On of my Bloggy Friends Coupon Gossip just wrote a post with some great news about Fred Meyer. She shops at the Nampa store and is able to find some really good deals for you Lady’s that are looking to shop at Fred Meyers. Thanks Coupon Gossip for letting me pass this great info along to my readers!
Freds has a new policy dated May 5, 2009 which outlines how they will approach competitor coupons and other store doublers (namely, for us, the Albs doublers). I’ve known about this policy since May, but at the request of Freds, I haven’t posted anything regarding it. You know it’s been totally KILLIN’ me. I mean — what is my site all about but the unadvertised stuff and gossip?!
Freds wanted time to review their stocking methods, and work through this policy before it became common knowledge. I’ve really stressed how couponers buy and how this policy can drive business if supported correctly. I thought the extra time would help, and I believe now it’s time to talk about it. My biggest fear is this policy would be out there with all sorts of bad information — or an assumption the Idaho Freds work the same as other states — and lead to bad experiences at the store.
Freds coupon policy is not published, but you can get a copy of it if you ask. I got a copy from the Nampa Freds without any problems. However, the Boise stores don’t appear to be aware of this newer policy and in fact have told one of my friends it’s a fake. No, folks, it isn’t. This is definitely one coupon policy you will want in your binder.
I’ve already spoken with the Area Operations Manager in Boise regarding this policy — more than once actually. When he is back next week, I will also let him know this newest development of a “fake” policy. Whatever. The stores we will shop in Idaho have a limited acceptance (rules) for competitor coupons but do in fact take them AND doublers.
So, what is the big deal? Here is the overview of the Freds policy:
Stores with limited acceptance:
Oregon — Brookings, Coos Bay, Santa Clara, Springfield, The Dallas, West Eugene
Idaho — Idaho Boise, Idaho Glenwood, Meridian, Nampa
In select market areas, Fred Meyer accepts competitor’s food coupons from newspapers, flyers and booklets.
Fred Meyer does NOT accept food competitor’s “off total order” coupons, i.e. $10 off a $50 or more purchase.
Coupons that require the customer to use the competitor’s loyalty or club card in order to redeem the coupon will NOT be accepted at Fred Meyer.
The following restrictions apply for each transaction:
1. Maximum of two item coupons (price point and/or cents-off)
2. Limit of four double coupons — up to $0.50 off MQ coupon can be doubled
3. Expiration date and limit restrictions printed on each coupon apply
4. Price point or cents-off coupons may be combined with MQ
5. Private label items can be substituted with FM Private Label item of the same quality, count, or size.
I’ve used doublers successfully at the Nampa Fred Meyer. The next time I do, I will show that transaction to you all.
I have to say the Nampa Freds is really customer service orientated and coupon friendly. If you want to try this out, take your business there. Seriously. The folks at the Nampa Freds actually read and follow the corporate policies.
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Hi, just thought I’d share this. I wrote to my local Fred Meyer and asked for their “coupon policy”, which apparently does not exist. I asked if the policy on this webpage was the same for my local store here and this is the reply I received: (and note: Still NO coupon policy and no specific questions regarding coupon usage for my local Fred Meyer…guess I’ll stop shopping there)
Dear Kathleen,
In reference to the blog you read at:
http://athriftymom.com/2009/08/fred-meyers-competitor-coupons-doublers/
…here’s some information from one of our executives regarding that particular policy of accepting competitor’s food coupons in particular stores.
Please let me know if you have any further questions. Thanks again for following Freddy’s on Twitter and sending us your question.
Chris Gore
Director of Copy for Print & New Media Advertising
chris.gore@fredmeyer.com
Follow Freddy’s: twitter.com/fred_meyer, fredmeyer.com
————————
This (policy on competitor’s food coupons) was a part of an earlier pricing strategy in certain markets. As we changed our strategy to one of offering good low prices every day, a decision to allow upon request Customers in certain markets to ask us to take competitor coupons was agreed upon with the understanding it would eventually sunset, and no longer be an issue. Because of the recent sharing of this policy on a wider base, it has necessitated eliminating for all Customers.
Fred Meyer believes our overall pricing provides the best value for our Customers. Layering competitor coupons or double/triple coupons on top, would require adjusting our overall strategy to cover this cost.
Lynn T. Gust
Executive Vice President
Merchandising and Advertising
lynn.gust@fredmeyer.com
Tried this at Fred Meyer on Overland and 5mile and manger would not take doublers.
Do you know if Idaho Falls Freds is included at all? Or is it only those listed.
Oh, okay, I just re-read the question again on the price point and/or cents off. I have not tested doing a price match AND a coupon for the same item. I think it would work and will be interested in hearing from someone who tries it.
Anyone got anything they want to buy that matches that criteria? I’ve mostly just used competitor coupons at Freds — especially if the item is in their sale flyer! *wink*
Good morning!
Yes! The maximum of two item coupons (price point and/or cent-off) does mean you can take a competitor’s coupon to Freds. I’ve used the IP Target coupons there before as a test. The “iffy” Target coupon is the one that prints at the register? Those freebies you get on the receipt paper? Those might not work.
As this is pretty darn new and I haven’t tested all combos, if you have any questions on whether an ad, coupon or match will work, I would head to the customer service desk first.
Now — the limited acceptance is for the stores mentioned. I believe this means the other stores don’t have those limitations! Which makes me just green with envy — but what a whoot-ific opportunity! Check out La Vida Cheapo’s blog — she is in Spokane area and is TOTALLY rockin’ the doublers and e-coupons at her Freds!
Good hunting!
Darlene
Coupon Gossip
I have had nothing but trouble at a boise fred meyer with coupons. Seems like each of of their cashiers has their own set of coupon rules. It can be so frustrating sometimes.
I keep wondering why Fred Meyers is having a problem with the Albertsons Double coupons? Doesnt FM realize how much it costs Albertsons every time they pay for those huge ads to print these coupons? The cost of space to print is sold by the inch. Those DOubler coupons have to be costing Albertson a bundle! JMHO
Seems like they’ve skipped the Portland Metro Oregon area. Bummer.
“1. Maximum of two item coupons (price point and/or cents-off)”
Does this mean they will price match and take a coupon for the item
Does Freds accept internet printed coupons?
This is wonderful news!! I frequently shop Fred Meyer for their thrifty deals but this will make it even better! Thanks for the info!
I was just looking at my Fred Meyer add wishing I could double a coupon. Though, I am in Washington. I will have to find out if Our Washington stores will do the same. I sure am hoping they do. Thanks for this info.