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One of the keys to successful coupon shopping is understanding how your local stores handle coupons and what their policies are around coupons. Many stores have an official coupon policy posted somewhere on their website while there are still a few retailers that are in the Dark Age and have not adopted an official coupon acceptance policy.

I always find it amusing that stores want you to follow the rules when it comes to using coupons, but some of them do not publish their coupon policy so that the consumer can follow it. It is very much like playing a new board game that did not come with instructions.

We here at Printable Coupon Spot have put together a fabulous resource of a list of grocery, drug and national retailer coupon policies. You can find this valuable coupon resource at the following location: Store Coupon Policies

However if your store is not listed there you can do your own homework to find out what your store coupon policies are.

Here is my recommended homework assignment:

• Get some paper and a pen
• On each sheet of paper write the name of all the stores in your area. Do not limit yourself to the stores you always shop at. List all the grocery stores, drug stores, hardware stores, office stores and big box “mart” stores.
• Contact the store corporate offices via email or phone OR go into each store and try to get a moment with the store manager and ask the following questions: (write this info down so you do not forget when you are shopping)
  • Do you accept manufactures coupons?
  • Do you have store coupons? If so can I combine store coupons with manufactures coupons?
  • Do you accept printable coupons? If so what are your policies on accepting printable coupons?
  • Do you accept competitor stores coupons? If so what are your policies on accepting competitor store coupons and what stores do you consider competitors?
  • Do you double or triple coupons? If so what are your policies on doubling and/or tripling coupons?
  • Do you price match competitor store sale ads? If so what are your policies on price matching?
  • If an item that is on sale is out of stock, can I get a rain check?
  • Do I need a store savings card to partake in special promotions and savings?
  • Do you accept expired coupons? If so what are your policies on accepting expired coupons?
  • Write down the name of the person that you spoke to or contacted.
• Once you have your homework done and have a basic understanding of your stores coupon acceptance policy you are ready to go shopping with your coupons.

Remember to do your very best to follow each stores policy when you shop. These are the rules and parameters that the stores have set forth and it is our job as couponers to follow the stores rules and guidelines.

Most stores allow the store manager to use his or her discretion on coupon policies and to limit what types of coupons they will accept or to limit quantities. I have found that if you are courteous to the store cashiers and managers and ask them questions with the attitude that you want to make sure you are using your coupons correctly and within the company policies that the store staff will, in turn, be nicer to you with your coupons.