Photograph Credit: Flickr (Victor Martinez)

When shopping this summer with coupons, I hit three situations where the stores did not want to fully accept valid coupons that aligned with their stated coupon policies.

Now, I am a seasoned coupon-user and not intimidated by store management. But, if I was unsure, new to using coupons, or a shy person, then these situations may not have ended with a positive result.

In an effort to empower you with information to make your case clear, unemotional, and accurate, I will share my three experiences in this three-part series on questioning coupon policies.

Questioning Coupon Polices

Part 1 – Competitor stores

Part 2 – Doubling coupons

Part 3 – Competitor coupons

Part 1 – Competitor Stores

As you know, each grocery store operates differently. Knowing what your store’s policies are for coupons and competitor’s coupons assists in creating grocery lists and maximizing your savings.

Though each grocery store chain has its own coupon policy, each location may interpret the policy differently. In addition to the coupon policy, each location has different competitors. Most stores determine their competitors based on a 1 or 2 mile distance from that location.

Finding your Store’s Competitors

Some stores are kind and post their competitor’s names. My Publix issued a printable notice that indicated that their competitors were Bi-Lo, Whole Foods, Earth Fair, and Food Lion. I picked up a notice and kept it for reference within my Publix coupon envelope.

When Food Lion released a printable coupon for $5 off any $25 purchase, I referred back to the competitor notice. Confirming that Food Lion was a competitor, I put together my Publix deals based on this coupon.

On shopping day, I gathered my savings and went to checkout. Before beginning, I informed the cashier that I had the Food Lion coupon. She creased her face and let me know that they were not accepting these coupons. When I inquired further, she said that Food Lion was no longer a competitor.

Addressing Discrepancies

Since I did not want to hold up the line, I thanked her and asked for a manager. I moved up to customer service and waited.

When the manger came, I explained that I wanted to use the Food Lion coupon. He confirmed that Food Lion was no longer a competitor because they moved their location. Then I pulled out the competitor coupon notice from my envelope. Seeing my notice, the manager indicated that was an old one.

After looking about and not finding a new one, I asked where the new one was located. Well, the manger searched high and low and finally went back to an office to get me a new one. I expressed by disappointment in their change of policy without notifying customers.

The manager brushed off my comments and refused to take my coupon. Since I planned two transactions for a savings of $10 ($5 for each), I rearranged my purchases and made one purchase.

Contacting the Corporate Office

When I got home and gathered my thoughts, I e-mailed Publix’s corporate office and expressed my disappointment with the change of policy without notifying customers.

I explained what I planned to do and how I ended up not saving $10 because the store failed to update their information. The corporate office apologized and sent me a $10 gift card for the trouble.

The results ended up favorable with some work. This first example of questioning coupon polices was the most work I did of the three scenarios I will share. This situation took me a little time, but in using time wisely I received a $10 gift card.

I addressed the issue at the store. When I did not receive a satisfactory response, I left and contacted the corporate office. Within 2 weeks, my Publix had a new notice displayed with their current competitors. Seeing the issue corrected not only helps me, but also other customers to save money, energy, and time.

In shopping at your grocery store and getting a coupon denied that you know is valid, take courage and address it. Even if the cashier says no, you can ask for a manager. Stay calm, and if the manager will not take your coupon and you know that you can use that coupon, then leave the store and contact the corporate office.

Your time is valuable. In using time wisely, know your store. When there is a discrepancy, stay calm while questioning coupon policies. Happy savings!

Question: Do you question store employees when they deny a coupon?