Updated Dollar General Coupon Policy 4/10/12

Here is the most recent version of Dollar General's Coupon Policy, effective from April 10, 2012.

Dollar General accepted manufacturer and Dollar General-issued coupons (including Internet coupons) that meet these requirements:

• Must be original (no photocopies).
• Must have a scannable barcode or valid promotion code.
• Must have a printed expiration date.
• Can be redeemed only for items sold at Dollar General and can be redeemed only for the exact item.
• Coupons for free items are only accepted if a purchase is required to get one free.
• Maximum of two coupons per item. One coupon must be a manufacturer's coupon and the second must be a Dollar General coupon, as long as neither coupon states that it is not valid with other coupons.

Dollar General will NOT accept coupons that:

• Are from other retailers.
• Are expired.
• Are Internet coupons without a scannable barcode or valid promotion code.
• Contain the combination of an invalid barcode that won't scan and a promotion code that the register will not accept.
• Are for "free" items, unless a purchase is required (i.e., "Buy one get one free" is acceptable).
• Do not have a "remit to" address on the coupon.

In addition: Cash back will not be issued if the value of the coupon is greater than the purchase price of the item.

Updated Dollar Tree Coupon Policy

Dollar Tree released an updated Coupon Policy today:

Manufacturer Coupons

• We accept Manufacturer Coupons only, no retailer specific coupons; example Target, Wal-Mart, etc.
• We do not accept photocopies of coupons. Coupons must be intact, not altered or modified in any way.
• Coupons can only be used in stores, must be presented at time of purchase and cannot be redeemed for cash at a later time.
• Item purchased must match the coupon description (brand, size, quantity, color, etc.) and be presented prior to the expiration date printed on the coupon.
• We accept only 1 Manufacturer Coupon per single item purchased.
• We accept coupons for over a dollar on a single item. The coupon value will be reduced to the purchase price of the item.
• We cannot give cash back if the face value of a coupon is greater than the purchase price of the item.
• Coupons for free items are only accepted if a purchase is required to get one free (for example, Buy One Get One Free offers).
• Any applicable sales tax must be paid by consumer.
• We reserve the right to accept, refuse or limit the use of any coupon.
• This policy is subject to all local, state and federal laws and regulations where applicable.
• These guidelines apply to all coupons accepted at Dollar Tree (Manufacturer and Internet Coupons).

Internet Coupons

• We accept up to two (2) Internet Coupons per household per day.
• Internet Coupons must be a “Manufacturer Coupon”, have a valid expiration date and a valid remit address for the manufacturer.
• We do not accept Internet Coupons for “Free” items with no purchase requirements.
• Duplicated (photocopies) Internet Coupons will not be accepted. Each Internet Coupon must have a different serial number.

Dollar Tree: Accepting Coupons {beginning Aug. 26}

Here's some good news for couponers!

 

Dollar Tree stores will begin accepting manufacturer coupons this Sunday, August 26. This has the potential to be great for deal-seekers because everything is priced at $1 at Dollar Tree. With coupons, I think we can expect some free and some very inexpensive deals!

 

Thankfully, Dollar Tree has created a Coupon Policy:

 

1. Only original and intact manufacturers’ coupons will be accepted. Retailer-specific coupons will not be accepted.
2. Coupons are void if copied, scanned, or if they have been altered in any way.
3. Only two (2) print-at-home Internet coupons may be redeemed per transaction.
4. We are unable to accept coupons for “Free” items with no purchase requirements or where the amount for the product is blank.
5. Coupons can only be used in stores and must be presented at time of purchase. Coupons cannot be redeemed for cash at a later time.
6. Coupons will not be accepted without the purchase of the item specified and are subject to the terms listed (e.g. expiration date, size, limitations, quantity, etc.).
7. Coupons cannot be redeemed for more than the purchase price of the item.
8. Only one (1) manufacturer’s coupon will be accepted per item.
9. Management has the right to refuse any coupon or otherwise limit quantities.

Overall, this is a fairly typical coupon policy. You will want to note that only two Internet printables will be accepted per transaction, so plan accordingly. Also, you will not receive "overage" by using coupons (i.e., you can't get $2 off an item with a coupon when the item only costs $1).

Updated Festival-Mauston Coupon Policy February 2012

At the end of November, I mentioned that Festival in Mauston had changed their coupon policy and would now be accepting Internet-printed coupon. This is certainly fantastic news!

