You probably frequent the same stores, whether locally or online, so it’s worth it for you to know your store policies so you can speak up if you need to.
When shopping online, be sure and check the returns policy before you buy. Some online retailers (like Ann Taylor) do not let you return clearance merchandise to the store. Also, some online retailers (like Office Depot) will price match, so be sure you know the procedure before you purchase. Amazon
Some stores will accept competitor’s coupons; Home Depot and Lowe’s will accept coupons for the other store, but they may not accept printables. You’ll need to check with your local store for details.
At the grocery store, since you’re probably shopping at the same chain week after week, learn about the store’s coupon policy: do they double coupons? to what amount? will they take internet-printed coupons? Most grocery and other stores (Target, CVS, etc.) will take two coupons per item, both a store coupon and manufacturer coupon, on a given item unless either coupon prevents that. Should you have a problem with a cashier accepting both coupons, you can easily ask for the manager to verify the coupon policy. What happens if an item scans for a higher price than the shelf tag stated? In some stores, you get the product free. Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself if you feel you have been charged unfairly.
How can you find out a store’s policies? While you’re at the store, ask at the customer service desk or ask to speak to a manager. Be polite and curious, not accusatory. Try saying, “What are your coupon policies? I am a coupon user and want to be sure I’m following the rules.” It’s easier to have that conversation before you shop than while you’re at the register with a line of people behind you. From home, you can call the store and ask for the manager. You can also try calling a Corporate phone number for the store’s overall policy, but most companies will tell you that the individual store policy is determined by that store’s manager.
If you find that you’re having trouble at a particular store, you might try printing out the store’s policy and carry it with you to use at checkout. Here are a few links to coupon policies:
- Giant (from their website, look under “Shopping FAQs”)
- CVS (from an email to Penny Pinching Diva, Oct 2008)
- Rite Aid (from an email to The Freebie Blogger, Sept 2008)
- Safeway (the corporate policy on internet coupons; regarding doubling, it varies depending on your region and the store management–ask your store manager for details)
- Target (from an email I received)
- Wal-Mart (from their website)
- Walgreens (from an email to Sense to Save, Nov 2007)
All in all, it’s worth a little bit of your time to learn the policies of the stores you frequently shop.
Read the other articles in the 20 Money-Saving Habits for 2009 series.
Thanks for this great post! I wasn’t aware of Target’s price drop policy. I have been having trouble at Target with coupons recently so it was also nice to see that link to their policy. The last two times I have been there the cashiers have been giving me a hard time with coupons that are close to the value of the product (the Buddies soaps and the Electrosol coupons).
I think the Target Price-Drop policy isn’t something they promote, but it’s good to know that it is their official policy. I’ve tried to bring in items to get the price difference (bought something on Saturday and it went on sale on Sunday), and none of the employees knew how to do the price drop. Instead, they made me bring in the actual items, return them, and then repurchase them. What a hassle, but worth the money.
This is SO helpful!! I was at Wal-mart the other night and they told me that I could only use one internet coupon. It was clearly marked as a Manufacturer coupon. I happened to only have one internet coupon with me that trip (but in previous trips I had brought several). They said they have been having problems with fradulent internet coupons. It is good to see their rules in print. I will bring that with me if I need to.