Coupon Policies

Every store has its own policy when it comes to accepting coupons, so it is crucial you are aware of your store's policy prior to heading out the door, or you may have a wrench thrown in your plans at the cash, which can completely derail all your great savings!


Where Can I Find My Store's Coupon Policy?
What Should I Look For In My Store's Policy When I'm Planning My Shopping Trip?
What Is The Canadian SCOP (Scanning Code Of Practice)?



Where Can I Find My Store's Coupon Policy?
Unfortunately, most chains don't post their couponing policies on their websites. More often than not, you have to request this information from the Head Office. This is better in the long run anyway because at least you know that the information you receive is the most up to date policy they have in place!

Luckily, Save Big, Live Better! has many store's policies listed for you on the Store Policies page.

If you get confused by the legal talk, or just don't see the store you're looking for, click the CONTACT button and I'll get back to you ASAP!

Check out the Store Policies Page


What Should I Look For In My Store's Policy When I'm Planning My Shopping Trip?

There's alot to take in when you're reviewing some of the bigger grocery chain's policies when it comes to couponing, so here's a few key things you really need to focus on:

*does your store accept printable coupons?
*what does your store look for on a coupon for it to be considered "valid"?
*is there a limit of coupons you can use per transaction?
*what is your store's policy when the coupon value is HIGHER than that of the product being  
  purchased?
*does your store price match their competitors?

These are the main things that could potentially throw off your couponing at the cash. I highly recommend printing the coupon policy for the stores you plan to shop at just in case anything ever comes into question at the cash desk (some cashiers are not very familiar with the couponing policies of their store). This way, if anything comes up you have it for easy reference!


What Is The Canadian SCOP (Scanning Code Of Practice)?

The Scanning Code Of Practice (or SCOP as you will see it referred to on most couponing sites) is a policy present in Canada in order to enforce the accuracy of pricing in store systems to ensure you don't get charged an incorrect amount. Also, to try to ensure accuracy of pricing on the sales floor of a store.

How many times have you had an item in your cart that scanned up incorrectly in the register, either compared to the ticket price, or the price on the shelf, or even the flyer sale price? A few for sure! This is when SCOP comes into play.

If the item you are purchasing comes up HIGHER than it is advertised for, either in the flyer or on the shelf, you are entitled to get that item for FREE (up to a $10 limit).

If the item has a sale price stickered directly on it and it rings up HIGHER than the sticker indicates, you are entitled to get the item at the stickered price, even if it was stickered in error.

If you have multiples of an item that scans in at a price HIGHER than expected, you get the FIRST for FREE (up to $10 limit) and will recieve the remaining items at the corrected price.

The store must be a member of Canada's Scanner Price Accuracy Voluntary Code for this to come into play, but most major chains are.

For more information, check out the code here.

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