Now, they have elaborated on their coupon policy and have provided more details for customers (scroll down to see the policy):

They accept manufacturer coupons and printable Internet coupons that follow these policies:

Internet Coupon Restrictions

• No free item coupons
• No coupons over $2 value
• Must have a valid expiration date
• Must have security measures
• Accepted at management discretion

Store Coupons

• Accept in-ad and green sheet store coupons
• Accept coupons from website
• Must follow the fine print on the coupons

Manufacturer Coupons

• Fine print and details on coupon must be followed
• Must be within dates (no expired coupons will be accepted)

Other Rules to Follow

• Customers may use both a store coupon and manufacturer together on the same item as long as the dates are valid and the above rules are followed.
• Online coupons may be printed in color OR in black and white.
• Festival does not price match competitor prices.
• Festival does not accept competitor coupons - with these two exceptions:
• Festival Foods' coupons printed on the backs of Packer tickets
• Coupons that state "valid at Supervalu-supplied stores"
• If the value of the coupon exceeds the value of the item, Festival will still take off the full value of the coupon. For example, if an item costs $0.97 and you have a coupon for $1 off that item, Festival will still take $1 off your bill.
• There is no maximum number of coupons a customer may use as long as all of the rules are followed. However, management can refuse to accept a coupon if they suspect fraud or question the validity of a coupon.
• When a coupon states "one coupon per purchase," this means one coupon per item (not per transaction). For example, a customer can buy three bottles of ketchup in one transaction and use three of the same coupons. If a coupon says "one coupon per transaction" or "one coupon per family per day," then multiple coupons may not be used.
• Festival does not have double or triple coupon days.
• A customer can use two manufacturer coupons on a Buy One Get One Free purchase as long as the fine print does not state otherwise.

This is a very clear and concise coupon policy. These rules are the typical, reasonable rules of coupon use.

Festival Mauston: Internet coupons now accepted!

From Festival's website

Did you see me nearly jumping for joy outside Festival in Mauston on Saturday evening? Oh boy - was I ever excited!

Festival in Mauston is now accepting Internet manufacturer coupons!

They have signs posted both inside and outside the store.

Their rules are as follows:

1. No printed coupons for free items will be accepted.
2. Printed coupons may not be over $2 in value.
3. Printed coupons must have an expiration date.
4. Coupons must have appropriate security measures.

They also give three recommendations for where to find Internet coupons: Red Plum.com, Coupons.com and Smart Source.com.

I am so happy that Festival has come around on this issue! Since before we moved to the area, they have refused to accept Internet coupons, but could never give me a clear answer as to why. One cashier actually told me, "Well, most Internet coupon are fraudulent anyways, so we just don't accept any."

I imagine some details may need to be worked out, but I'm so glad they have a visible policy in place for customers!

*I have updated this week's ad matchups to reflect this new policy.

Updated Dollar General Coupon Policy 6/23/11

Dollar General updated their coupon policy on June 23. I have posted the new policy below. You can also view the new policy on Dollar General's website. You can see the old policy HERE. I have highlighted any changes in red.

Dollar General accepts Manufacturer’s and Dollar General-issued coupons (including internet coupons) that meet these requirements:

• Coupons must be original (no photocopies).
• Coupons must have a scan-able barcode or valid promotion code.
• Coupons must have a printed expiration date.
• Coupons can be redeemed only for items sold at Dollar General, and can be redeemed only for the exact same item (package weight, size, etc.).
• Coupons for free items are only accepted if a purchase is required to get one free.
• Maximum of two coupons per item. One coupon must be a Manufacturer’s Coupon and the second coupon must be a Dollar General Coupon as long as neither coupon states that it is not valid with other coupons.

Dollar General will NOT accept coupons that:

• Are from other retailers.
• Are expired.
• Are internet coupons without a scan-able barcode and/or promotion code.
• Contain the combination of an invalid barcode that won’t scan and promotion code that the register will not accept.
• Are for “free” items, unless a purchase is required (i.e. Buy one get one free is acceptable).
• Do not have a “remit to:” address on the coupon.

In addition: “Cash Back” will not be issued if the value of the coupon is greater than the purchase price of the item.

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I will say that I am concerned about them not accepting coupons for free products. In their previous coupon policy, they stated they would not accept Internet coupons for free items, but now it appears that they will not accept any coupon for a free product, even if it came directly from the manufacturer. I suppose we will have to see how this plays out!

Remember, many Dollar General stores and employees are often unknowledgeable about their own policy. It's helpful to have it with you if your store doesn't understand coupons. Please remember that this fact is certainly not license to abuse the policy though.

