Albertson's Corporate Coupon Policy

[charmingmoms]

This was taken from the Employee Training Manual that my store Director game me.

I scanned and then copied/pasted.

Albertsons Coupon Policy & Guidelines
The following policy and guidelines provide a definition of the various coupon types and the Company’s respective redemption policies and guidelines for each type. All associates are expected to adhere to these policies and guidelines.
Coupons — Definition
Coupons are a form of tender presented by the customer to reduce their order total based on merchandise purchased in stores where the retailer has agreed to accept manufacturer coupons. Retailers are not required by law to accept manufacturers’ coupon. Coupons can be printed and/or in electronic form, and maybe integrated into the register systems where they are deducted automatically when all purchase requirements are met.
Approved Coupon Types
The following coupon types are accepted by Albertsons:
1. Manufacturer Coupons are coupons issued by the manufacturer containing: “terms of agreement”, face value, expiration date, and verbiage “manufacturer coupon.” Albertsons may issue coupons such as printed ad media coupons, avenu, or Shop n’ Scan coupons that are manufacturer coupons that contain the words “redeemable only at Albertsons.” Most manufacturer coupons have barcodes on them arid can be scanned. Any coupons that do not scan or have barcodes should be checked for validity of expiration date and purchase requirements.
2, Store Coupons are your Company’s discount offers in various forms of media including, but not limited to, print, electronic, newspaper, direct mailers, kiosks and Company websites. Store coupons may also contain the words “redeemable only at Albertsons” (or a banner of Albertsons). Store coupons may state that the discount applies only with Preferred CardISuper CardlLoyalty Card.
3. Catalina Checkout Coupons/Rebates are triggered by individual items purchased at checkout which print on the Catalina printer. It is Albertsons’ policy to allow these coupons to be used only for next purchase. Catalina coupons can only be given to the customer for whom they were intended (not to any other customer or associate). If a customer does not want their Cataiina coupons, it is Albertsons’ policy that the cashier destroy them immediately. Catalina checkout coupons printed at other retailers may be accepted for redemption following the manufacturer/competitor store coupon guidelines.
4. Internet Coupons printed from a website are redeemable with a qualifying purchase. Albertsons DOES NOT
accept Internet coupons containing the following conditions:
a. ‘Free’ product offers that do not require a purchase
b. Redemption value exceeds $5.00
c. Absence of UPC bar code
5. Competitor Coupons are other retailers’ company discount offers. Competitor coupons maybe honored on merchandise purchased at your store at the face value of the coupon within the valid dates of the coupon. Competitor coupons may not be doubled or tripled and may not be used with an Albertsons store coupon. Customers may choose between offers (Albertsons or the competitor’s) to receive the best price as long as the value of the product is not exceeded. It is Albertsons’ policy for cashiers to abide by the competitor coupon rules as stated in our stores as it applies to value limits and number of competitor coupons per transaction.
Coupon Policy
All Associates who operate a register must adhere to Albertsons Coupon Policy and abide by the coupon policies
and guidelines as stated above. Coupons are intended for one time use and cannot be redeemed more than once.
Albertsons expects all associates to conduct themselves with integrity and honesty.
All Associates who operate a register are responsible for providing excellent customer service; this includes, but is not limited to, accurately recording sales of items and coupons and collecting tender in full. All coupons tendered must have a corresponding sale for the product listed and amount specified, and only at the time of purchase. Albertsons does not accept fraudulently produced coupon offers, whether through use of a personal computer or(end of page)

[DamianMom]

Catalina checkout coupons printed at other retailers may be accepted for redemption following the manufacturer/competitor store coupon guidelines.

So I can use a Smith's CAT at Albertson's? I don't like that they don't give overages though.

[2plyguy]

Thank you charmingmoms. Rep to ya and this should be a sticky.

