I’ve seen complaints about the use of digital coupons for some time . . . and have thought about them even longer. Newspaper rants haven’t worked, so perhaps an empty shopping cart will.
Here is a comment from the Seattle Times (September 15th, 2022 edition)
“RANT to the Attorney General’s office for permitting grocery stores to demand digital coupons for sale items. This discriminates against shoppers who do not own a smartphone or have access to a computer. Some shoppers are disabled and are unable to make a separate trip to a library to use a computer in an attempt to procure the digital coupon.”
This complaint has been made on numerous occasions in the Seattle Times. As a long-time Safeway customer, I find the digital coupon virtually useless even though we belong to Safeway club savings. We have been members and get discounts on other products at Safeway, but if I don’t have my reading glasses in my pocket, I can’t get the discount on their digital coupon offerings, so we completely lose out on the savings. So, I shop elsewhere when I can.
I feel left out and I’m getting a little pissy about it. I can hardly wait for “WinCo” to open on Sixth Avenue (supposedly in December). It means driving a little further, but if I can get the same food for lower prices, I’ll do it. Safeway should be trying to keep their members, not drive them away.
What are your thoughts?
I must be a bad shopper, because I wasn’t even remotely aware there WERE digital coupons available. I’m a club member as well, what I’ve noticed is the prices on club savings seem to raise so high sometimes that you use your club card just to get the normal price.
Example, I saw Diet Coke, (my favorite) “on sale” for club members if you buy two, get two “free” but they were over 19.00 each.
Savings?
This must be that there “Bidenomics” my wife keeps mentioning.
It’s certainly not what I’d refer to as “club member savings”
When did you say win o opens?🙈
I totally agree with the artlce in the Times. Plus, it takes a lot out of my day to go through those coupons to “clip” them. I have been in the stores many times when they didnt work or youvtryvand scan it in the store and it wont scan. It’s ridiculous and Ibwishbtheyvwould dobawaybwith them. I will also make my case known to the Atty Gen about the unfairness. Thanks for reminding me of that option.
It’s not only Safeway, but Fred Meyer as well.
Years ago both stores began the “membership card” program. This first “hoop” to jump through was apparently developed to build loyal customers.
In the last couple of years a second “hoop” was added, the QR code (the funny-looking square). It will allow you to experience additional savings. Look closely and you will see written on the sale notices, “with card AND code” to get the lower price. When will a third “hoop” be added which even further estranges those who do not have expensive smart phones and/or computers?
Yes, WinCo does not impose such nonsense and manages to sell a host of items cheaper than Safeway and Fred Meyer.
Digital Coupons seem to be designed to lure shoppers into the my Stores but prevent them from actually getting the lowest price. No “connectivity” in Fred Meyer to scan digital codes.
Digital Coupons are a joke. Fred Meyer in Lakewood WA is very spotty for Wifi and I can’t download the coupons when there. I’ve mentioned this a few times, and all I get is, “sorry”.
I barely have time to go to the grocery store, so no time to be downloading coupons from multiple grocery stores.
Also, the scam “MUST BUY 3 or 5 or whatever” before you get a discount is ridiculous for a household of TWO people. This aggravates me every time I see it, which is becoming more often.
I feel the same way I have a brain injury I have some cognitive issues. I learn a app then the store changes it or sometimes I forget how to use a app it’s very upsetting.
I actually don’t mind the digital coupons as much as I hate their false advertising – buy one get one free and then they raise the price to near double forcing you to buy two to eek out a miniscule savings.
Rewards cards and coupons are basically a lure to go into a store, often enough to buy products you get cheaper somewhere else anyhow. But it’s a pain. Yes, I have my reading glasses on me. And I sometimes take myu customized printed-out coupons that come in the mail to a store in University Place. I don’t go to my desktop for more. I don’t have a smartphone for scanning codes. I just buy what’s on my list.
Sometimes, I prefer to drive miles to another store in Parkland to do my weekly groceries there. List and spontaneous items.
Lakewood has reduced its supermarkets to Safeway in town center. Target on town center’s other end offers only a very reduced grocery segment. Which means that ALL of town center doesn’t get my much of my shopping, as I’m simply not going there much anymore. I’m just not willing to pay for discounts that are standard prices in other stores elsewhere.
I much prefer shopping at WinCo. Here’s the item … Here’s the price. Buy only what you need. No coupons to cut. No codes to scan. No smartphones needed. The other stores, with all their advertising gimics, are unfair to the poor, disabled, and elderly.
Bravo Don! I have gone to the service desk and asked what I can do because I don’t have a “smart(?)” phone. At Freddie’s they said to tell the clerk and show the ad. This is a convoluted way to overcome one more obstacle placed on us by Big Corp. It’s time we rise up and say NO! They are leeches feeding off the public.it
I agree with this article completely . I do not own a smart phone so am in the same boat. Pierce County Housing has a similar system for the laundry room at our apartments. You need a smart phone app to use the washing machines and dryers. Some older people have problems using smart phone apps. Hands and fingers shake or jerk when making small movements. I have to drive some distance to do my Laundry . I just found out that Fred Meyers will give you the digital coupon price at the register if you have their rewards card. Perhaps this will help add another place to save on groceries.