Have You Had Trouble Using Coupons At Walgreens?
I had a truly terrible experience at Walgreens about a month ago when a cashier would not accept my coupons. I asked to speak to a manager who ended up yelling at me (yes, yelling) saying that I was stealing and would get the person fired who normally accepts my coupons.
I contacted Walgreens customer service via email and they said that they do not have a corporate coupon policy, but a list of guidelines they like to follow. A few days later I received a call from a manager of the Walgreens nearest to where I live (but not the store I was having problems with). Here are a few of my questions:
Q. Is there a limit to the number of printable coupons you accept?
A. You could use 200 printables if you wanted to, but only if they had enough of that item in stock for everyone who may want to purchase it that week.
Q. Can you use an in-ad coupon or Easy Saver coupon with a regular manufacturer’s coupon?
A. Yes.
Q. Can you use a BOGO coupon in combination with a BOGO sale?
A. It is against their coupon policy (wait, thought you didn’t have a coupon policy) to do this, but normally his store will allow this unless they feel like you are stealing.
At this point I had to end the conversation since my head was about to explode.
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to discuss this on this here or not until I read today that now people are having problems combining easy saver coupons with manufacturer coupons. I still haven’t gone back to Walgreens, and until I can be sure that me and my coupons will not be turned away I don’t think I will be back. Have any of you had any problems or is it just me with the dark cloud following above?
- 39 Comments »
- Posted in Walgreens on October 20th, 2008
I hear people complain a lot about Walgreens coupon policy. I have not had problems myself but I don’t go there much. I am a CVS girl!
October 20th, 2008 at 10:02 amI am also a CVS girl … and a Rite Aid girl.
October 20th, 2008 at 10:05 amI have had problems “off and on” with a lot of retailers when it comes to accepting coupons. One problem I had at Walgreens was the $5 off $25 they do periodically. Your subtotal has to be $25 after all other coupons are taken off. If they scan the $5 first and the subtotal drops below $25, it automatically takes off the $5 coupon. However, the CVS coupons allow you to take the $5 and then use other coupons. There was one CVS store that told me I couldn’t use extra bucks with other coupons after I had been doing it for years??? I think when it comes right down to it, some cashiers/managers just want to make it harder for us. Some just don’t like coupon-users. I used to work for a manufacturer, and they reimburse the ratiler the full coupon amount plus a “handling” bonus. So you’d think they’d be happy to accept coupons. You’re lucky if this is the only problem you’ve had, but no one should get away with accusing you of stealing just because you’re smarter than their marketing dept.
October 20th, 2008 at 10:07 amI usually try to stay away from Walgreens, except for the ‘free-after-rebate’ items. I have the same kind of coupon troubles, so I am learning which cashiers and which managers at my local store will let me combine coupons and which ones won’t. Walgreens needs to have a set policy that’s the same for everyone.
October 20th, 2008 at 10:36 amI have only tried Walgreens 3 times and all 3 times was horrible experiences, they would not even take their own RR from me?!?! I doubt I will be going back!!
October 20th, 2008 at 10:49 amI have had some problems with Walgreens also. Not with the cashiers, but with management. In fact, the last cashier went out of her way to try to make sure all my coupons worked. I have had trouble once with Register Rewards printing. That manager thought that the trouble might be because of the “flavor” of the medicine I had was different than the one in the picture. She asked if I had used a manufacture’s coupon also. I had but did not answer her. The cashier spoke up and said she bought what it said she needed for the register reward. So the manager did a refund and then scanned the one that was exactly like the one in the ad and the register reward printed. Somehow I do think it was linked to the manufacturer coupon making not print. I love this cashier and she goes out of her way to make sure that my coupons work. Because of her, I do go back to Walgreens and I do buy other things that have good pricing.
There is one manager there that I refuse to deal with. He question everything I do…as if I am trying to get steal from them. Like everybody else, I am just trying to get the most value for my money. I follow what I have been told as far as Walgreens coupons and manufacturer coupons. I did notice that some of the coupons in the Easy Saver Catalog do say manufacturer coupon. So is it truely a manufacturer coupon that can only be used at Walgreens or a Walgreens coupon that can be combined with a manufacturer’s coupon that you cut out of the flyer such as smart source or red plum? I was under the impression that I could combine both. Anybody have an answer?
Long comment…sorry.
