Couponing 101 - Part 4 - The Store Rules

This is something I've been talking about and wanting to put together for a long time -- the different store coupon policies.  Some stores have their policy posted online, in which cases I have posted a link directly to it.  I am also listing what I think are the most important specifics of their policies.  You may want to print out the store policies and keep a copy in your coupon binder/book/file just in case you run into a problem.  It always helps to have it ready in case someone doesn't want to accept a valid coupon from you...  unfortunately it happens from time to time.  It's much easier to shop without looking like a crazy coupon lady when you know the rules and are prepared :) Ready?  Here goes...

HARRIS TEETER (this is my interpretation, see specifics on their website HERE)
• Doubles coupons up to $0.99 every day - 20 coupon doubling limit per day per customer/household.  Additional coupons will be redeemed at face value only.
• Accepts coupons printed from the internet, however no “free” product internet coupons are accepted (BOGO)
• With the purchase of two like manufacturer’s products, they accept two internet coupons, per store, per day.
• Occasionally has specials when they double coupons up to $1.99 or triple coupons up to $0.99 - don't forget the 20 coupon doubling limit.  You can, however, go back several days in a row during these specials and use 20 coupons each day (I'm usuall there 3 or 4 days in a row!).
• They accept local competitors’ circular or direct-mail coupons for MONEY OFF THE TOTAL ORDER (ie: $5 off $25 purchase); they do not take competitor’s coupons for money off specific items.
• They also have a "scan guarantee" that states "If an item scans higher than the shelf tag or sign, you will receive one like item free, excluding alcohol and tobacco."


SAFEWAY (view specifics on printable coupon policy, see website HERE)
• Doubles coupons up to $0.99 every day
• Accepts coupons printed from the internet except for "free" items.  BOGO printable coupons ARE accepted.
• Does NOT accept printable coupons good for over 50% of the value of an item (ie: $1 coupon must be redeemed for item priced at $2 or more)


WEGMANS (coupon policy for VA & MD can be viewed HERE)
• Doubles coupons valued at $0.50 or less
• Double or face value of a coupon may not exceed the price of the item purchased
• Only 4 manufacturer coupons may be doubled for the same brand product per day
• Only 4 manufacturer coupons for free products can be redeemed per day
• The face value or double value of a coupon may not exceed the retail price
• Does not accept printable coupons for free items - this includes BOGO coupons
 
 
GIANT (you can find more specifics HERE
• Doubles coupons up to $0.99.  In cases where the doubled coupon exceeds the value of the item, the offer is limited to the retail price.
• Their website says "We happily accept Internet coupons except in situations where manufacturers have alerted us to specific fraudulent coupons."
• Many locations have signs up indicating that they accept ALL competitor coupons (I know the Gaiesville, VA location does). 


SHOPPERS FOOD WAREHOUSE
• Doubles coupons up to $0.99 every day
• Accepts coupons printed from the internet up to $1 in value (specifics posted HERE)


TARGET
Target has been very vague about their coupon policy in the past -- which I couldn't find online by the way.  However, Tara at Deal Seeking Mom emailed Target and posted the coupon policy that she received HERE.


Well, I think that covers most of the major grocery stores in the NoVA area.  If I left something out please let me know!  Hope this helps you on your couponing escapades!!  My fingers are crossed for a HT special doubles or triples soon :)