Kroger Coupon Policy

[BigStud72]

I knew back in August 2011 that Kroger had made some changes to their coupon policy but I was not aware how stringent they were towards internet print coupons (IPQs).

I went to my local Kroger this morning to pick up a few items that were on sale and the cashier questioned 2 of my 3 IPQs because she thought they were valued at 75% or more of the item's price. I had no idea that this was a part of their policy (and it certainly seems difficult to enforce) so I asked to see a copy so I could read it. Management told me that I could find it online but did not have any printed out to provide. My cashier took me to 8 different registers before we could find the ONLY posted coupon policy in the store, which was taped to the inside of a wall and 90% blocked by a binder.

I was nice and did not complain, but asked several questions because I want to know a store's policies so that I don't have any problems. Of course when I went online to find their coupon policy I couldn't find one. When I did an internet search I found it interesting that (apparently) their coupon policies vary from region to region. I found a copy of the Cincinnati/Dayton policy from October 2011 and it was not as specific as the "posted" one I saw at my store dated August 1, 2011.

I know that you cannot use an e-coupon with a paper Q. I know that they will only double a certain amount (5 I believe) of the same coupon daily (again unless you do multiple transactions I don't know how they can enforce this policy). You can use a store issues coupon with a manufacturer's coupon (MFQ), but NOT an internet print MFQ.

They mainly seem to be cracking down on internet print coupons, but that is where I get a good majority of my Qs.

I can't begin to tell you how frustrating this is. As I told the cashier (who was as nice and sweet as she could be) that I use my coupons when items are on sale or marked down so that I can get the maximum value for my money. She said that she understood but started rambling about how long it takes them to get reimbursed, blah, blah, blah.

I just fired off an email to customer service. We will see how far that gets me (not holding my breath).

Thanks for letting me rant.

[mrs_king]

I know that my Kroger in Missouri only allows me to double 2 like coupons. I have not run into the % of the item thing yet. I have my most frustration at my Dollar General stores. They will not allow any coupon that makes an item free. It does not state it in the coupon policy at the store, I asked to see it, but they just will not do it. I tried all three stores in my area and no go.

[Desert Debbi]

I do feel your pain about kroger (Frys out here). I actually encouraged people to call in, as did I myself, when they STOPPED doubling coupons in Tucson, but kept doing them in Phoenix. Our voices were heard and they started doubling again. Believe me, if you can point out that other stores in your area have X policy in place, making them more attractive to shop at, like I did by pointing out that Safeway doubles coupons, then Kroger will likely listen to retain their market share. Its all about numbers!

[IndianaMom]

I agree that it is totally frustrating. I shop at 4 Krogers each follows a different policy, plus night vs day crew. Luck of the draw with cashiers. Officially it seems they will double only 2 like coupons and only take 5 coupons per day. Internet coupons cannot be above 75% of the value of the item. One store by me has the policy at each register but in a book for the cashiers, it is not made public. I asked how we are supposed to know the policy since it is not online and I got blank stares. My favorite cashier left my favorite Kroger, so now it is hit or miss for me. The guys at night seem to be more easy-going.

[BigStud72]

Here is the stock reply I expected.

Dear Valued Customer:

Our coupon policy varies by division. The policy for stores in your area is as follows. Please note that this policy is our most current; however it is subject to change without notice.

The store manager has the right to accept, decline or limit the quantity of coupons or items used or purchased in a single transaction, by a single customer, or in a single day.

- There is a limit of 5 like item coupons redeemed in one shopping trip = 24 Hours
(Management reserves the right to lower this limit based on Stock Levels)
- There is a limit of 2 like item coupons that will be multiplied; additional coupons for the like item will be redeemed at face value.
- Digital Coupons loaded to a Plus Card will redeem automatically at the end of the transaction. Paper manufacturer coupons will not be redeemed for same item if a digital coupon has already been redeemed. (Limit one manufacturer coupon per item)
- Digital Coupons and a Store Coupon may be redeemed on the same item.
- Paper Manufacturer Coupons and store coupons may be redeemed on the same item.
- To protect the interest of our company we will not accept Internet Coupons for the following reasons.
o Coupon does not scan
o No expiration date
o Coupon is for FREE product without additional purchase
o High dollar value (coupon value is 75% or more of the value of the product)
o Coupon Appears out of proportion, blurry, no picture, or obvious duplicates
o Altered coupons in ANY way

Triple Coupon for Ft. Wayne-area Kroger Stores: The stores affected by this policy are 857, 874, 929, 972, 973, 976,991, and 887.
* Coupons valued up to and including $0.50 will be tripled.
* Coupons that cannot be tripled include retailer, tobacco products, or store coupons.
* Coupons valued at $0.51 and higher will be redeemed at face value only.
* Items must be purchased in the sizes and quantities specified on each coupon.


I hope this information is helpful to you. Please let me know if I can assist you further.


Sincerely,

The Kroger Co.
Customer Service

[phil2853]

It honestly does vary from region to region , heck even from block to block. The kroger down the road from me the ladies at night limit 3 "like" coupons. If i go during the day i can use 5 "like". If i go to the next 2 closer kroger i can double unlimited "like". Then if i go to the one 12 miles away it doubles up to .99 with a limit of 5 "like". The registers dont cut off doubling if your store limites 2 , 3 , or 5 coupons , at least around here. All coupons will double if scanned, its just a matter of your cashier scanning them or allowing you to use them all is what i think it all comes down to. Ive never seen such a varied policy , worse than that of walmart. Let alone not even one posted online.