Friday, November 18, 2011

Extreme Couponing Meets the Prince of Thrift -- Sorta

I continue to be intrigued by "Extreme Couponing". I have finally seen some re-runs of the shown and created a new shopping list that allows for the inclusion of coupons along with the list. The list is designed more to list the specific items that you want and the quantity that you wish to purchase as well as how many coupons you have. Like my earlier shopping list, you can fill this one out online and then print it out.
With all this in mind I wondered what the different coupon policies were. So below I have listed the five major retailers that does business in Texas, although only four of them does business outside the state of Texas. Those four are all Nationally known retailers (although in some parts of the country they may be known by other names).

  1. Kmart
    SAVVY MOMS-TO-BE CAN SHOP SMART WITH KMART’S LAYAWAY
    Kmart Makes Mother’s Day Gift Buying Easy and Affordable
    Hoffman Estates, Ill. (Feb. 16, 2009) – While springtime is yet to be in the air, it’s never too early
    to plan ahead for a baby’s spring arrival and Mother’s Day. From outfitting the nursery to outfitting
    the new baby, Kmart layaway is a smart option. Kmart layaway enables soon-to-be parents to
    reserve the must-have baby products, pay in installments and pick up the items in time for the
    arrival of the baby and to celebrate Mother’s Day.
    “Expectant parents have a lot on their minds preparing for their new additions. Kmart’s layaway
    helps soon-to-be parents keep their budget in check as they plan to purchase the new baby’s bigticket
    items,” said Mark Snyder, chief marketing officer, Kmart. “Our hope is that Kmart’s layaway
    helps families to focus on their loved ones this Mother’s Day, not the debt.”
    Kmart makes budget-conscious shopping for parents-to-be easy with a great value on everything
    for baby from cribs and strollers to diapering and nursery needs. Sale prices extend Sunday, Feb.
    15 to Saturday, Feb. 28. Deals include:
    • Delta Childrens Jasmine 5-in-1 Convertible Crib; reg. price $279.99
    • Evenflo Journey Premier Travel System; reg. price $149.99, sale $134.99
    • Kolcraft Jeep Liberty Stroller; reg. price $109.99, sale $98.99
    • Summer Infant Sweet Dreams Smart Solutions “Newborn-to-Toddler” High Chair;
    reg. price $109.99, sale $98.99
    • Small Wonders Newborn Girl’s and Boy’s 6-piece sets; reg. price $10.19
    • Trend Lab Baby Tulip Velour Blanket; reg. price $22.99
    • 10% off all strollers, high chairs, car seats and swings
    Mother’s Day layaway options are not all that Kmart is providing to keep cash in expectant
    parents’ pockets. Kmart’s Double Coupon Event ensures double the savings from Sunday, Feb.
    15 to Saturday, Feb. 28. Smart shoppers can bring in manufacturers’ coupons and Kmart will
    double the face value – up to $2. Some restrictions apply. See store for details.
    “We want to provide every resource possible for our customers to save money but still enable
    them to give the best Mother’s Day gifts. Double coupon deals along with layaway, allow our
    customers to embrace the excitement of the new baby,” said Snyder.
    Beginning on Sunday, Feb. 22, Kmart adds even more value to the Kmart shopping experience,
    both online and in-store. Kmart will start accepting Internet print-at-home coupons, allowing Webfriendly
    consumers the ability to locate coupons on Kmart.com and Coupons.com through easyto-
    use Web pages. These sites will let consumers find coupons based on their geographic areas
    as well as offer tools to track total savings, coupon categories and brands. Coupons will be
    available on a wide selection of products storewide. Some restrictions apply. See store for details.
    Shoppers can also find the latest Kmart shopping news by visiting Kmart.com.
    About Kmart
    Kmart, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD), is a massmerchandising
    company that offers customers quality products through a portfolio of exclusive
    brands that include Jaclyn Smith, Joe Boxer, Martha Stewart Everyday and Route 66. For more
    information visit the company's Web site at www.kmart.com or the Sears Holdings Corporation
    Web site at www.searsholdings.com. Holdings' Web site at http://www.searsholdings.com.

