Shoppers Drug Mart Canada: Official Coupon Policy.


Shoppers Drug Mart now has an official coupon policy.

Basic Rules

Q: Are there limits with coupons per transaction? For example, I heard that there is a limit of 4 coupons only per transaction. Is this correct?

A: This is not correct. There is no limit to the number of coupons you can use in a single transaction. However, you can only use one coupon per item in your purchase, provided they are all applicable.

Q: Can I use more than one coupon to buy a single item? For example, I want to buy a bottle of shampoo that costs $5. Can I use 2 coupons worth $1 each to bring the price down to $3?

A: There can only be one coupon accompanying each individual product. In this case, you could only use one coupon for a total discount of $1 (see next question for details).

Q: Can I use one coupon for more than one product? For example, I have 1 coupon for $2 off a bottle of shampoo, and I want to buy 3 bottles. Can I use the same coupon for all three?

A: You cannot use one coupon for 3 products. However, if you have three coupons, you can use one coupon for each item. However, if the second coupon is for Optimum Bonus Points, you can use both the standard coupon to lower the price and the points coupon to claim the Bonus Points.

Q: I have a $10 off coupon. Can I use it in a purchase toward the [Cosmetics 20x] Event? The rules say the Event cannot be combined with other offers, but it also says it has to be $75 after discounts. Which is it?

A: The $10 coupon can be used on your purchase, but it will NOT count toward the pre-tax event threshold. This means that if the Event says something like “Receive 20x the Points if you spend $75 in store,” then you would need to spend $75 before tax and after the coupons have been deducted in order to qualify. Please check the rules and regulations for each event or promotion to make sure these rules apply to that particular offer.

Q: I have a coupon that was printed in the United States. Can I use it at Shoppers Drug Mart?

A: Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix will only accept coupons with a Canadian redemption address printed on them. We cannot redeem manufacturer coupons that were printed in the United States of America or in other countries.

Q: I have a coupon from one of your competitors. Can I use it at Shoppers Drug Mart?

A: No. We will only accept coupons from Shoppers Drug Mart, vendors or manufacturers.

Digital and Online Coupons:

Q: I found a coupon for a product online. Can I print it and use it in your stores?

A: Yes. Coupons printed from the internet or from email are accepted at all of our locations, provided they meet industry standards and are valid. Our stores retain the right to refuse any coupon that does not meet legal standards or appears to have been tampered with.

Q: A company sent me a coupon for their product via email. Can I print it and use it in your stores?

A: Yes. Coupons printed from the internet or from email are accepted at all of our locations, provided they meet industry standards and are valid. Our stores retain the right to refuse any coupon that does not meet legal standards or appears to have been tampered with.

Q: Do you accept digital coupons displayed on my mobile phone or tablet device?

A: Not at this time. We will post an announcement on Facebook and Twitter if and when this changes.

Coupon Amounts:
Q: I have a $2 coupon for a product, but sometimes the sale price for it is only $1.99. Can I use this coupon for this product during the sale?
A: Yes, you can. Our cashiers will enter the actual price for the item with the coupon code, instead of the printed price. In this case, they will enter the coupon value as $1.99 instead of $2. No change will be provided.

Q: I have a $2 coupon for a product and just purchased it on sale for $1.89. Will Shoppers Drug Mart pay me the $.11 difference?
A: No. Coupons and portions of coupons have no cash value, so no change will be given.

Coupon Rejection/Refusal:
Q: What are some conditions that might lead to my coupon being refused?
A: Coupon offers are variable, so you need to pay particular attention to the coupon details to make sure you have met the minimum pre-tax or product purchase requirements. All coupons must have manufacturer information, a valid expiry date and country of origin. Some reasons why a coupon might be refused include:
• The redemption address is not located in Canada
• You have not met the minimum pre-tax or product purchase requirements as stated on the coupon
• The coupon does not appear to be valid or is missing required information
• The product brand, size or type does not match the coupon
• The coupon is for a product not sold in store
• The coupon shows evidence of tampering

Scanning Code of Practice (SCOP)
Q: Do you follow the SCOP (Scanning Code of Practice)?
A: Yes, we do.

Q: What is SCOP (the Scanning Code of Practice)?
A: The Scanner Price Voluntary Code is not legislation but is, instead, a voluntary code which has evolved from the collaborative efforts of the Retail Council of Canada, the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores, the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers and the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors. It was implemented in 2002. A copy of the Code can be found on www.retailcouncil.org.