I used 10 $1 IP's on Jollytime today at one Albies and went to another that I have never had troubles with and he said I couldn't use it because I was getting it for free. We even had a $20 salmon, some cinnamon buns and various other items to buy. So I said fine then your loss today I don't want any of it. The poor checker girl say's "do I have to restock all this?" as I left. I felt bad for her. Went to CS and called the manager and he says that they haven't accepted IP's for quite some time as there is too much fraud going on. bah. I used some just last week. Anyway I think they need to read the book closer. Thanks again for posting this.

[cdcan]

Ok, I read the policy. And I am kinda a newbie, but the policy says it won't take competitor coupons and Manufacturers coupons... but will they take their own store coupons and manufacturer's coupons?

[SchwoomsMom]

Ok, I read the policy. And I am kinda a newbie, but the policy says it won't take competitor coupons and Manufacturers coupons... but will they take their own store coupons and manufacturer's coupons?


Yes. You can use store coupons with mfr coupons.

Thanks OP!!!!
That is So awesome, yes, it should be made a sticky...I'll be printing this out!!

I just wish it went into a little more detail, but now it makes sense why everyone has a different opinion about things.

[diva_dynamite]

That is So awesome, yes, it should be made a sticky

Your wish is my command! :biggrin:

[mutoman]

Our local Albertsons has decided recently that they will no longer accept Target coupons because there is no Target store in our town, I can see their point but I don't have to like it.

[melzx4]

Our Albies won't take printed Q's unless they are printed in color. Bummer since I am out of color ink!

[cpnjunkie]

[quote=charmingmoms;1076089]This was taken from the Employee Training Manual that my store Director game me.

I scanned and then copied/pasted.

Albertsons Coupon Policy & Guidelines
The following policy and guidelines provide a definition of the various coupon types and the Company’s respective redemption policies and guidelines for each type. All associates are expected to adhere to these policies and guidelines.
Coupons — Definition
Coupons are a form of tender presented by the customer to reduce their order total based on merchandise purchased in stores where the retailer has agreed to accept manufacturer coupons. Retailers are not required by law to accept manufacturers’ coupon. Coupons can be printed and/or in electronic form, and maybe integrated into the register systems where they are deducted automatically when all purchase requirements are met.
Approved Coupon Types
The following coupon types are accepted by Albertsons:
1. Manufacturer Coupons are coupons issued by the manufacturer containing: “terms of agreement”, face value, expiration date, and verbiage “manufacturer coupon.” Albertsons may issue coupons such as printed ad media coupons, avenu, or Shop n’ Scan coupons that are manufacturer coupons that contain the words “redeemable only at Albertsons.” Most manufacturer coupons have barcodes on them arid can be scanned. Any coupons that do not scan or have barcodes should be checked for validity of expiration date and purchase requirements.
2, Store Coupons are your Company’s discount offers in various forms of media including, but not limited to, print, electronic, newspaper, direct mailers, kiosks and Company websites. Store coupons may also contain the words “redeemable only at Albertsons” (or a banner of Albertsons). Store coupons may state that the discount applies only with Preferred CardISuper CardlLoyalty Card.
3. Catalina Checkout Coupons/Rebates are triggered by individual items purchased at checkout which print on the Catalina printer. It is Albertsons’ policy to allow these coupons to be used only for next purchase. Catalina coupons can only be given to the customer for whom they were intended (not to any other customer or associate). If a customer does not want their Cataiina coupons, it is Albertsons’ policy that the cashier destroy them immediately. Catalina checkout coupons printed at other retailers may be accepted for redemption following the manufacturer/competitor store coupon guidelines.
4. Internet Coupons printed from a website are redeemable with a qualifying purchase. Albertsons DOES NOT
accept Internet coupons containing the following conditions:
a. ‘Free’ product offers that do not require a purchase
b. Redemption value exceeds $5.00
c. Absence of UPC bar code
5. Competitor Coupons are other retailers’ company discount offers. Competitor coupons maybe honored on merchandise purchased at your store at the face value of the coupon within the valid dates of the coupon. Competitor coupons may not be doubled or tripled and may not be used with an Albertsons store coupon. Customers may choose between offers (Albertsons or the competitor’s) to receive the best price as long as the value of the product is not exceeded. It is Albertsons’ policy for cashiers to abide by the competitor coupon rules as stated in our stores as it applies to value limits and number of competitor coupons per transaction.
Coupon Policy
All Associates who operate a register must adhere to Albertsons Coupon Policy and abide by the coupon policies
and guidelines as stated above. Coupons are intended for one time use and cannot be redeemed more than once.
Albertsons expects all associates to conduct themselves with integrity and honesty.
All Associates who operate a register are responsible for providing excellent customer service; this includes, but is not limited to, accurately recording sales of items and coupons and collecting tender in full. All coupons tendered must have a corresponding sale for the product listed and amount specified, and only at the time of purchase. Albertsons does not accept fraudulently produced coupon offers, whether through use of a personal computer or(end of page)

