Any trouble using coupons printed online?

[disneysteve]

We went to Wal-Mart today because I had gotten 6 BOGO Coke 12-pack coupons with our Coke Rewards points. They were downloadable coupons that I printed at home. So we loaded up the cart with 12 12-packs. The cashier saw the coupons and said, "I don't think we take these." She called over a manager and initially the mgr. said I could only use one. I asked why and she said it is one per purchase. Now I know that means it is buy one-get one, not buy one-get 3 with multiple coupons but I wasn't going to try and argue that point. Then she went into the office with the coupons and came back and said they'd take them, but only one per purchase, so I told the cashier to ring up 6 separate orders. While she was doing that, a 2nd manager came over to use the phone. When she saw the coupons, she said, "We don't take those." She picked them up and said they can be copies. I said they weren't and pointed out that each one had a unique numeric code (which honestly doesn't rule out that they could have been copies but at least it shows that all 6 were different from each other). She let it go and we were able to use them all, but had to ring up 6 transactions which was a waste of everyone's time.

Has anyone else had trouble using computer-printed coupons?

[Goldy1]

yea years ago my friend sent me a link to a free bar of Dove soap coupon. It was legit as far as I know. I went to the website and printed it out. (no unique code) I also gave one to my husband. I got thru the line ok to use it, but the cashier accused him of "copying" a newspaper coupon Unless it was something with a unique code I earned, I Would be hesitant to use another printed coupon. I have used printed coupons from restaurants we frequent that we get in e mail without a problem but the joints probably get those all day.

[disneysteve]

I see the store's point. They don't want to accept all these home-printed coupons only to have payment denied by the company saying the coupons were not legit. But at the same time, more and more coupons are being issued online. What good are they if the stores won't accept them? I'm not sure what the answer is, but they need to figure out a way around this issue.

[Goldy1]

"home printed coupons" LOL Yea I have seen stuff about getting coupons online, but I get more than enough in the Sunday paper, and I spend too much time on that already. The look on the cashier's face thinking I "doctored" a coupon is just too much to deal with. lol

[pearlieq]

My preferred grocery store won't take them at all. The CVS I frequent takes them without any fuss. I've heard from friends that our local Wal-Mart is hit-or-miss, but I've never tried it.

I find it very frustrating. You can never count on being able to use the coupons, yet they're still being offered. I would love to take advantage, but I don't want to deal with the hassle, scrutiny, and uncertainty.

I'm not technical enough to have ideas on a solution, but I wish they'd come up with something!

[cicy33]

I do have problems with them. Our stores will take them if they scan. that is a joke in itself! some "regular" ones don't scan. Sometimes I get a really great cashier and then no problems. I actually look for what I think is a nice cashier. I avoid the ones I think will cause me issues. I rarely use them anymore. Also, kmart recently when they did the double to $2 would not accept them.

[Bimmer]

I have had no problems with the same Coke coupons or other online coupons (we've used Lowe's and a few others).

[nitemarecooper]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

Has anyone else had trouble using computer-printed coupons?

The only time I ever tried to use download/print at home coupons, the grocery store accepted them fine the first time I made a purchase, then the next trip to get the same item with another coupon of that type, they flatly refused saying they don't accept print at home coupons as they have no way of knowing they are legitimate. They said they also don't get reimbursed for those as they don't view them as manufacturers coupons (I still believe that was a load of s***).

Nitemarecooper

[Campfrugal]

Yes, I have had problems with the ones you can print. Also, Walmart does not double coupons, even the ones out of the newspaper, so I only buy the items there that are definately a good deal.

[simpleyme]

years ago I tried to use a coupon i got off the Blue Bunny ice cream website for 55 cents off at walmart

they should have just hauled me away for the criminal way they treated me , declaring the coupon a fake

I notified blue bunny about it they contacted walmart and said they resolved the situation they sent me a coupon in the mail for 55 cents off the purchase of 2 quarts(the original coupon was 55 cents off one quart)

I was miffed that they sent me a crappier coupon than the one i tried to use so i no longer buy Blue bunny ice cream or attempt to use self printed coupons at grocery stores

but the ones you print yourself for Lowe's and home depot are great ,never had any problem with them

[SnoopyCool]

Wal-Mart stinks as far as knowing their own coupon policy.

My friend, a guru of couponing, had an issue similar to what you experienced. So she went to the Lawn Department, had a seat at a table, called corporate, and in 10 minutes the manager allowed her to use coupons he had earlier denied. She doesn't play and she shouldn't have to.

I don't know how much into couponing you are, but I suggest if you are going to do it regularly then print off their policy and carry it with you.

I, many times, have had to inform the cashiers of Wal-Mart's policy (we can't take IPQs [internet printed coupons], you can't price match and use a Q, etc... Baloney!). Being informed, once again, is the best weapon.

[tmango]

I hope one day the companies that make coupons re-word "one per purchase." I am tired of explaining that it does not mean one per transaction, or one per person. IT means one per item purchased. You can use more than one if you are buying more than one!

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by tmango

I hope one day the companies that make coupons re-word "one per purchase." I am tired of explaining that it does not mean one per transaction, or one per person. IT means one per item purchased. You can use more than one if you are buying more than one!

Exactly my point.

Of course, it made no sense at all since they let me use 6 coupons but only if they rang me up as 6 separate orders. Now what exactly did that accomplish other than wasting everyone's time?

[GoodBuyGirl]

I have had Walmart refuse a coupon because the product pictured on the coupon was not the one I bought. Even though the coupon stated good on any Brand X product.
So if your pictures don't match look out. They go by pictures not the wording on the coupon.

[rob62521]

None of our local grocery stores accept Internet coupons and it is frustrating. Kroger now has some you can load onto your customer loyalty card, but most of them are things I don't use.

[PrincessPerky]

We no longer try to use them, to much hassle when you are trying to check out, and then you have to decide if you want the item without the coupon (after all you are not saving if you weren't going to buy it anyway?) or if you want to make a point to the store by not buying it?

and if you don't when/where will you get the item?