October 20th, 2008 at 10:54 amTanya – I guess I am lucky. The only other problem I’ve had with coupons was just last week at Kmart. Coupons were supposed to double up to $2 but some of my coupons that were for $1 off 2 or 3 items didn’t double. The lady at the customer service desk said this was because the amount of the coupon was greater than the total cost of one item. She said that this is following their policy (though if this is true it should have been mentioned in the disclaimer)and if I didn’t like it I could return those items. When I brought in my items for return the first thing she said was that I couldn’t have my coupons back (how did she know I was going to ask). In the end some stuff got returned, some stuff didn’t. I didn’t get my coupons back, and the deals I did get were not worth the gas of ever going in the first place. Oh well, this was just a reminder as to why I haven’t shopped at Kmart in a few years. =)
October 20th, 2008 at 11:03 amPam – I have not had any trouble combining any coupons from the Easy Saver with coupons from the inserts or with printable coupons. I asked the manager specifically about this and he said there was nothing against it in the ‘list of guidelines’ -but- today people are blogging about cashiers refusing to combine these coupons this weekend and that they are being told it is a new policy.
I have seen Register Rewards advertised with the words ‘use just like cash’. If this is true then why can’t you combine them with coupons?
October 20th, 2008 at 12:10 pmI only use Walgreens to buy Enfamil Lipil. It’s $27.49/can of 25.8 oz formula and after the coupon, I end up paying $22.14 (I think they rebate the sales tax?) per can. I haven’t had any problems using the coupons and I typically buy 2 cans but check-out at different registers at the same store!
October 20th, 2008 at 12:33 pmYes, I have! The Walgreens closest to me is the same way. I’ve had 5 experiences at the checkout that could be listed at the top of the bad customer service list of this decade.
Thank goodness there are Walgreens all over where I live. I found another one that has great clerks and customer service. I have to drive a little further, but it is definately worth it!
October 20th, 2008 at 1:46 pm{ Can you use an in-ad coupon or Easy Saver coupon with a regular manufacturer’s coupon?
A. Yes.}
Not at the Walgreens I shop at. The cashier tried to put the coupons through and it wouldn’t allow it. She called over a manager who made me feel like an idiot for using an ESC with a MC. I haven’t tried it again but maybe will if there is another manager there since it all depends on the person.
October 20th, 2008 at 3:32 pmThey wouldn’t accept my printables at all so I directed my business elsewhere.
October 20th, 2008 at 3:55 pmThe moral of this story is that you don’t know what is acceptable and what isn’t until you get there and try. Everything changes based on what location you are at, how good of friends you are with the cashier, or whether the manager is on a power trip or not. I won’t waste my time at Walgreens anymore.
October 20th, 2008 at 4:15 pmI have never had problems using an ad coupon with a manufactures coupon….I just did it last week.
October 20th, 2008 at 6:26 pmMy friend and I have the same problem with Walgreens, they are very condesending when it comes to coupons. We are from Michigan can I ask where you are from.
October 20th, 2008 at 7:07 pmI live in Ohio
October 20th, 2008 at 7:58 pmI was unable to purchase a pack of diapers and use my 1.50 off coupon with a 4.50 reigister reward. The diapers were 10.00, so overage wasn’t even close! They couldn’t explain it and wouldn’t override it. I was annoyed.
October 20th, 2008 at 11:05 pmWow, I had no idea. I live in the panhandle of Florida and I am thankful I have had no problems at my Walgreens. I use mfg coupons with Easy Saver coupons and they always take them. One time the cashier called over a manager to ask if my internet coupons was okay and the manager said to accept it.
October 21st, 2008 at 8:56 pmWalgreens needs to work to correct this problem and set up a corporate policy, especially given the economy.
Hi, I’m new to couponing, but have gone out the last two weeks and used ES + manuf coupons combined with no problems at my Walgreen’s in TX. In fact, the cashier has her own stash of extra coupons under the register, and gave me one of her manuf coupons to stack with an ES coupon.
October 22nd, 2008 at 1:06 amI suppose I’m lucky with my Walgreens – knock on wood – they are so kind to me, and I even have the cashiers starting to clip coupons now too.
October 23rd, 2008 at 9:52 amYou can use both coupons, but you have to have enough items. If you read the fine print on the RR it says # of coupons cannot be greater than # of items, meaning that next time you need to buy something small(gum,sale candy,etc.) so that you have 2 items and 2 coupons. If you do this you should not have any problems using both coupons.
October 30th, 2008 at 4:29 amWe use coupons at walgreens most of the time 5 off 20.Some ppl accept them some won’t.But what we noticed is we bought a buy one get one free enfamil coupon from ebay and make a copy of that both sides and used that one so it was accepted without a problem.