:confused58:

Definitely a sign of the times,eh?

You would think they would be looking more toward finding a balance rather than cutting back so much-regardless, it is what it is and all I can control is my attitude toward all the changes being made.

This is what a mgr printed out from an e-mail she received and gave me at out local Albie's the other day, (she actually chased me down in the store-geez, am I THAT obvious??) she said she got it from their regional mgr.

-I live in Eastern Washington-BTW, but it sounds like all Super Valu Albie's are going in this direction.

Internet coupons


We do not accept internet q's for free items

(So, does this mean printable q.s that state"get this item free" or they won't take q's that make it free in the end, because I thought as long as we didn't go over, we were okay??? I don't dare ask, because I am sure they will make it so we can't do it EITHER way!)


We do not accept internet q's that exceed $5.00 redemption



We accept internet manufacturer q's as long as it has scan bars that scan at the register.


Competitor Q.'s


We accept competitor store q.'s. If the q states one per family or customer we also follow what the q states


(To this I just thought, "Well that just means multiple transactions for me, and if I have to walk out of and then back into the store, I will-because every time I return I am a "new" customer".



*We do not accept competitor manufacturer coupons

Handwritten- *This means no Wag's man./cat q.'s

(Okay, so I guess this means they DO accept their competitor cat's such as Safeway, correct???-Nope, at least not according to what she told me. She said I couldn't use my Safeway cat.s either-, I was like "What, HUH?, but it is a competitor Q, why not, she said NO cat.'s accepted, except their own ?!?! Well, that's not how I read it, hmmm...

Manufacturer Coupons



Customer must follow the req.'s stated on the Q. The Q. can not EXCEED the value of the item.


(So, maybe you will get a nice checker who will either adjust the q. value or increase the items price to zero it out-as long as you are not using a printable to make it free, that is.)



We do not accept reproduced coupons.


Time to start shopping around for better deals I guess.:rolleyes24:

[rebatecrazy]

I feel your pain. After that huge quaker deal a few months ago, our Albie's posted a sign-just for us-that says they will not accept comp q's with their big sales. They continually tell me that I have to chose if I want their sale price OR the comp q price. :( LAME Once in a while I get lucky and get a good cashier who doesn't know me:)

[TJ665]

I feel your pain. After that huge quaker deal a few months ago, our Albie's posted a sign-just for us-that says they will not accept comp q's with their big sales. They continually tell me that I have to chose if I want their sale price OR the comp q price. :( LAME Once in a while I get lucky and get a good cashier who doesn't know me:)

I feel your pain too as this is becoming the norm in my area in Oregon. I try to find loopholes like buying less than what the competitor coupon has (example: Fred Meyer Hamburger Helper coupon 10/$10. I buy only 6 instead of 10 which requires the use of the coupon because Albertson's sale requires 10. Mix other items to get my $ instant discount that way) I print all my coupons in color because of all hassles with black & white coupons, but I print them in draft mode which saves ink and still produces a bar code than scans.

