Coupons 101: Store rules


Here are the rules for using coupons at our area stores. The rules vary by store, and it's important you structure your shopping to comply with the rules at that particular store. It seems complicated at first, but with a little practice, it will all be second-nature. 

-Food Lion takes manufacturer’s coupons but does not double them.

-Harris Teeter does double coupons, all the time. Up to 99 cents in value, up to 20 coupons in an order. Limit three of the same coupon.

-Kroger doubles manufacturer's coupons up to 50 cents. No limit on the number of identical coupons.

-Lowes Foods doubles all the time, up to 99 cents in value. Limit four of the same coupon.

-Wal-Mart takes coupons but doesn't double them. Wal-Mart's official coupon policy states that anyone who wants to use more than 40 coupons in a single order will require manager approval.

-The drug stores (Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS) all take coupons but don't double them.

-Warehouse clubs vary. Sam's and Costco do not take manufacturer's coupons.

BJ's does, and even allows you to use several coupons if you are buying a multi-pack. So, if you are buying a multi-pack of toothpaste with five tubes in it and had five Colgate coupons, you could use them. The important distinction here is that the individual units in the multi-pack have to come packaged individually, like the individual tubes you'd buy at a regular store. So the big huge boxes of diapers don't count for the multi-pack rule since it has different packaging specifically for BJs.

Warehouse clubs also put out their own coupons for members.

-Other stores operate on a case-by-case basis, so it's best to ask if you are unsure.

Updated: July 10, 2008 

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Re: Coupons 101: Store rules

Fianlly starting to grasp this coupon thing and finding so much info from different sites. FYI WAlmArt has All You Magazine and the Aug. 29 issue is full of coupons for back to school snacks and other things as well.

Re: Coupons 101: Store rules

It is worth noting that Dollar General accepts coupons, but does not double them. They have started doing some rebates as well, where you mail in the form and receipts and a check is mailed back.

Re: Coupons 101: Store rules

Store policies on IPs (internet printables) really vary. And sometimes store managers or employees don't even know their own policies. In the past year or two, there's been a real lock down on IPs because there has been a TON of fraud with these coupons. In general, stores will only take IPs that scan cleanly... in other words, if the bar code doesn't work for some reason, the managers won't override the system because they see that as a red flag that there could be some tampering. In general, most stores won't let you use more than two identical coupons that are IPs. The best thing to do is ask at customer service before you shop.

Re: Coupons 101: Store rules

Does all stores allow computer printed coupons and if they do how many will they except at one time. Doesn't have to be the same coupon could many different ones.


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