November 5th, 2008 at 10:51 pmI have had problems with CVS also. They never want to acept my coupons and the manager hates me and follows mw around the store everytime I come in. He even asked me one day was I ok with stealing from them?? I said that I wasn’t stealing, I was taking advantage of the great savings they were offering. He then went on to tell me that they had no control over the coupons that were out and that they aren’t supposed to accept the easysaver in combination with manufacturer coupons if it would make the item free.He and I always go back and forth until I get my deals until last week he finally gave up and just rang it all up w/coupons and didn’t say a word. I owed 64 cents and he said I will see you next week ?????
December 18th, 2008 at 12:10 pmWay to go Jessica! I don’t think CVS would appreciate a manager who accused someone of stealing because they were using coupons; I believe I would complain to corporate CVS headquarters!
December 18th, 2008 at 10:57 pmI find that Rite Aid is the worst in this. Another problem with Rite Aid is that their advertised specials are often out of stock, area managers won’t follow corporate policy on what to do when this happens, and if I return something they deduct the value of the coupon (w/o returning it to me) so in essence they are double-dipping on the coupons.
I have complained to Rite Aid numerous times. Each time the call is transferred to the District Manager, who now will not even take my calls and is suspicious that I shop at numerous locations and have all these complaints.
I have not been back to Rite Aid in months. They are losing about $500 in business from me as a result (after coupons, etc.).
December 20th, 2008 at 3:22 pmWalgreens Coupon Users,
Please be aware of the fact that sometimes, when you do not get your way at the store, you are mean, and that you personally effect the mood of the clerk you come in contact with. My day at work has been ruined many times on account of customers who are simply mean, and attack me personally.
I say this because, during this holiday season, I have had countless numbers of sale shoppers personally attack me for “overcharing them.” I want to make it perfectly clear that it is nearly impossible to purposely or maliciously overcharge someone. It is the computer that rings up the price, not the cashier, and it is nearly impossible with the weekly, monthly and easysaver sales for every employee to memorize every sale item, and simultaneously remember the sale prices as the items are being scanned.
I would also like to add that it is a request that coupon users please abide by the printed limits on sale items. I do not like getting screamed at because someone decided they need 20 bottles of an item on 5 separate transactions which causes us to run out on Monday, and therefore be out of the item for the rest of the week.
Thanks,
December 21st, 2008 at 8:54 pmWalgreens Employee
I tried to use a manufacturer’s coupon at Walgreen’s for an item, alone, not in conjuction with any other sales or coupons, one one item only, and the cashier, after checking with the manager, stated that Walgreen’s no longer accepts manufacturer’s coupons, only Walgreen’s coupons from now on. Anyone else heard this??
February 25th, 2009 at 7:03 pmThat sounds crazy! Absolutely crazy! As long as Walgreens allows stores to make their own decisions on these things we will continue to have problems. Just like I have told everyone else, contact customer service and complain. You would think that eventually they would get the hint.
February 25th, 2009 at 7:09 pmI went to Walgreens once. I too had a HORRIBLE experience. They had me in tears and when I finally left a CUSTOMER appoligized to me, a customer!! She said that she had lots of problems there as well, and after she saw what they put me through she wasn’t about to come back. I haven’t been since. I was hoping to try again today since they have what seems like some REALLY good sales this week, but I really am uneasy about it. I can’t believe that they don’t have a policy about coupons in writing, that is plain wrong!!!
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:38 pmToday, I went to Walgreens to catch the Garnier Frutis .99 sale. I had 2 items for .99 cent each but the manager told me I can only purchase 1 item per transaction also I could not use my 2-1.00 coups because it would cause a penny overage- A Penny! I think is just ridiculous. Also I was told the Easysaver program is supposed to be ending in April.It seems like a conspiracy to make saving money harder than it already is.
March 9th, 2009 at 8:15 pmI went to Walgreens yesterday and bought a few items using the Walgreens coupons in combination with a manufacturers coupons and did not have any difficulty. The Garnier Fructis Shampoo, which is on sale for 2.99. I used the Walgreens coupon for $2 off and I had a manufacturer’s coupon for $1 off. I also bought the Jergens Natural lotion for $7.99 and used the Walgreens coupon for $2 off with a manuf. coupon for $3 off. Bought 2 Pledge furniture wipes for $3.99 each and used a internet coupon for $3 off of 2. And lastly used a $4 off entire order from Walgreens and paid $5.29 for these 4 items. Not to mention I will claim $2 for the Pledge wipes from this month’s rebate. Which is a savings of $17!!
March 11th, 2009 at 7:56 amI think that Walgreens and Riteaid are great. In 2008, I have gotten over $500 worth of items for free!!
However, I’m a little confused… is it legal to use a store coupon and a manufacturer’s coupon if you are buying 1 item? I know for a fact that Riteaid advertises in their fliers to use their coupons with a manufacturer’s coupons. And I just assumed that Walgreens’ policy would be the same.
