PLEASE READ!! Official Shaw's Coupon Policy--as of 6/3/08--PLEASE READ!!

[heyaheather]

My letter to CS:To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to request information regarding your coupon policies. I have several questions that I can not get answered at the store or would like further information.

1. What is the policy regarding doubling coupons? Is there a limit to the number of coupons that can be doubled per transaction? If so, does that mean they have to be the exact same coupon?
2. What is the policy regarding internet printed coupons? Are all internet printed coupons accepted? Or, do you have any restrictions for this particular type of coupon?
3. What is the policy regarding using store coupons in combination with manufacturers coupons?


Thank you in advance for a quick response. I appreciate your time in this matter.

Sincerely,
Heather XXXXX

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Response:
Subject
Coupon Policies
Discussion Thread Response
(Judy P.)
06/03/2008 12:57 PM

Dear Heather,

Thank you for contacting Shaw's Customer Care. We have received your e-mail regarding our coupon policy. The Albertsons Corporate policy states the following:

*Valid coupons are accepted if the customer has purchased the necessary merchandise.

*Coupons must be redeemed at the time of purchase of the specific product. Coupons may not be redeemed after the transaction has completed.

*Expired coupons are not accepted.

*Coupons cannot be converted to cash under any circumstances.

Shaw's stores will double any valid manufacturers' coupon with a value of up to $0.99. Manufacturers' coupons over $0.99 are redeemable at face value. Any coupons for tobacco and/or alcohol products, coupons for free items, or coupons that state "do not double" will not be doubled, regardless of the coupon amount.

No more than 6 like items may be purchased per order using the doubling of manufacturers' coupons.

Only 1 manufacturer's coupon may be accepted per item.

The amount of redemption will be credited during the transaction, and will be printed on the register receipt. Redemption may not exceed the value of the item being purchased.

Internet coupons are redeemable with a qualifying purchase. Shaw's 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

Again, thank you for contacting Shaw's Customer Care. If we can provide any information or be of service to you in the future, please do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail or by calling 1-877-932-7948.

Sincerely,

Judy P.
Shaw's Customer Care Representative

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While the policy does not specifically state BOGO/B1G1 coupons, I believe they consider that it falls under "Free Offers." Although I bet it may still be interpreted differently by some stores.

The other part of the policy that caught my eye (since we've had some discussion about it lately) is the 6 like coupons bit. The policy states that only 6 will be doubled, it doesn't say you can't use more than that if you have them.

And third, the policy does not mention anything about combining store and manufacturer's coupons. It only states that manufacturer coupons can not be used with other manufacturer's coupons.

[too-old-now]

It will stilll be interpreted differently in different stores by know-it-none head cashiers, etc.

The policy does not address separate orders. Do I have to leave the store and come back in to become another "customer"? What games/hopps do I have to jump through in order to exploit the great deals.

It also doesn't address the non-doubled coupons - some of my stores give me garbage about using more than six $1/1 and $1/2 coupons.

It also doesn't address catalina coupons like the OYNO ones - most of these at Shaw's tend to be MFR coupons, and even though they are advertised as use on your next order, and sometimes say limit one per transaction (which clearly implies multiple transactions are expected) but is meant to address how we EARN them, not how we USE them.

Even if I printed this out, some of my stores will still hassle me about it.

[too-old-now]

*Coupons must be redeemed at the time of purchase of the specific product. Coupons may not be redeemed after the transaction has completed.

This is one is completely wrong in practise. Perhaps a third of the transactions at the service desk happen when someone forgot to use a coupon. Instead of returning everything and re-rining it, 99% of the time the stores will give the money back. Especially when they have a catalina from a prior week, they didn't remember it until one came out for the current week.

The corporate policy should indicate that store managers have the right to interpret these more favorably, in order to maintain good customer relations.

[BostonRed]

I've noticed the policy posted at the registers in some stores is different from this. Maybe someone can take a photo sometime.

[TheyCallMeMom]

I just had a discussion with my store mgr about this.. and email corp as well

the 6 coupon thing has caused me many woes...

and I was also told, in maine, they dont allow milk coupons.. state law..

I am trying to verify this.. nothing affirmative yet.. but we get coupons for milk (Garelick) which would work good with this weeks sale-- in the sunday paper and I have seen some on tearpads ie free milk wyb....

[Mothernature]

Originally Posted by too-old-now This is one is completely wrong in practise. Perhaps a third of the transactions at the service desk happen when someone forgot to use a coupon. Instead of returning everything and re-rining it, 99% of the time the stores will give the money back. Especially when they have a catalina from a prior week, they didn't remember it until one came out for the current week. The corporate policy should indicate that store managers have the right to interpret these more favorably, in order to maintain good customer relations.

I believe the policy means returning with q's on your merit; not the store's error.

If you presented the coupon during check out and the cashier did not apply the coupon correctly, it is an error on their end which must be correct. Technically, the coupon was presented during the transaction which falls within this rule.

While I love Shaw's clearance and Harvest section, this thread has allowed for greater appreciation of Stop N Shop. I have little tolerance for any company that nit picks over valid coupons.

[Michelle]

Originally Posted by TheyCallMeMom I just had a discussion with my store mgr about this.. and email corp as well the 6 coupon thing has caused me many woes... and I was also told, in maine, they dont allow milk coupons.. state law.. I am trying to verify this.. nothing affirmative yet.. but we get coupons for milk (Garelick) which would work good with this weeks sale-- in the sunday paper and I have seen some on tearpads ie free milk wyb....

That's true. No coupons are allowed on milk in Maine. In Massachusetts, no coupons are allowed on white milk; one can use coupons on flavored milk.

[purplefdu]

The only problem I've had in ages was the no bogo IP and I can live with that one. Granted I don't normally buy more than ten of anything and usually 6 to use doubles best. Other than the IP thing which seems to be within the past couple weeks, everything else is verbatim from the e-mail I received 3/26/08. But of course even then they didn't always follow it, so we know its YMMV on anything written there.

[TheyCallMeMom]

Originally Posted by Michelle That's true. No coupons are allowed on milk in Maine. In Massachusetts, no coupons are allowed on white milk; one can use coupons on flavored milk.

then why are there coupons for milk distributed in Maine. via the local newspaper and store tearpads?!