Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for visiting our Technical Support page. For your convenience, many of our most frequently asked questions (FAQ) have been addressed below. However, if your question was not addressed in our FAQ, please visit our Contact Us page where we can ensure your e-mail gets routed to the appropriate customer support specialist.
Please review the topics below to resolve your issues:

Coupon Printing Problems

1. What if my coupon would not print?
If the Coupon Activator Plug-in was downloaded, but you were unable to print your coupon check the following:

Is the printer turned on? Often the simplest explanation can identify the problem. Turn your printer on and try printing the coupon again by clicking on the original coupon link.

Is there sufficient paper in the paper tray? Double check your paper supply and try printing the coupon again by clicking on the original coupon link.

Is the printer properly connected to your computer? Often the simplest explanation is a faulty connection. Check the cable connection between your computer and your printer. Try printing the coupon again by clicking on the original coupon link.

Are the status lights on the printer indicating problems? Often, if your printer is experiencing problems, a red light will be lit up or blinking on its control panel. Please refer to your printer owner's manual. After following the directions, try printing the coupon again by clicking on the original coupon link.

Do you have the Coupon Activator Plug-in properly installed? If you are not certain, please see the "Coupon Activator Plug-in Questions" section of this page.
2. What if I don't have a printer?
A desktop printer is required to print printable coupons at home. Unfortunately, we cannot mail coupons to you.
3. What if my fax software appeared when I tried to print?
Select Start/Menu/Settings/Printers; set default printer to local or LAN printer




Coupon Activator Plug-in Questions

1. Is there another way to print coupons without downloading your plug-in?
No, the Coupon Activator Plug-in is necessary to ensure the secure printing of coupons. However, it takes less than 2 minutes to download with a 56K connection, will complete installation automatically and has been engineered to run seamlessly with Windows and Mac OS X operating systems. Plus, once installed, it will enable you to print future coupons without the need for additional downloads.

2. What is a plug-in?
Plug-ins are software programs that extend the capabilities of your browser and other applications. For example, some plug-ins give you the ability to play audio samples, view video movies, view PDF documents or print secure coupons from your personal computer.
3. Is the plug-in safe to install on my computer?
Yes! The Coupon Activator Plug-in has been engineered to run seamlessly with any Windows computer and Mac computers running Mac OS X.

Most plug-ins are developed by third party companies and are designed to extend the capabilities of the original software application. Apple's QuickTime, Real Media's RealPlayer, and Adobe's Acrobat PDF Reader are all examples of third party software plug-ins. You may have noted that your browser states that it might be "dangerous" to accept the download. This "warning" is simply identifying that this plug-in was not developed by the original software developer.

When you download or run programs from the Internet, you want to know that the program comes from a known, reliable source. That's why, after you click the "accept" or "yes" button to download a program from the Internet to your computer, your browser uses authenticating technology to verify the identity of the program. Authenticating technology verifies that the program has a valid certificate. This feature eliminates the chance of someone misrepresenting a program that is intended to be malicious or intentionally harmful.
4. What about my privacy?
We value your privacy and the Printer Plug-in is safe and secure. To learn more about our privacy policy, please read our Privacy Statement, which is accessible from the promotion's registration page(s).
5. Does the plug-in work with my computer's operating system?
Yes, the Printer Plug-in has been engineered to run seamlessly with any Windows computer and Mac computers running Mac OS X.
6. What if I got an unexpected error message stating that downloading did not complete?
Please try downloading the plug-in again by re-entering the site from which you were trying to print coupons.
7. What if my browser doesn't allow me to download plug-ins?
One of the following may be occurring:
You are on a networked computer that does not allow plug-in downloads. Check with your network administrator.

Your security settings are too high. If you are using Internet Explorer, at the top of your browser, please go to "Tools", then "Internet Options", then "Security." Your settings should be at "Medium" or lower. If you are using IE 6.0, your privacy settings also need to be "Medium" or lower.

If you are using Netscape Navigator, your software installation option may be disabled. At the top of your browser, go to the "Edit", then click on the "+" next to "Advanced" and click on the "Software Installation" sub-menu. Make sure there is a check mark next to "Enable software installation" option.
8. What if my computer/browser keeps saying I pressed "NO" when I pressed "YES" while attempting to download the Coupon Activator Plug-in?
One of the following may be occurring:
Your security settings are too high. If you are using Internet Explorer, at the top of your browser, please go to "Tools", then "Internet Options", then "Security." Your settings should be at "Medium" or lower. If you are using IE 6.0, your privacy settings also need to be "Medium" or lower.

You are on a networked computer that does not allow plug-in downloads or you do not have administrative rights on your computer. Check with your network administrator.

