I have had quite a few emails lately and comments about the coupons printing with one bar code. Do NOT worry nothing is wrong with them!
I printed this one off today and this is what I got, 1 with both bar codes and the Sally Hansen with only 1.
** First, I want to say that this was my first attempt at photoshop above…. I think my ability to use a text box and a writing tool could use some improvement, but my color choice in the red circles and the blue font are right on don’t you think?
Back to the coupon lesson:
We are accustomed to seeing 2 barcodes on all our coupons, well by the end of December that will be coming to an end. That short barcode like the one you see above will be gone. It is being replaced by the longer Databar Barcode.
According to Frugal Finders (thank you for the all the good info!), the DataBar barcode contains much more information than a UPC code does. For example, it accommodates longer manufacturer identification numbers, which check to see if you purchased the correct item. Also, since there is minimal human readable text, this means the end of barcode decoding!
Retailers that utilize DataBar will experience automatic expiration date checking, reduced cashier intervention and improved scan rates. This means your checkout experience should be much less painful and will be faster.
Of course, in order for these coupons to scan, the retailer would need to update their POS system to accommodate the new barcode. Most major retailers like Target and Walgreens already support DataBar barcodes, with other retailers soon to come.
** I am thrilled with the changes, it will be MUCH harder for people (like J’amie from TLC) to commit coupon fraud and use coupons in a way they should not be used. It will also make checkout easier and faster… hopefully!
*** If these coupons do NOT scan at your store all they have to do is use the HANDHELD scanner and it should work. NOT just scan them over the regular scanner. If they try and tell you they can’t take it because it didn’t scan, nicely ask them to please try the handheld scanner and it should work.
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i had a problem in Walmart tonight. I have a coupon for $1 off 1/2 lb of Sara Lee deli meat from the deli counter, not the prepackaged meat. So I told the lady at the deli counter to ring it up separately as 1/2 lb each. But when I got to the cashier station she just refused to scan the coupon at all!! I read the fine print and and it stated deli meat from the deli counter, but she still wouldn’t take it so I went to the CSM (2 of them) they both refused to even try to scan the coupon and said it was for the prepackaged meat. Then I had a price match to Randalls for the stove top $.88 and a coupon that stated B4G1 free. The cashier told me I needed the ad with me but bc I only bought 5 they’d do it this time but next time I’d need the ad. Then refused to take the coupon bc it stated that I had to buy the items at the retail price to get the 5th one free. I’m telling you, I walked out of there fuming bc I asked for the SM and was told he was out on lunch. Walmart may be closer to me then most stores but I’ll just travel the extra 20 mins to the store that will accept my coupons.
I tried to use the Sally Hansen coupon a while back at Target. The coupon wouldn’t scan with either the register or the handheld. The cashier was very VERY accommodating. She kept trying and eventually sent me to customer service. The CSR also tried but it would not scan. The problem came because they couldn’t enter the barcode manually. She tried all of the numbers on the coupon, but none of them would accept. I have heard that it is possible to input these coupons in manually, but how???
Now I know why my cashiers have such a problem scanning my coupons! I tried to use a whole bunch at HEB the other day and they just would not go. I had a great cashier though because he just punched in the amounts that needed to be taken off and took all the coupons, printed and insert.
I have a question. I look at the barcode to make sure I have the right product. Is there a way to tell with the new barcodes?
Nope not yet anyway untill someone figures out the coding!! But thats one of the reaons why its been changed.
Yes…I have had my first experience now with this. The Kashi coupons I have are the new single barcode. The cashier tried to scan it AND use the barcode scanner and it would not work. She consulted with the CSM who advised not to accept the coupon. She stated she was not allowed to manually type in the coupon as other cashiers have done in the past. This was at WM btw. They were great coupons too. I was very upset. I printed them fairly. I’ve since asked Walmart to advise me whether they have the new data scan system and was advised “I couldn’t tell you.” Not good…
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