Thursday, May 07, 2009

Problems with KFC/Oprah Coupon

UPDATE: KFC has now officially decided to NOT redeem the coupons discussed below. They have issued a statement which I've written about and you can view:
KFC Revokes Coupons, Issues Rain Checks

After Oprah talked about KFC's new grilled chicken on her show on Tuesday (5/5/09), a coupon was made available online for printing.  The coupon (shown below) was for a "Free 2 pc Kentucky Grilled Chicken meal:  2 pcs grilled chicken (manager's choice), two individual sides and a biscuit."

The trouble is that some KFC fast food restaurants are reportedly refusing to accept the coupon.  The reports vary and we've linked to many of the stories and blog posts below.  Apparently some manager's have said the promotion is over for the day, created separate lines for those with coupons, claimed to have run out of menu items, and said that coupons with barcode numbers ending in "1234" are not valid (evidently ALL the coupon barcodes end in "1234"!!!).  Others have reported that they had no problem at all redeeming their coupon.

Here's what the coupon looks like:



Oprah now has this page on her site with information on who to call if your coupon is not accepted at KFC.

Her site states:  "All the PDF coupons downloaded from Oprah.com on the evening of May 5 have the same bar code" and instructs you to call 1-800-CALL-KFC if your coupon is not accepted and a "KFC Customer Service representative will assist you and also take the information about your experience and follow up with the restaurant."



2 comments:

What Is Cash Gifting said...

I received my coupon yesterday from a friend who alerted me to the deal.

I might just drive over to the local KFC and see if they accept it for curiousity sake.

Independent of any negative publicity I can't even comprehend the free publicity that KFC is receiving. The word Kentucky Fried Chicken is being said and thought about millions of times. Some negative thoughts, some positive, but people are talking about it. That's all KFC or any corporation can ask for.

Ryan

Lizzy Volpe said...

Went ot local KFC today and they told me that I could give them my cupon and they would give me a raincheck to fill out mail to KFC and then Iwould have to wite for up to 30 days for a new cupon to be mailed tome. When I asked to speak with the manager he refused to come to the front, he was hiding in his office. The sad thing is I live in Louisville KY the home of KFC. Shame on them for not figuring out ahead of time that millions of people would take them up on this offer. I am going to complain, but no way am I waiting 30 days for the new cupon. That is what they want for us to just give up I guess. Well I guess I give up and eat at home from now on.