I know many of you were confused by the verbiage in the new Rite Aid Coupon Policy.
Rite Aid accepts Buy One, Get One Free coupons, however only one coupon can be used for each pair of items purchased. A customer can use one “cents off” coupon in conjunction with the item they are purchasing on a Buy One, Get One Free promotion (or with a Buy One Get One Free coupon), although the value of the cents off coupon cannot exceed the selling price of the item.
Here is some clarity as I understand the policy {confirmed with Rite Aid Rep}
Scenario: Purex is on sale – Buy One, Get One Free. The shelf price is $6.99.
PERMITTED
Buy (2) Purex Detergent Buy One, Get One Free $6.99
Use $1.00/1 manufacturer coupon
Pay $5.99 for two
Buy (2) Purex Detergent Buy One, Get One Free $6.99
use $1.00/1 manufacturer coupon
use $1.00/1 Video Values
Pay $4.99 for two
Buy (4) Purex Detergent Buy One, Get One Free $13.98
use $1.00/2 manufacturer coupon
NOT PERMITTED
Buy (2) Purex Detergent Buy One, Get One Free $6.99
Use $1.00/ 2 coupon
Buy (2) Purex Detergent Buy One, Get One Free $6.99
use (2) $1.00/1 manufacturer coupon
Buy (2) Purex Detergent Buy One, Get One Free $6.99
use (1) $2.00/2 Video Values
I hope this clears the BOGO policy with a “cents off” coupon.
As a side note, I made an error with my post yesterday. Apparently, Rite aid has always had they will not refund the coupon amount in the policy. I apologize for that. I still have a problem with the fact that I cannot get a store credit if I used my UPR.
As far as those overall policy goes, I am not upset with the 4 limit. There are some deals I will just skip – if Rite Aid requires a purchase of 5 and I can only use 4 coupons – then I just won’t buy it. The BOGO with a BOGO is understandable to an extent. The part of the policy that makes me a little irritated is that you cannot use (2) coupons (cents/dollar off) with a BOGO sale. However, it is what it is and I will not continue to complain.
I have been shopping at Rite Aid exclusively for 2 years now. However, there are deals to be had at other stores as well. I think we just need to keep that in mind. What we cannot find at Rite Aid, I am sure we can find elsewhere.
Thoughts?
Laura D says
Help please…
I wanted to add a picture somewhere on here. Perhaps I’m wrong. I had to reread the Rite Aid q policy. They have a sale Buy 2 get one free on Snickers & Twix candy bards, I have a Manu Q Buy 2 get one free. I was trying to buy 2 get 2 free. But I think I can’t right. I”m so confused :/
CouponNinja says
@ Shannon (For The Mommas) and anyone else upset with the policy change.
I just want to put this out there. The whole bogo change with Rite Aid really sucks, but more then that I am worried that the other drug stores will eventually follow their lead.
My boyfriends a real techy guy and he knows a lot about computers/cell phones. Anyway HTC one of the leaders in the cell phone industry announced that they were going to be locking their phones a couple days ago. This would mean that all of the techy guys all over the world would not be able to customize their phones. As a result the word got out and in a matter of minutes the HTC facebook page was FLOODED with comments expressing everyones dislike of the change. Within 2 Days the CEO posted a comment on the HTC wall:
”There has been overwhelmingly customer feedback that people want access to open bootloaders on HTC phones. I want you to know that we’ve listened. Today, I’m confirming we will no longer be locking the bootloaders on our devices. Thanks for your passion, support and patience, – Peter Chou, CEO of HTC”
You can see it yourself here:
https://www.facebook.com/HTC
*It’s easy to say “this sucks, I won’t shop Rite Aid anymore” I’ve said it too. But what happens when the other companies follow their lead? We won’t have any other options…
I just want to remind everyone that we have a say in these situations, and with the ease of using forums like facebook why not speak up?
http://www.facebook.com/riteaid
-Thanks for reading :)
Shannon says
Thanks for your comment. I have already expressed my concerns directly to the people that matter at Rite Aid and this blog is my forum to publicly express what I think.. (they do read it) With that said, I do believe that there is merit to voicing your concerns as a consumer, unfortunately I think many people on Facebook are going about it the wrong way.
