What do you do if the cashier won’t take your coupon? I thought I would share how I handle this situation, as it does occur occasionally for me since I use a lot of coupons. An important thing to remember is to always be polite. Cashiers are usually just trying to follow their store’s coupon redemption policy, and sometimes lack the necessary training to do this successfully.
Steps to Take When Your Coupon is Rejected:
1. Ask why the coupon you are trying to use can not be used, what is the store’s specific policy?
2. Speak to the Manager if you are not satisfied with the cashier’s response to your questions.
3. If you are told you can not use the coupon because your purchase does not qualify for it’s use, ask for the coupon back and do not buy the product at that store (unless you need it right then).
4. Contact the Corporate Office if you are unsatisfied with the response you received when questioning the store’s policy on coupon redemption (I have never done this, but have heard of other people doing so).
What if the Manager says “You have too many coupons”
This actually happened to me once at Walgreens, where I was buying a lot of items and had a manufacturer’s coupon for most of them plus a Walgreens coupon to stack on top of those manufacturer’s coupon. Of course I got a little frustrated by the comment “You have too many coupons”, but I remained polite and asked for the Manager (who was assisting the cashier) to tell me which coupons I could not use and to give me those coupons back and remove those items from my transaction. When it came down to it, the Manager did accept most of my coupons, giving me two back simply because they wouldn’t scan and he didn’t want to override them.
Remember that . . .
* The store has the right to reject your coupons for any reason, and to change their store policy at any time. Of course, you are free to file a complaint with the Manager or Corporate Office.
* Most stores want to provide excellent customer service, and I find that most Managers will happily accept the coupons that the cashiers didn’t want to accept (when the cashier couldn’t give me a good reason why they wouldn’t accept them).
* You have the option to shop at a different store if you do not like a store’s policy on accepting coupons!
I work at Walgreens, and so I guess I have the thoughts of the other end of the spectrum- the cashier ringing people up. I never have had a problem with coupons. If there was an item that was no longer available in the store, my manager always told me to just get a similar item and use it for the coupon (but to ask them first about it). Every time we override anything, it's documented into the computer, and if we override too much, the store manager gets talked to by the district manager. The only problems I've ever encountered were when people would purposely bring back items they got only for the catalina coupon that came out (ex. buy 5 axe products get 2 free tickets, and return the axe products). If we don't have items available during the sale, I always give them the option of a non-expiring raincheck (where you get the sale when the item comes in).
I haven't had any coupons rejected. Most of the time a cashier will ask where and how I got them. I tell them all the time freebies 4 mom!!!! :)
I was at Albertsons and the cashier wouldn't accept my free Oreo coupon (from Facebook awhile back) and I politely asked her why. She said that they can't take internet printed coupons for free items. Once I explained to her that I received it in the mail from a Facebook promotion and politely asked her to check the back (it had that anti-fraudish backing, she took it.
I have had quiet the opposite problem at my local Wal-mart. One time I had a coupon for a free banquet frozen food and I missed the fine print that had a limit on the dollar amount. My item was over the allowed amount by about $1 so the cashier just changed the price of the item so that the coupon would work. Also, one time after I had just finished ringing out…I went to put my wallet away and noticed a coupon that I had forgotten to use so the cashier just put it in the drawer and gave me $1 cash for it. The only times I have had refused coupons were when I misread them and either didn't have the qaulifying item or it was expired. I guess I just get lucky living in a small town practically everyone uses lots of coupons!Gussie
If I try to use a new coupon at my grocery store, Publix, that I haven't used before, I'll go ask the manager if it is ok to use and when they give me the ok, I'll let the cashier the manager said it was good. Also, my store takes competitor coupons. I also make a joke with the cashiers about having a bunch of coupons. Also, I try to go to male cashiers, typically they are not as picky.
I went to Foodtown their prices are high but when they have a sale and match them with coupons you get item free or close to it!So I went in to get Phil.cream cheese, $3/3 Coke, $4/3 with store coupon and other items.well when got to the cashier of course I get the new girl. She was having trouble with the cream cheese coupons since I was getting them for .34 cents. and I was getting another item for free. Well she had to have someone come over to help and was telling me that I could not use the coupons becuse they are coming up free and close to free. But in a real appalled manner. I said "It should not matter since this the sale price and I have a coupon". She just did not want me to walk out with free items. I can't believe some just don't get it?Why is that bad? Why do they make it seem like we are doing something wrong? I hate that. We work hard and this is the pay that we find deals and take advantage of it.
