So basically, Target is attempting to minimize shelf-clearing, by restricting stockpiling to four like items purchased with the same coupon by the same family each day.
Here's an example of what that looks like in the real world:
Say Wheat Thins crackers are on sale for $2 per box (actually, they are this week.) You have a handful of $1 off 2 Wheat Thins coupons you want to use.
Target will now limit you to using four of those $1 off 2 Wheat Thins coupons per day -- not per transaction, and not by sending another family member through a second register line. Per day.
My guess is that most hard-core (but legitimate couponers) will just begin shopping Target deals multiple times throughout the week -- but that shelf-clearers or coupon scammers will be encouraged to go elsewhere due to this policy change.
The other big change I saw in the Target coupon policy was the addition of this line: "We reserve the right to accept, refuse, or limit the use of any coupon."
So remember when I had that run-in with a Target manager a few months ago who arbitrarily refused my coupons? Yeah, it's official now that they get to do that.
It is so wrong they they make a policy and then basicly put "but we can do whatever we want" at the end.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree...but at least it's now IN the policy! Before, you had the 'official' policy, and then you never knew if you would be dependent on an individual cashier or manager's interpretation of the policy. Now we know we will be. :(
DeleteHow would they know if you had a family member go through a different line? I don't stockpile so I wouldn't have a need to do this just curious as to how they plan to keep that from happening.
ReplyDeleteNot to freak you out too badly, but Target, along with most store chains, has a Loss Prevention team that surveys the store via hidden cameras on almost every aisle.
DeleteSo they see who you're shopping with, and they might even observe a coupon hand-off prior to going to the registers.
That said, Target is setting themselves up for a world of hurt if they try to impose that rule on two shoppers who turn out to just be non-related friends shopping together!
I know this also happens at Hobby Lobby I had 2 20% off coupons and my daughter and i used them when we got to the other side to use 2 more the girl said they got a call saying i used them already and had to come back tomorrow use them again.
DeleteDO PEOPLE STILL SHOP TARGET?
ReplyDeleteI give a month tops before they are forced to change it again. This will hurt them a lot for those who shop at super targets. Personally I haven't done much target shopping in the last few months. CVS and HEB have been offering really good deals.
ReplyDeleteI haven't shopped Target in ages. Always problems with coupons. I stopped shopping there when one manager told me that she didn't have to follow corporate policy and that decisions involving Qs ultimately were her decision! That's the truth! She wasn't lying! That's when I decided that they weren't worth my time. THAT decision is ultimately up to me! LOL!
ReplyDeletewhat about double coupons? i know u were able to use target coupons plus manufacturer coupons before.
ReplyDeleteYou are still allowed to stack a Target coupon with a manufacturer coupon, but many stores will only allow one like Target coupon per transaction -- so you would only be able to stack for one like item each day.
DeleteSo with the cartwheel you wont be able yo triple coupon?
DeleteYes, if there is an item that has a manufacturer coupon, a Target coupon, and a Cartwheel by Target offer, you can use all three at once. I think those sorts of situations will be very rare, however.
DeleteI am just starting to use coupons this week. Is it okay to use printed coupons?
ReplyDeleteTarget allows shoppers to use printable coupons, as long as they scan, and as long as they aren't for free product (a lot of those online coupons are fake.) Be sure to read through the complete Target coupon policy for all the ins and outs!
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