[corundogs]

Well, I have had my "nightmare q experience"...my first time out! LOL!!

Just want to let everyone know...Walmart takes competitor coupons. Period!

I read the Policy online, and knew from the discussions here that based on CORPORATE policy, that yes they take competitor (store!) coupons!

So when I went to Walmart tonight, with my Target Mott's Apple Juice coupons - because I had to go to Walmart for other things, and wasn't up health-wise for a trip to Target too.

The cashier said "I have to check on this"...I said, yes, your policy is you take them. He said I don't think so. Another lady - with a MAJOR attitude - came up and said...like I was a complete idiot..."Those are for Target. We are Walmart. You need to go there if you want to use them!" I was not happy, but tried to remain calm.

I said again, yes you do. You can check your Coupon Policy. She said she knows exactly what it says. I said then you know it says you accept store coupons. "Yes, I know that. But this is not Target. Why would we take their coupons?"

I said "Does Walmart put out coupons?" "NO!" was of course the reply. I said fine...then what do you think "store coupons" means? She said "That means manufacturer coupons!" I said no, it doesn't. If it did, it would say that. And OF COURSE you take manufacturer coupons! That isn't even a question, so why would they make a specific line item stating "store coupons".

So they called over another person. She said no, don't take them. They are Target and we are Walmart. Swear to God, exact words!

Seriously, I was like REALLY? Do they think I am a total and complete idiot to not realize they are Target q's and that I am at Walmart? I mean, it's not as if one could confuse the two stores! LOL!!

So again, I said yes, you do. You need to know your policy. She says I know it. I said well so do I, and I know you take them. She went into Customer Service to ask and came back with "Nope, just like we told you, we don't accept them. You need to go to Target!"

I said they are all wrong and she says she will get a manager. The manager comes over "We don't take those. Those are for Target!" I said, yes I am fully aware of that but yes you do take competitor - or STORE coupons!

They refuse. I said fine, I want all of your names and proceded to write them all down. They had attitudes like you wouldn't believe - or you probably would! LOL!!

Of course, there was a MAJOR SCENE! But then, there is often a mini-scene since I have Duke with me...and all of the children around are "Hey, there is a dog in the store!" so everyone is already staring at me.

I asked them if anyone would answer at Corporate if I called right then. It was 8:30 pm. They said of course not...no one is there now!

I returned my apple juice to the wheel - and the one lady with the WORST attitude spun the wheel and dropped one of the bottles on Duke...and after I said something to her, she just ignored me. NO APOLOGY for dropping a 64 ounce bottle of apple juice ON MY DOG! Now I was furious!

Since they had lied to me already, I wasn't going to accept their word for it that no one was available at corporate. So I called as I was walking out of the store. Before I even got to the door, I had someone on the line!!

She told me that yes, they accept "store" coupons. And what did they think that meant, since CLEARLY they don't put out coupons, after I had told her they said they were completley aware of what their Coupon Policy was? I told her what they told me they thought it meant manufacturer...and she literally laughed! After making sure that I was in fact correct - 3 times, because I didn't want to make a fool of myself...LOL!! - I asked her since I was not even at the car yet, if I went back in the store would she talk to them.

She said absolutely! So I told her OK, hold on.

As I was walking back in...she thought I was "on hold", but I could still hear her.

She was talking to someone else, I assume at her desk or whatever, and she was saying "Those people in Austin must be complete idiots!!!!"

NO JOKE! Those were her EXACT WORDS! HA!

I gave the phone to the 3rd person who was called over...the one who the other 2 seemed to give some authority to, and had gone into Customer Service to ask. She took the phone and was told that yes, I was right and they needed to accept them per their policy.

The girl said fine, but I am not doing it. I am getting the manager! I was floored at this point. But I didn't care. I was using them!

She called the manager on her radio, and she came back up. I gave her my phone, and she spoke to her. After she was told to accept them, she said "I don't think we do!" to the woman at corporate and she said to me "Can I see one of those?" She read the ENTIRE thing to the person. Each time saying "Are you sure?" She must have asked 10 different ways "But these are Target coupons, are you sure we take them?"

One of them was "It says in store purchase only...can we take those?"

UUMMMMMM....I WAS IN THE STORE!!!!

I can only imagine what the girl on the other end of the phone was thinking...after hearing what she said, when she thought I wasn't listening! LOL!!

