What To Do When Coupons Don’t Double (and they should)
This coupon questions comes from Sheri…
In my area, the grocery stores double coupons up to $0.99 cents. This is awesome, I know! Every once in a while, I may have a coupon that is for $0.75 cents off an item and when the cashier scans it, only $1 will come off {versus $1.50 for the doubling}. I will point it out to the cashier and most of the time the comment is that they can't do anything about what comes off the total when they scan it. Other times the cashier will take off the other $0.50 cents for me. I was wondering, is it my right to ask them for the other $0.50 cents to be taken off or do I let it slide. I'm asking this because this happens enough to really add up over time. Thank you for all your hard work. Your site really helps me out alot!
You are suuuppper lucky (as you know) to live in an area that doubles coupons up to $0.99! I think your question can also be applied to general issues when coupons don't double and they really should.
If your store's coupon policy clearly states they double coupons, then they should honor that when you go to check out. The only time these may not double is if the coupon specifically states “Do Not Double.” However, for all other coupons that should double, I try to watch the register and make sure they double. If I happen to notice one that doesn't, I would make a mention to the cashier (and have before). More times than not the cashiers will adjust it.
If for some reason the cashier doesn't feel comfortable doubling that coupon, I would:
{1} Have a discussion with the store manager to ensure that this policy is indeed in place confirming double coupons.
{2} Ask him/her how they would like you to handle the situation if it occurs again. When/if it happens again, at least you know how they would prefer you seek restitution for the doubling.
By doing this, you are trying to be positive in your communication to ensure you are playing the rules for that store. If a coupon should double and doesn't, you will then know how to resolve it in the future. Let's face it, when we live in a land of doubles, sometimes items only goes in my cart because it's free due to doubling.
Readers: what do you do when your coupons don't double as they should?
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Can Sheri please tell us where she lives? I’m curious what awesome part of the country doubles coupons that high! In fact, that would be an awesome post–the amount that certain cities/areas double.
Thanks!
Brittany, LOL! Actually, I know Columbus, Ohio stores double coupons like that all the time. It’s so not fair I know! And, I can definitely work on a future post regarding doubling in different regions. It varies so much.
I am very fortunate! I moved to Columbus, Ohio less than 2 years ago. I moved from the Louisville, KY, area where the coupons were only doubled to .50 and the stores were not so coupon friendly. All of our major grocery stores double to .99. They are Kroger, Giant Eagle and Meijer. I shop them all, depending on the deals!
I live in the Metro Detroit area (Utica/Sterling Heights) – VG’s grocery stores by me doubles up to $1.00!
I live in Franklin,TN and all our grocery stores double. Harris Teeter does double and triple events throughout the year..doubling up to $2.00! Publix has tons of store coupons, all the time. I have often got overages @ Publix! Love my area for couponing!!
I live in Knoxville, TN and the only store that doubles is Kroger, up to 50-cents. I envy every area that doubles higher than that and especially envy anyone with a Publix (although there are rumors one is coming to Knoxville)!
In Marietta, OH the Giant Eagle doubles up to $.99 but Kroger is only up to $.50. You can get some good deals at Giant Eagle with the double coupons, but that is the only time I even go in there, although their gasoline savings program seems pretty good.