I’ve been seeing a lot of comments lately saying that you guys are having problems with your coupons scanning when you checkout. So I wanted to make sure you all know what is going on!
A company called G1 does all of the barcoding for coupons and has for years and years. And right now, they are in the middle of transitioning to a better barcode- a Data Barcode. This Data Barcode will include an expiration date, exact product allowed, quantity and allowed weights of the products. And, ultimately, will help us all get through checkout faster since the cashiers won’t have to double check all of that information. The computer will do it for them.
This is what the old Barcode looked like:
And this is what the Data Barcode looks like. Starting in 2010, the coupon barcodes slowly started to transition over to this one:
As great as the new Data Barcode system is, there are a lot of stores that haven’t updated their systems yet. And that is why your coupons are beeping at checkout! It doesn’t recognize your new barcode!
The coupons can be over-riden. But, when cashiers hear a beep, you know they get a little worried that you are using a coupon incorrectly. It can make the coupon using experience frustrating. So, you will want to ask the manager at your store if their systems have converted to the Data Barcode systems.
Hope that Helps! If you want to learn more about the barcodes, you can head to the G1 Website.
(Thanks Coupon Sense Blog!)
MC
Ugh, yes. I had to be VERY persistent with a store manager at Rite Aid last week about honoring my $15/1 coupons (both magazine and printable coupons). She eventually was able to enter something manually, but it took several tries . I could tell she really wanted me to just take my coupons elsewhere and not bother her with them. Hopefully they’ll update soon and it will makes things faster.
meliss
A few walmarts in my area have said they are not going to update their systems, and said I can’t use my coupons if the scanner won’t take them.
Alice
The Ft. Union Walmart in UT told me the same thing. That they won’t take it if it won’t scan even if it’s a valid coupon and even if I purchased what was specified. The coupon I used was even offered on their site.
Jenny
This is also the walmart that told me I HAD to bring my ad’s to price match. I told them their company website says I don’t have to and they said they were requiring them now. So….I am no longer shopping there!
kathy
I had trouble yesterday with mine scanning as well. Thanks for the info, now i can pass it along.
Rebecca Webb
The West Valley Walmart told me the same thing they told Alice.
Randee Scott
The cashier at Macey’s in Clinton wouldn’t take mine. 🙁
Amber
I feel so proud! I’m new to couponing and today I had my first dispute with a cashier. The manager came over and said I was right! 🙂 It was for the buy one get one free Play Doh coupons and I had two. So it was $6 worth of savings. I couldn’t let that one go!
Kathleen Conner
Very interesting–thanks for the information
Melanie Simpson
My question is will all stores eventually switch or are we not going to be able to use printed coupons anymore?
Anna
I went to Perry Walmart with a few printed coupons and they cashier took them even though two of them didn’t scan right. She checked the items to make sure and manually entered it. Maybe it’s a matter of which cashier you get?
Anna
Perry, Ut Walmart that is.
Jennifer Lund
I noticed the new Data Barcodes while clipping coupons from my newspaper today. If stores don’t switch to the new system will we not be able to use newspaper coupons with the new barcode as well? I know they can override things, but most cashiers I’ve run into at my Walmart in KY won’t take it if they can’t scan it.
Jodi Davis
Yesterday, I went out on my first attempt at couponing with a purpose (my new term). I’m reading The Lazy Couponer and following advice here on your blog. Walmart said they aren’t supposed to take coupons that don’t scan, but I had already pulled the items from the bag so she could see I had them. She went ahead and did the override, very nice. I’m thinking there would be more success with this the earlier I shop there.
At my Rite Aid the same day they couldn’t scan any of the coupons I was using except for the Rite Aid coupons from their ad. Having worked retail I had noticed the different type of barcode. It’s good to know the “why” behind this. Since I’m already recognized at Rite Aid because they are my pharmacy I don’t expect issues there.