ConsumerWatch: Shopper Disappointed With Kohl's Coupon Policy
SAN JOSE (CBS 5) - Stacking coupons doesn't always mean double the discount. W
When San Jose resident Victor Karazija received a 30 percent coupon plus $20 worth of Kohl's Cash he purchased two ties, but before paying Karazija said he had already done the math. He figured on a $45 purchase if he applied the 30 percent coupon first then the $20 Kohl's Cash he would only owe $11.50. But when he handed over the coupons to the sales rep he said he got a big surprise.
"She said 'it doesn't matter,'" he recalled. "She said the computer is programmed to use Kohl's Cash first and then deduct the 30 percent."
In that order Karazija said he paid $6 more then he expected. But Bay Area couponer Alice Serraon said she's not surprised to hear Kohl's is putting restrictions on its coupons.
"Let's face it, that's the reality of things," she said. "They're there to make money."
Karazija isn't the only one feeling shortchanged. CBS 5 found online complaints some that go as far as to call it a scam.
But according to the Department of Consumer Affairs, Kohl's can apply the coupons in any order it chooses as long as it's spelled out in the fine print. However Karazija said that's no consolation. "
To me it's kind of an ethical issue," he said. "I don't have to spend my money there."
Kohl's told CBS 5 the terms and conditions for Kohl's Cash are printed online, on its marketing materials, in store and on the back of all Kohl's Cash certificates.
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