couponing question: one rr at a time?

Oct 20, 2008 Author: Patricia | Filed under: Couponing Lessons

Today’s Couponing Question relates to Register Rewards.

Has anyone received a definitive answer on whether or not we can only use ONE RR at a time?
What is the rule at your store?
What are your personal thoughts on the ONE RR Rule?

I have only used TWO RRs in one transaction once and I asked the Assistant Manager (who was checking me out at the time) whether I could use TWO for the transaction I was doing. His response to my question was “If the register takes it, then I don’t see why not…”. But that’s one stores rule and I know I’ve read other customers say that they always use multiple RRs, while others can only use ONE at a time. Personally, I only use ONE RR at a time, just by personal choice though.

So yeah, clear as mud. What’s the deal at your store?

29 Responses for "couponing question: one rr at a time?"

Ashley October 20th, 2008 at 6:45 am 1

I go to walgreens so many times a week that the manager has come to know me personally. One thing I learned about the RRs is to use them before Manufacturer coupons. If I spend $12 and I know I have $2 in coupons I make sure to give them no more than $10 in RRs before giving them my $2 coupons. Doing it this way, I have always been able to use multiple RRs. The manager does not have a problem with me using multiple RRs. Perhaps doing the RRs before the coupons would help the register take it for you as well.
Kate October 20th, 2008 at 6:52 am 2

I DO have an answer. Recently, I’ve had different managers in different stores who don’t know how their programs work and have been VERY rude when I told them they were wrong. I contacted the district office to tell them that it would be nice if they would give the managers the proper training on the matter and that they were treating customers bad. Anyhoo… here were their answers…
1. You can use a RR on a deal that produces different RRs.
2. You can use a BOGO Q with a BOGO sale to get them both free.
3. You can use more than one RR per transaction if they do not state otherwise on them.

Three different managers told me different than these answers and were VERY rude to me.
Karina October 20th, 2008 at 7:10 am 3

I don’t know what the actual rule is, but I have used two on the same purchase before without problems. I don’t do it that often, but I’ve never had a problem doing it. My logic is that if you can receive more than one in a transaction, it only makes sense to be able to spend more than one. It never occurred to me that it would be a problem!
Steele October 20th, 2008 at 7:16 am 4

Using multiple RRs depends on the wording on the RR. I have used multiple RRs on single transactions with no problems as long as the wording on the RR doesn’t state any restrictions. The register does not beep on these transactions.

In my most recent transaction with multiple RRs, they were 2 RRs for $3 from the Glade Flameless Candle deal. There obtained in separate transactions (since the $5 coupon was worded to be used in separate transactions) however they were redeemed in a single transaction with manufacturers coupons and 7-day coupons. The register did not beep. I did not however, used them to purchase more Glade Flameless Candles but other items.

Just remember however, when using a RR it counts as a manufacturers coupons, and the amount of manufacturers coupons can not exceed the number of items you are purchasing.

If a cashier or manager does not allow you to use multiple RRs and you know the wording on the RR doesn’t restrict the use of multiple RRs, then challenge the cashier to scan it to see if it beeps because if it does, then they are right, and you can say thank you, I’ve just learned something. If it doesn’t, then you can have the “I told you so” look on your face. Just read the wording on the RR first.

As for managers being rude, I’ve only had one in the past six months be rude to me on a separate matter. He changed his tune when I said that I was going to have to call corporate to confirm or deny his policy as it was my understanding it could be done. Needless to say, he became polite after basically accusing me of trying to get something free through fraud however he stood firm on his word. This incident was on overage on using an IVC and a manufacturer’s coupon. He told me that I could only use one, and that there was no such thing as overage, and as we all know, the coupon is suppose to be “adjusted”. Even the cashier didn’t know how to adjust the coupon and I did not do the deal and left the store.

I called corporate and questioned them about this, and found I was correct and told them word for word what he had said to me. A few days later I went back to do the deal again and the same manager was there however, he was the nicest person you would ever meet, and personally rang me up using the coupons he had denied a few days earlier. He said that corporate had contacted him and explained to him how to adjust coupons and that he was sorry.

