you've emailed me questions before and haven't gotten a response, please feel free to email again - I get LOTS of email and would love to answer your questions as part of this series if I'm able!  That being said, I'd love to give others the opportunity to answer as well.  If you'd like to add something, leave a comment!

Let's start out with a few questions from reader Carrie:

Question #1: When you get a Catalina that says “manufacturers coupon” (say from Sunmart), can it be used anywhere even with the store name on it?

Answer: Yes, you should be able to use it anywhere, as it is a manufacturer's coupon and has a "remit to" address on it. Unfortunately, since they also advertise the name of the store on the Catalina, most other stores will not accept them for fear of not being reimbursed. I have found, however, that Cash Wise in Fargo and Moorhead are very well informed that these are manufacturer's coupons and it is the Cash Wise policy to accept them.  Did you know that Cash Wise even accepts Walgreens Rewards?  They are manufacturer's coupons just like a Catalina that printed at any other store!  I have encountered a few cashiers who aren't aware of this, but every time a management team member is asked, they've accepted the coupon. 

But, before you dismiss the other stores, I have a friend who gave a Hornbacher's manager the information above and was allowed to use a Catalina from another store, since it is in fact a manufacturer's coupon.  I was amazed, because I've asked at both Hornbacher's and Sunmart locations and they've never accepted them before.  Maybe I just haven't been persistent enough?  What has YOUR experience been with this?

Question #2 Is there anywhere in town that accepts expired Manufacturer's coupons?

Answer: Not that I know of.  So, I'm asking the rest of you...  Do YOU know of anywhere in Fargo Moorhead that does?