FAQ: Kroger TX/LA Coupon Policy and FAQ thread

[zoeys_mom]

FAQ Questions for KROGER TX/LA

It seems we are getting an influx of newbies and the same questions are coming up on the board. To help have a simple place to get local answers I am creating this FAQ thread. I will leave this thread open so if other questions are asked IN THIS THREAD, I can add the question to the FAQ with the answer. Questions asked out side this thread will be moved into this thread in hopes of freeing up the board for deal discussions. I am hoping this will help with the clutter on this forum.
Keep in mind, these FAQ are strictly for Kroger in the TX/LA region and answers might vary for other Krogers in other regions.

Please feel free to ask questions you don't already see here.

Do I need a Kroger Plus card?
Yes! Sign up with your REAL address as Kroger sends coupons in the mail based on your shopping habits. You also will not get the discount/ad price without this card.

Is it important to scan Kroger card before coupons are tendered?
YES! Coupons WILL NOT double or triple if given before the Kroger card is applied.

Do I need to actually carry around the Kroger card?
No, You can verbally give the cashier your phone number that you have assigned to your card or you can punch in your phone number at the credit card machine at the register.

Can I use IP (internet printed) coupons at Kroger?
This answer is supposed to be YES, but some store managers still do not realize corporate has changed this policy. All Kroger in this region are supposed to accept IP coupons if they have a barcode and scan at the register.

When does the ad start?
Each new ad week starts on Wednesdays and continues through the following Tuesday

Why is my ad not posted on Tuesday for me to start planning?
Your mod(zoeys_mom) no longer gets the ad early most weeks. I post the ad as soon as I can get a copy and I follow up with coupon matchups as soon as time allows.

Does Kroger double/triple coupons?
Kroger no longer doubles and triples coupons for the Houston and surrounding area, but Kroger in College Station, Dallas and La still currently double. Those Kroger will double coupons up to .50 and triple coupons up to .39. They double and triple coupons EVERYDAY.

How many coupons will Kroger double/triple?
For the Kroger stores that double in our region there is no limit to what will double/triple per transaction, except any limit the manager of that store proposes. Please ask at your store as some are reporting only getting 1 like coupon doubled/tripled per transaction.
Please see post #3 for a list of locations and their individual policies on taking IPs and double/tripling coupons. Please bear in mind these policies are NOT in writing at those particular locations, but rather what has been reported by the shoppers of those locations.

How exactly is identical coupon defined?
By identical coupon I mean, it is for the same amount off Product X and has the same exact FIRST barcode on the coupon. If all the numbers below the first barcode match, regardless of the picture on the coupon, the computer reads those as an identical coupon.

Will I get overage if the item is less than the double/triple value?
No, Kroger computers are programmed only to double/triple up to the price of the product.

Can I use more than one manufacturer’s coupon per item?
No, you are only allowed to use 1 manufacturer's coupon per item. Manufacturer’s coupons include inserts, ips, blinkies, peelies, and Catalina coupons.

What is a Catalina?
Catalina is the name of the coupon machine at the register. These are coupons the cashier SHOULD hand you with your receipt. Catalinas are manufacturer coupons and thus cannot be used with other manufacturer coupons on the same item.

Is there any other way to find coupons for added savings?
Yes, Kroger has five websites you can log into and load coupons directly onto your Kroger card Kroger,Shortcuts, Cellfire, Upromise , and SavingStar. These coupons need to be loaded at least an hour before you shop. There used to be a limit of 25 total coupons allowed to be loaded between the sites, but I am being told that is not the case anymore. I need to test this but have not yet. They do not fall off your card until you use them or they expire.

Do these loadable coupons double/triple?
No the loadable coupons do not double or triple and only will be redeemed at face value

Can I use a manufacturer coupon if I’m using a loadable coupon?
No, according to the faq section on Kroger's ecoupon website, you cannot combine a paper coupon with an electronic coupon

How many items will the loadable coupon work for?
Each loadable coupon will only take off for 1 item in your order. If you buy multiples of that item, you will not get multiple savings from the loadable coupon unless you have multiples loaded(typically different dates).

