Many shoppers want to save money with digital or paper coupons. However, one popular retailer is making coupons increasingly difficult to use.
Shopper Carla Duburgy said she noticed something different when she tried to use a coupon at Target.
“I had two coupons, but I only received one,” she said.
Target new policy
So what has changed? Target recently updated its in-store coupon policy. In a statement, the company explained that the new policy is to curb fraud and fake coupons.
“From October 3rd, Target will only accept coupons that can be verified via a barcode master file provided by the manufacturer,” the company said. “This has reduced the acceptance of counterfeit coupons by 95%. Not only has this reduced coupon fraud, [but] It also helps ensure consistency in our team and ensures that all guests have access to the savings intended for them.”
For shoppers with paper coupons, it can mean rejection at the checkout.
Joanie Demer, co-founder of The Krazy Coupon Lady blog, said this is a big change from Target’s previous policy.
“Everything outside of the Target app has to be validated against this central database, which is very different from how we used to do it,” she explained.
A recent test by her team found that only half of the paper coupons were accepted by Target’s cash register.
“It takes about 50 to 50 shots for that coupon to be automatically accepted at the register,” she said.
Duburgy said the new policy is frustrating.
“If I have a coupon, I know I’ll probably have to fight to get what the coupon says I should get,” she said. .
What can coupon providers do about the new policy?
Crazy Coupon Lady suggests:
- Use coupons in Target’s app instead of paper coupons
- Save paper coupons from other stores
That way you won’t get frustrated and you won’t waste your money.
Don’t Waste Your Money” is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. (“Scripps”).
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