Can you use coupons even when you don't buy the product its for?

Rarchy · 26 June 2017 at 5:36PM

Hi,

I used to work in ASDA a long time ago (15 years or so), and I remember that we would accept coupons for any item as long as ASDA sold it, irrespective of whether the customer actually bought the item. This was official store policy rather than just staff who couldn't be bothered to check.

Does anyone know if this is still the case with any supermarkets? I assume it isn't, but I have a load of coupons for items I am probably not going to buy, do didn't want to chuck them if I could still use them.

Thanks

Rachel

unforeseen · 26 June 2017 at 5:51PM

I think most supermarket chains have now clamped down even to the extent of refusing to take some coupons even though the item is in the basket

dlusman · 26 June 2017 at 6:39PM

You could use them on self scan ( though only a couple at a time - so not to flag suspicion )

Rarchy · 30 June 2017 at 12:57PM

Thanks for the replies. I might try the self service then!

NBLondon · 30 June 2017 at 2:05PM

A properly programmed self-service till should reject any coupons that don't match the items that have been just scanned.

Given that both Boots and Sainsbury have been known to reject a valid coupon from me - I'd say they have tightened up as unforeseen says.

Maybe try a small chain?

dlusman · 30 June 2017 at 3:15PM

NBLondon wrote: »

A properly programmed self-service till should reject any coupons that don't match the items that have been just scanned.

Given that both Boots and Sainsbury have been known to reject a valid coupon from me - I'd say they have tightened up as unforeseen says.

Maybe try a small chain?

There is nothing in the barcode to identify the product ?

The standard layout for a coupon barcode is
first 6 character - issuer number
next 3 - coupon reference number
next 3 redemption value ( in pence)
final character - check digit

so the only thing that matches the coupon to the product is the "coupon reference number" which is set by the issuer and not known to the supermarket as to what it represents.

IAmWales · 30 June 2017 at 3:55PM

NBLondon wrote: »

Maybe try a small chain?

Maybe stop trying to pull a fast one?

Using a voucher for something you've not purchased is fraud. I doubt any retailer will call the police over a single incident, but nonetheless it is a criminal offence. And a pretty scummy thing to do.

manorf · 20 August 2017 at 7:02AM

IAmWales wrote: »

Maybe stop trying to pull a fast one?

Using a voucher for something you've not purchased is fraud. I doubt any retailer will call the police over a single incident, but nonetheless it is a criminal offence. And a pretty scummy thing to do.

It isn't fraud or any sort of offence at all - so long as you do not try to misrepresent the situation and do not claim to have bought the product. Many small shops will take a few vouchers when you've not bought the product and some branches of the multiples will usually take a few too - Sainsburys in easiest though Asda will at the moment only take what you buy.

DigForVictory · 20 August 2017 at 11:05AM

Store policies vary - so if in doubt, ask.

You'd be stunned how much more help and cooperation you get with a smile as well.

Happy shopping!

Can you use coupons even when you don't buy the product its for?

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