What do I do if a catalina I was expecting does not print?
You have several options here.
1. Go to service desk and ask them about the catalina. You can ask them to try reringing the item at another register to see if the first registers machine just does not work.
2. Go to service desk and ask for a refund, if they will not make it right.
3. Call catalina and inquire about the catalina (1-888-8coupon) 1-888-826-8766

Does Kroger take competitor coupons(ie Target, Walgreens)?
No, Kroger does not accept other store coupons. They accept Kroger store coupons and manufacturer coupons. The only exception is the pharmacy. Kroger does take competitors pharmacy coupons.

Does Kroger accept expired coupons?
No, Kroger in our district does not accept expired coupons.

Does Kroger price match other stores (ie Target, Walgreens)?
No, Kroger does not price match any other stores.

If something is advertised as 10 for $10, do I have to buy 10 of that item to get the $1 price?
No, you can buy 1 and get the sales price. The only exception to this is mega deals and events and the ad will clearly state you must buy x number of products to get that price.


What is the scan right guarantee?
Kroger has a corporate policy that if an item rings up the incorrect price at the register, you will get the first LIKE item for free and the rest at the adjusted price. ex: If the shelf tag says the item is $1 and it rings up $1.59, then you get that item free, and each subsuquent like item adjusted down to $1. You have to remind some of the employees of this policy.

Are there exclusions to the scan right guarantee?
Yes, the scan right guarantee does not apply to alcohol and tobacco products due to state laws. Meat also seems to be an exception.

Do all stores honor the scan right guarantee?
Some stores will try to tell you they do not know what this scan right guarantee is but see post #2 as official word from corporate that it is a chain wide policy. Also, most check out counters still have the scan right guarantee posted on the check signing station.


How do I earn fuel discounts?
There are currently 3 ways to earn fuel discounts(sorry LA folks, these do not apply to you as it is against LA law to allow a fuel discount)
1. Fill 2 prescriptions or more at your local pharmacy and receive $.10 cents off your fuel purchase.
2. Spend $50 or more on gift cards and receive $.10 cents off your fuel purchase.(Excludes: • Kroger Banner Gift Cards
• The Wishes line Gift Cards
• Green Dot Prepaid Reloadable Products & MoneyPaks
• Western Union Prepaid Cards

3. Spend $100 or more on groceries and receive $.10 cents off your fuel purchase.

If I have more than 1 fuel discount, can I use them all on one fill up?
Yes, Kroger is now allowing up to $1 off per gallon on a fuel up if you have that many points. However, it is an all or nothing. You either get the full amount of discount off, or you choose to not take a discount. Limited to 35 gallons per fuel up.

When do my fuel discounts expire?
You have 1 month from the end of the month you earned fuel rewards to use them. Ex: if you earn 1 fuel discount in October, you have until the last day of November to use it.

Is the $100 in groceries to earn the fuel discount before or after coupons?
Fuel discounts are earned on before manuf. savings but after Kroger coupons and discounts.

What do I do if I want an item on sale but they are sold out?
If the item is advertised in the ad, you can go to the service desk and ask for a rain check. Rainchecks expire 30 days after issue date.

[zoeys_mom]

My question to Kroger: I would like to know if your scan right guarantee is a company wide policy or if each manager has a choice to honor it at their discretion.

Their Answer: Thank you for contacting Kroger. Our scanrite policy is detailed below:

If any unmarked item scans differently than the shelf tag at time of purchase, you will receive one of that
item free, excluding beer, meat, wine & tobacco products.

Thanks again for your inquiry.

Sincerely,
Amy Rinner
Consumer Affairs
Reference: 5713315

[zoeys_mom]

Directory of individual store's policies in Texas/Louisana region

Houston MetroPlex

Location: Briar Forest and Eldridge Houston, TX
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printable: yes
contributed by dwshrty77roc

Location: FM 1960 and West Lake Houston Pkwy, Humble
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: 3
Internet printables: yes
contributed by abdomingue

Location: Westheimer Parkway and Mason, Katy
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printables: yes
contributed by ZM

Location: Highland Knolls and 99, Katy
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printables: yes
contributed by ZM

