IF YOU RECEIVE "CAMEL" COUPONS AND/OR ARE FAMILIAR WITH COUPONS, COULD YOU PLEASE READ THIS TO POSSIBLY HELP ME.

I know it is a little longer than most complaints listed, so please read to the end. I would greatly appreciate anyone's help or comments on the issue's I have.

I receive monthly coupons for "CAMEL" cigarettes. They come in a folded mailing, which contains only four manufacturer coupons a month. Each mailing, every month is for the same four coupons. On the front of all the coupons is the "CAMEL" logo, and the content, "Does Not Include Red Kamel and Camel Non-Filter Styles". Two coupons on the front say "$1 off 1 Pack". The other two coupons on the front say "Buy 1 Pack Get 1 Pack Free".

I have TWO ISSUE's with these coupons. The FIRST ISSUE is with the terms on the back of the coupons.

The coupon terms start with, "Terms of Coupon Offer" on the first line, and then, "Consumer" on the second line. Then the consumer terms of use start on the third line. The FIRST ISSUE is with the sentence, "Limit one coupon per pack or carton purchased, except when used in combination with on-pack or on-carton coupon.".

I read that sentence as saying, I can either use the coupon to purchase a pack or a carton of cigarettes. I can't perceive any other reason why this would be placed in the terms, except for that. If the manufacturer doesn't mean it in that way, then it shouldn't even be listed under the terms of the coupon. The coupons already says, "$1 off 1 PACK" and "Buy 1 PACK Get 1 PACK Free". I'm not familiar with any legal reason, or any other reason that the coupon terms NEED to have the word carton listed. If there is, then "CAMEL" should word the terms of use differently, or they could add, "Cartons are not included.".

The SECOND ISSUE is with using the coupon at the store.

Sometimes when I go into a store to use the "Buy 1 Pack Get 1 Pack Free" coupon to purchase a carton of cigarettes, an issue will occur with the clerk/cashier. They tell me that the coupon is only for a pack of cigarettes, and not a carton. I then inform them of the terms on the back of the coupon, and also point it out to them. The response I get is that the terms don't mean anything, because the front of the coupon specifies a pack only. Let's just say for now (until I know for sure) that the coupon does allow the purchase of a carton of cigarettes. Then maybe "CAMEL" needs to change the wording on the front of the coupon to say, "...Pack/Carton...".

Has anyone else experienced these issue's with the "CAMEL" coupons? I don't know, but I maybe wrong about my previous statements or suggestions. I have never had an issue with using coupons before this, so I am confused.

If there is someone who could advise me on this? I do not want to go to a store again to be told I can't purchase a carton, and then have the clerk/cashier look at me like I am stupid. Also, where can I obtain a phone number to "CAMEL" - R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. in Del Rio, TX, so I may speak with one of their representatives?

One more question, if I am correct about being able to use the coupons on cartons, then what do I say to these clerks/cashiers?

Thank you,
Michelle Metcalfe
michellemetcalfe AT comcast.net

P.S. The monthly coupon mailing has an artistic drawing on it. The drawing is of "CAMEL's" signature camel with leafs around it, a fat little pack of cigarettes that say "CAMEL" on them above the camel, and smoke (it looks like smoke) around a white, blue and green multicolored ray (similar to a ray of light). If possible, the description of the mailing may help with identifying the "CAMEL" coupons I have written about.