This from reader Shawna:

“So, I took my internet coupons to Wal-Mart today and they were refused. I am NEW to internet coupons, but this is ridiculous. So…instead…I shopped at Kroger and at Tom Thumb.”

Do you hear that, Wal-Mart? You lost a customer!

I agree, Shawna, this is ridiculous! And this is not the first time I have heard this, either. You have probably read about my Wal-Mart frustrations, however, I have NEVER had a coupon refused!

So… I am asking you, frugal friends. Join with me and take a stand against Wal-Mart’s inconsistent and discriminatory coupon acceptance policy. It must be the same across the board, period.

Here is Wal-Mart’s OFFICIAL coupon acceptance policy, taken directly from their website:

Wal-Mart Coupon Policy

Wal-Mart accepts the following types of coupons (see guidelines below):

• Manufacturer coupons (Cents Off)
• Free merchandise (or Buy-One-Get-One-Free) coupons
• Store coupons
• Pharmacy (Advertising and Promotional) coupons
• Internet coupons
• Soft drink container caps

The following are guidelines and limits:

• Wal-Mart only accepts coupons for merchandise we sell and only when presented at the time of purchase.
• Coupons should have an expiration date and be presented within the valid dates. Wal-Mart will not accept expired coupons.
• Internet coupons should be legible and say “Manufacturer Coupon.” There should be a valid remit address for the manufacturer and a scannable bar code.
• Only one coupon per item is permitted.
• Use of 40 or more coupons per transaction will require approval by Customer Service Manager.

You can also view this here on their website. Here is what I am asking, dear readers. Print out this coupon policy and keep a copy in your purse or coupon holder. Take it with you when shopping at Wal-Mart.

If and when a coupon is refused, politely show the cashier their very own policy. This should solve the problem. If not, politely ask to speak with a supervisor. If they still won’t budge, go higher!

I don’t recommend trying this during a busy shopping time. At Wal-Mart, this is typically anytime after 11am and into the evening. To avoid crowds, shop early!

If you plan to “take action” and try my suggestion, please comment below so I know you are with me!

When Sam Walton founded Wal-Mart in 1962, he started with 3 basic beliefs that Wal-Mart still stands by. Observe #2:

2. Service to our Customers

Our customers are the reason we’re in business, so we should treat them that way. We offer quality merchandise at the lowest prices, and we do it with the best customer service possible. We look for every opportunity where we can exceed our customers’ expectations. That’s when we’re at our very best.

If a store is true to its core beliefs, the employee can and will accept those coupons. Please don’t get me wrong, I am not encouraging anyone to make a huge scene and treat the employees in a condescending manner. There is a right way and a wrong way to insist upon good customer service.

Remember this when shopping at Wal-Mart, or any store:

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love”. Ephesians 4:2 NIV