New Smith’s Coupons & Some Tips For New eCoupon Users

Smith's has released a bunch of new FREE food item coupons. GO HERE to see what's available.

I know, many of you have been experiencing frustrations with Smith's eCoupons the last two weeks. Just remember, you can not combine an eCoupon with a paper manufacturer coupon. This policy has been in effect for nearly a year.  It's just that now the computer makes sure you don't.

Here's the problem, I've voiced before, the eCoupon is going to be used first. You have NO choice on which coupon you can use once you get to the check out lane. If you have a higher value paper coupon that you intend to use and you don't want to buy 2 of the same items, you MUST unload the coupon from your card before you shop.

I'll be sure to note these in future matches.  Internet coupons are being accepted. That has not changed.  Although Smith's doesn't have an official corporate coupon policy here's some suggested guidelines:

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1- Don't photo copy a coupon: We've said it before and we'll say it again, it's illegal! To help you understand why, think of this, manufactures reimburse the stores for the coupons. Plus, the store gets a small handling fee. The manufacturers release a certain number of coupons based on what they determine they want to spend on that given promotion. Mis-use, and we will all pay (including the mis-user).  Many of you have probably already noticed a coupon that used to routinely be for $1.00 is now, more often .75¢.

2- Know where your internet coupon came from: Some coupons, mainly the kind that don't have a watermark, may be questioned at check out. Stores are more alert to this now, because of the high use of fraudulent coupons. So, it's important to know where you got your coupon. The answer isn't Coupons4Utah (although we like if you say that's who finds them for you). We just hunt them down and then send you to the providing website. If the coupon isn't from a coupon printing service (ie coupons.com) We will always tell you what site you're linking to (ie. “head to Wholly Guacamole's Facebook page and print a coupon…) So, if you're asked where the coupon came from, you can answer “Wholly Guacamole's Facebook page.” By doing this you'll have the confidence to know your coupon is legit! Coupons that come from a coupon printer service, like coupons.com already have a pre-set print limit so, now worries about getting a bad one there, once it's gone, it's gone.

3- Read the coupon: Always make sure you are getting the item and size listed on the coupon.

4- If you need printer ink, get some: It happens to us all, cheapskates that we are, we're eeking out that last little drop of printer ink and get a bad coupon print. This is one of the cashiers biggest complaints. Cashiers can and do get in trouble for taking bad coupons, so try and help them out by providing coupons that have good scanable bar codes. You don't have to print in color. I often have my printer set to mid quality black & white. You don't want your coupon to look like it could be a  photo copy. 

5- Coupon Overage: Here's were the fog rolls slowly in. Unlike Walmart, which allows for overage, Smith's doesn't have a policy on this (they need one!). If your coupon is more than the value of the product expect the register to sound of the alert!  Unfortunately, since there is no official coupon policy, you are at the mercy of the cashier and manager. They don't have a way to adjust the coupon down so they can either overide it or not. Sorry, that's the best I have for you to date.

6- Using two coupons with Buy 1, Get 1 Sales: Same alarm sirens above, same discretionary treatment. I know it stinks and is frustrating.  Lets all just keep leaning on them for something more concrete.

7- Using multiple coupons on case lot items: (ie. a case of 12 cans of tuna and I have 12 coupons, each for 1 can of tuna) I rarely have opportunity to do this because I only take one newspaper. I've only ever had occasion once. That was for the Green Beans caselot sale.  But, for those of you that use multiple coupons. You'll get the same red sirens above.

Remember, there is a learning curve. Not only on your end, but on the side of Smith's end too. This new beeping computer system is new to for everyone and probably still has some kinks. They don't strive for unhappy customers. What sane company would?

So, now what?

You're  in the check out lane, palms sweaty, heart beating at an accelerated pace, you've double checked all your coupons. Your transaction is perfect. You are going to save a ton! Oh my gosh, you are so excited all that work is finally going to pay off! Thank you Coupons4Utah!

And…..WHAT!…An angry cashier, that acts as if the money is coming, direct withdraw right  from their own personal checking account. You're made to feel like a robber and suddenly, you're not so sure, are you a robber? Perhaps you should be put in jail for using that Wholly Guacamole coupon. Should you put it back? Or, go out in handcuffs? Is someone going to report you? It feels like the IKEA commercial only you've been caught. NOW WHAT!!  Thanks for nothing Coupons4Utah…HELP…

Joking aside, it's happened to us all.  What to do? First, as you know, I love shopping at Smith's. The checkers & managers at my store have always been kind and customer friendly to me. Now, I won't lie, there are a couple of clerks I avoid. But, overall they are the best! My store is clean and there are plenty of people on hand making sure I've found everything I'm in search of.

However, should you experience “Grumpy Checker syndrome”, stand your ground, you did nothing wrong.  If grumpy is determined to be grumpy, don't let it spoil your day. Maybe their dog died that morning, who knows. Just ask for a manager. It's Smith's corporate policy to have a manager right at the front of the store at all times  (if only their coupon policy were that clear). That usually resolves the issue.

If the managers dog died too and he/she is also grumpy, it's time to get grumpy back, take names, let them know you intend to call their boss and mean it. Then make a phone call. Program the number into your cell phone if you've had a consistent problem.

Imagine if  you ran a customer based company and suddenly 127 of your valuable customers, that could just as easily take your ad and match it at your competitors store,  called in about the same store or manager, what would you as their employer do? Don't be shy, they can't fix what they don't know is broken.

Smith's Customer Relations Hotline:
(888) 876-4847

Happy couponing!