[diva_dynamite]

The rule that Albertson's will not accept internet coupons for free items has been around for a few years now. It doesn't mean that they will not accept a $-off coupon that results in an item being free (just ask everyone that got free Muir Glen tomatoes recently). It just means that you can't walk in with an IP that says "Get a package of X absolutely free!" with or without a max value. There aren't many of these even around anymore, but a few years ago there were more, and there was a lot of fraud. Personally, I don't blame them. At least they have made the decision to take IP's - also a couple of years ago, a lot of people were getting hassled all the time at their stores when they used IP's. Ithink they came out with a definitive policy because of all the calls to corporate they were getting from couponers - especially ones in areas that have lousy inserts.
As for making you print in color, that's just silly. Have you called your DM and asked if that's really necessary? If they're trying to prevent photocopying - hello - have you heard of a color copier? Some IP's even have the language telling the retailer that the coupon is acceptable whether in color or black and white. Since they're the ones redeeming the coupons, I'd go with what they say.

[duffey]

i have a question..im in oregon city will they accept kroger coupons at albies? since fred meyer is really kirger now but they are still called fred meyer

[islgrls]

If we're confused about their policy its from shopping there! Their cashiers are just as confused, but this is what the policy looks like to me. Only one store (competitor or Albies) per item and can be combined with a manufactures, K, got that one... No internet cpns over $5 or for FREE item, got that... They can take any catalina cpns (as manufactures or store cpn) and the catalina is only to be used on next purchase (next transaction for me). As for limits, they follow the wording on the competitors coupons. They do not give out overages!!... bummer!!...

[dmstroe]

This may be a silly question but for those in E Wash, maybe you can help me. I received $10 off $50 coupons for Yoke's for the month of December. Will Albie's take these?

[jetty56]

This may be a silly question but for those in E Wash, maybe you can help me. I received $10 off $50 coupons for Yoke's for the month of December. Will Albie's take these?


They should, at my Albies they would if I had a Yokes in town, they take the safeway, top foods, FM, target, walgreens etc here where I live

[lvmomof2]

This may be a silly question but for those in E Wash, maybe you can help me. I received $10 off $50 coupons for Yoke's for the month of December. Will Albie's take these?

Yep! I actually just used one last week! :) Those ones are great too, as they don't say the total has to be $50 after coupons!!:BigHand:

[goofyak]

I've looked around and haven't found the answer to this...
Can I use my Walgreens Register Rewards at Albertsons?

[Krehls Mommy]

Under competitor coupons when it says they can't be doubled or tripled, does that mean you can only use 1 competitor coupon? Or does it mean that you can't actually physically copy the competitor coupon? Our Albies are becoming more strict about Fred Meyer coupons now. For the current GM sale they won't let us use the $4/4 GM coupon because they said it's the same as their $4 off coupon. I wish they would just stick to one policy and not change their mind every week.:hectic1:

[Superbob0000]

Under competitor coupons when it says they can't be doubled or tripled, does that mean you can only use 1 competitor coupon? Or does it mean that you can't actually physically copy the competitor coupon? Our Albies are becoming more strict about Fred Meyer coupons now. For the current GM sale they won't let us use the $4/4 GM coupon because they said it's the same as their $4 off coupon. I wish they would just stick to one policy and not change their mind every week.:hectic1:

thats a store decision, not a blanket corporate policy...more and more stores are just doing it. the official rule is that one STORE coupon per item. so that means if there is a "albies" store coupon and a competitor store coupon, only one can be used. some have expanded their definition to store promos and competitor coupons...which is this case...

[melodyjg]

i have a question..im in oregon city will they accept kroger coupons at albies? since fred meyer is really kirger now but they are still called fred meyer

Just seeing this....Yes I have used them many times there!!:biggrin:

They will only use 10 other store transactions though....And you can only use one like coupon.....Like if there is a Fred Meyer Tillamook cheese for $4.99 you can only use one per transaction.

HTH

[Krehls Mommy]

thats a store decision, not a blanket corporate policy...more and more stores are just doing it. the official rule is that one STORE coupon per item. so that means if there is a "albies" store coupon and a competitor store coupon, only one can be used. some have expanded their definition to store promos and competitor coupons...which is this case...

Thanks for answering my question.:smile:

[tbullock]

Does anyone know if Albie's accepts Saar's coupons? They have great coupons for produce every week and sometimes have clippable coupons for name brand products as well.

