Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Kroger - Coupon policy changes - coupon limits

I don't have a Kroger, honestly can't say I have ever been in one, but I know it is a popular grocery store. Now to pick apart this article...

Kroger's Southeast Region is limiting the number of coupons shoppers can use.

A spokeswoman said couponing has become so popular, Kroger wants to make sure there's enough product for everyone.
That is the first problem. Manufacturers put out coupons to be used. As long as they are accepted, the store makes back the full coupon amount PLUS $.08. Eight cents isn't much for one or two coupons, but when a serious couponer comes in with 200 coupons, the store just made $16. The individual stores know when items are going on sale and SHOULD know to order extra items. This makes no sense to me. Except that there are some rude couponers who DO clear shelves, but those are not us.

Kroger is now reserving the right to limit the number to five manufacturers coupons for the same product and two internet printable coupons for the same product. In many cases this would mean couponers would be limited to a maximum of seven of the same item per shopping trip.
So you can only buy 5 items... do they NOT have BOGOs? If they do, right there they are not accepting a coupon for the 6th item. My sister has 2 cats that like a specific tray cat food. If she only bought 5 trays at a time, she would have to go back every other day! What about large families? 5 Hamburger Helpers may only last a family 2 meals. 
Kroger says one extreme shopper in particular who regularly cleared store shelves of products caused the change in policy.
BS. They would not change all of their rules for 1 person.
About six months ago Publix clarified its own coupon policy to limit the use of competitor coupons.  
Correct, they now tell us who their competitors are... there is a general radius they stick to, unless there is another Publix in the vicinity. 
Each Publix and Kroger store posts their coupon policy at checkout, though at times policies can vary from store to store.
"YMMV" is a PITA.

Thanks Summer!

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