My NEW Love-Hate Relationship with Rite Aid

If you read my earlier post about my love-hate relationship with CVS, you'll sense that this has a familiar feel to it. I just spent half of my lunch hour teaching the Rite Aid cashier and shift manager about their own corporate coupon policy. It's a good thing I had a copy of it with me!

Issue #1: The $5 off $25 Coupon

The cashier was certain that I could not use the $5 off coupon because my after-coupon total would be less than $25. I rolled my eyes calmly explained that the corporate policy states that it's the before-coupon total that is considered. In fact, I've had cashiers scan the $5 coupon after all of my other coupons, and it still comes off. The Rite Aid registers are programmed to work with the rules of the coupon. They're just smart like that.

Issue #2: My CoverGirl Buy 1 - Get 1 FREE Coupon

The cashier couldn't get the CoverGirl coupon to work correctly (not sure why), and she was certain that it was because the makeup was already on a Buy 1 - Get 1 FREE sale. Again I referenced the Rite Aid coupon policy which specifically states that you can use a coupon with a sale to get both items free. The shift supervisor ended up manually entering the discount, but not without reservation.

Before I left, the shift supervisor asked if I had an extra copy of the coupon policy. I gladly handed her the copy that I keep in my coupon binder. She wanted to keep it to show the "loss prevention people" when they visit the store. I'm not sure why this would be considered a loss to be prevented. I followed the Rite Aid coupon policy. I do not advocate bending or stretching the rules. That would mean a loss for the company and fewer sales for Rite Aid bargain shoppers.

What I really don't understand is the fact that I did a transaction very similar to this one on Sunday (HERE), and I had no problems at all. Not an eyebrow raised. Not a shake of the head. Just a few beeps of the price scanner and a little money handed over. Why is it so different at another store? *sigh*

The good news about today's trip is that I ended up getting $41.46 worth of merchandise (including some BADLY needed hair color!) for $.48 plus tax.... But I did it while playing by the rules. I'll be sure to post the details of the trip (minus the drama) later this evening.

Is it just me? Am I a magnet for these types of things? Or are you finding this at your stores too?

*If you want a copy of the coupon policy to carry with you, head over HERE to print it.

My Love-Hate Relationship with CVS

I usually love CVS. It's my favorite place to shop, because they have incredible deals. I usually shop at two different stores, one near my home and another near my office. I have my favorite cashiers (who know that I come packing a stack of coupons), and they know that I'm a faithful customer.

I happened to stop at another CVS store on the way home from work today. Both the CVS near home and the one near my office were out of the Dove + Men, and I was hopeful that this store might have some. They did!! Yay!

I loaded up my cart with just over $30-worth of merchandise and headed for the checkout. I had a $5 off $30 coupon in-hand along with several other coupons and my $10 ECBs. All told, I should have only spent $10.98 and gotten back $15.98 in ECBs. It was a very simple transaction.

Until the cashier informed me that my after-coupon total was under $30, and she couldn't allow me to use my $5 off coupon.

WHAT?

I kindly informed her that the other stores where I shop (both local!) always took the $5 off coupon first and then rang my manufacturers' coupons. I was pretty calm, and she was nice enough to get her manager. He let me know that the $5 was only after coupons. I think both were a little shocked when I asked her to void the transaction and give me back my coupons. I kept my cool but let them know that I would not be shopping in their store ever again. I'll stick to my other two stores.

Lesson learned....

I guess I need to check on coupon policies before I shop. I assumed that this store was just like our other local stores, but I was wrong. Though I asked about using expired CRT coupons (which they don't allow - my other two stores do), I didn't ask about the $5 off $30. I thought it was a national policy.

Assume nothing.

Rite Aid Corporate Coupon Policy

Deal Seeking Mom has just shared a copy of the Rite Aid corporate coupon policy that was emailed to her. You can download, save, and print a copy for yourself HERE. I highly recommend keeping these policies in your coupon binder when you go shopping. If a cashier states something other than what you know is part of the corporate policy, you can simply show him/her the printed copy. It really does pay to be informed!

Target's Coupon Policy - Now Available Online

If you've ever had trouble redeeming coupons at Target, you'll really appreciate this one. Target has finally posted their official coupon policy on their website HERE. I highly recommend printing a copy of it and taking it with you whenever you shop at Target. Having something directly from the company should carry some weight if you're questioned about your coupon use.

Target Coupon Policy

I've recently started emailing different stores' corporate offices to ask about their coupon policies. I thought it would be a good idea to keep a copy for each store in my coupon binder. Today I emailed Target's corporate office, and I got a great reply. It very clearly outlines the policies, including the ability to stack a manufacturer's coupon with a Target coupon. Here's the policy (click to enlarge and print a copy for yourself). Or, if you prefer to email them and get your own copy of the reply, you can reach them at guest.relations@target.com.