But...the manager finally told the lady who spoke to them first to take them. And there would be an email or something (whatever! not my problem!)

I went back to the cashier where my apple juice was still sitting, and now the cashier that originally rang me up was gone and the one that gave me the MAJOR attitude and dropped the bottle on Duke was now working. I got back in line and said I wanted my apple juice and here were my coupons.

She said "I AM NOT TAKING THOSE!" I said "Well, your manager said you were!" She said "I don't care, I am not taking them. Those are Target and we are Walmart!"

The attitude was thick and obnoxious! I was thinking "OK, what exactly is your problem? It's not as if this is coming out of your check lady!"

I said your manager just got off the phone with corporate and they explained your policy, as I did...and you need to take them. The other girl was hearing all of this and finally spoke up "Yeah, you need to take them". Attitude girl said "Nope, not without talking to Linda!" So Linda came over and said "Yes, take them. If they don't scan, do them as vendor coupons."

I just smiled. She slammed things around, was huffing and puffing cause they wouldn't scan. Punching her buttons...surprised she didn't break a finger as hard as she was pounding on them!

At the end, I said "You know, I really shouldn't have to do your job for you!" I wasn't snotty - the words I said may have been, but I said it nicely! LOL!!

She said "You aren't doing my job. I still shouldn't have had to take them! We aren't Target and this is ridiculous!"

Again, I just smiled...handed her my FREE $5 gift card I got in the mail to pay for my apple juice - that was a GREAT DEAL.

2 gallons (4 - 64 ounce bottles) for $3.52. I normally pay $4.14 for 1 gallon. I couldn't have been happier!

I walked out of the store with a smile on my face, my head held high!!!!

SO...to all of you who get told "Our store will not"...you need to tell them YES YOU DO! Call corporate if you have to while you are there. They will tell them.

USE YOUR COUPONS! They can't refuse them. It's their policy! It's not a "well, my store doesn't...just because corporate set the policy, my store doesn't" is NOT an answer that is acceptable.

I asked them to make sure. I specifically asked "This isn't something where a Store Manager can refuse, is it?" Because I didn't want to go back in without being 10000% sure they would work! LOL!!

So don't let them tell you otherwise

[travisepsmith]

BEen there done that and was told that it is up to the STORE manager to make the final decision...so when WM puts it in REAL writing and not LEGAL writing I will try it again...

[MS.TAMPA]

Way 2 go!!!!!!!!!!!!1 i wish i woulda had the time on black friday to stand up to them idiots! They said we dont takr\e coupons on black friday or any holiday, so i know they had alotta damaged foods buy the time they got to my carts. They had 12 other carts full of items and i had icecream! There lost

[Dianasaves$$]

Glad it all worked out for you even though you had to go through that mess!

[jeanneq]

How sad that you had to go through that experience! If that ever happens to me, I hope that I have my phone (& remember!) to record a short video of it and email it to their Corporate office. No one should be treated like that! You deserve free juice for life at Walmart for that

[Gloriaob]

I understand about fighting for the coupons but why would you take a dog into a store that serves food?

[Alexdur85]

Originally Posted by Gloriaob

I understand about fighting for the coupons but why would you take a dog into a store that serves food?

Maybe it's a service dog.

[Alexdur85]

I've been there too. With the alphabet pal. I had the coupon policy and price match policy with me. The cashier wasn't sure so they called over the CSM. CSM said they price adjust but they don't take store coupons. So I pulled out my nifty policies that I printed and I tried to show her. She still said they price match, but they don't accept store coupons. They don't get reimbursed for it. So I tried to explain to her that it would be like a price match, you take that amount OFF the product. So I asked for a manager. I patiently waited, and waited, and waited for one. When he finally came he said they don't accept it. I showed him the policy, I showed him that it said you accept store coupons..and so after arguing for a bit he said just to go ahead but he wouldn't accept my printables... I was ABOUT to say "but your policy states......." I just decided I was happy with getting one and left it at that.

Then the cashier asks if I still want the other ones.. Uh...... no.

Oh, I forgot to add..when I asked for a "manager" she said she was a manager and the first thing out of my mouth was "no, A REAL manager"... I didn't mean for it to come off like that but well it did.. oops..

[NinaJo]

Sounds like you had a very bad attitude from the beginning. Also, unless your dog was a service animal you should have been told to leave. ANIMALS are not allowed in stores that carry food. It's a health risk.

