This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Clipping coupons can save a lot of money. But now, at a Walmart store, they can make you money, too.
Wal-Mart has a new coupon policy, which for the first time clearly states that the global retailer not only will accept a coupon that's worth more than the item being purchased but also will give the customer the difference.
For example, if you have a coupon worth $3 off any size package of a particular brand of disposable razors and you buy the smallest size priced at only $1.88, Wal-Mart will give you the $1.12 difference in cash — or apply the money to your other purchases.
As coupon use has escalated during the economic downturn, manufacturers have released higher-value coupons to get shoppers to use their products. In a growing number of cases, the coupon value can exceed the value of the item being purchased.
What makes the new policy so unique is that most stores still refuse to give shoppers any coupon "overage," instead opting to "key down" the value of coupons to match the purchase price.
Wal-Mart, one of the first retailers to offer an extensive price-matching policy, is now the first to not only address in writing the issue of coupon overage, but also to allow it. (The global retailer is willing to refund the difference because it gets reimbursed by manufacturers for a coupon's full value.)
The move undoubtedly stems from increased competition in recent years by Target. A popular retailer but not traditionally known for its low prices, Target has stepped up efforts in recent years to lure bargain shoppers.
Target has become more competitive pricewise and now offers a large selection of printable coupons on its website, Target.com. Some coupons, like a $1 off Target-brand pain-reliever coupon, can net shoppers free ibuprofen. Another coupon, for $1 off any store brand oral care product, can get you free dental floss. Wal-Mart generally doesn't offer any store coupons.
Target also beefed up its coupon policy during the recession as well, clearly stating that consumers may use one store coupon and one manufacturer's coupon on the same item for added savings. For example, if Target has a printable store coupon worth $1 off Kellogg's cereal, a shopper could pair it with a manufacturer's coupon worth $1 off a box of Kellogg's cereal, for a total of $2 off one box. (For more information about Target's coupon policy, go to http://bit.ly/hRWWNC.)
Target also now matches competitors' prices much like Walmart stores began doing years ago. Shoppers simply bring in a printed advertisement; most stores handle price-matching right at the register. Target's policy is a bit more strict and a bit of a hassle, with most stores requiring shoppers to price-match at the customer service counter instead of the checkout line.
As part of its most recent review of its coupon policy, Walmart stores also have elected to start accepting competitor's coupons that state a specific price. As with the price-matching policy, this new coupon rule doesn't include coupons that offer percentage-off discounts or buy one get one free coupons. It must state a specific price, such as $1.99. But it still offers a greater convenience to customers.
If you're headed to a Walmart store with coupons, go to Walmartstores.com/7655.aspx and print out a copy of the new policy with you. Using coupons has become more complex in recent years with the addition of Internet printables, mobile coupons and many other types of offers.
Many stores, Walmarts included, haven't always kept up with the process of educating employees and even managers regarding their own coupon policies, which has led to some frustration at checkout. It's going to take some time for stores — and their employees — to adapt to all of these changes.