Walmart Coupon Policy

Hooray! Walmart has released an official, written coupon policy! This information is taken directly from their website:

Walmart accepts the following types of coupons (see guidelines below):

• Print-at-home internet coupons
  • Must be legible
  • Must have "Manufacturer Coupon" printed on them
  • Must have a valid remit address for the manufacturer
  • Must have a valid expiration date
  • Must have a scannable bar code
  • Buy one, get one free (BOGO) coupons with a specified price
  • Are acceptable in black and white or color
  • May not be duplicated
• Manufacturers' coupons
  • For dollar/cents off
  • For free items (except those printed off the Internet)
  • Buy one, get one free (BOGO) coupons
  • Must have "Manufacturer Coupon" printed on them
  • Must have a valid remit address for the manufacturer
  • Must have a valid expiration date
  • Must have a scannable bar code
  • May not be duplicated
• Competitors' coupons
  
  • A specific item for a specified price, for example, $2.99
  • Buy one, get one free (BOGO) coupons for items with a specified price
  • Have a valid expiration date
  • Are acceptable in black and white
• Soft drink container caps
• Checkout coupons ("Catalinas")
  • Printed at our competitors' registers for dollar/cents off on a specific item
  • Must have "Manufacturer Coupon" with specific item requirements printed on them
  • Must have a valid remit address for the manufacturer
  • Must have a valid expiration date
  • Must have a scannable bar code
  • Are acceptable in black and white
  • May not be duplicated

Walmart does not accept the following coupons:

• Checkout coupons
  • Dollars/cents off the entire basket purchase
  • Percentage off the entire basket purchase
• Print-at-home Internet coupons that require no purchase
• Competitors' coupons
• Dollars/cents off at a specific retailer
• Percentage off
• Buy one, get one free (BOGO) coupons without a specified price
• Double- or triple-value coupons

The following are guidelines and limitations:

• We only accepts coupons for merchandise that we sell.
• Coupons must be presented at the time of purchase.
• Only one coupon per item.
• Item purchased must be identical to the coupon (size, quantity, brand, flavor, color, etc).
• There is no limit on the number of coupons per transaction.
• Coupons must have an expiration date and be redeemed prior to expiration.
• If coupon value exceeds the price of the item, the excess may be given to the customer as cash or applied toward the basket purchase.
• WIC or SNAP items purchased in a WIC or SNAP transaction are ineligible for cash back or application to the basket purchase.
• Great Value, Marketside, Equate, Parents Choice, and World Table coupons have no cash value and are ineligible for cash back or application to the basket purchase.
• The system will prompt for supervisor verification for:
  • 40 coupons per transaction.
  • A coupon of $20 or greater on one item
  • $50 or more in coupons in one transaction

Updated on March 18, 2011.

{Expired} Dollar General: Coupon Policy

Update: This coupon policy is no longer valid. Please see the current coupon policy HERE.

Dollar General's coupon policy was updated last on November 5, 2010. Here is the current coupon policy:

Dollar General accepts coupons, including Internet coupon, as long as they meet these requirements:

1. Coupons must be original. No photocopies will be accepted.
2. Coupons must have a barcode that scans.
3. Coupons must have an expiration date.
4. Coupons can only be used on products which are sold at Dollar General. The coupon "must match exactly to the item as it is packaged and sold at Dollar General."
5. Coupons must clearly state "Manufacturer's Coupon" or Dollar General Store Coupon."

Dollar General will not accept the following:

1. Manufacturer's coupon which do not scan.
2. Dollar General store coupons with an invalid promotional code.
3. Expired coupons.
4. Coupons for products not sold at Dollar General.
5. FREE item coupon if printed from the Internet, unless a purchase is required (for example: a Buy One, Get One Free coupon will be accepted).
6. Coupons from other retailers or coupons that may only be used at other retailers.

Unless the coupons states otherwise, you may use mutliple coupons in one transaction.

You may combine a Dollar General store coupon with a manufacturer's coupon for one item, as long as neither coupon states otherwise.

Here’s a few things to keep in mind with this new policy in place:

1.   I have always found that many Dollar General store associates do not know their coupon policy. In my small town, I am pretty sure almost no one else coupons. I tend to get very strange looks from associates and customers alike when I use coupons! (But that’s okay, because I don’t mind being weird!) That being said, it’s important to know the store policy, in case you need to explain it to the cashier!

2.   It sounds like Dollar General will reject a coupon if it does not scan. While this has not happened to me yet, it’s something to keep in mind. I think this will most likely be a “YMMV” situation. Some cashiers may push it through manually, while others may not.

You can view the policy on Dollar General’s website here.

Walgreens: Coupon Policy

Walgreens coupon policy is spelled out very well. It helps when a store has a policy in place - cashiers can't "make up" their own rules! Walgreens' coupon is spelled out here and can also be found on their website.