[keeperpoo]

Corundogs, can you please post the phone number where you were able to contact corporate? I have been unable to find a number, Thanks!!!

[ericlovesarah]

Why is everyone attacking her about the dog? I saw only one person think she had a health service dog. I hope you all feel bad for accusing her. That is just nasty to be so rude. She had such a victory at WM and that is what this is really about.

[fulltimeto3boys]

Originally Posted by ericlovesarah

Why is everyone attacking her about the dog? I saw only one person think she had a health service dog. I hope you all feel bad for accusing her. That is just nasty to be so rude. She had such a victory at WM and that is what this is really about.

I was thinking the same thing. I haven't even read past this to see the response from the original poster. OBVIOUSLY, she had a service dog. Why else would anyone bring a dog in a store? Health risk...whatever. Those dogs are better behaved than my own kids, so it's not like they're running amuck in the store! It broke my heart to hear that they probably accidentally dropped the juice on the dog and didn't profusely apologize. As well as to the original poster.

[corundogs]

Yes, Duke is my SERVICE DOG! Thanks to those of you who understand this. Do you really think I would have been standing there, to be treated like that, with all of those people...if he were not? LOL!!! It still surprises me that in today's society more people don't get this. I have had him for 8 years, and I will say I hear more "that's a Helper Dog" than "Why does she have that dog in here?"

I have been escorted out of a restaurant - that I had been to 20 times or more - by GUNPOINT by police officers. Refused service at a restaurant that the owner said he didn't care what the laws were he didn't want me there and if I sued him everytime I even thought about eating there...he didn't care. I wasn't going to eat there!

I have been refused service at probably 10 places. I have the right to sue, based on a Federal Law. I never have. I feel more for the ignorance of those refusing to allow me the dignity of getting the same service that everyone else is entitled to.

I have been challenged 75% of the places I go. This can range from "Ma'am, is that a Service Dog?" to much much more. Most of the time, a "yes, he is a SD" is enough. Clearly, based on his behavior, they can see that. The jacket he wears that says "SERVICE DOG" is another clue...but sadly isn't always enough.

I only leave my house about once a week...sometimes less. If the only way for me to do that is with my lifeline to independence outside of my home by my side - Duke, my Golden Retriever Service Dog - why on earth would anyone want to deny me that?

Is the better answer I be in a wheelchair? And lose so much more of my independence? Or risk the major injuries I would have without him helping me? Breaking an arm would be a major issue for me. Especially with the new health issues I have developed. When I broke my ankle, I was in fact in a wheelchair for 3 months and unable to leave my house except twice. Because I didn't have the help to do so. And I had to hire caregivers to take care of me (very minimal care...grocery shop, take me to the doctors appointments, get my medications, get dog food, etc.) - one of which abandoned me for 6 days without contact because she got another job that paid her more and the other who stole my pain medication - and people to walk my dogs. It cost $200 a week for 3 months. It put my parents and myself in a very stressful situation. And there could be worse injuries than even breaking an arm or leg. Falling could result in head injuries, too.

Why would anyone think that was a better option? Or require me to be dependent on another person...at their beck and call...IF I DO NOT HAVE TO?

Thanks to those who thought it was wrong for me to be treated that way...and that think it was a good thing that I fought for it!

I still don't understand why anyone would refuse to take them? I guess I have missed something somewhere along the line. I have asked "Do they have to pay out of their own pockets? Do they lose some benefit for accepting them?" I have been told no. So what on earth could be the issue?

As far as the number I called.

1-800-WALMART (925-6278). This was the number given to me by the bad attitude associates...and it worked. LOL!!

I pressed the numbers for "Your experience at Walmart" or something like that. If you need me to call again to figure out exactly how I got through...let me know!

Alexdur - HA! "a real manager"...LOL! It's not like you were totally off-base with that question. There are people who are "drunk with power" and who act like managers, but when it comes down to it and a decision has to be made...they say they can't. I don't understand this mentality, either.

Being such a newbie at this, it really does surprise me that any store would put anyone through this! If stores double and triple coupons, and people take the time to collect them which means they either really need to do that OR they find this to be a hobby - which I am sorry, but there can be worse things to be passionate about - or both...and they get their entire bill knocked down to pennies - or less - on the dollar, WHY WOULD ANY STORE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT?