To the Bath and Body Works lady, I know what you mean when they look kind of scared! I am one of those cashiers. Mainly, it is store policy that we can only accept one coupon at a time, but we are usually more than happy to ring up the same customer for more than one transaction. Sometimes if your store is very busy, they might have you wait for another cashier to either take your transactions, or handle the other customers waiting. I also have a six and two year old, so I know how waiting can be.
I have hardly ever had a bad coupon experience except for at Walgreens. At first I loved rolling my Register Rewards and I shopped there often. Then one time I got a rude cashier and manager who wouldn't take my walgreens coupon, register reward, and manufacturer coupon together even though I DID buy filler items. They said the one with WALGREENS right on it was still a man. coupon and I couldn't stack it with another man. coupon. SO… I haven't shopped there for RR deals since. I have only shopped with in-store coupons when they were super good. But it takes only one time to lose a loyal customer to rude cashiers. Now I shop CVS with Extra Care Bucks and Rite Aid with rebates and love it!
I was told I cant us a store coupon with a manufactures coupon. Anyone have that issue before? How did you handle it?
great post… thanks. I too "profile" cashiers, and I have to say I often choose a male cashier if available because I have never had any problems with a guy not accepting my coupons. Maybe that sounds bad, but I am ok with that. I also hate being made to feel like I am a thief when I have spent 1 1/2- 2 hours going through the store making sure I have the right product, quantity etc. Also, never have had a problem at Kroger and usually use the self check out because 1)I prefer to bag my own groceries and 2) almost always is a guy cashier there and they are usually more friendly and never question the amount of coupons I have.
I use to have problems with Brookshire when it came to the internet coupon's. They wouldn't take them at first & stopped going there & went to Wal-Mart because they would. Now Brookshire take them, but up to $2.00. I print up a lot of coupon's so if I have to use more then one I go to Wal-Mart. I really like Brookshire. The only thing that Wal-Mart & Brookshire won't do is type in the code if the internet coupon's won't scan.
Okay, I know this is old, but I'm hoping that MAYBE the person who was comment 18 may by some chance see this and PLEASE tell me how she gets formula for 79 cents!
I was at Walmart and my mom was trying to use an internet printed coupon. The coupon would not scan, so they would not accept it. We had the cashier void that item. When we finished we took the item and the coupon to customer service and asked why it would not scan. She scanned it and it worked. So those that have coupons that will not scan at Walmart…try a different check out stand.
For the store printed catalina coupons that say manufacturer; they WILL scan at other stores. I will often tear off the corner that has the other stores name on it for less hastle from cashiers. If they ask about it, I just remind them that it says it's from the manufacturer and they put it through.
I was in Walgreens and had 9 coupons, 11 items, and 4 Register Rewards slips. They said I had too many coupons. I did not know if anyone else has had that problem. Do the Register Rewards actually count as "coupons"? They ended up getting it to work by voiding out the transaction, then ringing up the RR's first and then the coupons. And thankfully, the manager was VERY nice about it all! Even told me that next time I should just ask to have the RRs scanned first!
@CydalieAt CVS, and I LOVE this about them, you can call customer service while in line and THEY will tell the cashier they are wrong. Just MAKE SURE you know you are right, carry a copy of their coupon policy with you.Dianwww.groceryshopforfree.com
I recently had an awful experience (actually, several in a row) at Harris Teeter. I have contacted corporate and let them know everything that went on and the way I was treated was unacceptable.However, I do love shopping at Rite Aid and have even made friends with one of the cashiers who wants tips on how I get things so cheaply!
I shopped at my Walgreens today and bought 8 items using 11 coupons (one was a BOGO and I also used a coupon on the one I paid for, and on a couple I was stacking manufacturers with Wags coupons). I have never had a problem with my Walgreens telling me I have too many coupons, and I have never had to add filler items. So maybe, again, it varies by store. I have a GREAT Walgreens with awesome cashiers who are always very polite and very willing to handle all my coupons.
