CVS: Official Coupon Policy

Finally…CVS has published a coupon policy!! I suggest you print it HERE and keep it with your coupons!

CVS/Pharmacy Coupon Policy

The use of ExtraBucks®, CVS/pharmacy and third-party manufacturer coupons is accepted in our retail stores in accordance with the following guidelines.

General guidelines to further understand the application of CVS/pharmacy coupons (ExtraBucks and ExtraCare® Coupons) and third-party manufacturer coupons:

• CVS/pharmacy does not accept expired coupons.
• Coupons and their face value cannot be exchanged for cash or gift cards.
• Competitor coupons are not accepted at CVS/pharmacy.
• CVS/pharmacy does not accept coupons for items not carried in our stores.
• CVS/pharmacy does not currently accept coupon bar code images displayed on
a smartphone, iPhone, Droid etc.
• The total value of the coupons may not exceed the value of the transaction.
Sales tax must be paid if required by state law.
• Certain CVS/pharmacy coupons may be subject to state sales tax rules similar to
third-party manufacturer coupons and sales tax may be charged on pre-coupon price
o Third-party manufacturer coupons are coupons issued by a third party and sales tax may be charged on pre-coupon price.
• Language at the bottom of CVS/pharmacy coupons provides specific coupon acceptance rules.
• Any coupon offer not covered in these guidelines will be accepted at the discretion of CVS/pharmacy management.

Sale Items

• CVS/pharmacy will accept manufacturer coupons for an item that is on sale.
• CVS/pharmacy will not accept percent off coupons for sale and promotional
items.
• In the event that any item’s price is less than the value of the coupon,
CVS/pharmacy will accept the coupon only to the price of the item. CVS/pharmacy does not provide cash back in exchange for any coupons.

Multiple Coupons

• CVS/pharmacy accepts one third-party manufacturer coupon and applicable CVS/pharmacy coupon(s) for the purchase of a single item, unless prohibited by either coupon offer.
• The number of third-party manufacturer coupons used in a transaction may not exceed the number of items in the transaction.
• The coupon amount will be reduced if it exceeds the value of the item after other discounts or coupons are applied. (For example, a $5.00 coupon for a $4.99 item will result in a $4.99 coupon value).
• CVS/pharmacy accepts multiple identical coupons for multiple qualifying items as long as there is sufficient stock to satisfy other customers, unless a limit is specified. Management reserves the right to limit the quantity of items purchased.
• CVS/pharmacy reserves the right to process coupons in any order.

Internet/Print at Home Coupons

• CVS/pharmacy accepts valid internet/print at home coupons containing a barcode.
• CVS/pharmacy will not accept reproductions or rebates.

(Thanks al.com/bargain-mom)

Looking for the Coupon Policies for some of your other favorite stores??? Head on over HERE to get them!

Target: REVISED Coupon Policy

Target has just updated their coupon policy and there are a couple of changes that you need to be aware of!!

Buy One Get One Free Coupons (B1G1):

• B1G1 coupons cannot be combined (i.e. you cannot use two B1G1 coupons on two items and get both for free). Unless stated otherwise on the coupon, the use of one Buy One Get One Free coupon requires that two of the valid items are presented at checkout of which one item will be charged to the guest and the 2nd item will be discounted by its full retail price.

 

• A second cents-off coupon of the same type cannot be redeemed towards the purchase price of the first item.  If a Target B1G1 coupon is used, one additional manufacturer coupon maybe used on the first item.  If a Manufacturer B1G1 coupon is used, one additional Target coupon may be used on the first item.

So, make note of this change in the policy and print the new policy and keep it with you when you shop!

(Thanks, pennypinchinmom)

Store Coupon Policies: READ them, PRINT them & KEEP them with your coupons!!

We seem to have many new people chillin’ with us here on Clippin’ with Carie…WELCOME!!