If you are using Netscape Navigator, your software installation option may be disabled. At the top of your browser, go to the "Edit", then click on the "+" next to "Advanced" and click on the "Software Installation" sub-menu. Make sure there is a check mark next to "Enable software installation" option.
9. My store will not accept Internet coupons, what should I do?
If you tried to use a coupon at a store and it was NOT accepted, we'd like to know. Please contact us and provide the following information: A description of the coupon (including brand, specific product, product size and coupon value). Store information (store name, address, city/state, zip code/country).
Operating Systems and Error Messages

1. Do your online and e-mail promotions support the Windows operating system?
All of our promotions are available to Windows users.
2. Do your online and e-mail promotions support Mac OS?
All of our promotions are available to Mac OS users. Printable coupons require Mac OS X. Click here to learn more about Mac OS X.
3. Do your online and e-mail promotions support WebTV?
Unfortunately, we are unable to support the Web TV platform at this time.
4. Why am I getting server error messages?
Most server error messages encountered are the result of a temporary situation. However, if the message you encountered persists, we'd like to hear from you. Please contact Technical Support and provide as much detail as possible such as:
Where the problem was encountered (i.e., while downloading the Coupon Activator Plug-in, while printing a coupon, during sweepstakes registration, etc.)
How did you access that area (i.e., a banner ad, link within a site, etc.)?
If acting on a coupon promotion, what coupon information appeared on the screen?
If acting on a coupon promotion, do you already have the Coupon Activator Plug-in installed?
Internationl Users

1. Are your promotional programs available to users outside the U.S.?
Yes! However, each promotion is created and managed for specific countries. The availability of each promotion is determined by the promotion sponsor and subject to the terms and conditions of that specific promotion.
Registration and Privacy

1. Why am I required to register for various promotions?
Registration for various promotions (such as sweepstakes, free samples, printable coupons, special offers, promotional e-mail, etc.) may sometimes be necessary for the following reasons:
Registration lets us know that you are both eligible and voluntarily participating in the promotion.
Registration helps ensure that certain promotions such as limited free samples, one-time only entry for sweepstakes, and one per customer coupons can be limited per user or household.
In promotions such as sweepstakes, additional information is required to meet certain legal requirements and to notify the winners.
Free sample promotions normally require additional address information for delivery of the requested samples.
2. Why am I required to complete a survey for various promotions?
Surveys enable us to collect information that you are willing to share with us, which helps us better understand our customers' needs and your personal preferences. Your feedback may help shape future product development and marketing efforts. It also helps us personalize the types of offers and/or future communication you receive from us to match your individual interests.
3. How can I control what types of e-mail I receive?
Some promotion programs offer the opportunity to sign up or "opt in" to receive e-mails which may contain sweepstakes, free samples, printable coupons, special offers, product information and more). If you do not wish to receive e-mail, be certain that each check box is deselected when you complete the corresponding sign-up or entry forms for various promotions. See "About E-mail Options" below to learn how to manage the frequency and types of e-mail you receive. See "How to Unsubscribe" to learn how to be removed from an e-mail marketing list.

About E-mail Options
In some cases you may be able to control the frequency in which you receive certain e-mails or "opt out" of specific e-mails by updating your e-mail options. You will find a link to your "e-mail options" at the bottom of the e-mail when this feature is available.

How to Unsubscribe
If for any reason you believe you are or have received e-mail in error or wish to no longer receive e-mail from us, simply follow the directions located at the bottom of that e-mail to unsubscribe. You will be removed from our internal e-mail marketing list.
4. What about my privacy?
We value your privacy. To learn more about our privacy policy please read our Privacy Statement, which is accessible from the promotion's registration page(s).
5. What are "cookies"?
"Cookies" are small files saved to your computer by your browser. They enable us to recognize your computer without requiring you to log in. By recognizing your computer we are able to deliver personalized content based on the information and preferences you previously provided voluntarily. Your browser enables you to fully control "cookies." Please refer to your browser's Help feature to learn more about "cookies." Many browsers offer the ability to accept or decline a cookie on a case-by-case basis. Please note that if "cookies" are turned off within your browser, you may not be able to benefit from all of the features associated with some of our promotions.
"Pass-It-On" and "Tell-a-Friend" Programs

1. What is "Pass-It-On", "Tell-a-Friend", etc.?
"Pass-It-On," "Tell-a-Friend," and other similar programs offer a great way to let your friends know about various promotions such as sweepstakes, free samples, printable coupons, special offers, and e-mail newsletters, etc. After you register for a promotion and if you "Pass-It-On" or "Tell-a-Friend," your friend(s) will receive a special one-time e-mail inviting them to participate in that promotion with a personalized greeting that you provide. The e-mail address(es) that you provide for your friend(s) will not be added to any permanent mailing list unless they choose to sign up for future communications after receiving your one-time message.
Who is E-centives, Inc.

1. Who is E-centives, Inc.?
E-centives, Inc. provides the technology and professional services that support our interactive marketing programs. Their unique, patented solutions help us build better relationships with our customers by using innovative technology that supports printable coupons, sweepstakes, free samples, personalized special offers and e-mail newsletters. For more information about this company, visit www.e-centives.com/corp.

If your question was not addressed in our FAQ, please visit our Contact Us page where we can ensure your e-mail gets routed to the appropriate customer support specialist.