CouponNinja says
I agree with that. There’s nothing wrong with being passionate about an opinion but some people take it to the point of disrespect, which isn’t cool.
Cathy @ Chief Family Officer says
Thanks for posting this – the scenarios are very helpful!
Nancy says
Shannon, to what you said in your blog post-Amen. And I do think that I will be skipping deals as well, and also looking to find the deals elsewhere. RA is going to suffer in the long run, and I’ve voiced as much to them on the “contact us” part of their site. IF they read it, and if they consider it at all, hopefully they will reconsider what they’ve done. And if not, they are the ones that will suffer because their bottom line surely will change in the next few weeks/months.
Kari says
What about their promos of “Buy One Get One 50% Off.” Should we still be able to use a $1/2 MQ towards that purchase?
Heather says
Disappointed cause I have a raincheck for the b1g1 free finish from last week, if they would have had it in stock last week i would have gotten a better deal. but now that i can only use one manuf coupon that really stinks.
Nicole W. says
Shannon, thank you for the clarification! I am printing out your example and placing it in my binder as a reminder.
Dizzy Mommy says
I don’t mind the policy much, I dont like the one coupon for BOGO, but shall deal. The only thing I still have a huge issue with is the words Manager Discretion, I have never been a fan of that term at any store. I feel it will get used as an excuse for whatever too often. Ive stopped shopping at Target because there cashiers and managers always always use that line. I know the store manager at my now local Rite Aid and he will use those words in ways I assume Rite Aid didn’t mean them. Oh well….if he turns me down and the deal is really great I’ll drive 30 miles to my friends store when I take my eldest to her best friends house every week.
Janet says
Ummmm Rite Aid regular prices are too high. That now makes BOGO’s not worthwhile at Rite Aid…
J says
While the return policy of no money back for the coupon is frustrating, it is the result of “abuse” from people who would take advantage of the return policy to get “cash” for coupons, which is specifically against the coupon rules in most cases. It is a type of fraud, and unfortunately, those of us with legitimate returns are screwed out of money as a result of enforcing rules to prevent fraud. It has nothing to do with whether the manufacturer reimburses them or not, unfortunately.
I am disappointed with the policy change, but it was good while it lasted. I still believe RA’s coupon policy is among the more generous out there. It is just too bad that it had to come to this.
Susan says
There is a big discussion about this on RA’s Facebook page
Ruth says
This new coupon policy will put them out of business. I live in a very small town and they are building a SuperWalmart which the city had been fighting to keep out for 8 years. Walmart as always won the battle. There is two Rite Aids in town and I know that couponers give them A LOT of their business. Since they put limits in UPRs, I have been to Rite Aid once in three weeks and I used to go there two to three times a week. I haven’t been to Walgreens in my town for about 8 due to their nasty customer service towards couponers. In my small town, this new coupon policy will actually close their store. Their prices are high and with a SuperWalmart right across the street, they won’t survive which saddens me because the employees at that store are great. However, the decisions are being made by some corporate team who doesn’t really understand that some of these policies will hurt their stores in the long run. They need to focus more on enhancing their computer system to detect fraudulent coupons and correct coupon for the purchased product instead of limiting number of coupons per transaction.
Sheila says
I don’t get why they won’t accept a $1/2 coupon in a BOGO sale. I get what you’re saying, I just don’t get the policy. I know someone that used to run a store and they accepted coupons. They said they liked getting coupons because not only did they get reimbursed the face value of the coupon, but they were also reimbursed a handling fee (it’s in the fine print of the coupon). Granted, the fee is very small on one coupon, but it would add up to several extra hundred dollars that they wouldn’t have made if the customer hadn’t used a coupon. So basically, I don’t get why stores wouldn’t want to accept as many coupons as they could.
Kris says
about the dixie plate scenerio……do you believe the VV would beep or that the the clerk would not allow it to be used or both? I am having a hard time believing-right or wrong- that my nice 18 year old young man cashier is going to tell me I can’t use a $2/2 when I have 2 packages in my order.
Shannon says
Kris,
Beeping is no indication of whether a coupon is valid or not.