[xnyer8]

I have used Saars coupons every week without a problem at my Port Angeles, WA Albies. that being said, recently my albies has lowered their prices to match ( or come within a penny of) the price of the products that Saars coupons offer.

Also- I haven't yet shopped at Albies since the "announcement" that they will stop taking competitors coupons.

HTH-
Susan

[masonsaver]

Albies took my black and white q's no problem. I don't print in color- not worth the $$$!

[queenofthehivemomof5]

Here is an updated coupon policy - HTH

Here is some information on Albertsons coupon acceptance policy in the Intermountain West division.

This is the information we are provided at the customer interaction center for the coupon acceptance policy. Please note that we cannot enforce individual stores to follow these policies as policies vary by store.

Coupons issued by the manufacturer containing: “terms of agreement”, face value, expiration date, and verbiage “manufacturer coupon.” They have handling instructions printed on them.


Most manufacturer coupons have barcodes on them and can be scanned. Any coupons that do not scan or do not have barcodes should be checked for validity of expiration date and purchase requirements.
Albertsons may issue coupons that are manufacturer coupons that contain the words “redeemable only at Albertsons.”

Company’s discount offers in various forms of media including, but not limited to, print, electronic, newspaper, direct mailers, kiosks and Company websites.


Store coupons may also contain the words “redeemable only at Albertsons” (or a banner of Albertsons).
Store coupons may state that the discount applies only with Preferred Card/Super Card/Loyalty Card.
When redeeming a store coupon the terms printed on the coupon must be adhered to.

A customer can use a manufacture coupon in conjunction with a store coupon on the same item, if it takes it below the stated retail value we DO NOT give money back. We adjust the coupon.
For example a customer has a $1 off mayo coupon with one of our own $1 off coupons but the jar of mayo is only for $1.98. We would take off the manufacture coupon for a dollar then adjust the store coupon to 98 cents. Thus making it free for the customer but not giving money back.

Catalina Checkout Coupons/Rebates: Catalina is a third party vendor that partners with vendors and Albertsons to offer both manufacturer coupons and Albertsons in-store coupons. The coupons are triggered by purchasing qualified items at checkout which generate a coupon to print on the Catalina printer.


It is Albertsons' policy that these coupons are to be used in a future purchase, not within the purchase in which they are generated.



Catalina coupons can only be given to the customer for whom they were intended (not to any other customer or associate). If a customer does not want their Catalina coupons, it is Albertsons' policy that the cashier destroys them immediately.
Catalina may be contacted at 1-888-826-8766 for any questions about redemption and\or if a coupon fails to print within a transaction.
We will NOT accept competitor Catalina coupons.

Coupons printed from an internet website presented for redemption with a qualifying purchase.


Albertsons DOES NOT accept internet coupons containing the following conditions:

a. ‘Free’ product offers that do not require a purchase
b. Redemption value exceeding $5.00
c. Absence of UPC bar code
d. Photocopied internet coupons. Most internet sites will print a time and date stamp
on the coupons, and limit each ISP address to two coupons total. If multiple coupons
have the same time and date stamp this could be an indicator the coupon was
photocopied, and should not be accepted.

In order to provide better values for our customers and to continue to deliver the best pricing possible in our weekly ads, we will discontinue the acceptance of competitor’s coupons. Albertsons is the last retail grocer in most of our operating areas to discontinue this practice.

Our goal is to insure that our customers always have a pleasant shopping experience, so we have decided to take a strategic approach and eliminate these coupons and offer our customers some new promotions in their place.


No double coupons, triple coupons, or advertisement matches are allowed.

Thank you for your inquiry.

If you have an further questions feel free to contact us by email or at 1-877-932-7948.

Sincerely,

Kelsey K.
Albertsons Corporate Customer Care

[RobinLynn]

Does Albertson's have a written policy on B1G1F and using two coupons? All of a sudden my Albertsons says they won't accept two coupons when one item is free already. Hmmm...did this change?

[Benichole]

I buy stuff at my Albertson's all the time. a coupon for the item you are buying and a coupon for the free item. Once in a while someone says something and I break it down and explain it and they take it. Every manager has approved it.

