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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    7

    Default Are There Legal Risks From Use of Coupons

    So kind of an odd story. Basically, a local grocery store is doubling coupons up to $1, and have been for years. They're new to the area and I think they're struggling with competition coming in. I used to work there too, for 2 years when I was 16-18. I am a very smart and avid coupon shopper and I will have to admit that I dont buy anything without a coupon. I'm a poor college kid. I usually get most of my stuff free. Well this store has huge problems with me and I obide by every one of their coupon rules; limit of 4 of each coupon per day per person. So I usually am in there everyday.

    Most of the cashiers hate me and I know I'm being watched all the time in there, but there are few that have no problem with me and a couple have told me that loss prevention is watching me pretty much just waiting to ban me from the store when I mess up. Now, I absolutely use every coupons according to its specifications. And the cashiers are supposed to verify each coupon according to my purchase (I know this because I worked there) and they're supposed to verify dates, etc..

    Basically, my parents are worried that they might do something to me, but ultimately I don't see what they could do if I'm obiding by all the rules, but I'm looking for advice on what they could do and I guess any advice on the situation. It's not fair for me to just stop shopping there, nor is it my fault they run good sales and have super coupon doubling. I'm a smart educated consumer. They have made several statements to me about how they look at my purchases (using my customer discount card, which you might be familar with, you need one to get the sale prices in the store, ie. Kroger Plus Card, Giant Eagle Advantage Card) and they think I buy too much. It's like they're tracking me, invasion of privacy I think, plus its none of their business what I buy. I'm not stealing.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Are There Legal Risks From Use of Coupons

    You're not describing anything that would constitute criminal conduct. If the store doesn't like the consequence of their own policy, they can change the policy.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    7

    Default Re: Are There Legal Risks From Use of Coupons

    Can they ban me from the store? If so, do they have to follow any sort of procedure? It is legal that they selectively target me when I'm shopping becuase they don't like me using coupons?

    Also, they have accused me of buying these items (which ultimately I do get most for free) and then reselling them. This is not the case, and even if it were, is that illegal? Do they have the right to be throwing around accusations such as these?

    I hope this doesn't sound ridiculous, and I understand that it is petty, but their actions have, I feel, gotten out of hand. This is in Ohio if that makes any difference.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    I live here. Actually in a little area called the Knob. In Ohio
    Posts
    292

    Default Re: Are There Legal Risks From Use of Coupons

    Quote Quoting Plants05
    View Post
    Can they ban me from the store? If so, do they have to follow any sort of procedure? It is legal that they selectively target me when I'm shopping becuase they don't like me using coupons?

    Also, they have accused me of buying these items (which ultimately I do get most for free) and then reselling them. This is not the case, and even if it were, is that illegal? Do they have the right to be throwing around accusations such as these?

    I hope this doesn't sound ridiculous, and I understand that it is petty, but their actions have, I feel, gotten out of hand. This is in Ohio if that makes any difference.

    I'm in Ohio as well and I use coupons like crazy and a family members company discount where I shop. The mark up on food in the store is 30+% and for non-food stuff up to 50%. As for coupons I am allowed to use whatever I clip from newspapers or magazines. The store does not permit coupons that are printed off the internet. Also I have learn that if my family member buys gift certificates/cards that she gets 5% off on them, 10% off on food with her discount, plus whatever the coupons are on. She can not however *coupon* launder as she has seen people fired over that but if you don't work at the store you shop *coupon* laundering would not be possible in your situation. Do what you are doing and most likely they may not like you in the store but basically there is nothing they can do about it. You seem to be following the rules and what you do with the products after purchasing is not their business. Unless it's baby formula or Sudafed then they are mandated by law to limit how much you can purchase.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Seattle, Wa.
    Posts
    529

    Default Re: Are There Legal Risks From Use of Coupons

    If you're following the rules to the letter and as long as you keep your nose clean so to speak, they can't do diddly! If you are nice, polite and play well with everyone I don't see how you could be booted out. Be sure to smile at the LP....it'll drive him nuts....heh.

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