I just wanted to respond to the reader who tried to use two mfgr coupons for one item and was told no. Basically, the coupon has to be submitted and the store reimbursed for the value, the company will look at the number of coupons the store turns in and the number of discounted items sold and pay them for whichever is lower. The company would probably not pay the store back the total value you saved, but only the value of one coupon, even though both coupons had a different bar code. I'm a waitress and that's how it works with us, it may be different with retail, but I thought I'd let you know why they may not have accepted both coupons.
Walgreen's has a coupon policy, and their cash registers are programmed, that they will not take more coupons than you have items. So, if you use too many coupons, you might need to buy "fillers", items that are really cheap that don't have a coupon, or items with coupons that are 2 for one, or $1 off 2. Still works if you know what their policy is. Most cashiers do not.kathy at write2us dot net
I had the same problem as Charlene at Walmart. I often used MANY coupons at walmart and the cashiers had become familiar with my mother an I because we always had to have a CSM because we always had so many coupons. Well one day I had a cashier that was not friendly and was pouring over my coupons like I was a criminal and was refusing several that I had never had problems using before. I had a CSM over there who was rude as well. Long story short I left my cart full of items that totaled over $300 all bagged for them to put back. I then got to the parking lot and called corporate and got apologies from them and store manager. I just think that the cashier was jealous of my savings. $200
Heather (response #7):Thank you so much for the last sentence in #7. I had a situation at Publix where, if I had had this wording in my head, I would have been able to use two additional coupons. The cashier got me all confused and I knew I had planned it out right at home, but she convinced me that I had too many coupons. Now I am prepared for the next time I have a MM with BOGO at Publix. Keep up the good work!
I think it is so funny how coupon acceptance varies amoung some store even with in the same chain. For example, the Publix around the corner from my house, as they scan each coupon will look towards the the merchandise and strech their neck as if they are showing you they are "on the watch". I can say they always accept each and every one, including 2 coupons with a bogo sale, so overall I can't conplain.Now the other Publix like 1 mile away from the first one will pass you coupons over the scanner with their eyes closed!!!I just find it so strange how it varies.
The coupon Krazy lady says on her site that it is OK to profile the cashiers and select one that you believe will be less trouble. This is good advice and works most of the time!
I went Lowes to get some medecine for my sick "Royal Palm" tree but they were out. So I headed on to Home depot. They had it there and I thought I would get a hose too while I was already there. I was kinda dissapointed to because I origionally planned on buying it at lowes w/ a 10% off total purchase coupon they mailed me. Then I remembered that you blogged before that Home Depot takes competitors coupons. I thought well let me give it a try. When I checked out I handed the cashier the Lowes coupon and she was getting ready to scan the barcode and realized it was from Lowes so she key it in as a competitors coupon and I saved an additional 3.00 so it is true they take them!!!Good to know!!!!!!!!
Great posts from everyone. Really makes all of us very aware of what the cashier is doing with our coupons. I have had several internet coupon problems with the local WALMART due to printing. Now I make sure that I have the print options set to PHOTO QUALITY for all my internet coupons, and have not had another problem. PUBLIX also does a great job with stacking coupons, the cashiers are fantastic – they are obviously well trained, and DO NOT roll their eyes or make rude comments when we have coupons for every item in our cart.
Every once in awhile I have a coupon rejected. I normally don't fuss too much unless I know the store/cashier isn't do it correctly. The stores that have really strict coupon rules (like the Kroger closest to me) I normally avoid going to when I plan on using bunches of coupons. Since I found out that Publix takes other store coupons I go there and it works out a lot better. Also, I try to go through the line with cashiers that I've been in their line before and I know they're professional and nice. If I happen to get one that I don't know I make small talk to slow her down so I can pay attention and if something does come up they normally override for me 'cause I was nice. :) I just hate trying to remember all the policies so I smile and make small talk.