I have never seen it in their policy it is just explained through the coupons,

[Benichole]

Okay, we were shopping in the store and a question came up about the do not double coupons.

Two Albertsons in Portland, Or area say they will double all coupons including coupons that say do not double.

We asked our store in Oregon City. We are real good friends with the manager. My friend asked her why they do not double coupons that say do not double. The reason being that they (Albertsons) take the loss for doubling so why can't they just double all coupons. My friend told the manager that we often go to the two other stores that double (do not double) coupons.

She(the manager) called corporate and asked. They told her that Albertson's doubles all coupons including do not double ones. They also said that they are changing their policy and will be doubling all coupons over a dollar up to a dollar.

So check with your Albertson's because all 3 that I go to now double all coupons and double coupons over a dollar.:BigHand:

[melodyjg]

They have promised that in OC before to me so don't get your hopes up yet :rolleyes24:

Okay, we were shopping in the store and a question came up about the do not double coupons.

Two Albertsons in Portland, Or area say they will double all coupons including coupons that say do not double.

We asked our store in Oregon City. We are real good friends with the manager. My friend asked her why they do not double coupons that say do not double. The reason being that they (Albertsons) take the loss for doubling so why can't they just double all coupons. My friend told the manager that we often go to the two other stores that double (do not double) coupons.

She(the manager) called corporate and asked. They told her that Albertson's doubles all coupons including do not double ones. They also said that they are changing their policy and will be doubling all coupons over a dollar up to a dollar.

So check with your Albertson's because all 3 that I go to now double all coupons and double coupons over a dollar.:BigHand:

[Benichole]

They have promised that in OC before to me so don't get your hopes up yet :rolleyes24:

They let me double a hot pocket catalina that said do not double today so I am going to try again when the next doublers come out. Hopefully

[Wasaver]

They let me double a hot pocket catalina that said do not double today so I am going to try again when the next doublers come out. Hopefully

I spoke about this with our Albie's Manager and he told me that we can use the doublers even if the MQ says DND as the doublers are theirs and not the manufacturers.

HTH

[eabeeb]

Was told tonight by an Albertsons manager in West Linn that they have been instructed not to double internet coupons. I asked if it was a new policy, and he said he thought that it had always been the policy, but had not really been followed, but that recently they have been getting grief from upper management for it. He was pleasant about it, and actually did double my internet printables tonight, but I will avoid him as my checker from here on! I was really hoping to find something in Albertsons corporate policy which I could bring to him, but can't find anything which addresses this issue.

[stacyloucks]

Great information! Thanks to all that contributed here.

[kalmey]

I notice it's been a while since anyone has posted here but I had a question I hope someone can answer.

I had a huge problem at my Albs today.
I had bought some stuff using my $10 cat from a promo--BBQ sauce, Head & Shoulders for $2.49 (then I used $1 off coupon) some ribs, etc.and paid 11 cents after my cat. When i got home I realized I had Head & Shoulder conditioner instead of shampoo.
Today I went to take it back so I could get the cash and buy the right one and they said they could give me $1.49 back and I said what about the $1 from the coupon, since they were going to get reimbursed for the coupon. They said they could give me the coupon back and I asked how since it was a few days before.
She went to get a manager and he came over and started accusing me of COUPON FRAUD! He said they could only give me the 11 cents I actually paid them and I asked how that was right since they were getting reimbursed for the coupons. They also told me that coupon redemption was governed by the feds and that they could lose their jobs over giving me my money back. (I tried to find this on the internet and could not--anyone else?)
I have to say I was ok until that point. I didn't freak out (I always remember to be polite, so not to ruin the couponer name) but I asked them if they thought couponers were trying to steal products and if so how since it was like cash that they got back. I told them I could understand if I had brought in a bunch of stuff I bought with coupons and tried to get cash for them, but I made a mistake and now I was being accused of fraud. And really, if I was trying to rip them off, I wouldn't have brought in a receipt! Thankfully I'm not a new couponer or I would have been mortified!
Strangely, instead of giving me $1.49 they exchanged the conditioner for the shampoo, which was $4.79! That made no sense, although I'm glad they did it.
I still love shopping Albs, but this particular Albs has been doing some weird things to couponers lately.
Any insights?

