Very unhappy with Safeway...

[shadowzwench]

I just had the worst experience at the Alameda CA Southshore store. I was informed after my entire cart of groceries was scanned and bagged and my “real” manufacturer’s coupons were scanned and dropped in the drop box that they do not take internet printable coupons at all. The cashier went and spoke to the asst. manager (only manager on duty) and she said no internet printables. I had the cashier suspend the sale and waited to talk to the asst. manager.


After discussing things with her and getting no real answers I asked her to cancel the entire grocery order and had her get my “real” coupons back from the drop box. I know there is a problem with coupon fraud, however I welcome them to go over my internet printables with a fine tooth comb since I am not one of the people perpetrating fraud. I am sick of being treated like a criminal for trying to be a smart consumer and save money by shopping the sales and using coupons from legitimate sources.


Until I can speak with corporate and/or he actual store manager I will be taking my business elsewhere.

[daisydog215]

The Safeway family of stores has changed their coupon policy several times recently. While changing things often is confusing to the customer, the policy is outlined on the website and it is the consumer's responsibility to be aware of the store's coupon policy.

[shadowzwench]

Originally Posted by daisydog215 The Safeway family of stores has changed their coupon policy several times recently. While changing things often is confusing to the customer, the policy is outlined on the website and it is the consumer's responsibility to be aware of the store's coupon policy.

I am aware of the recent changes to the Safeway coupon policy and have been following them with great interest. This was not a case of my being unaware of the policies. This was a case of the store not following the corporate coupon policy as it is stated on the company's website. If the individual stores are not going to bother adhering to the corporate policy then there is no point in even having a corporate policy in the first place.

[mcscheatzle]

Originally Posted by daisydog215 The Safeway family of stores has changed their coupon policy several times recently. While changing things often is confusing to the customer, the policy is outlined on the website and it is the consumer's responsibility to be aware of the store's coupon policy.

The store and it's employees have an obligation to get the policy correct on any given day as well! We all know that rarely happens. Hence the OP complaint. The tone of your reply almost sounds as if your an employee of The Safeway Family of Stores.
VERY few consumers would even know where to begin, to locate the policy if the store doesn't have it available.
Just in case, for today anyway, here is the link. :Safeway - coupons policy

[Merczilla]

Link to policy:

Safeway - coupons policy

From the policy on Internet coupons:

Internet Printed Coupons:
16. We gladly accept internet printed coupons. The same manufacturer and store coupon rules above apply to all internet printed coupons.
17. Internet printed coupons must scan at checkout.
18. Internet printed coupons must have serial numbers and follow an industry-standard format.
19. Manufacturer internet printed coupons must clearly indicate that they are a manufacturer coupon and have a valid manufacture address on the printed coupon.
20. We will not accept "free product" internet printed manufacturer coupons.

But right above it is:

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

So they "should" take IP's, but it looks like the policy gives the managers an "out" if they should so choose.

[mcscheatzle]

Originally Posted by shadowzwench I am aware of the recent changes to the Safeway coupon policy and have been following them with great interest. This was not a case of my being unaware of the policies. This was a case of the store not following the corporate coupon policy as it is stated on the company's website. If the individual stores are not going to bother adhering to the corporate policy then there is no point in even having a corporate policy in the first place.

I completely agree w/ this. This is often the case at many east coast stores as well. The do what they please. So I have decided that I will call corp. every time I have a problem.

[shadowzwench]

Originally Posted by Merczilla Link to policy: Safeway - coupons policy From the policy on Internet coupons: Internet Printed Coupons: 16. We gladly accept internet printed coupons. The same manufacturer and store coupon rules above apply to all internet printed coupons. 17. Internet printed coupons must scan at checkout. 18. Internet printed coupons must have serial numbers and follow an industry-standard format. 19. Manufacturer internet printed coupons must clearly indicate that they are a manufacturer coupon and have a valid manufacture address on the printed coupon. 20. We will not accept "free product" internet printed manufacturer coupons. But right above it is: 15. Safeway reserves the right to refuse any coupons at its discretion. So they "should" take IP's, but it looks like the policy gives the managers an "out" if they should so choose.

That was my take on it as well. I figure that I am fighting a losing battle on this one since #15 basically gives them an out on accepting any type of coupon. :(

[tealover]

I would definitely call corporate and see what they say, if they say the store can make up its own rules then you are correct, what is the point in having a corporate policy! If this is the case maybe a call to your local tv news station is in order, they love stuff like that.

[puakinikini]

My store also told me this recently. I called corp and they were very apologetic. They called the manager, but the manager continued to state that they would not take them. So I requested that they put a sign at the door and at every register stating the deviation to the policy. Corp sent me some awesome store coupons the next week with a letter stating thank you for providing feedback. Honestly, I doubt they put the signs up but it does not matter because I do not shop at that store anymore.

[essentia]

Originally Posted by shadowzwench That was my take on it as well. I figure that I am fighting a losing battle on this one since #15 basically gives them an out on accepting any type of coupon. :(

They only have an out if consumers let them get away with it. Contradictory clauses in a written policy does not mean the tie goes to corporation. Complain to your state's consumer protection agency or the AG. The bee ess needs to stop with each one of us.