Store Coupon Policies

There may be times you will have trouble at the register. A cashier might not be aware of the store’s coupon policy and tries to refuse a coupon. For this reason, it is always important to learn and memorize each store’s coupon policy. It might also be beneficial to keep them with you in your binder. You can print copies from their website or request to have one mailed to your house. If you know the coupon policy, don’t be afraid to ask for a manager. When the coupon policy is with you, there will always be proof to argue on hand. Even so, any store has the right to refuse a coupon!

Be aware that all stores are different when it comes to policies, promotions, and limitations. The Target I visit most frequently will only allow 3 identical Manufacturer and store coupons per shopping trip. Although, the Target a few towns away does not limit quantities.

The most confusion during checkout will come from Buy One, Get One Free promotions and coupons. According to CVS policy, you can use up to two coupons on products in a BOGO Free promotion. Since one coupon is applied to the free item, it will bring down the total out of pocket cost of the paid item. For example:

Dial Liquid Hand Soap is BOGO Free @ $1.89 each.
USE 2 - $.50/1 manufacturer’s coupons
PAY: $.89 for both!

CVS will also allow you to apply a BOGO Free coupon to a BOGO Free promotion, thus you will get both items free! For example:

Dial Liquid Hand Soap is BOGO Free @ $1.89 each.
USE 1 – BOGO Free manufacturer’s coupon
PAY: Free for both!

What about combining BOGO Free coupons with dollar off coupons? First, you will need to check the coupon barcode to see whether it attaches to only one or both of the products. BOGO coupons will have a 14, 00, or 01 attached to the value code section of the barcode. If the code shows a 00 or 01, the coupon only attaches to the free item and you will be able to use a dollar off coupon on the paid item. If the code shows a 14, the coupon attaches to both products and you cannot use a dollar off coupon with it. Finally, if the dollar value coupon says $1.00/2, you cannot use it combined with a BOGO Free coupon because only one coupon can be attached to each item. If you are unsure of something, always check the coupon policy first!

It is important to note that the traditional coupon barcodes are evolving into a new complex bar code system called GS1 Barcode. This barcode will be encoded with specific purchase requirements to prevent coupon fraud. This will reduce error because rules will be validated automatically through the barcode such as: purchase requirements, dollar value of the coupon, permission to double, issue date, expiration date, etc.