Coupon Clarity: Redeemable AT VS. Redeemable Only!

Lately, we have been seeing a lot of coupons, especially the printable coupons, that include verbiage on them that seems to being putting some limits on where you can actually use them at.  Specifically, coupons that say "Redeemable at" or Redeemable only" on them.  Here's what that really means!

When a coupon includes wording that says "Redeemable at or Available at" a specific store, it is simply suggesting that you use that coupon at that store. But, you should still be able to use it at other stores as well, as long as it states that it is a Manufacturers coupon and the bar code on the coupon starts with the number 5 or number 9. It will scan just fine and that store will be reimbursed for it!

Periodically, you will encounter a cashier that doesn't understand this and won't allow you to use that coupon. That's ok, just put the product back! Or, if it is something you really need, you can politely ask to have the manager take a look at the coupon, point out that it is a valid Manufacturers coupon as it should include the redemption address for the clearing house as well as the other markers (listed in the previous paragraph) that indicate that it is a MF and not a store coupon.  If they still will not accept the coupon, then you know for sure now that particular store won't accept coupons that have other store Logos on them and can plan accordingly for the next time. 

When a coupon includes wording that says "Redeemable only" at a certain store, then you cannot use it at another store, even if it says it is a Manufacturers coupon and the bar code on the coupon starts with either number 5 or number 9. It would still probably scan just fine, but if it is not used at the store listed on the coupon, they will not be reimbursed for it.

Prior to this year, we did not see this language on coupons very often.  My guess is that it has a lot to do with the spot light that Extreme Couponing has put on coupon shopping. There have been so many changes to store coupon policies in just the last few months that it is hard to keep up on all of it!  If anything, that is the one consistant thing about couponing, things are bound to change and you just got to roll with them :)