[queenofthehivemomof5]

I notice it's been a while since anyone has posted here but I had a question I hope someone can answer.

I had a huge problem at my Albs today.
I had bought some stuff using my $10 cat from a promo--BBQ sauce, Head & Shoulders for $2.49 (then I used $1 off coupon) some ribs, etc.and paid 11 cents after my cat. When i got home I realized I had Head & Shoulder conditioner instead of shampoo.
Today I went to take it back so I could get the cash and buy the right one and they said they could give me $1.49 back and I said what about the $1 from the coupon, since they were going to get reimbursed for the coupon. They said they could give me the coupon back and I asked how since it was a few days before.
She went to get a manager and he came over and started accusing me of COUPON FRAUD! He said they could only give me the 11 cents I actually paid them and I asked how that was right since they were getting reimbursed for the coupons. They also told me that coupon redemption was governed by the feds and that they could lose their jobs over giving me my money back. (I tried to find this on the internet and could not--anyone else?)
I have to say I was ok until that point. I didn't freak out (I always remember to be polite, so not to ruin the couponer name) but I asked them if they thought couponers were trying to steal products and if so how since it was like cash that they got back. I told them I could understand if I had brought in a bunch of stuff I bought with coupons and tried to get cash for them, but I made a mistake and now I was being accused of fraud. And really, if I was trying to rip them off, I wouldn't have brought in a receipt! Thankfully I'm not a new couponer or I would have been mortified!
Strangely, instead of giving me $1.49 they exchanged the conditioner for the shampoo, which was $4.79! That made no sense, although I'm glad they did it.
I still love shopping Albs, but this particular Albs has been doing some weird things to couponers lately.
Any insights?


Sorry that happened to you and glad that it worked out in your favor and they exchanged your product for the conditioner you wanted. It sounds like you did everything right, being polite, not loosing your cool and explaining that you were not trying to scam the store out of anything that you just bought the wrong product and wanted to get the correct one.

There are actually very few actual LAWS on the books regarding coupons. There are policies, both put forth by manufactures and stores (and we are supposed to play by those rules, even when we don't know what they are because some stores refuse to post them). So the notion that this is all regulated by the feds is not really true. What happens, is that there are a few unscrupulous folks out there that ruin the name of honest couponers by purchasing items with coupons, taking them back to the store and getting cash back with the full intent of making money. It is wrong and a store should be able to learn how to tell if someone is doing this with the intent of making money of if they are doing a legitimate return. Scammers usually "loose" the receipt, so the store does not know they used coupons...

Because there are no actual laws on the books about this and just policies..managers can make up the "rules" as they go along. However it is my opinion that you are entitled to either a full cash refund, store credit, exchange or your coupon back. I have had this issue one time at Albertsons and it took me a while for the CSM to understand that they had my coupon and were going to send it in for redemption to the coupon clearing house and get the money for the coupon (plus handling fee) and that they would be getting money for a product that they did not sell. So I stood my ground and said that I wanted the full cash price OR my coupons back. Since they could not give me back my coupons they eventually gave me cash back. (I bought some bug repellent that gave me hives and got it for free after coupons...the CSM actually just wanted to take back my stuff and give me nothing in return...hey free money on their part right?)

You may want to try to contact Albertsons Corp and see what their policy is on returning an item bought with a coupon.

Again we are supposed to play by the rules, even when we don't know what they are....:shrug7:

[crabtree122202]

Thanks for addressing this Heidi!

Kalmey, please post here if you get a response from Albies to your issues/questions please!