Location: Berry Rose, Pearland
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: 3
Internet printables: yes
contributed by Pkowis

Location: Cullen, Pearland
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: 3
Internet printables: yes
contributed by Pkowis

Location: Shadow Creek, Pearland
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: 3
Internet printables: yes
contributed by Pkowis

Location: Rosenberg Marketplace (US 59 @ Reading Rd or FM 762)
How many likes: -- I've used 4
How many d/t: 3 [confirmed by MP Customer Service employee when one of "old" (Ave H) store employees tried to stop the 2nd and 3rd one from d/t!]
Accept IPs: yes, as long as scans

(same experience at the Marketplace on US 99 @ Mason last time I was there in November, 2009 ... with exception of anyone trying to stop d/t after 1st Q!!)
contributed by jaws1

Location: 5671 Treaschwig, Spring, TX 77373
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printables: yes

contributed by TxAngel 3115

Location: I-45 & Spring Cypress - Spring
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printables: yes
contributed by July13


Location: Rayford Rd. - Spring
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printables: yes
contributed by July13

Location: SweetWater, Sugar Land
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: 3
Internet printables: yes
contributed by ZM

Location: Research and Gosling Rd. The Woodlands
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printables: yes

contributed by michelle 902

Dallas Metroplex

Location: Cooper & Lamar, Arlington, TX
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printables: yes
contributed by sarakate01

Location: Fielder & Pioneer, Arlington, TX
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printables: yes
contributed by sarakate01

Location: Beach St. and Western Center Blvd. Fort Worth/Watauga
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printables: yes
contributed by septmac

Location: Carrier and Jefferson, Grand Prairie
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printables: yes
contributed by daniela6968

Location: 303 and Acosta, Grand Prairie
How many likes D/T? : 3 ycmv (your cashier may vary)
How many likes per transaction face value: 3 ycmv
Internet printables: yes
contributed by daniela6968

Location: I-20 and Great Southwest, Grand Prairie
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printables: yes
They only allow one transaction period.
contributed by daniela6968

Location: Beltline and Northgate, Irving
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited except sco lady with bob haircut after 10pm, then 3
Internet printables: yes
contributed by daniela6968

Location: Story and Grauwyler, Irving
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printables: yes
contributed by daniela6968

Location: MacArthur and 6th, Irving
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: 3
Internet printables: yes
contributed by daniela6968

Location: Hulen & Granbury Road
How many likes D/T? : 1
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printables: yes
contributed by Kremsh

Location: McCart & Altamesa
How many likes D/T? : Policy is 1, but was told on Saturday if the cashier does not catch them and override the system, 3 (anyone want to play russian roulette?)
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printables: yes
contributed by Kremsh

Location: Crowley Road
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printables: yes

contributed by Kremsh


Location: Marsh/Beltline, Addison
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printables: yes
contributed by iluvmare

Location: Frankford/Midway, North Dallas
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printables: yes
contributed by iluvmare

Location: Hebron/Old Denton, Carrollton
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printables: yes
contributed by iluvmare


Location: 1707 W. University, McKinney
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printables: yes
contributed by mrsstunner

Location: Bridgewood Dr. (offI-30 and E loop 820), Fort Worth, TX
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printables: yes
contributed by sarakate01

Other Tx locations


Location: Clute
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited (to my knowledge)
Internet printables: yes
contributed by Texxie


Location: Paris
How many likes D/T? : 3
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printables: yes
contributed by mommymia

Location: 16th St, Orange, TX
How many likes D/T? : unlimited
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printables: yes
Contributed by amartin82

Location:2935 Ridge Rd. Rockwall, TX
How many likes D/T 3
How many likes per transaction face value: unlimited
Internet printables: yes
contributed by Godsprinzes

[disasterguy]

I e-mailed corporate to find out about the use of Manufacturer Coupons with another stores logo on it. I did this because I can use them at my store on Gessner and Hammerly in west Houston when one manager is on and I have a challenge when another is. I have found as long as I take a version of the competitor's store coupon with me I can often explain the difference and get them accepted. The response from corporate was basically it's the manager's discretion. Also the manager on the Westheimer and Beltway 8 location will accept them. Below is the response from their corporate office.