Always call corporate if a store manager does not allow you to do something that you know is in accordance with corporate policy. It really does work.
Laura October 20th, 2008 at 7:52 am 5

I have had different experiences at different stores. Once I plopped down my stack of coupons with two RR’s and the cashier ran them through without questions or problems. Another time a cashier told me she could only accept one RR.
Stephanie October 20th, 2008 at 8:10 am 6

I’ve used up to 6 RRs in the same transaction and the cashiers have never batted an eyelash. I was checked out by a manager yesterday because I picked up the wrong free L’Oreal item (doh!) and she had to be called over to fix it. I paid with 3 RRs and no problems at all.
Coral October 20th, 2008 at 8:12 am 7

I always use multiple RR’s. Just this past Friday, I used 4 or 5 in fact. No one has ever given me any problem with them.
Juliana October 20th, 2008 at 8:26 am 8

I checked out a couple weeks ago with a lot of RR’s from the Fusion promotion and had no problem - I asked before the transaction and the cashier said, “If the register takes it…!”

I always make sure I have at least the amount of items to match the amount of coupons I have.

Juliana´s last blog post..Twitter Updates for 2008-10-19
Dani October 20th, 2008 at 8:26 am 9

My closest Walgreens will only take 1 RR per transaction. They also review every coupon and change the amount even if it would have only been .01 overage. The manager told me to separate my orders if I wanted to use more than one RR. The Wags 5 miles down the road will take whatever you give them without question.

Dani´s last blog post..Cereal Stockpile
Donna October 20th, 2008 at 8:27 am 10

Friday evening I went to a Wags on Main St. in Joplin, MO. I bought items on sale that would not generate RRs. I was told that I could only use one RR on my entire LARGE purchase. I went to the car. I thought about it. I walked back into the store and asked for a refund. The mgr came up to process my return. I told him that if I would have known that I could not use all of my RRs on my purchase…..I would have bought each item ONE AT A TIME. The very kind, young mgr. looked at me funny. I told him that the young lady at the register would only allow me to redeem ONE RR. He told me that the young lady was confused, processed my return, and reprocessed my check out-using my RRs!!
Daphne October 20th, 2008 at 8:53 am 11

I am able to use as many RRs as I want, so long as I remember to think of them as manufacturer coupons, and I have more items than coupons. ex. If I have 4 real manufacturer coupons and 2 RRs to use, I need to buy at least 6 items. Even if I have to buy cheap fillers to meet that number of items.

Daphne´s last blog post..Walgreen Shopping ~ October 17, 2008
jessica October 20th, 2008 at 8:59 am 12

I have had problems at two Wags locations this weekend. Once was an in-ad coupon not taking off the right amount. The other, I was trying to purchase dimetap for my daughter and the “loss prevention officer” said I wasn’t allowed to. First he tried to say it had pseudophedrine and that I couldn’t buy it because of that (huh? I’m 29 years old)… and NO, dimetap doesn’t have pseduophedrine!!! Then he tried to say they’ve been getting scammed on the dimetap/robitussin deal and so therefore I must be trying to scam them too. Then he asked me how many stores I was already at and how many I already bought and how many more stores I was going to go to. Then I got angry. Very angry. I had my two year old daughter with me, and how insulting.

I contacted corporate customer service and filed a complaint. I will also be sending a written complaint via snail mail. I refuse to continue to patronize a business that is going to allow a “loss prevention officer” who doesn’t even run the register, the right to tell me there is a limit of 3 (not true, said CSR), (I was trying to buy 9 and there were still 12+ on the shelf Saturday evening, just a few hours before the end of the sale)… and acuse me of trying to scam them… after he lied multiple times.

There are other businesses that appreciate my patronage and I will use my dollars there.

jessica´s last blog post..Update on Wags troubles
erica m October 20th, 2008 at 9:23 am 13

Mine lets me use an many as I want. I’ve used up to 6 in one transaction. Always RR’s, then WG’s coupons then manufacturers.

Our poor gals have gotten to know me well, and they can never remember which order I need to give them the coupons, but they say, hey, by now, you ought to know what you’re doing, so just tell me if I’m doing something wrong. haha

erica m´s last blog post..Giving, Frugally - Frugal Friday Post
Kim S October 20th, 2008 at 9:46 am 14

I have never tried using more than 1 RR per transaction but it sounds like I need to read mine and then give it a try!
Sam October 20th, 2008 at 10:13 am 15

One time I purchased 2 items and used 2 manuQ. Then I handed the cashier the RR just to see if I could use it. The register beeped. The cashier then voided both coupons, put in the RR reward 1st & then used both ManuQ again & it worked. I have no idea if it would work every time or with every cashier for that matter.