I have had trouble this week for the first time with 3 different Walgreen’s cashiers telling me that I can only use one RR per purchase. I asked them if this was a new policy, one said ‘no’ it’s always been this way, and when I told them that I have been allowed to use several (if my purchase qualifies with more items than q’s) I was told that ‘whoever’ was taking more than one RR from me was “not supposed to”. I thought RR’s were as good as cash! One cashier takes all I can use on each purchase. I called Walgreens Customer Service this morning and asked this very question. The lady told me that she would have to have a distric manager call me, and that he would yet this morning. Well, I never got a call. This is nuts! I wish that somehow ALL Wags would be consistant with their policies!!! When you buy items on purpose to get a RR, then you are unable to use them before they expire (due to 1 per purchase) why bother? Ya know?
March 11th, 2009 at 7:12 pmI’ve been at walgreens for a year, and have seen it all. In essence, you get one walgreens coupon and one manufacturer coupon per item. The Register Reward coupon counts as a manufacturer coupon, because it’s sponsored by a company; which is where some of you may get confused: One MFG coupon limit per item. If you use a MFG coupon for any item associated with a RR program, it voids the offer. (this is the hardest one for most customers to understand.) Coupons won’t be accepted for more than the item is worth. For example, if an item is on sale for .99 and you have a $1.00 coupon, it will not be accepted. That’s how my store operates, and it seems to differ around the country, weird!
March 16th, 2009 at 2:48 amI was buying 25 items and handed the cashier 20 coupons, including 2 register rewards. She took the coupons, rang up all my items, rang in half of the coupons, then handed the rest back to me and told me I had too many coupons. She also told me she could only take 1 of the RR. I was stunned, and argued with her. She called the manager and he told her based on my subtotal ($60) she could take both. I was with my toddler and decided not to argue further, I told her I didn’t want the items that she was refusing the coupons for. She told me that would bring the total down and then I couldn’t use both RR. I told her to give me back all the coupons and I wouldn’t take anything, so she took the 2 RR. When I got home I realized that a Walgreen’s coupon for a free item was not rung in, the full amount was charged. I returned it the next day, since I had no proof I had given her that coupon. I am IRATE, and now I am a CVS girl, too. I actually paid $30 cash in addition to coupons. CVS will gladly take that $30. Bye, Walgreen’s!
April 16th, 2009 at 10:07 amWalgreens had a coupon in their flyer for Reynolds foil for $0.89 and I had two $1.00 manf. coupons. I went to walgreens to purchase 2 roles of foil (which their coupon stated limit 3 deals) and to use both of my $1.00 coupons. The manager would not let me do this because my coupon was in excess of the purchase price and he would not override the computer. I left without buying anything. Then I thought the process through on how to “trick” the computer – because the computer is really what would not take my coupons. I went to another walgreens and this is what I did. The regular price on the foil is $1.69 so I had the clerk ring it up then enter both of my $1.00 manuf. coupons and then enter the walgreens $0.89 coupon. The computer said “refund $0.11″. My coupons paid for the tax! The clerk wasn’t sure what to do with the $0.11 so she put it on a walgreens gift card – which in my personal opinion is not giving money back since I MUST spend that at Walgreens. I then wrote to Walgreens customer service and the manager at the first walgreens that I visited called to “resolve” the problem. Of course we did not get anything resolved because he said they could not take coupons in excess of the purchase price and that he would not override the computer. With this much trouble at walgreens I think I will just take my business else where!
June 16th, 2009 at 1:56 pmI work for Walgreens and hope to clear up any misconceptions you may have. First of all, the register is set up to only accept one coupon per item. This issue is usually only questioned when someone wants to use two register rewards on one item, the system will not let you. However. If you have a $10 and a $5 register reward, and you buy a $15 product and a pack of gum, you will be able to use both coupons. As far as trying to use coupons, you can’t use another stores coupons but all MFG coupons are accepted on the register. As a manager, I will tell you that the “coupon policy” is according to the store manager. If you have a problem with a coupon ask for the store manager (most times the assistant will not be as helpful). As far as my store, as long as the coupon isn’t expired, there’s only 1 coupon per number of items being sold, and no one is getting cash back I will accept them. But once again, Walgreens has boundaries for coupon use, but there are no set standards…and once again, that is up the the store manager. Their name is usually on the front door if you need to know. To my knowledge we’re all supposed to be in the business of taking care of the customer. If that means taking a $1 coupon for $.99 so be it. It’s not like we won’t be reimbursed the $.99 and sometimes people need to be reminded of that.
