Why you should be VERY leery of a PDF coupon

When you go to print an internet coupon you expect one of several things: (a) a new screen to pop up that says "Print Coupon" then little images of your computer and printer "printing it" or (b) the big S logo "printing" it.

IF it opens a new window and opens a PDF file (i.e. a file you can save to your computer and keep forever) you should be very worried!  EVEN if it comes from the manufacturer- I would be worried about using it, ESPECIALLY if it is high value.  Let me explain why I am saying this now:

Physicians' Formula, a cosmetic company, released a PDF coupon for $5 off ANY product.  A few days ago, they posted on their Facebook page:  

Hi Fans! We are SO appreciative of you & your passion for our brand. That’s why we are ALWAYS looking for new ways to delight you–from our 2x weekly giveaways to contests/discounts. Unfortunately our recent $5 off coupons have been inappropriately used & combined to deeply discount products. Although we really want you to try & love our products we can’t afford to give them away in the thousands for FREE.

Unfortunately we are letting you know that any $5 coupons will no longer be valid at any retailers starting now. We will continue to offer freebies here every Wed and Fri and will continue to come up with ways to reward our customers in an ongoing manner throughout the summer. Much love and thanks to you all.

 

Basically, they are saying that even if you printed just 1 and want to use it TOO BAD- they are telling all the stores NOT to take them and even if they do they won't pay the stores back!  This is BAD BAD BAD for them and for us.  The company is saying that using this coupon along with a SALE PRICE is what is causing them to rescind the coupon. 

The only other coupon I can think of that is valid and has been this way for 2 years now (of course updated) is the palermos pizza coupon!  BUT it is only $1/2 not a $5 coupon that can make an item nearly free when used when it is on sale. 

I personally think that the company is making a BAD choice and their facebook page is BLOWING up with negative posts!  They are not responding to any of these.  So, if you do have one of these coupons shred it or trash it, but using it would cause the store to lose a lot of money!  Just a word of warning about PDF coupons, they probably not worth the problems if you print them!