Melissa S says
Shannon you hit the nail on the head! I am in agreement 100%, life is to short to dwell on negative things and by the way you should be celebrated for helping the tornado victims in MO. I will be donating, thank you for allowing me to help even if it is in a small way by donating items.
Laura N says
What about if you buy 4 of the BOGO purex… since you are paying full price for 2 can you use a BOGO coupon on the 2 you have to buy…. basically B1G3?
I am PISSED at Rite Aid right now… this update sucks… and I hope they lose money… that plus the fact that coupons do not count towards your points… umm lame, are they getting money they otherwise would not have? Yes – so give me the points!
Sorry for the rant…
Tanesha says
Boy isn’t that going drive away customers!!! I suppose my rain check I got for the finish they’ll keep it since it was B1G1F @ $4.79 and I could use (2) Manufacturer Coupons and (1) Rite Aid Coupon -Video Value- but since that’s not the case. They’ll loose business big time or it comes down to who you are in life all over again.
I 100% agree with the whole +Up thing if you have to purchase 5 and can only use 4 cent-off coupons I won’t by it either. I have been shopping at Rite Aid throughout many, many years and I ABSOLUTELY HATE THESE CHANGES. I 100% agree with COMPLAINING TOO! I just finished a Rite Aid Complaint on Monday with the lady saying I would be able to use my expired coupons for the Tylenol Precise Pain Patch due to my store only limited one per customer and they only got TWO in on their truck. As of Monday I could use all of my expired coupons all in the same purchase. I guess not any longer since the coupon policy has changed.
This makes me Angry, Frustrated, and a very unhappy customer AGAIN. Just when things I thought were worked out now this…. I suppose they’ll hear from me again! To see what they recommend me do. But there new coupon policy is another whole bunch of Whop la and pooh.
Lindsey says
Does anyone know — I just used a BOGO free Degree deodorant at Giant. I also had a separate $1 off and a $1 doubler = making the deodorants about $.50 a piece. But the clerk charged me tax on both. Is this right?
J says
PA Sales Tax Code, if you read it, depends on the register, how the receipts are printed, how items are labeled, and how the IRS interprets the sale. So the same purchase at one store, for example a dollar item with a dollar off q, might be $0.06, and at another store completely free. It isn’t their call, and both are legal; they have to abide by the scenario that fits them….the code has a million scenarios for similar sales with subtle variations that impact how sales tax it calculated. So it might be worth it to take note which stores charge tax on the full amount and which do not b/c it can make a big difference on “free” items in the long run! Such is life.
john says
Please post your dislike on their facebook page. We have to fight to get the policy changed back. Don’t give up and accept it. We have taken to their facebook page before and have won in the past. Keep fighting!!!
MsDana says
I have a dumb question… I wanted to go there to do the “Dixie plates” deal and they’re BOGO and I wanted to use the $2/2 VV coupon… will it not work?
Shannon says
Right. Deal wont work as of yesterday.
Corlien says
I had not read the policy yet yesterday, and used the $2/2 Video Value on the Dixie Plates. I don’t understand why it is not right to do this, as it is still only one cents off coupon. Can you explain??
Shannon says
You are using a coupon on the free product. That is the whole point of the new policy, not to use a coupon on the free item.
Corlien says
Oh, got it!! Well, I did not do it on purpose, and I had not read the policy yet. I guess I cannot be faulted for mistakes done in ignorance. Especially when it was in YOUR preview!! lol :)
melissa says
I understand what they’re trying to do, but the policy says only ONE coupon on a BOGO transaction… a $1/2 coupon is still ONE coupon, right? Seems to be a loop hole that they don’t address. They have Twizzlers on sale this week BOGO and right in the ad, it says that there’s a $1/2 ad perk coupon available. I wonder if anyone has clarified this particular situation.
Liza says
Now I’m bummed. My local RAs were out of the Ultras, so I got a raincheck. Now I can’t even use it! Ugh!
Michelle says
Thanks so much for this great clarification example!!!
SherrieB says
I wanted to add: Is there any clarification to be had on returning and item where a UPR or Man Q was used? (Man Q are not itemized on the receipt with a description – how are they to even know a coupon was used?)
