Shana is finding that more and more stores are really looking closely at the internet coupons that she uses. We are receiving lots of e-mails with complaints about Walgreens, Target, Kroger and Walmart mostly but I am sure other stores will start cracking down too. Here are some thoughts to consider when using coupons printed from the internet.
TOP TEN TIPS TO AVOID FRAUD
1. Use a reliable source to print coupons from. Yes I recommend My Memphis Mommy ;0) but we can make mistakes too so please alert us if you have any problems. Coupons.com, Target.com all very reliable!
2. Don't get mad at the store, they are getting lots of pressure from their corp. HQ and from the Man. themselves. So as consumers let's join forces with them learn all we can about the printable coupon and NEVER EVER COPY A COUPON, THAT IS FRAUD! THE STORE WILL NEVER GET REIMBURSED FOR A COPIED COUPON, YOU WILL BE HURTING US ALL IN THE LONG RUN!!
3. Also realize that the clerk who makes an all encompassing statement such as "we don't take any internet coupons" probably is incorrect, ask to speak to their manager.
4. Don't get mad when you have to wait to have a manger come look at your coupon, I had this happen just yesterday at Kroger on my Tropicana coupon that was mailed to me from Tropicana but it was paper and the clerk was young and nervous and didn't want to get in trouble, that is fine by me.
5. Store managers want your (and mine) internet coupons, I spoke with about 7 Walgreens managers this week. Each store manager has to make a decision that is best for their store, if they are really getting hit hard with FRAUDULENT coupons they are going to have no choice but to crack down. Most are not accepting them if it won't scan, that seems reasonable to me.
6. Just because a coupon scans (such as a coupon for 120z works on a 60z. product) the store will never get reimbursed for that, so do not try and "trick the system" it will just hurt all of us in the long run.
7. Coupons that say ANY PRODUCT, truly that is what they mean, you are not being fraudulent by using it on a trial size product, that Man. has decided that if you wan to "try their product for free" then they are willing to let you.
8. Facebook pages of the actual company is legit, most are now mailing you the coupon because of fraud.
9. If you find a coupon that "sounds too good to be true" it probably is. A printable coupon for a free item is very rare these days and most stores will not even accept them anymore. If there are no size specifications then it is more than likely FRAUDULENT. Click here for a list that is up-dated on occasion.
10.Don't give up on internet coupons, you can e-mail shanathesavvyshopper@gmail.com or mymemphismommy@gmail.com anytime with questions or concerns we are here to support, and advocate for you!
To put this into lay person terms:
- The unique 2-D barcode on the upper left is a different number for every coupon you print, even for a second print of the same coupon.
- The dotted line around the entire coupon is really text. It has your user id, the date and time and coupon offer information printed - repeating at least 35 times around the coupon. This is also printed at the bottom of the expiration date box.
- The long barcode at the bottom also has a portion of the unique 2-D barcode number in it. These barcodes are much more specific and very soon will be the barcode that is scanned in all stores!
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5 comments:
I can personally attest to making sure to not cut off the tiny printing...it has saved me more than once since that was one of the verification points that a manager looked at
Help! I have printed coupons for grocery items that I can't seem to use. The ones coming from being a fan of facebook pages mainly. Ex. El Monteray B1G1 free (any item up to $8.99). I know Schnucks does not take any free item Qs that are printed (policy) & now I've tried two Krogers and they will not take it since the crackdown. Know where I can use these?
Sorry Denise, it is tough right now in Memphis at all of the stores, again I don't blame them it is crazy the fraudulent coupons coming through! Have you tried Target? Anybody else have these coupons and know of a place to take them?
I received your info. in the email you send out and immediately a question I have had resurfaced. Most trial size items are 97 cents. The coupons used on them are $1.00 and the different blogs mention getting the item for free. I have personally done this, but the machine beeps and the clerk overrides. Sometimes I feel like I am pulling one over on them. Do they lose money on this due to the manufacturer refusing to reimburse the coupon. I love free stuff, but like you said it can hurt avid couponers like myself and so many others. I just want to be reassured it's not unethical. Thanks for you response.
If the coupon states ANY product, any size and has no inclusions written on it then the Manufactor has done this deliberately like with Johnson and Johnson, they have different coupons some with size exclusions and other with no exclusions. The reason it beeps is probably to make sure it price adjusts, (though at Walmart they don't price adjust unless it is a free item coupon) So yes they do get the money, you are not doing anything fraudulent, that is why I made that point. Sometimes half my coupons will beep for who knows what reason, they will just be a regular coupon used on a regular product, it happens, I have had Target have to over ride their own coupon. Thanks for your question, please ask questions anytime!!
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