In your first paragraph, you mention that sometimes problems arise when cashiers "lack the necessary training." I think it's important couponers can also "lack the necessary training" or make mistakes. Sometimes I think it's easy to assume it's always the cashier that's got it wrong and that it's our job to "educate them" about their policies. This can come off as very condescending if not done carefully!!I think when you say to be polite – you've got it right. There have been times I've been able to politely resolve an issue with a cashier, but there have also been occasions when they've politely pointed out to me that I didn't buy the correct product or that I'd unintentionally presented an expired coupon.It's all about developing long-term, friendly relationships with stores you frequent.
Thank you for encouraging people to be polite, because most aren't. And I just want to say that it isn't always the cashier's fault. I used to be a cashier, and I ALWAYS followed the rules. Sometimes managers BREAK the rules just so the customer will get off their back, which is very frustrating because it makes the cashier look mean or lazy. If we were to break the rules just to satisfy the customers, we would so get in trouble.
In response to comment 13 and catilinas. It really depends on the store if you can use it or not.There is someone who uses Walgreen coupons at a Meijer with no problem. I personally tried to use a manufacture Kroger coupon at Target (which I do use at Meijer all the time), and they refused. So I called Target corporate and they said if I remove the "logal w/o damaging the upc, then it would be accepted. Basically it is as someone else mentioned about coupon usage altogether, it depends on store, cashier, and how the situation is handled.
Several years ago my husband & I were in Quiznos and had an extra coupon that was going to expire that day, so I asked the couple behind me in line if they would like to use it since it was expiring (sharing the holiday spirit). They even thanked me several times later. The manager met me at the end of the line and told me that he would allow it that time but not to ever give coupons to others in line again as they probably would have ordered more. Needless to say, we have not been in Quiznos since (previously we were there so much that they knew what we would order). And we have passed this story on to others, not always naming the restaurant and people have figured out which one we are talking about. I wrote a letter to the corporate office but have not heard anything.
Heather, what a great post! It is so frustrating when the stores won't take coupons, especially after all of the effort we put into "saving money"! I recently had a situation at Target where the cashier was so mad that I had many coupons (stacking mfg plus store coupons). She huffed and puffed through them, even though you could tell she didn't want me to save all of that money. She tried to make me feel guilty for using them by some of the things she said. Finally she got to a few that wouldn't scan and she tossed them at me. I tried to be polite but by that point, I was mad so I said "what's the problem with these?". She told me (rudely) that they wouldn't scan so I responded "well, type them in". She was appalled that I would make her do more work and said no. I asked for the manager. Anyway, I did get my savings.Thanks for such a great post and such a great website! I am going to link to your post so my readers can read your great info!!!
I have few issues with coupons. I avoid shopping one particular Kroger near me because they don't always double coupons like they should. And there is one cashier at Kroger I will avoid if I am buying a clearance item with a coupon because they tend to beep and she won't accept the coupon stating it's because the 'item is already marked down', which is, to use my daughter's expression, 'junk'! I don't have a problem using a coupon on a clearance item with anyone but her. I am fortunate that Walgreens [all 3 I've been] near me is really good. No problems with CVS either. My Walmart does not accept IPs so I just don't bother ~ it's not worth my effort and their loss. And Target never gives me a hard time. I do try to access the cashiers as one other person commented. It's not foolproof, but makes the experience less stressful.Thanks Heather for sharing and opening this up for discussion.
I had a coupon for an item at Babiesrus and they weren't going to allow me to use it, b/c the item wasn't on the coupon. I had to point out to them the fine print where it listed the items the coupon could be used on and had the word "or" in it. Finally after politely explaining my case to the manager I received my discount. So make sure you read the fine print carefully to and know what all the words mean.
This does happen at Walgreens and CVS often. It did happen to me recently at Walgreens but I just took my 1 coupon back taht she didnt' want to stack since I made money on the transaction anyway. It gets irritating when you can't make them understand what you're doing, and since we don't have a lot of coupon use here they tend to think I'm trying to cheat them. Even when I show them the coupon policy, if they have the option to change it whenever it suits them it can get frustrating as well but being polite at least keeps ME calm!