  2. Randall's (Safeway, Vons, Carrs, Dominick's, Pavilions)
    Manufacturer and Store Coupons:
    1. We will redeem coupons only for the specific items included in our customer's purchase transaction. The redemption value will be as stated on the coupon, unless that value yields a final price for such item less than zero; if application of the redemption value yields a price less than zero, the coupon will be redeemed only for the amount that yields a zero price (our customer cannot net a cash credit or payout from a coupon purchase).

    2. Paper coupons must be presented at the time of the purchase transaction. We will accept only coupons issued by Safeway or the manufacturer of the relevant product. We will not accept photocopies of coupons.

    3. Coupons are subject to advertised offer limitations and all other limitations and restrictions on the applicable coupon or product.

    4. Coupons may not be applied against any free item received in any offer.

    5. Coupons have no cash value.

    6. Safeway will not accept manufacturer coupons (including, but not limited to, coupons issued through a Catalina or other in-store coupon dispenser) that display another retailer's logo or name unless such coupon is for a specific item with the same product identifiers as the product included in our customer's purchase transaction.

    7. We will not accept coupons unless they have an expiration date. Expired coupons will not be accepted.

    8. We will not accept coupons that, in the determination of Safeway personnel, appear distorted or blurry or are altered in any way.

    9. Sales taxes will be applied in accordance with the law of the applicable state, regardless of any coupon or other discount that may apply to the purchase transaction.

    10. All applicable bottle and packaging deposits on the purchased and free items must be paid by the customer.

    11. Safeway reserves the right to refuse any coupons at its discretion.

    12. Purchase reward thresholds (if any) will be calculated based upon customer's final price (after deducting Club Card savings and all other discounts and savings) before deductions for any manufacturer coupons. As an example (and not as an offer), if a $10 minimum purchase is required for a customer reward, a customer's order at full retail would be $12, a Club Card discount of $1.75 applies, and a manufacturer's coupon of $1 applies, the customer would be given credit for a $10.25 purchase, and would be eligible for the reward (assuming compliance with all other requirements) even though the customer's cash payment would be only $9.25. The manufacturer's coupon would not be deducted from the total for purposes of determining reward eligibility. Purchase reward thresholds (if any) will be calculated based upon customer’s final price (after deducting Club Card savings, and all other discounts)

    13. References to a threshold purchase requirement will exclude purchases of: Beer, Wine, Spirits, Tobacco Products, Fuel, All Fluid Items in the Refrigerated Dairy Section (including Fluid Dairy and Dairy Substitutes), Prescription Items and Co-payments, Bus/Commuter Passes, Fishing/Hunting Licenses and Tags, Postage Stamps, Money Orders, Money Transfers, Ski Tickets, Amusement Park Tickets, Event Tickets, Lottery Tickets, Phone Cards, Gift Cards, and Gift Certificates; also excluded are: Bottle Deposits, Redemption Values, and Sales Taxes.
    Internet Printed Coupons:
    14. We gladly accept internet printed coupons. The same manufacturer and store coupon rules above apply to all internet printed coupons.

    15. Internet printed coupons must be capable of scanning at checkout.

    16. Internet printed coupons must have serial numbers and must follow an industry-standard format.

    17. Manufacturer internet printed coupons must clearly indicate that they are a manufacturer coupon and must have a valid manufacture address on the printed coupon.

    18. We will not accept "free product" internet printed manufacturer coupons.
    Load to Card Club Coupons:
    19. Internet and digital coupons that have been electronically loaded to a Safeway Club Card are automatically redeemed at the time of purchase after the club card number has been entered. All other coupon policies above apply to electronic coupons that are loaded to a club card.
    Doubling of Coupons:
    20. Check with your local store regarding 'double coupon' advertised promotions where customers will receive double the coupon face value off the regular or club card price up to the advertised limit. Not all locations offer double coupon promotions. Limitations and restrictions for double coupon promotions may change at any time. Changes will be posted in store only.
    Coupon Stacking:
    21. Safeway does not allow a customer to redeem two or more manufacturer coupons against the same item in a single transaction.

    22. Coupon stacking policies for manufacturer coupons apply to paper and electronic coupons that have been loaded to a club card.