Then I’ve also had it where I purchased more items at least 2 or 3 more (gum as filler) then I needed for the transaction to use all of my ManuQ and RR. But the register still wouldn’t take my RR even though I had more items than RR & Q combined. I didn’t feel like arguing so I let it go. This was at a different store than the one above and with a larger transaction. Maybe if I had given her the RR 1st it would have worked. I’m always hesitant to do that becasue I’m afraid the register won’t take one of my manuQ which are product specific and I can use the RR on anything.

I have also had transactions where the register took more than one RR at a time. I just kept handing them over. I figured if it takes them then I’ll use them.
Shannon October 20th, 2008 at 10:57 am 16

Like others have said, you can use multiple RR’s at a time. Here are the rules:
1. RR’s count as manu Q’s so you have to have as many items as you have manu Q’s. Sometimes you can override this by using the RR’s first but it states plainly on the RR that you need to have as many items as manu Q’s.
2. Sometimes using RR’s to purchase items will jam up the process from any purchases that might be offering new RR’s. It shouldn’t as long as the RR’s you are using come from a different product, but it could. I have had it work both ways.
3. The total of your order, before coupons must be more than the total of your RR’s. You can’t use a $4 RR for a $3.99 order.
4. Finally, always hand over your RR’s first. Don’t just put them on top of the stack because some cashiers will hold them till last. Hand them the RR’s first and then after they scan hand over your other manu Q’s then your store Q’s.

Shannon´s last blog post..Currently Reading
Kate October 20th, 2008 at 12:21 pm 17

After reading all these posts, I find that a common theme is that the managers and cashiers need to be fully trained on the programs offered by the store. I find it completely unacceptable for them to treat us poorly, or even tell us we’re trying to “take advantage” or do “coupon fraud” when we are following their rules. I encourage everyone who has an experience like this to stand up for themselves and contact corporate.
Veggiemomof2 October 20th, 2008 at 12:27 pm 18

I have a RR now, so I read it & it doesn’t say “one per purchase.” It does say that number of mfg coupons & RR cannot exceed number of items purchased.

I have used 2 on same purchase before.

Veggiemomof2´s last blog post..Freebies
Stephanie October 20th, 2008 at 12:46 pm 19

The last couple of times i have went and tried to use more than one they said I could not and I told them I have done it before and told them to read the RR and it clearly says RR’s cannpt exceed the number of items in the tranaction. There are one’s that do say limit one per purchase but these did not so I just nicely said try to ring them up if it beeps and will not go through then I will only pay with one and all of them went through fine.

There have been other times though where there has been no problem at all so I am not sure what is going on there.

I did the robitussin deal last week and bought 3 and only received $5 in RR I was supposed to get $10 I am not sure what to do about that either.

Stephanie´s last blog post..Mail Call!!!
Dooneybug October 20th, 2008 at 1:47 pm 20

I use multiple RR’s too. Once I used 4 at a time. It’s always worked for me! I just make sure I give the RR’s first, then my Wags coupons, then IVC’s, then man coupons.

Dooneybug´s last blog post..Walgreens for 10/15
Laina October 20th, 2008 at 2:25 pm 21

I use multiple RR ’s frequently and it is never a problem as long as you have the same number of items as total coupons which includes the RR’s and the value of the RR’s can not exceed the total before taxes. Coupons including rr can not pay for tax I think this is where most of the confusion is for everyone customers, cashiers and managers. I have had cashiers think once they scan an rr and it beeps that they won’t be able to add any other items for filler but that is not the case it works fine. If you’re unsure of your total bring an extra small item or two and have them scan it if you get a beep. It will bring the total back over tax and then the rr will go through. So unless you are only buying food you will have at least some out of pocket.
CJ October 20th, 2008 at 3:53 pm 22

I only do a few selected RR deals now and then. I hardly ever have more than one RR at a time so I’ve never tried using more than one. I have enough trouble just trying to use the MQs and IVCs that I have and hoping they work. I don’t even try to use an RR to pay for a purchase that should generate another RR, even if they aren’t the same products. Guess I’m not very adventurous when it comes to RRs!!
Trina October 20th, 2008 at 7:00 pm 23

Since they are considered to be manufacturing coupons you can use as many in a trx as long as you have the same amount of items as you do coupons. If the register beeps taking the 2nd one, you need to add a filler item, like a pack of gum or something small.

