Store logos on coupons raise reader's ire - Jill Cataldo

Q: "What is it with some manufacturers that put a store name on their coupons? A manufacturer coupon is a promotion offered the product's manufacturer and shouldn't be tied to a particular store. This week in the coupon inserts there were a lot of manufacturer coupons with store logos on them, but the coupons state that they are manufacturer coupons. Shouldn't I be able to use them at any store I choose?"

A: Coupons fall into two distinct categories: manufacturer coupons and store coupons. A manufacturer coupon is issued and redeemable the product's manufacturer and it will always have the wording at the top, "Manufacturer Coupon." A store coupon typically looks different from a manufacturer coupon. The bar code may be shorter or longer than a standard coupon and it will typically contain the name of the store and the words "Store Coupon."