The Item Free Scanner Policy, which forms part of the Code, provides that “on a claim being presented by the customer, where the scanned price of a product at checkout is higher than the price displayed in the store or than advertised by the store, the lower price will be honoured; and (a) if the correct price of the product is $10 or less, the retailer will give the product to the customer free of charge; or (b) if the correct price of the product is higher than $10, the retailer will give the customer a discount of $10 off the corrected price”.

There are several exceptions to this Item Free Scanner Policy set out in the Code, including that it does not apply “to a product where, in respect of the product, the law (a) establishes a minimum price (or specified price); or (b) does not permit the retailer to offer a discount or a rebate”. Further, the Code provides that “when a retailer cannot immediately correct a scanner error in respect of a product, it will post a correction notice in a conspicuous place. Once such a notice has been posted, the Item Free Scanner Policy is no longer in effect in respect of the relevant product.”

Other Questions:
Q: I am going to a store to buy some products with full value coupons, so I won’t pay anything out of pocket. Will I get a receipt for this purchase?
A: Yes. You should always receive a receipt, even if your entire purchase is paid for with coupons. It will show that a number of coupons were applied and that you didn’t pay anything. This will also make it easier for you, if you need to return or exchange something.

Click here for more information via Shoppers Drug Mart’s Facebook page.


33 responses to “Shoppers Drug Mart Canada: Official Coupon Policy.”

  1. Felicia says:

    Thank you for posting this inportant information as most times because I have a SDM across the street from where I live. I use my coupons there and have noticed that their staff is very well informed of checking the coupons in detail.

  2. Jeff says:

    THE BLEOW COMMENT IS NOT FAIR! When a coupon is redeemed to the store they send it in for re-imbursement. If Shoppers (or any store) doesn’t deduct the total coupon amount regardless of the item price they are committing fraud as they are paid back for the coupon most times in its entirety and are also sometimes paid a handling fee for the coupon. Shoppers (or any store) make money on coupons when they do this! This pisses me off.

    Coupon Amounts:
    Q: I have a $2 coupon for a product, but sometimes the sale price for it is only $1.99. Can I use this coupon for this product during the sale?
    A: Yes, you can. Our cashiers will enter the actual price for the item with the coupon code, instead of the printed price. In this case, they will enter the coupon value as $1.99 instead of $2. No change will be provided.

  3. Jeff says:

    As for the scanning code of practise, you should advise your employees of what it is. I went there and got in a fight with a cashier when I told her I would get the first item free as it was under $10 and the price scanned up wrong. The most she was willing to do was to adjust the price to match the shelf price. This too is incorrect and not the rules of the scanning code of practise.

    If the customer has 2 of the same thing that are under $10.00 each and the price scanned wrong, the customer is allowed the first item for free and the second item at the corrected price. At least thats how I understand it.

  4. Kate says:

    I’ve had the price come up wrong numerous times at different locations and asked about this (Didn’t know name though) And everytime have been told I’m wrong. One girl even laughed and rolled her eyes and said something like ya were going to give it to you. Seems employees are unaware or don’t care?

  5. KL says:

    @Jeff I have gone to stores where, when this happens, they write the price on the coupon. I’m not sure if it makes a difference, but at least I feel like they not trying to put the “extra’ in their own pocket

  6. ferdo says:

    Where did you get this coupon policy. god knows it wont be followed in stores. Also I thought SDMs were individually owned and operated and can do whaterver they like?

    Its funny how in alot of stores head office has one policy but individual stores have another.

  7. q-tip says:

    This is not related but I work in a Giant Tiger store and we’ve just received a new memo concerning coupons. And I have to say I am impress! We won’t give money back but if the customer buy other stuff, the total value of the coupon will be reduced from its total purchase, even if it means he gets other things for free. Plus, on the “get one free” coupon, no tax will be applicable, so the product is totally free. And we do accept printable coupons and respect the Item Free Scanner Policy. And all cashiers are aware of this policy!

  8. Alex says:

    Jeff that is not true. When a coupon is redeemed there could be one of two things happening.
    1) The vendor who provides the product to the company chooses how much POS they want to spend on the event. This is already a lump sum and they have a space for mishaps such as this one.
    2) The company (SDM) pays the POS from an internal account which they also have a lump sum for mishaps such as this one.