Quizno's, like many fast food restuarants, is a franchise owned by individuals or a group. Basically all it means is that these business owners have their own business, but get help and support from a parent company. Since it is technically, "their own business," it is up to the individual or group owner's discretion whether to accept coupons issued by the parent company. That's why usually fast food restaurant coupons say valid at participating restaurants only. For example, not all McD's take coupons.
In our household we have an rule that if a cashier does not take a coupon, we remove it from the trasaction and do not buy the item. Then if we know we are right, we just try another cashier
I find it odd that CVS has given people trouble. I my area they are the best to deal with. I even had internet ones not scan and they punched them in and sent me on my way. And I have never known a cvs cashier who did not allow stacking. It offical CVS policy and they do have a coupon policy if you ask them. CVS also adjusts down coupons if they exceed the items price. Its also in their policy. It helps to know if your store has an official policy.Now Walgreens on the other hand does not have one and they make the rules up as they so along.
When I have tuns of coupons I "profile" the cashiers. And look for the one that I think will give me the least amount of trouble. (If I have already been through their line they I already know how they will treat me) Most of the time this works for me. Now if there is only one cashier in a store like Walgreens then you just have to be lucky. Last week I went with like 15 coupons, took one look at the cashier and thought she would be trouble; turned out she was very nice, so this theory does not always work.
I have not had too much problems using coupons. At times I have to "remind" certain Target emplyees that Targets policy permits stacking. One time at Walgreens a manager told me I have too many coupons as well. She then told the cashier who scanned them all that they "come in here and want everything 4 free"I of course had a bone to pick with her!
This is in response to the question about using a catalina that is a manufacturer coupon with a particular store's name on it at another store. I have been told by cashiers at my Walmart and my Meijer stores that they will accept ANY manufacturer coupon, even if it says a different store name on it. I also used one of these coupons at Target once (I think it had Meijer on it). When the Target cashier told me they couldn't accept a competitor's coupon, I replied that it was a manufacturer coupon and that it should work if he scanned it. He tried it, it worked, and that was the end of the discussion. I'm not sure if all cashier's would have tried it though – maybe I just got lucky that time. I have, however, been told by a Kroger store manager that they can NOT accept a manufacturer coupon if it has a competitor store name on it. Maybe it depends on the individual store??
Quiznos in our town recently decided they weren't going to take certian coupons anymore. All the cashier could tell me was "Our manager is Pissed off (yes she said that) that Corporate keeps printing these coupons" I wrote a letter to the corporate office last week. I havent heard anything back, but I was super offended!
I refuse to go to the Rite Aid in my town anymore. The last time I went in they tried to tell me you cannot stack Rite Aid coupons with Mftr coupons. And, they said that even if I had more than one item – I could not use multiples of the same coupon (even though they have different barcodes – most from the newspaper). I had a new cashier who knew nothing of the Rite Aids coupon policy, and then the older lady she asked to help her, was rude (don't want to use the word I want to), snotty, and demeaning. She did end up excepting my coupons after I argued with her. But, she proceeded to stare me down when I was leaving the store. I contacted Rite Aid, and the manager left me a message saying he would call me back – well that never happened. They will have to do a lot to regain my business. But, that was not the end a cashier told my BIL your SIL seems to be mad at us. Um, hello this is something you should not be talking about!
Funny you should post this today. The same thing happened only it wasn't that I had too many, it was b/c I had 2 of every coupon and the #'s on the coupons matched. So ya, I had to speak w/ the manager and they ended up taking them anyway.
Love it! That's never happened to me, but I've always worried about it. Hope you don't mind I linked to it: http://whoknewhome.blogspot.com/2009/11/you-cant-use-all-those-coupons-at-once.html
Excellent post, both from the perspective of your rights as a couponer and the store employee's position of trying to follow policy. Kudos!
At Walgreens, their policy is that you have to have at least as many items as coupons. So sometimes it is necessary to have "filler items" when you are trying to stack manuf. and store coupons. Ex. if I am buying one item but have a store and man coupon, I would also need one more item, a pack of gum or something else can be used. That way I have 2 items so I can now use 2 coupons.
