Why didn't my Register Reward print?

I think this is one of the most commonly asked questions about shopping at Wal-greens. We've all been there, even me! Wal-greens register rewards are really difficult to understand in the beginning! There are so many rules you have to remember, and for the beginner couponer (and sometimes experienced couponers too!) – they can really be confusing!

Here are a few common reasons for your register reward not printing:

1. You bought the wrong items. Register Rewards can be very picky! Make absolutely sure you picked up the exact size, variety and flavor featured in the ad. Sometimes more items will be included than what is pictured in the ad, but not typically. You need to buy exactly what is pictured if you plan on convincing the manager that you should have received a register reward.

2. You did not meet the purchase amount. If the register reward requires you to spend a certain amount (for example: Buy $10 worth of Pampers to receive a $5 Register Reward!) you must spend at least that amount. $9.99 is NOT the same as $10 when it comes to register rewards!

3. You used a Register Reward from the same brand. You cannot “roll” register reward deals. The register reward you use will cancel out the register reward that should print. This only applies to rewards from the same brand/company (for example you cannot use a Register Reward you received from purchasing a Procter and Gamble item towards the purchase of an additional Procter and Gamble item and expect an additional Register Reward in return.) If you use a register reward that was earned by buying a product manufactured by a completely different company, then your register reward should still print.

4. The register reward machine was not working. This actually does happen! Either the Register Rewards machine may be broken, or the Register Reward scenario is not in the system. If this happens, ask to have them re-ring your purchase at a different register.

5. You saw a black cat. You broke a mirror. You opened an umbrella inside. It's Friday the 13th. There’s a full moon. I’ll say it again: Walgreen’s register rewards can be difficult! Sometimes I am completely confused, and have absolutely no idea why my reward didn’t print!

Here are some rules to remember when using register rewards:

* You cannot have more coupons than items - register rewards are considered coupons! If you buy 2 items and plan to use 2 coupons on them, you will not be able to use a register reward also. You could, however add a very cheap item to your order, such as a pencil or 25 cent piece of candy (this is also known as a filler) to even out the item to coupon to item ratio.
* You cannot use a register reward on an item earning a register reward for the same deal. Register rewards from the same company cancel each other out. P&G makes a ton of products like Pampers and Proglide razors. If you buy Pampers and earn a register reward and you want to buy a Proglide razor and earn the register reward advertised for it, you can not use the Pampers register reward! If you do, the Proglide register reward will not print! However, you can use a register reward that was earned by buying a product from another company (such as Kimberly and Clark..aka Huggies) and the register reward will print. The Register Reward will say something like “compliments of (insert company here)” or look in the fine print for “(insert company here)”
* They expire much faster than most coupons! Two weeks is all they give you to use a register reward. If you don’t think you will be back in time to use it, go ahead and purchase something right then and use your register reward.

If you have any other questions or if this was confusing, please leave a comment with your question or send me an email! I want you to be able to shop at Walgreen’s with confidence!