Coupons require a cell phone numbers.....help me here!!!
By coffeebreak
@coffeebreak (17798)
United States
March 16, 2013 5:03pm CST
I have couponed for years. Used to be really good one...dollar off! these days they are 10 cents of 4 cans or something stupid like that. But from time to time I get some that are at least helpful...for instance I buy Campbells chicken noodle soup all the time, so I always wait till it is on sale to save a few pennies, but then use a coupon that is 40 cents of 3 cans. Since I am buying anyway, that is worth it. But to me, not worth it enough to buy something new. Anyway..I print coupons out online, use those in the newspapers and join the store sites for their coupons. I save enough twice a month when we shop to buy a tank of gas each time...that means about $20 (and I dont' drive much!)
But lately in trying to find the coupons...they are REQUIRING a cell phone number in order for you to get the coupon. I have one, but I don't want it given out all over the place...I tried my landline, but it refuses that saying "mobile line only".
Why is that? Why do they only accept a cell phone number and how do they know the difference? I figure they want the cell number so they can solicite you, but they can do that with a land line. I guess they can text you with a cell number and not a land line, but still...what about those that dont' have a cell phone? They (and that includes me) don't get the coupon? How unfair is that!?!?!?!
So...anyone know why the require only a cell phone number? And any way around it?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@LaDeBoheme (2004)
• United States
17 Mar 13
Do you have an example of this, the site that requires a mobile number?
The reason I ask is that there are apps that can be used on smartphones where you can download coupons and just scan your phone at the store. It's a handy-dandy way to store and use multiple coupons.
That was my first thought, especially when you said it wouldn't accept a landline number, which of course, you can't haul to the store with you and scan.
There should be an alternate method like Print Coupon though.
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
17 Mar 13
Never thought to keep a url for one. I just went through 1 today...but they are always doing this! The one today was for Home Depot home improvement center. I know about that app for the cell phone to scan etc..but I dont' do that. And I have some places that give you the option to either print a coupon out or load it to your cell. That is why this was so odd that they didn't give the option to print. They lost a customer today because of that. I took the one for$10 off $50 at Lowes home improvement across the street!
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
17 Mar 13
I am not a cell person either. I need those coupons in my hand to read the fine print, to make sure all is kosher and to keep track of what I am buying etc. I can't imagine doing all that on a cell phone! And how does that work anyway...how does the cashier scan multiple coupons off your phone screen?
@LaDeBoheme (2004)
• United States
17 Mar 13
Yep, if there's no alternate printing option, I would've done like you did. Blown it off and moved on to another store. I frequently will 'attach' coupons to my loyalty store cards, but even those give me the option to print instead.
I don't download coupons to my phone, because, frankly, I never take my phone into the store with me. I can see it now, me holding up the line at the cashier while I go, "Oh wait! I have to run out to my truck and get my phone and coupons!"
@mensab (4200)
• Philippines
16 Mar 13
i am glad that you are making an effort to really save some money. it is always wise to find ways on how to maximize the value of our money. they are hard-earned money, from our own sweat. coupons help to save some bucks. but i am not privvy of this new requirement about providing cell phone number. if you rally care about your privacy, this is a dilemma for you. i hope you are able to overcome this.
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
17 Mar 13
Thanks. I have been couponing for years and years and years. It's just more necessary now with high prices and low income! No, I don't do any that require my cell number...not until I find out why!