    Either way this is not commiting fraud because it happens alot. Under advertising laws you need to honour the sticker or shelf price even if its a mistake. Companies with coupons know this will happen….

  9. glowworm2k says:

    Good to know! Thanks for the post.

  10. Theresa says:

    Most cashiers at Shoppers WILL NOT tell you about the SCOP. I have been behind people in line when items rang up wrong. When the cashiers goes to check I say ” hey you get that free!” The person never seems to know this, and the cashier always seems a bit peeved with me for telling them…..but such is life. Be honest and let people know. No Frills and Shoppers are notorious for items on sale not ringing up on sale.

  11. TallNFunny says:

    What is SDM’s policy on online/printed coupoons? Does anyone know?

  12. baggypants says:

    Stores that participate in SCOP have the code posted either near the entrance or at each cash register or Customer Service. Find it in the store before you shop so you can point it out to the cashier if needed!!

  13. baggypants says:

    What is SDM’s policy on online/printed coupoons? Does anyone know?

    Q: I found a coupon for a product online. Can I print it and use it in your stores?

    A: Yes. Coupons printed from the internet or from email are accepted at all of our locations, provided they meet industry standards and are valid. Our stores retain the right to refuse any coupon that does not meet legal standards or appears to have been tampered with.

  14. nickandamber says:

    Regarding this question/answer:

    “Q: I have a $10 off coupon. Can I use it in a purchase toward the [Cosmetics 20x] Event? The rules say the Event cannot be combined with other offers, but it also says it has to be $75 after discounts. Which is it?
    A: The $10 coupon can be used on your purchase, but it will NOT count toward the pre-tax event threshold. This means that if the Event says something like “Receive 20x the Points if you spend $75 in store,” then you would need to spend $75 before tax and after the coupons have been deducted in order to qualify. Please check the rules and regulations for each event or promotion to make sure these rules apply to that particular offer.”

    Their coupon policy conflicts with their POS systems on this one. At the last 20x event my total was $54 before coupons and $29 after and I still got the 20x points.

  15. Amy says:

    @nickandamber,

    In the Shoppers Drug Mart forum, the thread discussing SDM’s new coupon policy had a reply from a SDM rep with regards to exactly what you just said, the amount before coupons qualifying for extra points. The rep assured whoever commented that they are aware of the conflict as it has been brought to their attention, and they will be changing it to reflect their coupon policy.

  16. Stephania says:

    Thanks for the post!

    There were at least 2 incidents, listed above, in which I was told otherwise. I had a $2 off coupon for a lipbalm which was on-sale at SDM for $1.99. Even though I told them they could keep their penny, I was told that I couldn’t use it!

    ALSO, shampoo which was on clearance didn’t scan as such. I had to tell them the correct price, which they got someone to verify, and was just given the item at that price – not free.

    Sorta off-topic, but does anyone know if cashiers are required to remove the tax on items with coupons? i.e. charge the tax on the item, less the value of the coupon?

  17. May says:

    I always visit the clearance shelf at Shoppers on Esplanade in North Van. I was there yesterday and noticed a Gillette Hair + Body Wash value package with a free Gillette Fusion Pro Glide Shaving Razor for $3.99. I had a $2 coupon for any Gillette Hair + Body Wash but when I went to checkout, the cashier refused to honour it, saying that the coupon does not apply to clearance items! I ended up not buying the item but after much thought about it, I feel that the cashier does not really know the store’s coupon policy. Has this ever happened to you guys?

  18. stardustcross says:

    They should post something like this clearly in stores… (all stores and their respective policies). This is really nice and clear, but means nothing if the cashiers aren’t aware of it.

    Kind of sucks using coupons these days. Mine are all legit but half the time people treat you like a criminal when you try to use it! >=/

  19. Michelle says:

    Regarding this question/answer:

    “Q: I have a $10 off coupon. Can I use it in a purchase toward the [Cosmetics 20x] Event? The rules say the Event cannot be combined with other offers, but it also says it has to be $75 after discounts. Which is it?
    A: The $10 coupon can be used on your purchase, but it will NOT count toward the pre-tax event threshold. This means that if the Event says something like “Receive 20x the Points if you spend $75 in store,” then you would need to spend $75 before tax and after the coupons have been deducted in order to qualify. Please check the rules and regulations for each event or promotion to make sure these rules apply to that particular offer.”

    Their coupon policy conflicts with their POS systems on this one. At the last 20x event my total was $54 before coupons and $29 after and I still got the 20x points.

