This is the latest policy update as of 4/2 and it was updated on 3/16/11
Hopefully I can help de-code what can be a very confusing policy, especially if you are new to coupons.
PRINT-AT-HOME COUPONS:They WILL accept these as long as they have they say "Manufacturer Coupon", an address on the coupon (where Wal-Mart can mail it to get reimbursed), an expiration date, and a scannable bar-code.
These can be in black and white (and even printed in draft quality), As long as you can read it. DO NOT DUPLICATE THESE or any coupon. That is the same as stealing.
If the coupon offers free product without the purchase of something else, they WILL NOT ACCEPT IT!
COMPETITOR'S COUPONS:They WILL take competitors coupons (from an ad or printed at home) as long as they list a specific price for a specific item.
So if you have a Winco coupon that says: get a bag of Frito Lays Doritos any variety and size, for $1.00, Wal-Mart WILL accept it. If the Winco coupon says: save $1.00 on a bag of Frito Lays Doritos any variety and size, they WILL NOT accept it.
Also, with competitor's coupons, they MUST HAVE an expiration date and are also fine in black and white.
CHECK OUT COUPONS ("CATALINAS"):
These are any coupon that is printed at the register at the same time as your receipt from a purchase.
Wal-Mart WILL ACCEPT these IF there is a specific amount off of a specific item. i.e. $2.00 off of 4 boxes of cereal.
"Manufacturer Coupon" MUST be printed on it, as well as specific requirements. These also MUST HAVE an address they can send it to in order to get reimbursed for it. Must have expiration date and a scannable bar-code.
They WILL NOT ACCEPT catalinas for amounts off entire purchase (dollars or percentage). Example:
These coupons are both from Walgreens, they both say Manufacturer Coupo non them and have all of the required points for Wal-Mart to accept them. BUT they one on top says a specific amount off of the entire purchase, so they will NOT accept it.
The one on the bottom states a specific amount off of a specific item, so it is acceptable.
Their policy also states that they will not accept more than one coupon per item, so no stacking competitor's coupons with manufacturer's coupons. If you have one of each, you'll have to get 2 separate items.
You can
go here to print off you own copy of the policy. Read it, know it and be more comfortable with it,
I really hope this helps you more. There is so much to learn when it comes to coupons, and things change all the time. But don't give up and don't get discouraged. I make mistakes from time to time, and the worst thing that will ever happen is your coupon will not be accepted, at which time you can decide to either pay full price for the item or kindly say you don't want it, then they will re-shelve it for you after you have left. So keep trying and stick with it. The longer you use coupons the better you'll get at it, and the more confidence you'll have; not to mention the more money you will save.
Happy saving!