I walked off and left a buggy full of groceries at a local Walmart when they refused to accept my interent printed coupons (although I had used them there several times prior) I nice about it, but I got my coupons back and told the to void the entire transactio. Then I went straight home and printed the corporate coupon policy, then called the store and spoke with a manager (not a CSM, a store manager). They had been told by their disctrict not to accept any IP coupons because of some fraudulent ones that someone had accepted. Once he called corporate to verify the information, he called me back and apologized and told me they would let their cashiers know. The very next time I went to the store, the same thing happened with the same cashier, but I told her who I had spoken to, etc. She asked if she could keep a copy of the policy I had, to show the other cashiers, as she had not been told anything different yet. Other than that, I've had not more problems there, but I still keep a copy in my coupon binder at all times.
I agree Amanda… there is nothing worse than that implication of theft! I've had numerous cashiers act like that — as though they missed the coupon entry day in their training! I'm not stealing, it's simply called SAVING! If the coupons weren't meant to be used, why would they exist?
I have recently become a HUGE fan of coupons, especially since our son was born 6 months ago. I usually don't have a problem using my coupons at Jewel, Meijer, or Target… but Walgreens is absolutely the WORST to deal with. I've had managers tell me that I have "too many coupons" and most refuse to override anything – despite the fact they are Walgreens coupons! UGH! Trust me, if it weren't for the fact of being able to stack coupons and get baby formula for 79 cents, I would SO not shop there!
What a great post. I had problems at CVS with a new set of cashiers and the manager refused to accept the coupons also. I just decided then that CVS-ing wasn't worth my time or stress (they were both so rude, they made me feel like I was stealing, for example, they refused a Pampers coupon b/c they said that it wasn't for the size that I bought. I had to ask for the package of diapers, find where it said "JUMBO" and point that out for the cashier, who was super-huffy about accepting it) anymore. So, after that I started going to Walmart and Rite-Aid. I used to LOVE CVS-ing, and the cashiers used to cheer me on, but not anymore!!! I never tried to scam CVS or use more than my fair share or anything. But it's a good example of how customer service can make or break a company's relationship with their customers.
Thanks Heather for clearing up the manufactor's coupon issue! Now I get it! By the way, I totally love your website and I have told all my friends about it!Laura
I had a similar thing happen to me at Wags a few weeks ago when they had the mascara deal. I bought 2 on a bogo sale and used 1 Wags coupon from one of the books. It automatically deducted for both and the cashier said I was committing coupon fraud because of what their computers were doing. The manager was called and allowed the transaction, but I had already told her that if it wasn't allowed I didn't want it. She decided she was going to send a copy of the receipt to corporate because she said people needed to know what was going on with their coupons. BTW, it was also the last day of the sale. I have a feeling corporate had known by then. LOL
A couple year ago (or so) I was using a coupon to get an item for free at Walgreens and they won't let me because the item was on sale for .99 and the coupon for $1 off. So since it went over .01, they would not accept the coupon. I was beyond pissed… I never did anything about it though… other than to basically refuse to shop there. There are plenty more drug stores on every other corner!
Catalina coupons that print at the register are Manufacturer's coupons that are only valid at the store name that is printed on the coupon. They are specially coded to only work at the store specified. They will not be accepted at other stores because they are not like the manufacturer's coupons you find in the Sunday coupon inserts.-HeatherFreebies 4 Mom
I usually just say nicely to the cashier – I have alot of coupons today i hope you are in a good mood, they usually smile then I get some kind of comment at the end Wow you saved alot! twice Walmart manager's have had to come over because I had too many coupons and the machine would not let the cashier process anymore, but both times they overrode it and kept taking my coupons. I live in a rural area so people trying to save money is nothing new around here, most of the cashiers are pleasant and nice. the younger ones just override any errors I think because they don't want to deal with it :) Fine by me
When I had that coupon for a free imotion thingy to redeem at target it was one cent off from the price. the cashier would not take my coupon. I said ok and left. the next day i came back and went to customer service and simply said, hey i called target corporate and they said that it should be no problem to take this coupon since it was only one cent difference. they took it!! haha so just the thought of calling corporate worked.
maybe someone could help me out with this one: I get coupons from the grocery store that are printed from their coupon machines at checkout that have the name of the grocery store on them. However, on the coupon they say "manufactor's coupon". I tried to use it at wal-mart and the cashier (who was taking her position a little too seriously) yelled at me and told me I could not use the coupon even though I told her it says manufactor's coupon on it. Then she went 3 aisles down and asked another cashier and yelled at me like I was some kind of criminal. Shouldn't they be taking these coupons since they are indead manufactors coupons?