Trina´s last blog post..Bacon Cheeseburger Rollup
Jenna October 20th, 2008 at 7:36 pm 24

I have never tried to use more than one because I usually one have one or two and I like to save them for another purchase. If I ever have a lot though, I will try the use multiples.

Jenna´s last blog post..A week of Walgreens
Cheryl October 21st, 2008 at 12:09 pm 25

I actually mailed a letter to WAGS corporate this morning about this very question. My local WAGS on Saturday said I could only use ONE RR on my transaction. I read her the back of the RR’s that clearly states you can use more than one as long as the amount of Man. Q’s and/or RR’s does not exceed the total purchase or number of items in the transaction. She still refused so I left all my products in the shopping cart and left the store. The store close to my job agreed with me and allowed me to use 11 RR’s when I purchased a $30 coffee maker (and 10 Ramin noodles). I paid for the balance with my WAGS GC. The manager of that store even accepted an expired RR because the other store wouldn’t let me use it before they expired on Sunday. My letter to corporate includes a copy of the RR’s fine print that clearly supports using more than one per transaction.

Cheryl´s last blog post..WOW
ASH UMER October 22nd, 2008 at 10:59 pm 26

I AM NEW in using coupon and RRS.I JUST CAme to know a month ago about that.

First time i used 3 RR’s and it worked. last weak i tried with manufacturing coupon but it did’nt work even i RR’S.then i went back again nex tday it happend same.then he called the manager and he scaned first RRS and then manufactur coupon.
but with the the 3 RR’S ONLY 2 Manufactured worked.
i think with RR’S FEW COUPONS WORK.
van October 23rd, 2008 at 2:02 am 27

I honestly don’t know the correct answer to how many rr you can use for one transaction..however a friend of mine who works for Wags, told me that you CANNOT have more rr in combine with coupons both man and wags coupons exceeding the number of items you are purchasing.. I hate this confusion…its so stupid.. I went in the other day, had two rr for 3.00 each from my glade candle purchase, went in, got 3 dimetapp, 1 loaf of bread, gave them 3 dimetapp coupons and 2 rr, one beeped so the cashier said that the system wouldn’t take it… I don’t know what the deal was, but supposedly if I had purchase just one more thing than I would be able to use the other 3.00 rr,,
~ I had 3 dimetapp, 1 loaf of bread = 4 item
had 3 man coupons, 2 rr (counts as coupons) =5 so my number of coupons exceeded my number of item purchase..therefore the system didn’t take it..

- i don’t know,,confusing huh?? — maybe that whole thing about handing the rr before the man/wag coupons works,, i will have to give that a try,,
Genevieve October 24th, 2008 at 12:08 am 28

Not sure what’s going on with my Wags. I love that store, but the ONE snipey cashier came up behind the cashier helping me and started going on about how my cashier had to read the new coupon policy from corporate and not using too many - and never finished a sentence. After she left, I told my (really nice) cashier that if she ever found me doing something wrong with coupons to please just let me know - I’m in this to get legitimate deals and don’t want or need to do anything illegal - I want the deal and I want them to stay out of trouble.

Genevieve´s last blog post..The beef gets a bit pricier
Diane October 27th, 2008 at 11:44 am 29

I can use as many as I want but you can’t have more than 1 coupon per item purchased. If you want to use 5 RR and have 2 other coupons then you better have 7 items or it isn’t even the cashier but the register that will tell them that they can’t do it.

The cashiers always try whatever I give them and then if it beeps then they say ohh sorry can’t do that. I just learned this weekend that you can’t use your RR’s if you use a regular coupon for every item. I would of had to buy a pack of gum or something and not use a coupon to have the system accept another RR.

So interesting but the people who work at my Walgreen’s don’t act like it is there money so no problems except the one. Now that I know that I will always make sure I have enough items for the coupons.

Diane´s last blog post..CVS $5 Challenge