From my understanding over the past year we were to be issued store credit. I did not realize some RAs didnt do that, as that has been the protocol for the RAs in my area.
It will definitely make me more tentative on my shopping trips knowing I can’t return anything.
SherrieB says
Thanks Shannon for your update.
I too think the BOGO coupon policy absolutely stinks and am a little confused as others have expressed why it had to change if they were being reimbursed for the value of the coupon.
I dont mind the limit of 4 so much, especially if the items are tracking, as this will help. I dont see why you couldnt go back later in the week and finish the deal, although it would be inconvenient. I understand how many people were finding the shelves cleared at their Rite Aids. The ironic thing for me is that over the past few months I was finding my shelves fully stocked and was completely surprised.
I think that polite comments and calls might help to change these things over time.
I have actually taken a break from RA (or any drug store) over the past month as I have a large stockpile and have been super busy. With these changes I think I may also look to more CVS and Wags shopping, with some minor stops at RA for the super good deals. Money talks, and if this affects their overall sales, I’m sure their will be some changes in the future.
Thanks again for all your efforts.
P.S. I miss the pictures of your weekly RA trips. That’s my favorite part of your blog!! (and the font. he. he.)
melissa says
i work at rite aid and i asked my manager about this from seeing it on your website and this is false. the coupon policy has not changed
Shannon says
Umm ok, sure. Apparently your manager has no clue what they are talking about. It is on the Rite aid website, the rite aid facebook page and an official release from rite aid corporate. Sadly, it wouldn’t suprise me if your comment is true –that a manager doesn’t know the policy at a store. Hmm.
Elle Kasey says
I’m sorry that people pop in to post obnoxious comments on your fabulous site and then don’t even return to read the follow ups. Yours is SUCH a helpful site. I am always amazed when people go out of their way to find fault with it!
stephanie says
So odd, since they get reimbursed for the coupons anyhow……. They are just getting stricter & stricter. I go there only when I have to. Its such a pain to deal with the RA by me. Most of the time they don’t even have the items in stock at 8am Sunday morning. Sad, I use to shop there all the time & since they have been making so many changes, its just not worth it.
Lauren says
Hi Shannon – Thanks so much for working on this for us. You mentioned the return policy above and I am having trouble with that section as well. I typically pay for my whole transaction with UPS – and I’m going to have much higher anxiety at the register if I know that I can’t return anything. I shop with a 3 year old and an infant…I make mistakes!!!
The BOGO stuff is their decision – not my favorite – but we have to live with it. The return policy on the other hand is going to be really difficult to live with.
Lauren
Daphyn says
While the coupon policy states that Rite Aid cannot refund cash for any returned item for which a coupon was used, you should still receive store credit. This is not a new part of their policy. This is typical language in coupon policies since coupons are not to be redeemed for cash. This is what CVS does too; I once returned a bunch of diapers at CVS because they were the wrong size and I received the refunded amount in two forms–the amount of cash spent was refunded to my Visa, while the amount paid for in coupons was issued as a store credit.
Shannon says
Daphyn,
Not according to the stores and rite aid. They cannot give you credit — you can exchange but no credit. I have had this problem for a long time and so have many other readers. If you get store credit, you are lucky.
Daphyn says
Wow! Actually, I’ve never even had to question what this meant before and I forgot it became a part of their policy last August. I’ve never had problems making a return at any of the Harrisburg area stores. In fact, a couple of weeks ago, I was returning diapers (for which I had used a $3 Huggies coupon and a $4 Rite Aid Wellness Store cpn) because they were the wrong size and I hoped (if in stock) to buy another pack at the right size. The cashier suggested I just do the return after shopping, in the same transaction as any new purchases, but I wanted to use a $3/$15 coupon on my purchase and didn’t want the return to decrease the amount, so they did the return to my credit card separately.
Is this only a problem if the return exceeds the amount paid? Manufacturer coupons don’t show up with any specific details on the receipt, so how do they know which coupons were used on each item?
