Smith’s Coupon Policy August 2012

A number of you have reached out to me with issues of Smith's in St. George choosing not to accept coupons on sale items. To my knowledge this is an isolated problem with St. George location only.

I contacted Kroger regional offices today, 8/21/2012, regarding this matter. I was told that there is nothing in the official coupon policy that states they will not accept coupons on sale and 10 item event items. If you are having this issue with your specif location, I would suggest you contact customer service at (888) 876-4847 or email. You may also get some result via their Facebook page.

I've posted before, the main problem with Smith's coupon policy is that they really don't have one. Their official policy basically states the manager can do whatever he/she wants to in regards to accepting coupons.

The store manager has the right to accept, decline or limit the quantity of coupons or items used or purchased in a single transaction, by a single customer, or in a single day.

This basically means, if the store manager is a mean and nasty person, they can have a mean and nasty coupon policy. They can change it hourly and without notice if they choose. The person in line in front of you may have success using their coupons and when you hand over the identical coupons, you could be turned away. And that, according to Smith's Coupon Policy, would all be okee dokee with Kroger.

I'm not really sure why a manager would choose to not accept coupons and turn customers away. Remember, stores are reimbursed by the manufacturer for a coupon. It's just like money to the store. The manufacturers of these products run these mass promotions because they want you to try their products. I know this, because I receive 100's of emails from manufacturers asking me to share their coupons with you. It is NOT a coincidence the items for these coupons go on sale at the same time.

On top of that, the stores also receive a handling fee ($0.07-$0.09 per coupon) from the manufacturer. Grocery Stores DO NOT lose money by accepting legitimate coupons. They actually make money.

Unfortunately, I don't know the dynamics of this particular store or the management staff. However, were I a shopper there, I would insist that the manger post this new policy on the store doors, so folks don't waist their time at the store doing their shopping, only to be surprised at check-out.

Remember, you can always price match advertised sale items at Walmart.

Purchase of 10 is not required.

Here is Smith's most up to date coupon policy. This was sent to me on 8/21/2012. Unfortunately, Smith's does not value this policy enough to post it on their website. It has to be emailed to you.

Our coupon policy varies by division. The policy for stores in your area is as follows. Please note that this policy is our most current; however it is subject to change without notice.

The store manager has the right to accept, decline or limit the quantity of coupons or items used or purchased in a single transaction, by a single customer, or in a single day.

That is the ONLY part of the policy that matters, until they revise that statement, the rest of the policy is irrelevant.

Double Coupons:
* Coupons are not doubled.

Pharmacy Coupons:
* Competitor pharmacy coupons are not accepted.
* LCM or Competitor Coupons may not be used in conjunction with our $4 Generic Program

General Coupon Policy:
* Limit one (1) manufacturer coupon per item purchased.
* Limit one (1) store coupon per item purchased.
* Limit one (1) manufacturer and one (1) store coupon can be used on the same item.
* Catalina (competitor checkout) coupons are accepted.
– Limit one (1) Catalina coupon per item.
– Catalina coupons may not be used with a manufacturer coupon on the same item.
– There is no limit on the number of Catalina coupons (one Catalina coupon per item) that are presented in a single transaction as long as the total coupon amount does not exceed the total grocery bill for that transaction.
* Coupons cannot be used on “free” items.
* Expired coupons are not accepted.
* Amount refunded cannot exceed the cost of the item.

In closing, I'd like to say, I like Smith's, it's NO SECRET, they are a store I frequent often. I enjoy the sales and events they hold and I believe they, along with MANY of our local grocers, are great contributors to our Utah economy and community. If I didn't, I wouldn't waste my time doing my hand posted and researched matches that have become so popular, not only in Utah, but in every state that has a Smith's store.

I would like to urge Smith's, however, to address their very weak coupon policy before it becomes a matter of social politics.

Happy Shopping

Thanks to all the St. George readers that alerted me to this issue.  And special thanks to Kelly at DixieDollarDeals. If you live in St. George, you may want to add her blog to your list of frugal resources.