[bdkirk04]

I have no idea where I should post this, but this section was my best guess. I just got back into coupons a little over a month ago and have been so sad about some of the deals I missed because the store didn't accept IP's. After seeing a link to printable coupons on the corporate website I decided to call and ask them why they'd give a link to printables if they won't even accept them. Long story short, the store (Acme) was in violation of the corporate policy. In fact, the two people I spoke with thanked me for bringing it to their attention. They are going to contact the store mgr to remedy the situation. I also requested a written policy so that I can have it if someone tries to tell me I can't use an IP.

I'm soooooo excited and I'm going to be doing lots of printing over the next few days!! I'm really frustrated, though, that I missed out on the Planters deal because I didn't think I could use an IP!! GRRRR!!

And, this in addition to the other day when I was at Rite Aid. I tried to use one of the Planters printables for the b1g1 nuts sale. They said no IP's. I then went over and politely talked to the mgr about it and showed her how she can verify that it is legit. After talking a few minutes she called someone else who said that it was ok to accept the coupon if it scans. So, in the end I got my 2 cans of peanuts for a great price but I wouldn't have if I didn't question it.

I guess I'm going to have to get a copy of every store's coupon policy and carry it around with me in these cases. I hate confrontation so it's hard for me to question things like this. But, now I'm gaining some confidence and I'll definitely do it more often.

Bridget

[nygypsy]

Good for you!!!

[rach]

Way to pursue it further. I only know of one store that has limitations on IP. I think some stores get burned from fraudlent coupons that they have to be careful. I think that they have to be losing out with so many IP coupons becoming popular.

[wishbone27]

Thanks for bringing the topic up. I think some people aren' aware of the amount of IP's out here and how much they can save. Thankfully, most my IP couponing experiences have been positive.

[bdkirk04]

Before this I would always overlook IP's. Now that I've been paying attention to them and printing them I'm amazed at how much better my coupon stash seems! I haven't tried using an IP at the store yet, but I will by this weekend. I can't wait to see if all the signs have been removed from the registers. The 2 people I talked to at corporate acted surprised to hear of the signs. Using IP's opens up soooo many more good deals!

Bridget

[therbel]

Good for you!

[katjim00]

I have a local store like that.... but when I emailed their corporate I got a generic response and nothing has changed.... I may start persuing it again

[bdkirk04]

Katjim, if the policy of the corporate offices is to accept coupons I'd ask them for a written policy stating that so you can take it with you next time. The 2nd person I talked to at corporate said that this is something they actually have to police because some store mgrs do it even thought it's against policy.

Here's what is interesting. After talking to corporate I called the local store just to make sure I really did see all the signs stating that IP's are not accepted. The first response I got was "that's correct, we do not accept IP's at all". But, then I explained exactly what I had just heard from corporate (IP's are acceptable if they are not copied, not over 5.00, and are not for free items). Then the shift mgr started back-pedaling and said "actually, you're right, but we decided to stop accepting them because of fraudulent coupons". She said I could start bringing my IP's from now on. I do understand their dilemma, but they need to come up with a better way of educating their cashiers about how to tell the difference between a fake and a real coupon. I've noticed that there are all kinds of watermarks, etc on printed coupons.

Good luck! I hope you are able to get your store to change their policy.

Bridget

[joshmamabear]

as much as possible, I avoid using IPs, I have a lot of trouble printing them and if I can print them, I weigh if its worth printing a $1/2 face value or less because I may be spending more money on ink than the coupon is worth. PLUS the fact that when I print some and then the item is not available at the store and it just expires. <sigh>

I understand stores' stand in refusing IPs because there have been a lot of copies of IPs and they are not reimbursed for these. it just takes a few to ruin it for most honest couponers.