“My Winn Dixie does not let me use the bogo coupon since the toothbrushes are already bogo =(. is there a way around it? ” Anonymous
I received this question today on the FREE toothbrush deal I shared with you earlier. Since most couponers have experienced this or something similar, I thought I would share with you how I handle these situations.
I start by trying to avoid the problem entirely by selecting a friendly looking cashier. While I am being wrung up, I engage my cashier in friendly conversation. They are working hard and appreciate friendliness, just like we do. I also pick up a few other bargains to go with my free deal. I’ve found I have fewer issues if my total isn’t zero.
If a cashier refuses to take a coupon, I ask to speak to a manager. Often stores will refuse a coupon because they don’t think you can get something completely for free. The assumption is you are trying to get away with something. Sometimes just nicely explaining that the store is getting paid for the item whether you pay for it with your cash or a coupon will do the trick!
If the manger refuses, I would contact the corporate offices. You can usually find the contact information on the store’s website. I have been known to call from my cell phone in the store and hand the phone to the manager when customer care says I am in the right.
If all else fails, I try going to a different location. Coupon friendliness/knowledge can vary greatly from store to store.
This is my procedure with any store that I believe is refusing a legitimate deal or coupon.
The bottom line is if none of the above works then you have to take your business elsewhere. It is their store and there is no law saying they have to take your coupon, but in my experience one of the above steps will do the trick.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I can vouch for contacting the corporate office. I did that with the CVS SoBe deal and got very favorable results so when they had them again on BOGO, I was able to use my coupons. They will tell you they reserve the right to limit quantities, so at that point CVS would only let me use one coupon. Luckily, my Mom was with me and used the other one
It's so funny to me when the cashier says I can't use them together. It's not like the manager walks around the store the night before the sale starts deciding what to mark down… these decisions are made BY corporate WITH the manufacturer. BOTH of them know they are putting an item on BOGO when there is a BOGO coupon available…. they WANT you to get the item and then decide you can't live without it and absolutely must buy it regardless of the price….
-Andrea
One idea to try with Winn Dixie is make sure your coupons have been scanned before giving them your Winn Dixie card/phone number. I did this with my local Winn Dixie tonight, and ended up getting four free toothbrushes. Worked like a charm.
—Elizabeth
I usually just try again with a different cashier or at a different store. Most of my cashiers know me now, and they know I strive to be an honest couponers, so that helps too!