I have a real problem with policies being made and then not followed. But then as you can see, I have been fighting the Service Dog issue for the past 8 years. I have no problem standing up for myself when I know that I am right. If I didn't, then I would not push. If I am, why should I just say "OK" and accept what I am being told that is inaccurate?

[Alexdur85]

Corundogs:

First I'm sorry you've had such a difficult time. When my father was in a wheelchair I can't tell you how many places claimed they were wheelchair accessible and straight out were not! (I'm sorry.. I don't see a guy in a wheel chair making it down a flight of stairs!!). We had battle after battle as well.


I work for a police department and I get so many calls about people who need caregivers but they abandon them or steal their medication. It's so sad to hear how they were so taken advantage of. I don't think people realize how hard it really is to find good help.

I am quite suprised about being "escorted" out of a place at gunpoint. I hope you did more about that. None of the officers at my work would ever treat a disabled person (or anyone for that matter) that way because of a dog (unless he/she was vicious but I don't see that fitting in your scenario).

[keeperpoo]

Thanks for the number. I stored in my cell for future use.

[purpelrose1270]

There is on walmart.com a coupon policy you can print out.

[brook6]

Walmartstores.com: Walmart Coupon Policy

[roseminxe]

Way to go for standing up for what you know to be true!

[roseminxe]

Originally Posted by Alexdur85

I've been there too. With the alphabet pal. I had the coupon policy and price match policy with me. The cashier wasn't sure so they called over the CSM. CSM said they price adjust but they don't take store coupons. So I pulled out my nifty policies that I printed and I tried to show her. She still said they price match, but they don't accept store coupons. They don't get reimbursed for it. So I tried to explain to her that it would be like a price match, you take that amount OFF the product. So I asked for a manager. I patiently waited, and waited, and waited for one. When he finally came he said they don't accept it. I showed him the policy, I showed him that it said you accept store coupons..and so after arguing for a bit he said just to go ahead but he wouldn't accept my printables... I was ABOUT to say "but your policy states......." I just decided I was happy with getting one and left it at that.

Then the cashier asks if I still want the other ones.. Uh...... no.

Oh, I forgot to add..when I asked for a "manager" she said she was a manager and the first thing out of my mouth was "no, A REAL manager"... I didn't mean for it to come off like that but well it did.. oops..

[TJ_2008]

I am so glad you stood your ground!!!

[qpongal]

I just got off the phone using the corporate number given in an earlier post.
I sure would love to know who you all spoke to cos after speaking to TWO different individuals at that corp. #...they said the same thing:

If the store coupon from a competitor store specifically states both the cents off value of the coupon PLUS the price of the item at the store...THEN it can be used
BUT... if it only has the value of the coupon discount listed....ya can't use it.

Well...I don't know of ANY coupon out there that states both the face value of their coupon PLUS the original price the item is being sold for.

I further asked them....if I bring in the competitors sale ad to show their price of the item.... THEN can I use their store coupon.....I got a BIG FAT NO from both of them.

Go figure!!! If your Walmarts will take em' then you are so lucky!

[BarbaraAnnis#1]

You go girl !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[OhioTrucker]

You go girl... We all need to stand up to the big guys.. Walmart seems to set thier own rules as they go. I don't go there anymore. When employes tried to go union in some stores they closed them. But I always stand up for what is right myself. My wife says I should not argue with them and walks away.

[Hobbsie]

I wish I had guts like you do! Wow you're the best!! I would of given up

[lexustami]

Corundogs,

Did you happen to see the recent article on CNN about the military veteran who has been refused service and has been threatened with bodily harm by employees of a McDonald's in NYC because he brought his service dog into the restaurant? The employees actually ran outside with garbage cans and garbage can lids and chased him away. Luckily he used his cell phone to take pictures of the incident. He is now suing McDonald's for this.

In this day and age, this should be a non-issue. I just don't understand how people can still act this way and be able to look at themselves in the mirror.

On the store coupon issue. I have tried several times for corporate to put it into writing that they accept Target coupons or CVS coupons or even just elaborate at what they mean by store coupon. They say CVS, Kohls, etc. but won't go beyond that. I have a $10.00 off coupon for Kohls but will they accept it? What about a $5.00 off of $25.00 CVS coupon? Who knows? I just kept getting the run around and they finally stopped responding to me.

Take care.

Tami