Hi moms,
I always use Enfamil checks when I am buying toddler formula for my daughter. Some of these checks are in my name, and some are given to me from a friend. I never had a problem using them. Sometimes I get an employee who doesn't know how to enter in the discount, but for the most part, I can use them without incident.
Today, I used an Enfamil check at Jewel, and it was rejected. The store manager had to override the error to give me the discount. She said that the problem was due to the fact that my name didn't match up with the name on the check. At that point, the only way they knew my name was because I used my preferred card. She had me sign the check.
I know the checks say that they are void if transferred or sold, but really? They're going to reject it because the name on my preferred card doesn't match with the name on my Enfamil check? I could have not given them my preferred card and paid with cash, so I can't imagine what difference it would make.
Does anyone know if grocery stores are cracking down on the use of Enfamil checks when the customer is not specifically named on the check? I suppose I could have asked the store manager at Jewel if they changed their policy, but I had already held up the line for far too long, so I just wanted to get out of the store.
Just curious if anyone has encountered this as well. It's bad enough that I use coupons that make checkout a little longer. If these Enfamil checks turn into a battle every time I shop, I might just abandon the toddler formula.
Marda, I started getting checks from Enfamil after signing up under their Enfamil Family Beginnings program. Anyone can sign up. They just want you to be on their mailing list and try their products.
The checks are from Enfamil, and the stores endorse them for reimbursement. The consumer uses the check like a coupon.
Oddly enough, my friends who never signed up for Family Beginnings receive checks from Enfamil for higher amounts than the checks I receive. My checks are for $1.00, and theirs are for $5.00. They never buy formula, so they pass the checks onto me because they know my daughter drinks the soy toddler formula.
If Enfamil thinks the store is accepting voided checks, they may not reimburse them the money. Then it is the store's loss. I don't understand why you are getting upset with the store when they are doing you a favor by knowingly accepting a check that is not valid.
Wow, I am really not trying to be mean at all, but where is the line drawn? If THIS particular rule doesn't apply to you, how do you know which rules you have to follow if only certain ones are applicable? Using those checks is basically a lie, it is you saying you are your friend...is that what you want to teach your children-if it is to your benefit and no one will 'know', it's okay? Rules exist for a reason, if you do not understand the reason you can surely research it, but please do not just decide that since you don't understand the rule, or maybe don't think it's fair, that it does not apply to you, what if EVERYONE decided to make their own rules?
Maybe they are trying to stop counterfieting of the checks. And if it says void if transfered or sold,, should you be using them? Its costing someone money for a person to use them when they shouldnt.
The store M. take them but it is considered fraud (not that they will come after you) and they M. not pay back Jewel for the amount of the check. I know that Emfamil and other brands are cracking down on such fraud (google coupon fraud... it is an interesting read) so I suggest cash if you are using one of them. They don't need to check ID's from what I understand.
You are presenting a check that clearly says void if transferred or sold.
It is called coupon fraud. I am surprised the store is accepting the check.
Someone is paying somewhere..... and someone is losing profits due to activities like this.
From what you've described, they sound like coupons...not "checks" (which is, I think, where people are getting their panties in a bunch) so I can't imagine why they would reject a coupon. ???
Formula is expensive! I'd use them and pay with cash and not use the preferred card. And I don't see that as "rule bending" -- now if you were Xeroxing them....or something like that...
Whether they're coupons or checks I still think it's dishonest to be using them when they're issued in someone else's name. Obviously the company doesn't want each ELIGIBLE person getting more than their fair share of discounts. I'm shocked that the store would honor it.
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I used Similac checks with numerous names and never had any problems. I usually bought at Walmart because they always took them. I signed up my Mom, my MIL, 2 SILs, my aunt, my husband's aunt, so we had checks coming out our ears! I'd go in and have 6-7 checks at a time all with different names. I'd even use my debit with my name and never had a problem, but this was a few months ago. Unless they're getting stricter, I'd try buying at Walmart!
wow i used to buy formula checks/coupons on ebay when my kids used it, several years ago now, but have not heard of this happening to anyone else now... how can they know whos name is on it??? i didnt know registers and checks were that intune with each other... maybe try another store next time to avoid the hassel?? hope you find a solution, formula is so expensive
What you can do is buy the formula at Walmart and pay cash- they won't know your name that way :)
Who wrote the check? Is it from Enfamil or are you referring to checks given by the state to low income parents? How does one get checks for Enfamil?
Just to clarify: These Enfamil checks (or Similac, etc.) are real checks -- NOT coupons. The processing of these checks is the *exact* same process as when you write a check: the money is deducted from your checking account (or, in this case, from Enfamil's checking account) and the check is sent back to you after it's been cashed (or sent back to Enfamil.) These checks are "legal tender" and are regulated and protected by all the same financial/banking laws as the checks in your checkbook. The only difference is that these checks can only be used on Enfamil purchases. As far as the store is concerned, the store is not discounting the product -- the store is immediately being paid by Enfamil, via electronic transfer, for the amount of the check. These checks are as good as cash.
Using an Enfamil check written to someone else is the same as forging someone else's check. Which is illegal. That's why the store doesn't need to let you use the check. However, unless the check is expired, the store is usually going to get the immediate reimbursement from Enfamil (the store does not incur any monetary loss)...which is why so many people don't have issues using them fraudulently.
As for coupons and coupon fraud: Coupons are discounts that are given by the store on the good faith that they will be reimbursed by the manufacturer. They are not legal tender. The store deducts the coupon amount and takes the "loss" and is counting on the fact that the manufacturer will reimburse the store. The store sends the coupons/electronic records of the coupon discounts to the manufacturer and waits for the manufacturer to reimbursement the store. When counterfeit coupons are used, the manufacturer refuses to pay -- the store is simply out of luck and has to take the monetary loss. Then the store increases all their prices across the board to make up for all the people cheating and using fraudulent coupons.
Hope this helps.