Kelly says
I am with you – I have been loyal to Rite Aid for the past year and a half but this will crimp my style just a bit. The 4 like coupons is not such a big deal but the BOGO will hurt. No more free Always/Stayfree for us!
This Sunday I am going to check out a brand new local Walgreens and see how stock is. I really want to stick with one store though so Rite Aid may lose me. Although I really like their $3.39 price for milk! I don’t know maybe just see how it goes.
kristy says
Just keep in mind that Walgreens policy is only one manufacturer coupon per item…and the register rewards that print are considered manufacturer coupons. Therefore, say you purchase 3 items and you have a manufacturer coupon for each item and it brings your total to $1 and you have a $1 register reward coupon that printed at your previous sale…you would have to purchase a 4th item in order to use it!
heather says
i dont shop at walgreens cause its too confusing to me and not worth the hassle
Tami R. says
Yes, they make it so that you have to spend extra money to use the coupons. This item to coupon ratio thing a lot of times makes it not even worth doing cause it is no longer a good deal after the extra item purchased. I will continue to give Rite Aid a chance but the more they mess with us couponers, the more I am going to take my coupons and money somewhere else that is more “coupon friendly.”
Karen says
Well Shannon, as you know, I agree with you about this 100%.
I am not a fan of the part with only being able to use one coupon for a B1G1 free sale. This is why I do not love to shop at one of my local grocery stores for B1G1 free sales. But I do shop at this same store nonetheless for other sale deals.
Which is what I will continue to do at Rite Aid. I will still shop there and like you, I may have to miss out on a few deals because of the changes now, but that’s okay. Rite Aid still has many great features of their coupon policy. We just need to adjust our shopping to their policy.
Thanks for keeping us updated on this!
Karen
Kristin says
I’m disappointed in the same thing that you are, that you can’t use 2 coupons on a BOGO sale, that makes absolutely no sense at all. They will still get reimbursed. I have been shopping less and less at Rite Aid for the last 2 months or so, and I see that will continue to go down. I’ve been MUCH happier with in-store sales as of late.
Sophia says
Shannon, thanks for getting clarification on the new coupon policy. I’m also irritated about not being able to use two cents-off coupons with a BOGO free sale. I have gotten some excellent deals that way, and unfortunately, Target and Walmart won’t price match the BOGO sales, so it’s not like I can take my business elsewhere and get the same deal.
Well…like you said: “it is what it is.” Time will tell if Rite Aid’s new coupon policy is for the better or the worse of the company. The policy change isn’t enough for me to throw in the towel at Rite Aid. I’m not loyal to any one store–my loyalty is to my household finances, so whoever can offer me the products I buy at the price points I buy at–that is who will get my money (and my coupons).
Shannon says
Great comment Sophia. Thats exactly how I feel too :)
Wendy says
WalMart’s new policy is to price match BOGO’s… Or… am I missing something?
lindsayR says
I agree! I’m irritated by some of the new changes, especially with the BOGO policy since it all used to be allowed and they will still be reimbursed for the coupon. I was focused on Rite Aid for a long time, but I feel like they have changed so many policies and programs over the past 6 months, that I’m just frustrated. I won’t refuse to shop at Rite Aid, but I’ve come to appreciate the consistency I find with CVS.
MADELINE says
I was just wondering in regards to your first paragraph above…does that mean I can use a BOGO manufacturer coupon and then also use a manufacturer coupon $1/1??
Shannon says
I believe you can depending on how the coupon is coded. Remember a 14 coded bogo cannot be used with another coupon.
Corlien says
I did this today. Used a BOGO coupon on an item that was on sale for $2.50, then a .75 cent coupon. They allowed it, as it is in their new policy. Thanks Shannon for all the clarification. You’re TANK!! (That or BEAST, as my kids would say). It means you are awesome, or that you ROCK!!
Julie says
What is a “cents off” coupon? Is that a manufacturers Q or a RA Q? I just never heard of a coupon being referred to as “cents off”. Thanks :)
Shannon says
Any coupon thats not a bogo or free coupon.
ueen says
How about if the item is NOT on BOGO and you have a BOGO Q? Can you use 1 BOGO Q and “$ off 1” manufacturer Q?
Stephan says
Yes you can!