From many of the emails, blog comments and Facebook comments I am reading, I thought it was time to repost the Store Coupon Policies!!

It is important that YOU KNOW THE STORE POLICIES!! Many times you may run into a problem with a cashier or even a store manager who wants to make up their own rules about coupons and how and when you can use them!!  At the same time, as a responsible couponer YOU need to know how to use your coupons at various stores!

Here is a list of the Coupon Policies that I use! I HIGHLY suggest you READ them, PRINT them and KEEP them with your coupons!!

WALGREENS – Corporate Coupon Policy

TARGET – Corporate Coupon Policy   

WALMART – Corporate Coupon Policy

SHOP ‘N SAVE – Internet Printable Coupon Acceptance Policy

DIERBERGS – Double Coupon Policy and Internet Printable Coupon Policy

SCHNUCKS – Does not have a written online policy, but this is what I have received from their corporate office in regards to St Louis Metro stores

Schnucks stores in the St. Louis metropolitan market area will double the value of up to 15 qualifying manufacturer’s coupons with a face value of up to 40-cents as long as the doubled value does not exceed the price of the item to which it is applied. This is currently an everyday offer!

Only one coupon can be used per validly purchased item.

There is no limit to the number of coupons that can be redeemed at face value as long as only one coupon is presented per each validly purchased item and the value of the coupon does not exceed the price of the item.

We do, however, also reserve the right to limit the number of identical coupons used at any one time.

We do not redeem any coupon for a value that exceeds the price of the item to which it is applied.

If the coupon’s value exceeds the price of the item, the value of the coupon will be adjusted so as not to exceed the price of the item.

In a “Buy One Get One Free” scenario, you may use a manufacturer’s coupon on the item you purchase. An additional coupon cannot be applied to the second item because it is already free.

We reserve the right to decline any coupon that may appear to be a copy.

We reserve the right to limit quantities so that all guests have an opportunity to enjoy specific savings opportunities.

· Our current Internet Coupon Policy is printed below:

· As with all manufacturer’s coupons, only one coupon per item can be applied.

· Internet/home-printed coupons for FREE products will not be accepted.

· Internet/home-printed coupons with a value greater than $5.00 will not be accepted.

· We reserve the right to decline acceptance of any coupon that does not appear to be an original and/or any coupon that does not scan properly.

· Please contact a service center teammate or manager on duty if you have any questions.

We hope this is helpful and we thank you again for your interest!

If you are looking for a Coupon Policy for a store not on the list, I suugest you either check the store’s website or contact that store directly to verify their coupon policy!

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EXTREME COUPONING: Ethical Couponing

Before I start, I just want to say there has been a lot of buzz in the coupon community about the TLC Extreme Couponing show and specifically one of the show participant’s J’aime Kirlew aka “mustard lady” and her “possible” continued coupon fraud!  

I am not going to go into specifics right now, but if you’d like to read more about the drama, you are welcome to visit Nathan at WeUseCoupons (he was an original participant in the TLC Extreme Couponing show) to read more about it! I just have to say that I am disgusted by this behavior! In my opinion, she is “stealing” and even though TLC Extreme Couponing Facebook Page stated that she said she donated many of her items, that doesn’t make it any better and I DO NOT consider her to be a modern day Robin Hood (stealing from the rich to give to the poor). I think it is her lame attempt to justify her actions!

All the drama surrounding this issue had me thinking that it was time for me to do a post regarding Ethical Couponing and Issues of Coupon Fraud! 

When people misuse and abuse coupons, it affects all of us…HOW??

