FAQ Part 2-Understanding a Store's Coupon Policy

In Part 1 of  FAQ I discussed where to find your coupons, different types of coupons available and the basics of the coupon "language". In Part 2, I'm going to briefly discuss the different types of coupon policies you will find at your local stores.

Once you have your coupons together but before you head out to the stores to shop, it is important that you understand your store's coupon policy because each store has a different policy when it comes to accepting coupons. Educate yourself and you will save yourself more time and money!

 Here are a few of the things that may differ from store to store:

• Coupons Will/Will Not Double
• Even stores that double manufacturer's coupons all have different amounts they will double to. For example, Harris Teeter doubles coupons up to $0.98, Publix up to $0.50, BiLo up to $0.60, etc)
• Will/Will Not Accept Competitor's Coupons
• Will/Will Not Allow Stacking (store coupon+manufacturers coupon)
• Will/Will Not Allow Overage
• Price Matching
• Limit if Internet Coupons
• Number of Coupons Allowed Per Transaction

So where can you find your store's coupon policy? 

• Go straight to the store's website

 Here are a few coupon policies from the major stores:

•  Target Coupon Policy
• Walmart Coupon Policy 
• Harris Teeter 
• Walgreens 
• CVS 

•  Ask the Customer Service desk at your store for a copy
• Send an email to the store's customer service department.

Here are some questions you'll want to ask your store:

1. What kinds of coupons do you accept?
2. Do you accept manufacturer coupons, printable coupons, e-coupons on my loyalty card
3. Do you offer store coupons?  Where may I find them?
4. May I use a store coupon and a manufacturer coupon on one item?
5. Do you exclude any coupons?  Ex: above $5 off, BOGO offers, coupons for free product?
6. Do you accept Internet Printable Coupons?  May I print them in black and white
7. Do you match competitor prices or take competitor coupons?
8. What is your policy on overage: when the value of the coupon exceeds the value of the product?
9. If the coupon exceeds the item’s value do you adjust the price of the coupon down? Ex: $1.00 off coupon on $0.97 cent product.
10. Do you limit the number of coupons I may use per transaction?
11. Do you employees understand “one coupon per purchase=one coupon per item”, not “one coupon per transaction”?
12. Does your store ever double or triple coupons?
13. Concerning buy one get one offers.  If your store runs a BOGO FREE promo, may I use 2 manufacturer coupons for the 2 products?  Or may I only use one?
14. Are individual stores allowed to impose their own rules or vary from this policy?

Once you know your store's coupon policy, it will make checking out go a lot more smoothly! And when in doubt, ask for a manager & hopefully they will help!