    I think what they are referring to is the $10 coupon( it is more like a gift card) given @ Shopper’s when you spend $50 or more…not regular coupons.This has always been true…that their coupons or “giftcards” that you get when you spend so much have never counted toward any event in my experiences.

  20. Michelle says:

    P.S
    Is any one else choked at that show extreme couponing? Seems like ever since that show first aired couponers are in the spotlight now and stores are all changing their policies.
    I liked couponing without all the drama…lol

  21. Lisa-Marie Tew says:

    Hi I do work at SDM as a cashier. SDM are individually owned, but the store still has to follow the head office policies and such. Everyday, I am constantly learning new things from my customers, so I admit originally I did not know about the SCOP, but after I heard about it (and not exactly agree with it…), I respect their request (after double checking with my supervisor)…

    I’m coming back on later… I still want to share something else, but I got to go… feel free to ask me personal questions about SDM and I’ll try my best to answer…

  22. Shalla says:

    Nice!
    Totally printing this off and sticking it in my coupon binder for just-in-case sake!

    Thank you!

  23. sara says:

    Thanks! Is there anywhere on this site that has a summary of all the coupon policies? I never know which will accept internet coupons and which won’t

  24. Lisa-Marie Tew says:

    I’m back… so as I mentioned, I work as a cashier at SDM. The only issue I have with the use of coupons is when a customer is “over-using” the same coupon (they have multiple copies of the same one) to buy the items in large quantity several times in the same day… this is where it starts to become suspicious and a bit ridiculous… If you’re going to do that, don’t do it all in one day and not to the same cashier each time…

    Also if an item is on sale, let’s say $2.99, you cannot redeem a $5.00 coupon for the item, thus expecting to get it for free. Or worst, the customer expects us to scan in other products not related to the coupon and use the “remainder” of the coupon towards those…It does not work that way…

    We all love to save money, even I do… let’s just try not to drive the cashiers and supervisors crazy… 🙂

    Happy Savings!

  25. Lisa-Marie Tew says:

    Just so you know… the customer has to REQUEST the SCOP, we don’t automatically give the customer the SCOP. If it was automatic to be done by the cashier, then we’d be giving away a lot of things for free. Me personally, only honour SCOP if the customer requests it… I could be wrong, but I don’t want to be giving stuff away for free on a consistant basis… 🙂

  26. Amy says:

    @ Lisa-Marie Tew

    “Also if an item is on sale, let’s say $2.99, you cannot redeem a $5.00 coupon for the item, thus expecting to get it for free.”

    First off, thanks for chiming in on the discussion as someone who actually works at SDM.

    However, I don’t understand the validity of your statement. I get the not applying the remainder of the coupon value to the basket purchase, but why would a customer not be allowed to use a $5.00 coupon on a $2.99 item, to get it for free? The store would be reimbursed for the full value of the coupon, or if they wrote in the amount of $2.99, they’d be reimbursed the full amount even if the customer gets the product for free. Why is there such a negative connotation attached to the word free when it comes to customers getting a deal? Your store will be reimbursed by the party that issued the coupon.

    Also, as for requesting SCOP, I don’t have any experience with SCOP at SDM, during my first SCOP experience, I didn’t even know what SCOP was. I noticed the amount on my receipt was different than the price on the shelf, and went to customer service expecting to be paid back the difference, not getting the item for free. So my $0.02 is that waiting for a customer to request SCOP is a case of poor ethics – if your store adheres to SCOP, you should honour it, regardless of whether or not it is pointed out. Not all customers are aware of SCOP (which I guess you can say is their fault), but it would be right to honour it when you know it exists.

  27. Lisa-Marie Tew says:

    Amy

    Hm ok, the ability to use a $5.00 coupon for a $2.99 should be valid, however in all honesty, it is the computer program that doesn’t allow us to punch in the $5.00 amount… it beeps and comes up as stating “there is no item for that amount” (or something like that)… and so I just would tell the customer that they were better off waiting until the product was not on sale anymore… that what I thought was best to recommend, I don’t try to be rude or ignorant about their use of the coupon, it’s just that I’ve learned that our computer won’t let us use a coupon higher than what the dollar amount is for, so I’m just trying to be nice and explain why it doesn’t accept it.

