I seem to always have to remind the cashier about the coupons.  That happened just today at Target.  Also another good source for printable coupons is SmartSource.com.   I've used several of their coupons and never had any problems.

Coupons.com is another great coupon source. Some stores really don't like coupons printed from the internet, so you tend to encounter the most trouble with those. Some stores also don't like it when the coupon is worth more than the item's price (for instance, a $1 coupon used on a 99-cent travel item), or when a buy one, get one coupon is used during a buy one, get one sale ("But then you'll be getting it for free!" the cashiers have been known to exclaim in horror). Often, explaining that the manufacturer will reimburse the store, plus a handling fee - in a polite, non-condescending manner - smooths things over. You can also ask for a manager, though that doesn't always help. But it's good to know which coupons might cause a cashier to start double checking everything.

Finally, I read many stories about customers using huge numbers of coupons, which I think is a red flag in itself. I'm not saying it's wrong to do it, if you're using the coupons on items they apply to, but that using a lot of them does attract more attention than using just a few.

Thanks so much for highlighting my article, Karen!

I don't agree with never buying coupons. I use thecouponclippers.com to get stacks of coupons hand-clipped from Sunday papers and flyers, that I know stores will accept. If I pay 5 to 10 cents for a $1.00 coupon that I will definitely use and that may not be available in my local paper, it's well worth it to me. Stores in my area will not take Internet-printed coupons but I've never had one of these coupons turned down.

My local KMart has stopped accepting printed coupons - even from their own website - because of the problem with counterfeiting/photocopying. The manager said that, while there is no corporate directive for them to do that, they simply do not have the resources to ensure that everything is legitimate. It amazes me that there was enough fraud going on to warrant a policy that has caused customers such as myself to make purchases at other establishments that would honor those coupons.

If your store has self-checkouts often times internet-printed coupons could be scanned by yourself there.  However, this may not work with "free" or "buy one get one free" coupons, where the cashier has to input information.  

I am sure that you are all legitimate coupon users, but as I former cashier I know for a fact that there are just as many dishonest ones.  People would try to slip in coupons for items that they did not even buy or they would not follow the guidelines on the coupon.  The coupon would be for 2 and they would only buy one of the item or they would try to buy a smaller size than the coupon specified.  For example the coupon would be for the 24oz size and they would try to use it for the 12oz size.  Also in most stores coupon savings can not exceed the cost of the item for example the items costs 1.40 and you have a 75 cents coupon and the store is offering double or triple coupons, the coupon is only worth 1.40 not 1.50 or 2.25.  Coupons are a great but users need to make sure that they are following the guidelines listed on the coupon.  For example most coupons are not valid on trial sizes.    Another thing people would try to do is use expired coupons which by the way still scan.   It is not the honest users that are the problem it is the dishonets ones.  That is why printable couponns are not widely accepted. That is why the cashier has to scrutinize every coupon; checking the experiation date, making sure that quantity, brand, and sizes listed on the coupon are followed.  Put the blame where it really lies and stop blaming the underpaid cashiers who are trying to do their jobs as many stores have installed monitoring software that records all cashier activity including coupons redeemed through their register and if their totals are out of line with the rest of the store they subject to discipline.  Is it any wonder coupons are so scrutinized?

Amen Toby.  I am both a coupon user and work p/t as a cashier for a 2nd job.  You would not imagine the number of people who knowingly try and scam the store and cashier.  One of my persnal favorites is a customer with a couple of either free cigarette coupons or even a mixture.  They all state only 1 coupon may be used for each visit.  This does not mean ringing up 2 free packs of cigarettes separately, or even a combination of a free pack and $4.00 off a purchase of 2 packs.  If they really want the free 2nd pack or to use the 2nd coupon, they can go to the end of the line and try another cashier.  Most people understand when you tell them you cannot accept more than 1 coupon, but there are the rude people out there who do not.

I just feel like saying that if a coupon says 1 coupon per visit there is no scam or fraud in doing two transactions if you have two coupons. You do not send your name of with the coupon or the date and name so they can saw"oh, this person used it twice in one day...Oh no..." I am a personal shopper and sometimes I used three 1 per visit or customer coupon in one day...

Also, the date on the coupon is fine to go by BUT if you were to cut off the expiration date and look at the coupon, it is the coupon's barcode that contains the important information. Point being this...If a coupon scans PAST its expiration date then I can the store will be reimbursed for it. It was not until recently that coupons received a makeover, which included having more detailed information in the coupons barcode coding so that coupons were more so used on the item intended.

A coupon stating $1 off 10 of something but which is coded for $1 off 3 will work for the latter and the grocery store will be reimbursed for the $1 because the manufaturer coded it for buy 3 get $1 off and wrote something incorrect. A consumer educated on coupon coding is not in the wrong for recognizing that error or intentional marketing trick but is a smart shopper. I understand there is coupon fraud but I think it is important to differentiate between a scam artist so to speak and a smart shopper or consumer.

what pisses me off is the jackass who gives me a hard time about an expired coupon.  happened to me twice in one day, with the same coupon.  I was able to fight one off but with the other, i just pretended that it magically worked, gave him his change, and then put the 50 cents i loss from the coupon into my draw from my pocket.  50 cents saved me from a douche with an expired coupon.

Well spent.

Wow....It looks like the problem is the SYSTEM itself. NOT the cashiers... For the past few months myself and a few of my colleagues have been working on a system that can possibly eliminate coupon fraud period along with provide clearing house services. All the problems mentioned about can be easily stopped and avoided under my plan. Our system introduces accountability, verification and positiive identification of every coupon that is attempted to be redeemed. No exceptions. This alleviates the burden of using the cashier as "a last line of defense" which is "an accident waiting to happen". If anyone knows of some manufacturers/retailes that would like to hear about my system please let me know at Albert.L.Lewis@gmail.com .