    23. If a customer presents two coupons for the same item in a single transaction, Safeway will give the highest discount for that item, subject to the terms of the applicable offer and/or coupon.
    Rainchecks:
    24. Rainchecks expire ninety (90) days from the date issued and will not be accepted at any Safeway store after that time.

    25. We reserve the right to limit Raincheck quantities based on product availability and advertised limits.

    26. Rainchecks can be issued for up to six (6) items unless otherwise stated in the applicable advertisement.

    27. Rainchecks can be issued for all items, excluding Beer, Wine, Spirits, Tobacco Products, Fuel, All Fluid Items in the Refrigerated Dairy Section (including Fluid Dairy and Dairy Substitutes), which exclusions may vary from state to state.

    28. Rainchecks can be offered for store super coupon items unless otherwise specified on the coupon. Rainchecks will not be provided for items advertised as "clearance", "while supplies last," "limited quantities," or other designation indicating a limited supply.
    We may change these rules at any time. All coupon redemption terms are subject to the terms of the rules in effect at time of redemption. Rule changes may become effective without advance notice or advertisement. The current rules will be posted at the customer service area in each store. You are also advised to periodically check our website for any changes to these rules.

    Revision Date: 02/16/2011

  3. WalMart
    Walmart Coupon Policy

    We gladly accept the following types of coupons*

    Print-at-home internet coupons
    Must be legible
    Must have "Manufacturer Coupon" printed on them
    Must have a valid remit address for the manufacturer
    Must have a valid expiration date
    Must have a scannable bar code
    Buy one, get one free (BOGO) coupons with a specified price
    Are acceptable in black and white or color
    May not be duplicated
    Manufacturers' coupons
    For dollar/cents off
    For free items (except those printed off the Internet)
    Buy one, get one free (BOGO) coupons
    Must have "Manufacturer Coupon" printed on them
    Must have a valid remit address for the manufacturer
    Must have a valid expiration date
    Must have a scannable bar code
    May not be duplicated
    Competitors' coupons
    A specific item for a specified price, for example, $2.99
    Buy one, get one free (BOGO) coupons for items with a specified price
    Have a valid expiration date
    Are acceptable in black and white
    Soft drink container caps
    Checkout coupons ("Catalinas")
    Printed at our competitors' registers for dollar/cents off on a specific item
    Must have "Manufacturer Coupon" with specific item requirements printed on them
    Must have a valid remit address for the manufacturer
    Must have a valid expiration date
    Must have a scannable bar code
    Are acceptable in black and white
    May not be duplicated

    We DO NOT accept the following coupons:

    Checkout coupons
    Dollars/cents off the entire basket purchase
    Percentage off the entire basket purchase
    Print-at-home Internet coupons that require no purchase
    Competitors' coupons
    Dollars/cents off at a specific retailer
    Percentage off
    Buy one, get one free (BOGO) coupons without a specified price
    Double- or triple-value coupons

    *The following are guidelines and limitations:

    We only accepts coupons for merchandise that we sell.
    Coupons must be presented at the time of purchase.
    Only one coupon per item.
    Item purchased must be identical to the coupon (size, quantity, brand, flavor, color, etc).
    There is no limit on the number of coupons per transaction.
    Coupons must have an expiration date and be redeemed prior to expiration.
    If coupon value exceeds the price of the item, the excess may be given to the customer as cash or applied toward the basket purchase.
    SNAP items purchased in a SNAP transaction are ineligible for cash back.
    WIC items purchased in a WIC transaction are applied to the basket purchase and may not be eligible for cash back. Refer to state-specific WIC guidelines.
    Great Value, Marketside, Equate, Parents Choice, and World Table coupons have no cash value and are ineligible for cash back or application to the basket purchase.
    The system will prompt for supervisor verification for:
    40 coupons per transaction.
    A coupon of $20 or greater on one item.
    $50 or more in coupons in one transaction.