General:

• All valid coupons should be presented to the cashier at the time of checkout.
• Walgreens does not accept expired coupons.
• Coupons and their face value cannot be exchanged for cash or gift cards.
• Competitor coupons are not accepted at Walgreens.
• Walgreens cannot accept coupons for items not carried in our stores.
• The number of manufacturer coupons, including Register Rewards^TM manufacturer coupons, may not exceed the number of items in the transaction. The total value of the coupons may not exceed the value of the transaction. Sales tax must be paid, if required by state law.
• Any coupon offer not covered in these guidelines will be accepted at the discretion of Walgreens management.

Sale Items:

• Walgreens will accept manufacturer coupons for an item that is on sale.
• In the event that any item's selling price is less than the value of the coupon, Walgreens will only accept the coupon in exchange for the selling price of the item. Coupon redemption can never exceed the selling price of an item and no cash back is ever provided in exchange for any coupons.

Multiple Coupons:

• When purchasing a single item, Walgreens accepts one manufacturer coupon and applicable Walgreens coupon(s) for the purchase of a single item, unless prohibited by either coupon offer.
• The coupon amount must be reduced if it exceeds the value of the item after other discounts or coupons are applied. (For example, a $5.00 coupon for a $4.99 item will result in a $4.99 coupon value).
• When purchasing multiple items, Walgreens accepts multiple identical coupons for multiple qualifying items as long as there is sufficient stock to satisfy other customers, unless a limit is specified. Management reserves the right to limit the quantity of items purchased.

Buy One, Get One Free Coupons:

• When items are featured in a Buy One, Get One Free promotion, up to two coupons can be used against the items being purchased, as long as the net price does not go below zero for the items being purchased.
• Sales tax must be paid for any Buy One, Get One Free coupon offers, if required by applicable state laws.

Internet/Print at Home Coupons:

• Walgreens accepts valid internet/print at home coupons.

Register Rewards^TM coupons:

• Earning Register Rewards^TM
• Register Rewards^TM will only print for in-stock merchandise during the promotional period.
• Register Rewards^TM can only be earned for eligible items. No substitutions.
• There is a limit of one Register Rewards^TM (RR) printed per offer per customer per transaction.
• Customers redeeming a Register Rewards^TM against the same offer may not receive another RR.
• Redeeming Register Rewards^TM
• Customers redeeming a Register Rewards^TM against the same offer may not receive another RR.
• Refer to Register Rewards^TM coupon for expiration date.
• The RR coupon value cannot exceed the total purchase amount. No cash back and no cash value for RR coupon.
• The number of manufacturer coupons, including RR manufacturer coupons, must not exceed the number of items in the transaction.
• Register Rewards^TM must be forfeited if the qualifying merchandise is returned.
• Register Rewards^TM cannot be used toward the purchase of gift cards and pre-paid cards.
• Register Rewards^TM can be redeemed for eligible items only. Ineligible items include but are not limited to:
• Prescriptions
• Tobacco products
• Alcoholic beverages
• Dairy products
• Lottery tickets
• Money orders/transfers
• Transportation passes
• Special event/entertainment tickets or passes
• Postage stamps
• Gift cards/phone cards/prepaid/Green Dot^TM cards
• Prescription Savings Club" memberships
• Health care services, including immunizations
• Any items prohibited by law

{Expired} Festival Coupon Policy

Update: This policy is no longer current. Festival does accept Internet coupons now.

Festival Foods in Mauston does not have a written coupon policy. It took them nearly three months to respond to my inquiry on their website about a policy!

We already know that Festival in Mauston does not accept any manufacturer coupons printed from the Internet. Here's the additional information they gave me in their response:

We do not have a coupon policy in print for customers. Our store does not accept any kind of Internet coupon other than the coupons we post on our own website. We accept manufacturer's coupons; however, cashiers and supervisors are taught that if they question the validity of any coupon, they should not accept it."

In the past, I have combined a store coupon (from a mailer) with a manufacturer and had no problem. It sounds like they leave most of the decision up to the cashiers on whether or not to take a coupon! That's a bit scary, especially since a cashier once told me, "Most Internet coupons are fake anyways. And no other stores take them either."

Burnstad's Coupon Policy

Burnstad's coupon policy is not actually a written policy, but here's the information I received from Derek Burnstad when I asked about a policy:


Regarding the general coupon policy: "Our policy is pretty simple and guest friendly; we do accept coupons of all kinds, manufacturers newspaper coupons, website coupons, etc... This has become a concern of ours as we are seeing more and more fraudulent coupons entering our markets."


Regarding stacking a store coupon with a manufacturer coupon: "As far as 'stacking' coupons go, we do allow this as long as it doesn’t exceed any limit of product or price."