Agree with Heather on the stacking coupons with BOGO free store promo. I have done it with success at Kroger. I like shopping there (at my particular store anyway) because they have never (knock on wood) rejected any coupons. Most cashiers don't even look at them more than to say, my, what a bunch of coupons! Just depends on the cashier that day.
It can be really frustrating when you encounter employees or managers who don't understand their own store's policies.Sometimes, they can make you feel like you're doing somethign wrong, simply by using coupons correctly!It's really frustrating.I don't do many drugstore deals anymore, in part because of the cashier hassles.I like Rite Aid because you can use coupons on items and then get a rebate check in the mail. Easy — minimal cashier encounters!
Response to Comment #4 – You should be able to use one manufacturer's coupon per one item purchased, regardless of whether the store has a "Buy 1 Get 1 Free" sale. So if you bought 6 packages of turkey, you should be able to use 6 manufacturer's coupons on them (even on the free ones, because that is a store promotion). Of course this may vary by store – and some stores will limit the number of "like" coupons you can use in one transaction. But the general rule is one coupon per one item – even if the price is FREE because the coupon savings comes from the manufacturer, and the sale price savings comes from the store.-HeatherFreebies 4 Mom
In my opinion, I think it sounds like since you were only technically paying for 3 (because the store was giving you the other 3 free) you could only use 3 coupons. You would have needed to grab 2 more packages to use another coupon. I hope I understood that well.
I just wanted to mention today's experience. I was at Bath and Body Works and wanted to use 3 free travel size item coupons. I waited on line and asked for 3 $1 gift bags. When the cashier saw I had coupons, she looked terrified! She asked the manager if she could use 3 at once. The manager said 1 per customer. I politely said OK and that I would wait on line 2 additional times so as not to take up the other customer's time. They were a bit flabbergasted but that's what I did. Thankfully, I had extra snacks on hand for my 21 month old! But a little patience and I was able to get 3 gift bags and 3 travel sized items for a little over $3!
I have a question maybe one of you can answer. I was buying ground turkey and it was buy one get one free. I bought 3 packs, and was getting 3 free. I had 4 coupons for the turkey, MFGR, and was only allowed to use 3. Is this right? I was technically buying 6 packs of turkey, the store's sale was for the free ones, so should they have honored the coupon. I didn't make a fuss, but it would be nice to know for the future. Thanks
I just wanted to suggest that we should also be keeping an eye on those coupons as the cashier rings them up. I had a 4 coupons for free Jennie-o turkey, so I of course bought 4. I stood at the register and watched the cashier look at each one as she took off the price. After only taking off 3, she looked at the 4th coupon and stuck it in her pocket! I said "I gave you 4 coupons". She replied, "yes you did." I said "but you only took off 3." She just stared at me, I had to demand she give it back and remove the 4th item!On another occasion, different cashier and store, I had 5 free hershey bliss coupons. I watched as the cashier took the one from the top and laid it over to the side, away from the register. Then she proceeded to ring up the other 4 coupons. When I asked her to ring up the other coupon, she huffed and slang it back.So, everyone please be careful. Some of the coupons aren't easy to come by. And I, for one, consider saving for my family my full time job. I don't think it's fair for some to try to steal our hard work.
I have complained to corporate when the cashier refused my coupons, and was rude about it. I not only received an email from corporate apologizing and telling me the cashier was wrong, and they welcomed my coupons. This email was followed up my call from the store manager, who mailed me a ten-dollar gift card to encourage to come back and give them another try. But I have had similar responses when I have contacted corporate about an exceptionally good cashier. If you get a really good cashier, take the time to email corporate about her. It pays us in the long run for them to know we appreciate well trained polite cashiers.
CVS once told me that I had "too many coupons" and their limit was something like 10 coupons per transaction. It was all MFGR coupons since CVS doesn't really print them to stack. I was a little put off.