  4. Target
    coupon policy

    Coupons are a great way to save even more when shopping with us, and it's easy to use them at our stores. When accepting coupons, we follow the guidelines below.
    Target stores coupon policy

    manufacturer & Target coupons:
    • Target accepts one Manufacturer Coupon and one Target Coupon for the same item (unless prohibited by either coupon).
    • Item purchased must match the coupon description (brand, size, quantity, color, flavor, etc.).
    • Coupon amount may be reduced if it exceeds the value of the item after other discounts or coupons are applied.
    • We can't give cash back if the face value of a coupon is greater than the purchase value of the item.
    • All valid coupons should be presented to the cashier during checkout.
    • All applicable sales taxes are paid by the guest at the full value of the item.
    • These guidelines apply to all coupons accepted at Target (Color Checkout Coupons, Internet Coupons, Mobile Coupons, Mailed Coupons, Coupons from Newspapers and Magazines, etc.).

    internet (print-at-home) coupons:
    • We gladly accept valid Internet coupons that contain a clear and scannable bar code.
    • We do not accept Internet coupons for free items with no purchase requirements.

    mobile coupons:
    • Guests can receive Target Mobile Coupons by signing up for Text Alerts at Target.com/mobile or by texting COUPONS to 827438 (TARGET).
    • Message and data rates may apply. See site for full details.
    • To redeem, simply show your coupon barcode to the cashier. With one simple scan, all applicable coupons are applied.

    buy one get one free coupons (BOGO):
    • BOGO coupons cannot be combined (i.e. you cannot use two BOGO coupons on two items and get both for free). Unless stated otherwise on the coupon, the use of one Buy One Get One Free coupon requires that two of the valid items are presented at checkout of which one item will be charged to the guest and the 2nd item will be discounted by its full retail price.
    • A second cents-off coupon of the same type cannot be redeemed towards the purchase price of the first item.
    If a Target BOGO coupon is used, one additional manufacturer coupon maybe used on the first item.
    If a Manufacturer BOGO coupon is used, one additional Target coupon may be used on the first item.

    exclusions:
    • Coupons are void if copied, scanned, transferred, purchased, sold, prohibited by law or appear altered in any way.
    • We can't accept coupons from other retailers or coupons for products not carried in our stores.
    • Some items may not be available at all stores.
    • We do not accept expired coupons.


  5. H.E.B.
    At H-E-B, we know how important it is for you to maximize every dollar you spend with us. Coupons are a big part of that, so below we have outlined our guidelines for your convenience.

    H-E-B accepts the following types of coupons:

    Manufacturer issued coupons obtained from printed publications (newspaper, FSI, magazines, etc)
    H-E-B Issued coupons
    H-E-B issued coupons are typically
    Available at store level and typically yellow in color
    Generated by a coupon printer at the register and provided with customer receipt
    Distributed via direct mail to customer households or other printed publications

    Printable coupons with a bar code (i.e. Online or Internet coupons)


    Coupon guidelines and limitations:

    Coupons can only be redeemed for items, brands, and sizes as specified by the requirements of the coupon.
    Only one coupon per item is permitted.
    Combining a manufacturer issued coupon with an H-E-B coupon on the same item is not permitted

    H-E-B does not double or triple coupons.
    H-E-B cannot give cash back if the face value of a coupon is greater than the purchase value of the item.
    Coupons must be presented to the cashier at time of purchase.
    Coupons cannot be redeemed for cash.
    The following coupons cannot be accepted:
    Expired coupons
    Competitor coupons
    Coupons without a barcode
    Coupons listed as counterfeit at couponinformationcenter.com

    H-E-B accepts valid Online and other Printable coupons as follows:
    Online and other Printable coupons should be legible and have a scannable bar code.
    Buy-one-get-one-free coupons (BOGOs) are accepted. (i.e. Buy X, Get X Free)
    "Free product" printable coupons are not accepted (i.e. Get X Free)
    Printable Coupons will not be accepted if they appear copied or are altered in any way. They should be printed directly from the website or email in which they were offered.
    Printable Coupons have unique serial numbers and follow an industry standard format; they are non-transferable, and should not be copied, scanned, sold, traded, or otherwise distributed.

    H-E-B reserves the right to refuse any coupon or limit quantities.


    Updated: November 11, 2011



Some of the policies I am actually astonished at. Which ones are the best, I guess depends on your point of view. I like having coupons doubled or tripled but I like being able to get cash back. Yet few stores double anymore and the one store that allows overages makes it hard to get there since they don't double. So I guess its all a matter of perspective.





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go ahead share your thoughts with me now, my ears are open. I'm always eager to hear what you think.


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