Proper Coupon Use

[Andit]

Earlier today there was a spirited discussion on coupon use, stemming from an initial issue the OP had with using an FPC combined with a BOGO. Things got a little out of hand & misunderstanding unfortunately ensued.

Without rehashing the differing opinions & with permission (& encouragement) from the OP, I thought I'd start a thread discussing some constructive ideas that came out of the discussion.

So, with all that as an intro, here's what I suggested as a potential way to deal with stores having their own ideas about coupon use (we all have our war stories about cashiers & store managers who refuse coupons).

Some folks suggested that the govt is far too busy to deal with something as trivial as coupon use. I managed to find some interesting info - there`s actually a dept specifically geared to helping consumers. This is the official govt website for Consumer Affairs (lots of neat resources here):
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/oca-bc.nsf/eng/home

I also suggested that those couponers who`ve had issues might band together to contact one of those consumer affair programs. If they see the numbers, they might see it as a ratings boost & do a story to put pressure on clarifying these things once and for all.

I managed to dig up some contact info.

Pat Foran is the consumer affairs reporter on CTV (Consumer Alert) & recently wrote a book. Here's the email to suggest a story idea:
alert@ctv.ca

CBC Marketplace also does consumer affairs stories (I remember one on SCOP not that long ago). Here's there contact info:
marketplace@cbc.ca


Now, comes the time for discussion.

Does anyone think this is a good idea?

Oh & feel free to tease & insult me all ya want - it just means ya love me.

[Sunraven]

Nice knowing you!

J/kidding. I hope something good comes out of the discussion you're trying to have.

[recessionisnotfun]

lmao Andit, you are too cute Yeah some of the threads can get outta hand. I just stay outta them usually.

[DianneS]

Just read that thread...yikes.

My concern is that having a consumer affairs reporter do an investigation into coupon use may in fact work against us.

I think that one huge factor that is missing from our general coupon discussions is the fact that no retailer is legally required to accept coupons. They do it because it is good for business. Coupons are not legal tender, although we do use them to pay for products. So...what would come of an expose on how we use coupons and how stores treat them? Maybe more stringent/restrictive measures by retailers.

Of course, I may just be a 'scaredy cat' not sure I want them to be "on to us"!

[joellyos]

I for one think it is a fantastic idea. If the owners of these chains knew about the lack of continuity in their stores, I'm sure they would care. If I can go through one cashier and am charged $55 for my purchases, and go through the cashier directly beside and am charged $10. I think it would make a great story.

I don't think the owners are going to restrict the use of coupons because of the exposure. They do get their money for them, and that is the bottomline. I think it would actually help streamline their coupon procedures and make redeeming them more efficient. And with less headaches and more confidence from their customers, it would drive more business to them. Win/win (imo).

[Jessica_25]

Just read that thread...yikes.

My concern is that having a consumer affairs reporter do an investigation into coupon use may in fact work against us.

I think that one huge factor that is missing from our general coupon discussions is the fact that no retailer is legally required to accept coupons. They do it because it is good for business. Coupons are not legal tender, although we do use them to pay for products. So...what would come of an expose on how we use coupons and how stores treat them? Maybe more stringent/restrictive measures by retailers.

Of course, I may just be a 'scaredy cat' not sure I want them to be "on to us"!

That was actually my first thought too.
At your "on to us" comment

[mariaaz]

Great idea for a thread! I read the other one and decided to keep the heck out of it!

Coupons are a form of payment. As such, each store is free to set it's own policies regarding coupon use in the same way that they decide to accept specific payment types (e.g. No cheques, or AmEx cards).

Within a chain, each individual store may have delegated authority to set specific payment rules. They can decide to accept or refuse credit cards, debit cards, cash, cheques, and coupons.

Within a given store, confusion sometimes arises because not every cashier/supervisor is trained on the policies of that given store.

My gut check when I'm using a coupon is to confirm, for myself, that I will not be ripping off the store by using it. I do this by reading the rules on the coupon and double checking that the store will be reimbursed as a result of my purchase. As a result I am also able to argue my point at the cash desk if the need arises.

[tinaros]

We shouldn't be contacting Consumer's Dept anywhere anytime a cashier or a manager won't accept our coupons. Deal is- there should be clear policies about using coupons (as most of the store have them) and also- making sure we don't take advantage of this opportunity. Like if you coupons say- not more than 4 coupons of the same kind- well, don't try to sneak a 5th one to cover for your taxes; or things like that..
I still don't understand the BOGO with another BOGO trick that some of the users do here, and I won't try to take advantage of it, because simply I think it's wrong.. but untill the stores come up with a strict opinion on the subject.. well.. it's their thing I guess if they accept it or not. I still thing BOGO is a great offer and I'll be gratefull to use a coupon like that.
What I'm trying to say is.. couponing is good, and more people SHOULD be able to save money, and of course store should train their employees to know what to accept and what not, as people should educate other people what's allowed and what not, and that's why this forum is so important too!
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[abbasgirl]

Andit, I can't imagine you getting into an argument with anyone. You're one of the sweetest people on SC. I think the thread was just meant to be all in good fun but, like you said, there were some misunderstandings. They can happen quickly when things are being typed out but you can't read people's facial expressions.
Anyway...you have some interesting ideas. I'm honestly not sure that I want the government more involved in our lives than they already are though. Every time they get involved they find a way to make everything cost more and make less common sense. What we need is better communication between manufactures and retailers. The wording on coupons needs to be clearer. They could change the archaic phrase "one per purchase" to "one per item" for example. They also need to be clearer about what they mean by "not valid with any other offer." Someone on the infamous thread mentioned contacting the clearing house in St John's to find out whether retailers are really not getting their money back in certain situations. That might be a helpful resource to check out.

[Andit]

Interesting POVs, everyone. So happy we can all be civil & happy (& again, if ya wanna insult me, give me all ya got - no one can beat my cat at that game ).

My thinking was that coupon use would be similar to GC use. It used to be that stores would set their own policies over whether or not GCs would be accepted, how long their expiration date would be, whether they could be used on sale items (yep, I heard that horror story from a friend who tried to use a store GC on Boxing Day several years back). Then the govt stepped in & clarified the situation & now GCs are considered legal tender & here in Ontario they have no expiry.

I just thought that if there were clear guidelines for *everyone* (consumer & retailer), than it would be a win win for all. There would be less incidence of coupon fraud, if everyone knows the rules. & those who are intimidated at the prospect of using coupons can have some protection.

Am I way off base here?

[ukeedays]

It's my understanding that most stores just put all the coupons in an envie and mail them to the manufacturer and get their money back, most of the time no questions asked. I would be afraid to "stir the pot" for fear that the manufacturer's might say show me the details of that transaction and our cover might be blown. Of course not in all cases but it sure would be in "stacking". My two cents, leave it the way it is. If you have problems with a store or a cashier, just walk away, find somewhere else to shop or come back another time.

[abbasgirl]

If the government knew how many coupons we were using, it wouldn't be long before they'd be wanting us to claim them as income on our tax forms.

[recessionisnotfun]

sooooooooooooooooooo true lmao