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ARE YOU BUYING THIS? By
Robbie Dingeman
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A recent column on discount coupon books drew broad reaction from consumers and some valuable tips.
Some people complained that they went to restaurants and businesses that refused to honor the coupons. Coupon book publishers urge consumers to call them to report any issues.
Some readers said the businesses blamed the pub-lishers, saying they didn't sign up but were still listed.
However, at the state Office of Consumer Protection, executive director Stephen Levins said he had not received any complaints from businesses listed without permission. He encourages anyone who has problems to report them.
Since that column, we also heard from the folks who run the Michigan-based Entertainment Book.
Ryan Torresan, marketing manager of Entertainment Publications, said the company has a process in place to address customer issues regarding offers or merchants not honoring coupons in the book.
"In the rare case that a merchant will not honor a coupon, we encourage consumers and the merchants to contact us directly at 1-888-231-SAVE (7283) or merchantservices@entertainment.com and report any offer issues so we may investigate," Torresan said.
Reader Jackie Chun from Kaimuki summed up some practical advice for bargain-hunting consumers:
Chun also noted that some restaurants, including India Cafe, are listed in more than one book. While the India Cafe coupon in the Entertainment book has a $40 minimum, the restaurant's coupon in the Aloha Diners Club book does not.
Chun said she's been an Entertainment Book customer for a long time and "if you go by a few common-sense rules before you try to use a coupon, you will never be disappointed."
Entertainment said sales are strong in the weak economy. "We are seeing merchant interest in being included in the Entertainment Book increase as consumer coupon usage continues to spike in the current economy," Torresan said.
Based on the most recent data pulled from http://www.Entertainment.com printed offers, the Hawai'i edition had a 34.7 percent increase in coupons being printed out this year compared with the previous year, he said.
Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2429.