1) Manufacturers may issue lower value coupons
2) Store Policies will become stricter
3) Managers and cashiers will be more difficult to work with
(suspecting all couponers of being dishonest)

What is coupon fraud?? In a nutshell, “coupon fraud” is knowingly misusing coupons! For instance:

1) Copying Printable Coupons! This is a big NO NO!!! DO NOT DO IT!!
(There are reasons that print limits are set in place for coupons)

2) Using a coupon for a product or size of the product other than what is noted on the coupon!
(Manufacturer’s have the ability to state a specific size or variety and unless the coupon is not specific and say “any” or has no size exclusions, you need to follow the rules of that coupon)

3) Using coupons that are expired

It is the resposibility of the coupon shopper to know store policies, know coupon policies and to use their coupons as intended. It is NOT the resposibility of the store, cashier or scanner to determine whether a coupon “should” work or not! Coupon fraud is ILLEGAL and is punishable by law!!

NOT FRAUD, BUT ANNOYING PRACTICES:

1) Shelf Clearing
This can be frustrating for all of us I know! We all want to participate in deals, so shelf clearing is just frustrating. Now since family sizes vary greatly and someone may have a need for more than I would, I can’t tell you how much of something is too much, but be courteous to other shoppers!

2) Peelie Pulling
Sometimes you may see a peelie (coupon stuck to a product) for an item. Peeling off all the coupons and not buying the product is inconsiderate!!

These are just a couple of things that bother me and I’m sure you as well, so I just thought I would mention them! Again, it is not against the law to do these things, but it is just common courtesy!

I am by NO means the “Coupon Police”, so you are all on your own to police yourselves, but I truly hope that each of you will practice ethical couponing! Getting things super cheap to free by commiting fraud is not worth it!  We can all save tons of money couponing the right way!

Some of you might disagree with me and that’s okay, but I just have to put it out there!

Please feel free to comment!

Walmart Coupon Policy REVISED AGAIN!!

There’s been a lot of buzz about the Walmart Coupon Policy and Walmart accepting Register Rewards.  I personally was never brave enough to test it out, but others must have because now Walmart has revised their Corporate Coupon Policy …they now state that they will NOT accept “Checkout (Catalina) coupons with Dollars/cents off the entire basket purchase or Percentage off the entire basket purchase.” Which means Walgreens Register Rewards will NOT be accepted.

Please make sure you print the Revised Corporate Coupon Policy and keep it with your coupons!

(Thanks for the email Rebecca)

Store Coupon Policies: Read Them, Print Them & Keep Them with your Coupons!

We seem to have many new people chillin’ with us here on Clippin’ with Carie…WELCOME!!

From many of the emails, comment and Facebook comments I am reading, I thought it was time to repost the Store Coupon Policies!!

It is important that YOU KNOW THE STORE POLICIES!!  Many times you may run into a problem with a cashier or even a store manager who wants to make up their own rules about coupons and how and when you can use them!!

Here is a list of the Coupon Policies that I use!  I HIGHLY suggest you READ them, PRINT them and KEEP them with your coupons!! 

WALGREENS – Corporate Coupon Policy

TARGET - Corporate Coupon Policy  

WALMART – Corporate Coupon Policy

SHOP ‘N SAVE - Internet Printable Coupon Acceptance Policy

DIERBERGS - Double Coupon Policy and Internet Printable Coupon Policy 

SCHNUCKS – Does not have a written policy that I can find, Store Manager Discretion

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WALMART: Updated Coupon Policy – WOO HOO!

Well, quite a few of you have been burnin’ up my email this evening with this “mind blowing” news!

Walmart has revised and updated their corporate coupon policy!  

Please note the best change of all to the policy in my opinion (line 3 under guidelines and limitations)

“Coupons may exceed the price of the item. Change may be given or applied toward the cost of the basket purchase.”

I highly, highly suggest you print this policy and keep it with your coupons, as I am sure not all cashiers will be up to speed on this new policy!

Wish I would have had this about a week ago when I really needed it, but better late than never!

If there are further changes or updates, I’ll let you know!