    (I will go and ask my manager that question though, because it is a valid and reasonable question to be asked)

    And it regards to the SCOP part, I understand where the customers are coming from, and I’m sorry that I come across as negative. For me to honour SCOP regularly and consistly would mean having to page for the supervisor to get the authorization (and we’d be waiting…) and then also having to first wait for the supervisor to go verify the price off the shelf, then come back to do the price overrides, etc… it is a longer process and at the SDM I work at, it is often busy and line-ups build up fast… I guess I can say that I would just rather not be keeping the line waiting for one SCOP or another that they find three minutes later… I’m not going to deny that I do get impatient, I am human too.

    It can really, really help if the customers could double check the tags of where they are seeing the price from and be sure it is for the exact product that they are taking off the shelf… more often than not, the price they thought the product was for, actually belongs to the item next to it or above it…

    Anyways, I do not intend in any way to be ignorant or rude about my shoppers at SDM and deligent coupon users, my aim was to just shine a bit of light from the other side of the counter…

    🙂 Happy Savings 🙂

  28. Amy says:

    @ Lisa-Marie Tew,

    Sorry if I implied that you were being ignorant or rude towards your customers, as that wasn’t my intention. Again, I think it’s great that you took the time to share your experience as someone who’s on the other side.

    About your computers not letting you punch in the right amount, I can see what you’re saying, but seeing as how we’re commenting on the new policy, it says so right IN the new policy the following:

    “Coupon Amounts:
    Q: I have a $2 coupon for a product, but sometimes the sale price for it is only $1.99. Can I use this coupon for this product during the sale?
    A: Yes, you can. Our cashiers will enter the actual price for the item with the coupon code, instead of the printed price. In this case, they will enter the coupon value as $1.99 instead of $2. No change will be provided.”

    So if you, as a cashier haven’t been updated on how to deal with such scenarios, maybe it’s a tad early for SDM to be touting this new policy before updating their own staff. Such a disconnect between store policy and store staff will no doubt make for conflicts at the cash register, and more negativity and hassle than necessary.

    I can definitely agree with you that it would be really nice if customers were sure of the price of the item they’ve picked up. But from the customer perspective, sometimes items are in the wrong place, or the tags could be clearer (ie. what size the item is). I’m sure things can get stressful when you have to wait to verify the price, and customers get impatient, but maybe instead of not pointing out SCOP at all, you could ask customers to go to customer service. Again, I am not a cashier so I’ve never been in your shoes, but as a customer, I would be grateful if a cashier went above and beyond to help when the store they are employed at supposedly adheres to SCOP.

    Really sorry if anything said above is taken in the wrong light – it’s incredibly hard to measure tone online. Thanks again for joining in the discussion as someone from the opposite end. 🙂

  29. Lisa-Marie Tew says:

    I kinda guessed you were going to bring the $1.99 vs $2.00 example… 🙂 but I think $2.99 vs $5.00 coupon is not exactly the same deal since it’s more than a penny off… but I will check with my boss to find out for you 😀 (and because we are both cashier and customer service, and because I have heard your perspective as a regular customer at SDM, I will do my best to start honouring the policy for SCOP since I am a cashier who is aware of it)

  30. Lisa-Marie Tew says:

    Hi Amy…

    So I just got off the phone with my boss and she said that we would still redeem the coupon (for the $2.99 sale item to be paid for with a $5.00 coupon), but in a different way than I thought…

    So you’re right! 😀 And now I know how to fix it for my customers too!
    Thanx for the discussions and the friendly challenge too…

    Have fun shopping for the 20X the points this Saturday!
    LM

  31. nick oakley says:

    customers want, want and want. lets talk refunds, when the policy is clearly posted in store and on the sales receipt. receipt needed for refund or exchange. what part of this do you not understand. retailers are not made of money and do not, i repeat do not have to give you a refund without the receipt. we are dealing with fraud everyday. just cause you have an item we sell does not mean you bought it, or even its from out store. please be reasonable. we try to be.

  32. jessica says:

    do the coupons that you use at shoppers drug mart have to have a barcode or can they just have a numbered code on the bottom like some? would love it if someone could get back to me before i look like a fool at shoppers!! thanks a million

  33. Mike says:

    I just used a $10 off coupon on a product at shoppers that was marked down to $6.99. The cashier then called her supervisor and was informed from her that all I would owe would be the hst because the product was vitamins and they only have the hst tax on them. Is that correct or should the remainder left on the coupon have balanced out the amount owing/ hst?


















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