I just heard back from Shaw’s corporate and it seems they will be officially changing their coupon policy to state that they will no longer accept “manufacturer coupons” with another store logo. I hope I got it through their heads that they need to stop calling those coupons “competitor coupons” because they are not. I’m at least happy they are trying to use the correct word.
What I’m very unhappy about is the reasons they keep giving me as to why they are making this change. First, I was told they don’t accept competitor coupons. Come on, I know that! But those logo coupons are manufacturer coupons, not competitor coupons.
Then they said they were not getting reimbursed at the clearing house. I flat out don’t believe that, and after many emails back and forth, I have never gotten them to show me any proof of that, nor did they ever let me know what clearing house they used. I have personally called manufacturers in the past about those coupons and was told any store will be reimbursed.
I think once they realized that “we don’t get reimbursed” excuse did not cut it, they are now telling me it’s because those coupons (meaning logo manny coupons) don’t always scan. Here is the most recent reply:
Hi Darlene,
I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. We have been reviewing and doing some testing of these coupons.
After review, it has been decided that we will continue to not accept these coupons. These coupons often do not scan or can be code (UPC) entered into our system. Our current policy does state we only accept coupons that scan or can be code entered.
We will also be updating our policy sign in all stores by the end of this week/early next week to reflect the following: “We do not accept manufacturer coupons with another retailer’s name or retail logo on the coupon. We only accept valid Catalina manufacturer coupons from other retailers”. As part of stores updating the signage, stores will also be required to review this policy with all cashiers.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions on coupons that I can assist with.
Thanks,
Laurie
If it’s because some don’t scan, then why not just say they will accept them but only if they scan? And what about all the other coupons that don’t scan? There are many coupons that don’t scan, yet they enter those manually. There’s no reason they can’t do that with the logo coupon too!
I know some of you out there are shaking your finger at me saying I’m promoting misuse of coupons or even fraud (yes, I have haters), but I’m not. I just want Shaw’s to stop giving out the wrong info as it totally confuses newbies. I even heard a cashier calling them competitor coupons in Sanford and I ran to speak to Vickie (CSR) to tell her the importance of not calling those coupons “competitor” coupons. They are manufacturer coupons. Big difference!
I still 100% stand behind Shaw’s decision to not accept certain coupons, but I would love for them to be honest about it. I feel like they are trying hard to cut back on the amount of coupons they get and they are just looking for a way to limit us couponers. But for anyone at Shaw’s to be calling those coupons a “competitor” coupon is just plain wrong. They need a course in Coupon 101.
At least they should be changing the policy soon, so all stores will be on the same page.
If you would like to voice your opinion about this, agree or disagree, please direct your comments to Laurie. I know most people email me and I’m sure Laurie is tired of me saying “my readers feel like…” so maybe it’s better if she hears directly from you. Her email is Laurie.Lima@shaws.com.
BE COOL -> Subscribe to my Youtube channel
Hi Darlene,
I was wondering if you have contacted the coupon websites at all to help you in your argument?
http://help.coupons.com/articles/70-If-my-coupon-says-redeemable-at-Walmart-or-available-at-Walmart-can-it-be-used-at-other-stores
It seems they have a link where they want to know if a store will not accept their coupons.
http://www.couponsinc.com/crc/consumers-whatif.asp
Others have contacted coupons.com and sent me the replies. They are not able to contact the stores, but they guarantee that all stores will be reimbursed, not just the one mentioned on the coupon.
Thank you for the info…I have emailed! I am very upset about this…to say the least!
Hi there…My name is Chrissy Dunnells, and I just want to strongly voice my opposition to NOT accepting coupons with other store logos on them. Under the Couponing rules, a coupon that just has a store logo stating “redeemable at” Walmart, Target…etc…yet says Manufacturers coupon in the top bar, is only an advertising tactic stating that this item is Available at this store…..in hopes the person will get it stuck in their brain that they will purchase this item there….(sneaky in nature to begin with) …the one’s that say “redeemable ONLY at” Walmart, Target,….etc…..are ONLY available to use at those stores regardless of it stating manufacturers coupon in the top bar.
Honestly, I would like to know how we can attack the coupon creators themselves, and stop their ability of being able to put logos on coupons at all if they can be used elsewhere…but I am not sure that is possible.
I can’t help but feel that because more people are catching on to the “Couponing” crave and becoming very skilled at it, thanks to online sites and the help of others…ex….Darlene Michaud….., Shaw’s is getting greedy and trying to take away all our hard earned work to make more money!
It takes us, those who do well, lots of hours and time to do this, and do it well! I feel its well deserved!
Furthermore….Shaws is the last store, and always has been, that I would ever shop at….if it weren’t for the double up coupons! You are way overpriced, I would never shop your store regularly, not even to grab a few things…without the coupons. And if the coupon policy is adjusted as such that it greatly effects my shopping trips and limits my deals, it wouldn’t be worth all the trips to your store. Your SALE prices….bring your product down to the competitors price at regular price! Without the coupons, you have nothing special to offer me.
I am taking time out of my busy day to write because:
1. I feel very strongly about this, and am upset with how I think this is going to effect the couponers, like myself, now and in the future, should you decide to continue critiquing your policy to the point that it just wont be worth it
2. I feel I EARN those deals, its hard work! If you get reimbursed, you are still making all that money? Correct??? So you do work to get that money back…but, you wouldn’t have the sales to begin with, if it weren’t for your coupon policy. I think if you continue on the path of tightening up your coupon policy, you will lose alot of money unless you plan on bringing prices way down to competitors prices! Still a LOSE money situation for your store. Ex….I will actually grab something I desperately need…that is not on sale…and I have no coupons for…because of the convenience of already being in the store and not wanting to take the time to go elsewhere. You are making your money! The regular prices are ridiculous.
3. I find the reasons and excuses for NOT accepting coupons with other store logos on them, to just be excuses to not accept, for whatever reason. There is no real ground for this, and deception in the excuses as well (will not be reimbursed) Highly unlikely.
Thank you for your time, and I really hope you re-consider the path you seem to be on….I will, as a couponer, find another way to get my good deals, but I do love shopping at Shaws, so I really hope that you all get on board, and re think this through. I try very very hard to follow rules and policies, and to be 100% honest and respectful….I realize I am not just a representative of myself, but to ALL couponers out there! I will continue to present myself as an example of all couponers out there…and I will continue to follow rules and policies….I hope Shaws is aware of the level of “Respect and Commitment to policies” most of us couponers have! This is ‘priceless’ and cannot be bought!
Thanks again for your time in this matter. Have a great day…Chrissy Dunnells
Just got an automated response…she is out of the office until Monday, Sept 8th….guess she will be flooded with emails to catch up on by then!
Just sent:
Dear Ms. Lima,
As a couponer and Shaws customer I am disappointed in your recent decision to stop accepting manufacturers coupons with logos suggesting purchase could be made at another store. I would think that you would be happy that someone would want to make those purchases at your store instead of someone else’s. You seem to have not understood that the purpose of coupons is to encourage shopping in your establishment. You should be working to make our experience while shopping a positive one, not creating negative experiences.
Pleased be sure that if this policy goes into effect I will be doing less shopping at your establishment. The use of coupons is the only way that your inflated prices can be brought down to the point of being competitive with other stores such as Market Basket.
Please reconsider your decision.
Respectfully,
John S
Very well said!!! I agree 100% with this line….
…..”Pleased be sure that if this policy goes into effect I will be doing less shopping at your establishment. The use of coupons is the only way that your inflated prices can be brought down to the point of being competitive with other stores such as Market Basket.” John S