Thank you for contacting The Kroger Co. The coupon policy for your area is as follows:

** The store manager has the right to accept, decline or limit the use of ANY coupon upon view. **
** The store manager has the right to limit the Quantity of coupons or items used/purchased in a single transaction,
by a single customer, or in a single day. **
PAH: (Print At Home)
Internet Coupon Policy ALL Banner Stores!!
We only accept printable coupons if they scan properly at checkout.
We do not accept "FREE product" printable coupons, with no purchase requirement. Buy-one-get-one-free coupons and other values that have a purchase requirement are acceptable but will be MUCH less common than traditional value-off coupons.
We do not accept coupons for more than about 75% of a product's value without advance notice. Legitimate PAH coupons will not be for a high value relative to the cost of the item. For example, a $2 off coupon will be acceptable for a product that normally sells for $5 or more, but a $2 off printable coupon for a product that sells for $2.25 is unlikely to be legitimate.
Coupons will be rejected if they appear out of proportion or blurry, or are obvious duplicates. Legitimate PAH coupons are never copied, sold or traded. Nearly all coupons are "non-transferable" meaning they should not be photocopied or scanned and distributed to others.
Coupons will be rejected if they appear to have been altered in any way.
PAH coupons can be checked for validity at http://www.printcoupons.com.
Southwest:
Double Coupons:
Manufacturer coupons of $.50 or less will be "Doubled".
Manufacturer coupons of $.39 or less will be "Tripled".
Manufacturer coupons over $.51 will be redeemed at face value.
Limit one (1) coupon per household for each "Like" item will be "Doubled/Tripled".
Pharmacy Coupons:
Does accept Competitor Pharmacy coupons.
Cannot use LCM or Competitor Coupons in conjunction with the $4 Generic Program.
General Coupon Policy:
Limit one (1) manufacturer coupon per item purchased.
Limit one (1) store coupon per item purchased.
One (1) manufacturer and One (1) store coupon can be used on the same item.
Coupons cannot be used on "Free" items.
Does Not accept coupons that are expired.
Amount refunded cannot exceed the cost of the item.
The store manager has the right to accept, decline, or limit the use of ANY coupon upon view.
The store manager has the right to limit the Quantity of coupons/items used/purchased in a single transaction, by a single customer, or in a single day.
Customer is responsible for tax on all items even "Free" items.

If you have any further questions please contact the store manager at your local store

Sincerely,

Nicole Belcamino
Consumer Affairs



Sincerely,



Nicole Belcamino
Consumer Affairs

[tootie571]

So...I've been out of the loop since our kitchen was out of commission....(Now have a new Kitchen YAY!!) Anyway...has anyone in Alvin heard if they've stopped doing double/trip of 3 at a time coupons?

[jaws1]

Originally Posted by tootie571 So...I've been out of the loop since our kitchen was out of commission....(Now have a new Kitchen YAY!!) Anyway...has anyone in Alvin heard if they've stopped doing double/trip of 3 at a time coupons?

Tootie, not sure if it's in there, but might want to check under "New Improved Store List" (something like that) on this board, and see if anyone's noted that!

[zoeys_mom]

Originally Posted by jaws1 Tootie, not sure if it's in there, but might want to check under "New Improved Store List" (something like that) on this board, and see if anyone's noted that!

Actually it has been moved here to post #3. Trying to tidy up the stickies
If the store is not listed, feel free to let us know when you find out so we can add it to the list.

[jaws1]

my bad!

[katymom]

Does Kroger allow stacking coupons? Like one store (paper coupon) and one manufacturer coupon?

Got a bunch of Kroger coupons in the mail and was wondering if I could suck out a good deal.

TIA.

[zoeys_mom]

If you read the faq found here
Kroger TX/LA Coupon Policy and FAQ thread
it has some great information for you including the answer to your question

Kroger will allow you to use one store coupon with one manufacturer coupon, BUT please read your coupons to see if they are in fact store coupons
Next to the expiration date, it should say store coupon. If it says Manufacturer coupon EVEN IF IT HAS A KROGER LOGO then you cannot stack with another manfacturer coupon.