Incorrect coupon usage?

[sun_shine]

I was wondering if anybody knows whether stores get reimbursed when they submit coupons/receipts where the receipt was accepted on an incorrect product. For example, I read that somebody had got free toothpaste at SDM because they hadn't realized that the coupon was for the larger toothpaste tubes and had used it on the smaller tubes without the cashier noticing either. I completely understand how easy it is for this to happen; an honest mistake. However somebody then said that they would try and see if it would work for them, as they planned to donate the toothpaste anyway. Again, I agree that it doesn't hurt to try, especially when it helps us make donations that we couldn't otherwise afford to make. However, if the stores will get the coupons denied because they accepted them in error, I would rather not do it, myself. After reading that somebody was told Walmart is cracking down on coupon usage and will fire cashiers who accept coupons for the wrong items, I feel like the answer to my question is no, they don't get the money back, but wanted to see if anybody knows for sure.

[mandy403]

Look at it this way not everyone who buys toothpaste uses a coupon. So to answer your question I do believe the store will get reimbursed as the store will have 100's of records of that product being sold. As long as they sold the product to someone they should get reimbursed. I could be wrong but that's what I've always heard.

[cinpow]

imo, we all should just play a fair game and follow the rules of couponing.

[GoJays]

The place I used to work submitted only a dollar value for coupons accumulated. It was impossible to keep track of what coupon was used for what product because the cashiers also only submitted a dollar value into the register. When there were coupons missing the day after from cash bags (an amount was keyed in incorrectly or the coupon was just lost) I'd have to find random shelf coupons from around the store to make up the missing amount.

That being said, I don't agree with misusing coupons knowing full well that it was for the wrong item. I don't care if that person is donating all of the products to Place A. What it comes down to is it's still coupon misuse and eventually companies will crack down on it and then you can kiss your precious coupons goodbye.

[sun_shine]

Thanks for all the replies that helps me make my own decisions re: my own use of coupons

[anastasia1009]

I work part time at Sobey's doing the coupon paperwork - I balance out the amount of coupons to the amount of products we have on the shelf. And where there is fraudulent or misuse or the cashier makes the mistakes of the wrong amount - the store doesn't get the money back and they get nasty letters from the companies. So I can understand Walmart cracking down because someone is doing them manually maybe and noticing the fraudulent coupons or wrong value etc. That is why it always bothers me when someone writes - they will get paid there money and the answer no they won't.