August 3rd, 2009 at 1:12 amI had a cashier who didn’t even know how to scan a coupon, and half way through it (he was doing fine by now) he called the manager over (he was even worse) who voided everything out and restarted. The manager some how was skipping a filler item when scanning the item so I couldn’t use my $5 coupon. He did voided it out six times and each time did the same thing. He just wouldn’t be reasonable! We eventually walked out without anything and wasted an hour of our time due to the “manager.”
August 9th, 2009 at 12:46 amNEVER AGAIN!!!
Anyone know if I can use my remaining rrs at CVS.
I too have had crazy experiences. Sometimes i feel like people are envious of us couponers, because we have found sometimes smart, and all it means to them is More work, DON’T BE MAD AT US, THE MANUFACTURE PRINTS THESE COUPONS. Don’t be lazy, and don’t be rude. If we want to buy mulitiple items, well so be it. My husband is a Marine, and he gets sent out a lot, and i usually try to buy things to send him and his friends..
I tried buying a toothbrust yesterday. I tried using a Walgreens coupon, and a manufacture coupon. couldn’t do it. ATTENTION EMPLOYEES., if it so happens that your Walgreens coupons are “manufacture” according to your computer, would i be able to take your Walgreens coupon and use it at um say TArget..?? NO, OF COURSE NOT. That is a WALGREENS COUPON ONLY. So honor it. the Register Rewards are rewards, I wouldn’t be able to ue that anywhere else either. So honor them all. I want to think that behind the counter is someone with a brain, not a robot. C’mon. You tell to follow the rules, but when you guys are more confused than we are, what can you expect, A DISASTER!!!!!!!!! WHAT ALL YOU WALGREENS EMPLOYEES SHOULD DO IS COMPLAIN TO YOUR HEADQUARTERS, AND DEMAND A POLICY, OR A WRITTEN GUIDELINE. I wonder why?? Well, lets see, Most stores i go to, actually all stores i go to, have a policy, and each person abides by it. I feel sorry for anyone who works at Walgreens, They need to get their act together, because you can’t implement something that doesn’t even exist.
BOTTOM LINE, SO A PERSON GETS 50 DOLLARS WORTH OF STUFF FOR A PENNY, DON’T BE JEALOUS, WHO’S LOSING MONEY??? NOT YOU, BECAUSE YOU TURN AROUND AND FILE A CLAIM TO GET REIMBURSED. WOW. THAT SURE IS STEALING . WALGREENS DOES MORE HARM IN LURING IN CUSTOMERS, AND PROMISING A REWARD ON THEIR NEXT PURCHAS, OH BUT WAIT, WE FORGOT TO MENTION WE TREAT IT AS A MANUFACTURE COUPON, AND YOU MAY NOT USE IT ON OUR NEXT PURCHASE. DON’T DO THAT, THATS LYING. what we do is what millions of americans feel too exhausting, or time consumming, too much work, alot of math, its called being a home economist.
November 20th, 2009 at 1:44 pmOH FOR ALL YOU WHO HAVE STOPPED SHOPPING AT WALGREENS, I SAY, KEEP SHOPPING AT WALGREENS. THATS WHAT THE EMPLOYEES WANT FROM US. IS TO QUIT GOING THERE. FOR ME, I’M THE TYPE OF PERSON THAT , IF I’M DOING IT THE RIGHT WAY, AND IF I KNOW THERE’S NOTHING WRONG WITH WHAT AND HOW I’M DOING IT. WHY NOT SHOP THERE. I STILL DO!!!!!!
IF ANYONE TOLD ME I’M STEALING, WELL’ AT LEAST I’M NOT ASKING FOR WELFARE, (WHEN I AM NOT SUPPOSED TO) OR CHEATING ANY SYSTEM. PEOPLE DON’T GET DISCOURAGED.
Coming from a field of psychology, and majoring in it. I know that when anyone criticizes another person , its because they want what they have.
I LOVE COUPONS, EVEN IF IT MEANS THAT I DEAL WITH SOMETIMES RUDE EMPLOYEES, OR THAT SOMETIMES I AM AWARE OF THEIR RULES, MORE THAN THEY ARE, OR I GET DIRTY LOOKS WHEN I GET FREE ITEMS, thats ok. to me it tells me that i am SMARTER THAN THEY ARE. and if they think i get free stuff, who cares, i can’t take their comments serious, i mean last time i checked i wasn’t being paid by them. so keep thinking, maybe one day you’ll use a coupon to save for your family, and who knows, maybe you’ll love it as much as i do.
November 20th, 2009 at 1:55 pm