Have you ever had problems with your grocery or drug store not accepting your printable coupons? Well, if you are questioned about trying to use SmartSource coupons specifically, then this letter would be handy to keep in your coupon file. The letter is directly from SmartSource and is intended to inform the retailer how SmartSource is being proactive about using security features on their coupons and identifying coupon fraud. You can get to the letter yourself by clicking on the “Get Help” link at the bottom right-hand corner of any SmartSource coupon page, then type in “My store will not accept Internet coupons”. You’ll find SmartSource coupons hosted at several different sites including CoolSavings and individual product websites.
The other letter that you should keep in your file is Walmart’s Corporate Coupon Policy. All Walmart stores should accept printable internet coupons that meet the guidelines stated in their policy. You should talk to your store manager if you have any questions about using printable coupons at your local store.
I encourage each of my readers to be an empowered consumer. That link is to what must be my most important post on this blog. I talk about exercising your right to use printable coupons, knowing what to do when your coupons will not be accepted by a cashier, learning how to spot fraudulent coupons yourself so that you never try to use them, and speaking up for yourself because you are an important consumer. A little education goes a long way in helping you save money.
I just started “couponing” about 2 weeks ago, so Im still trying to get the hang of everything. Any tips are welcome!! The only time I have had a problem using printable coupons was for JCPenny. I got them from retailmenot.com and both the cashier and manager accused me of copying them. I told them the site wrote my name and number down and emailed coperate about this. I was embarassed that they would accuse me of copying an original in front a line full of people. They emailed me back and said they only accept the JCP.com/survey coupons or if you have a discount code to use while online shopping. After that experiance I always ask before I start me check out process. Walmart said as long as they scan they accept them. Walgreens also accepts them as long as they scan. I havent been to any other stores yet to try everything out, but I have tons of them for several store.. Time will tell!! lol
I have had no problems in my area so far using internet coupons. I used to print them in black and white to save ink, but a few cashiers would stare at them and say “photocopy?”I would say “no they are origionals and have a serial # to verify.” They would eventually accept them, but I found out I was printing them and then hesitant to use them because they were at times questioned, so I started printing them all in color.Now that they are in color I don’t get questioned. I had 2 coupons that did not scan because the barcode came out a little blurry.(low on ink?) 1 for CVS and another for Target. Both stores were both kind enought to take them. Actually Target has been very gracious in taking my coupons. Now, I havae to admit their register system is a little flawed because it beeps at times when a legitimate item is purchased or on their own coupons with the correct coupon, but luckily my cashiers just look in the bag to make sure the item is purchased and then put it through.I never attempted to use those Facebook coupons. I saw them and new they were fraud and did not want any retailer to get stuck and cause a change in their coupon policy. I also admit that very rarely do I use coupons that say “any” on trial size items. First of all because I do not have the time for such small quanities and second of all I get to try all these trial products without using coupons thanks to THIS WONDERFUL WEBSITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I do not have a Rite-Aid in my area so the only other store I know of that does not take them is K-mart. Hmmmmmm seems strange that the 2 stores k-mart and Rite aid with the least amount of customers in them are the ones who don’t accept them. Don’t you think?
I too have stopped shopping at Wal-Mart because I had a horrible experience with a manager there. After they were called over to approve the coupons they saw the internet ones and immediately said, “Those are no good, void them out.” and walked away, no “I’m sorry.” or anything. When we attempted to talk to her about these she was extremely rude and inconsiderate and I have not gone back since. I called Wal-Mart’s customer service and asked them if ALL their stores are to follow the corporate policy and was told that, no, they do not have to. It is ultimately up the the store what they decide to do. I even showed them the policy when I was there and they didn’t care. This was right after the Facebook coupon fiasco which really hurts us that are using legitimate coupons!
Thank you for this post. I had stopped shopping at Walmart after they denied my Printable Coupons. Now that I am armed with letters I will once again attempt to shop there. Thank you!