Albertsons AZ: Anti-"Coupon Overage" Cash Register Update

[xythnia]

:shrug7: ***SIGHS*** :sad:

This was my worst day of shopping ever. Period. It was all thanks to Albs.

So Albertsons isn't my favorite store because they do not double regularly like the rest of the stores in AZ. However, you can self scan items at some stores, including your own coupons. Additionally, many of the ones out here took Competitor Store Qs and they have always been good with me using tons of Qs. I went to my closest Albs (19th & Northern) all ready to get awesome free organic rices, band-aids, TP and other stuff. But, apparently everything changed via Corporate policy + a register software update about the end of Jan.

1: No More Competitor Qs:
No Fresh & Easy, WAGs RRs, Safeway In-Ad Qs, Basha's Shocker Qs, etc, etc. Sucks but I understand - not like they were getting reimbursed for those $5/$25 Fresh & Easy Qs.

2: No More OVERAGE on Manf Qs:
Oh, this one kills me and there is no workaround. The register software has been updated to reject any coupon valued over the item - even if the item is $.99 and the Q is $1. Managers CANNOT override this. I went to 2 Albs today to get (1) Marcal $1.50, (10) band-aids $.99, (10) Rice Select $1.99 and some random other stuff. My Qs were $2, $1 and $2. I started with the Rice Selects and it beeped. Tried the Band-Aids and it beeped. Mgr came over and said it was a no go effective 1/20ish. Cancelled my order and asked for the Store Mgr.

He stated the clearinghouses and the stores got together and pushed thru new policy as Manufacturers were not redeeming coupons because the items were less than the Q's face value. The cashier's had to sign policy's threatening loss of their jobs and the registers just won't take them anymore - no overrides, period.

3: Self Scan Limited Hours:
This is an ANNOYING one. I usually self scan so I don't hold up the single open line in the morning because I have a toddler, loading things onto the belt with one hand and I have Qs for everything! Well, both stores for the first time every did NOT have self scans open. I asked both stores and they said they were limiting the time they would have them open/available. I guess theft issues or coupon fraud (I was told one they caught someone putting -paper- into the coupon insert slot and keeping their coupons...freaking lovely...).


So long story short, Albertson's just moved down to Basha's level for me. I will only shop at either of them if I must. Otherwise, I won't bother.

[server18]

Yeah I was surprised also when I tried using my RR's there about a week or 2 ago. They said they no longer take them. I had no idea. Was there any notice of this?

There again some people have to ruin it for everyone. Putting paper in instead of their coupons. F-ing jerks.

Like I said earleir in another thread, the good deals are just gonna get slimmer and slimmer, its just not like it used to be a few years back or even last year as far as that goes.