Photograph Credit: Bi-Lo
In this economy and with the rising cost of doing business, I understand why stores create strict coupon policies and inspect the fine print on the coupons. Stores need to protect their investment because there are those that create and distribute fraudulent coupons.
Just this year in Arizona, a counterfeit coupon bust landed 3 women in jail. They printed high priced coupons overseas and shipped them to their headquarters in Arizona. For distribution, they sold these coupons for pennies on the dollar through their private website available by invitation-only.
Though most consumers use coupons correctly, I understand why stores impose limits, regulations, and policies for coupon use. When the store policy is written, available, and consistent, consumers can use coupons with confidence. Then when a cashier fails to accept a coupon, the coupon policy should become the deciding factor.
Last week in part 1, I explained the process taken to rectify the change in competitor’s coupons at my Publix. Continuing this series identifying three coupon issues I faced this summer, I present the failure to initially double coupons at my Bi-Lo.
Part 2 – Doubling Coupons
Though no store will calculate every transaction perfectly, I choose to carefully review my receipts after each purchase. With sales changing weekly and system upgrades, the store registers will not catch every detail. In taking an active role in saving our family money, I plan our shopping trips, estimate our out-of-pocket pay, and review the receipt for accuracy.
The Items
On our last shopping trip before heading down to Florida for our family vacation, I stopped by Bi-Lo for these sales:
- 2 packages of cookies
- 6 packages of frozen corn
- Ice cream
- 2 packages of split chicken breasts
- 7 packages of roped smoked sausage
The Coupons
The subtotal came to $77.17, and then I used the following: my loyalty card to get the sale prices, 3 bag credits, Bi-Lo e-coupon, and manufacturer coupons. For the Eckrich roped sausage, I used seven $.55 off coupons.
Since I had so many coupons, the bookkeeper needed to approve the coupons. She keyed in the coupons, and I was given the total. Realizing that the total was higher than expected, I asked if the $.55 coupons had doubled. The bookkeeper indicated that when the coupons are keyed into the system, the coupons do not double.
The Coupon Policy
Now according to Bi-Lo’s coupon policy, they double manufacturer’s coupons. My store doubles up to $.60 every day. With this information, I asked to speak with the manager.
When the manager arrived, he looked at the coupons and approved the doubling. When asked why manager approval was needed, he stated that their system limits the amount of discounts the cashiers can deduct. When the coupons reach that limit, then a manager needs to override the transaction.
Though I do not agree with having to ask for the doubling when their coupon policy provides for doubling, I will not hesitate to seek that override from a manager. I will also watch carefully to see that the coupons are taken since the cashier did not indicate that the limit had been reached.
Not to leave you hanging, my transaction reached my goal – paying 50% or less. With the doubled coupons, I paid $26.89 which is a 65.1% savings.
In using time wisely to question the store’s coupon policy when the stated refusal conflicts with the written policy, I continue saving my family money. As you use your coupons, know your store’s policy, watch your total, and question discrepancies. The consumer is not always right, but usually she is. 😉 Happy savings!
Question: Like me, are you seeing more coupon issues at the register?