HERE’S THE NEW POLICY:
Walmart accepts the following types of coupons (see guidelines below):
•Manufacturers’ coupons
•Print-at-home internet coupons
?Must be legible, have “Manufacturer Coupon” printed on them, have a valid remit address for the manufacturer, valid expiration date, and have a scannable bar code.
•Competitors’ coupons that feature a specific item for a specified price
?for example, $2.99
•Soft drink container caps
•Checkout coupons
?(also called “Catalinas”) that are printed at our competitors’ registers, have “Manufacturer Coupon” with specific requirements printed on them, a valid remit address for the manufacturer, valid expiration date, and a scannable bar code.

Walmart does not accept the following coupons:
•Print-at-home Internet coupons that require no purchase
•Competitors’ coupons for dollars/cents or percentage off, buy one get one free, and double- or triple-value coupons

The following are guidelines and limitations:
•Only one coupon per item is permitted.
•Coupons must have an expiration date and be redeemed prior to expiration.
•Coupons may exceed the price of the item. Change may be given or applied toward the cost of the basket purchase.
•Walmart only accepts coupons for merchandise that we sell.
•Coupons must be presented at the time of purchase.
•We accept the following with Customer Service Supervisor/Management approval:
?40 or more coupons
?Any coupon over $20
?$50 or more in coupons in one transaction

(Thanks, everyone that emailed me)

CORRECTION!?! Walmart to Match Competitor Coupons!?!

UPDATE:  Looks like there was an error on the printing of their ad!!!  NO COMPETITOR COUPON MATCHING!?!  You can check their facebook for more news on this issue!!  Scroll down a bit and read the response from Walmart!  Some areas are saying yes…some saying no…I don’t know what is going on at Walmart anymore and it seems neither do they!!

Par for the course if you ask me for Walmart.  I had a feeling it wouldn’t last!!!  I’m not much of a Walmart shopper, since it is a big pain to use printables at my store…oh well, just another day if you ask me!!

 

Walmart printed on their weekly ad that not only will they match competitor ads, but now they will match competitor’s coupons!!  This should mean that you can stack Walgreens and Target and other store coupons with regular manufacturer coupons at Walmart! 

This makes me a bit nervous, since I have a hard enough time trying to get my Walmart to take a printable coupon even though it is clearly printed on their coupon policy, so this issue will throw them for a complete loop!!

My suggestion…make sure anytime you are shopping at Walmart, ALWAYS have their Corporate Coupon Policy and I would also keep a copy of this past Sunday’s ad with your coupons!!

Here’s what reader, Tessa had to say:

Wal-Mart ad stated that they now accept competitors’ coupons.  (Top right hand corner of the front page and on the inside page top left.)  I took my ad with me today and headed to the LSL Wal-Mart.  I had a Target coupon for $.75 off Kraft Cheese.  Of course, the cashier knew nothing of the new policy and called over her supervisor who also knew nothing about it.  She right away stated that they do not match competitors’ coupons – only their ads, so I showed her the ad.  She said “Well, it has always been our policy to NOT match competitors’ coupons but you have it in writing right here so we’re gonna honor it.”  They also allowed me to stack it with a manufacturer coupon.  So, it all worked out but I did have to get the supervisor involved.  Maybe now that they are aware of it transactions will be smoother for future shoppers.

What do you think???  Leave us a comment!!

(Thanks for the email, Tessa)

STORE COUPON POLICIES

Many times you may run into a problem with a cashier or even a store manager who wants to make up their own rules about coupons and how and when you can use them!  It can be totally frustrating, especially if they cop a ‘tude at the same time!!

Here is a list of the Coupon Policies that I use!  I HIGHLY suggest you READ them, PRINT them and KEEP them with your coupons!! 

WALGREENS – Corporate Coupon Policy

TARGET - Corporate Coupon Policy  

WALMART – Corporate Coupon Policy

SHOP ‘N SAVE - Internet Printable Coupon Acceptance Policy

DIERBERGS - Double Coupon Policy and Internet Printable Coupon Policy 

SCHNUCKS – Does not have a written policy that I can find, Store Manager Discretion