[kalmey]

So I just got off the phone with customer service.
I told him I was aware of what their corporate coupon policy was and that this specific item was not addressed. He said the corporate coupon policy didn't specifically address the returning of an item bought with a coupon, so he put me on hold to find out the answer to the question and when he came back he said he was told "That if I were to bring back an item that I had purchased with a coupon I would only receive back the amount I actually paid." I asked him "How is that right when the item I purchased with the coupon was now going back on the shelf to be repurchased and they were still going to receive the full coupon amount back from the manufacturer?" Furthermore I asked him, "If this is the actual policy, why isn't it stated in the coupon policy so people can be aware of it?"
While I was on the phone I asked him if there was a specific policy regarding their Twice the Value coupons and a manufacturer's Do Not Double coupon. Of course there was not. I just wondered since it is not the manufacturer paying double the coupon amount, but Albertson's taking a cut in their profit to gain loyal buyers.
Lastly I asked if any government agency regulates coupon redemption and coupon fraud. He did not know the answer to these questions but said that he would have someone contact me with the answers.
So I guess we will see what happens. What do you all think?

[kalmey]

Well I got a phone call from the manager of my local Albs yesterday. Apparently they just decided to forward him my email for him to deal with. This gives me the impression that it is up to the store manager what the policy is and therefore will vary from store to store.


You will only get a refund of what you actually paid because he CLAIMS they do not put the item back on the shelf to be resold. Also, depending on the item they might give it away to the local food bank or homeless shelter. I'm sure that they will claim it out on their balance sheet at full price. Plus they will get the full face value of the coupon + 8 cents. He did say that they would gladly exchange it for the product I intended to get.
As far as coupon fraud and redemption being governed by any government agency--he said that was not so.

The manager was a really nice. I guess I will just need to be really careful what I buy :-)

[crabtree122202]

It depends on what the item is if it will be reshelved and sold. Food items are not supost to be. But they are not nearly as strict about this as Walmart is for example. But atleast you are being offered an exchange of products.

[mmhayc00]

Just a question I noticed that the policy that you had was from 2008 has it been updated since then to deal with new policy changes ect??:wavehi:

[crabtree122202]

I am not sure. I'll look into it this week and let you know!

[hsanders7595]

I've just started shopping at Ablie's and I'm confused now with their policy. Do they accept competitors q's and do they double? I moved from an area where everyone doubled and it seems that here (NW WA) no one does!

[melodyjg]

I've just started shopping at Ablie's and I'm confused now with their policy. Do they accept competitors q's and do they double? I moved from an area where everyone doubled and it seems that here (NW WA) no one does!

They used to here accept Competitor coupons....about a year or so ago they stopped. We get what Albertsons call doublers here a couple of times a month. What it consists of is 3 1.00 off coupons in the Sunday paper that are good till Tuesday and you can double 3 coupons up to a 1.00 per trip. Not the best but at least its something :rolleyes24:

[hsanders7595]

So they don't double all manf q's? You just have to watch for those in the Sunday paper and choose what to use them on? Or are they for specific products?

[melodyjg]

No they don't double all unfortunately. :(

On the Sunday doublers, you choose what you want to use them on and make many trips unfortunately....some people can do some back to back trips but at the Albertsons I go to its not possible so I make several trips when we get doublers.

[queenofthehivemomof5]

Yes you can double 3 manufactures coupons up to $1.00 provided that there is no overage. Like Melody said above some stores let you do back to back transactions, while some do not. It is worth asking your store manager if it is allowed. Other wise you are limited to doing three coupons at a time. Which is a pain in the butt. I am not sure why Albertsons and other stores in the NW do not just do real doubles with reasonable limits.

[Archer]

Does anyone have a updated coupon policy? I just got back from albertsons and they wouldn't take my target internet coupons. The cashier told me they changed their corporate policy. The cashier was nice, I was nice....but What is their policy.

Try and try again.........

[queenofthehivemomof5]

Hi Archer,
Unfortunately the policy we have posted here is a bit outdated and I need to get it updated (bad mod I know!) I will try and get it updated this week.

Albertsons no longer accepts competitor coupons.

[Archer]

LOL Heidi,
No worries, you're a great mod, I know you have a ton to do here.

[mmhayc00]

The reason they won't accept the Target coupon is because it is a competitor coupon, and I know that they no longer take those.