Q: I recently went to buy a gift from a retail outlet that forms part of a shopping centre where I am entitled to a 10 per cent discount, since I am employed with one of the shops at this shopping centre. For this particular shop, I have another 10 per cent discount card given to me by my football club for being a member.

On presenting the discount cards at the cash, the salesperson told me I could only use one discount card. I argued that since I had two discount cards, I was entitled to a 20 per cent discount. Am I right?

A: This depends on the terms and conditions listed on your discount cards. If, for instance, there is a condition saying that the discount card cannot be used in conjunction with another offer or another discount, then you are only entitled to a 10 per cent discount.

It is very uncommon for shops to allow more than one type of discount card to be used with the same purchase. Moreover, since these kinds of discounts are offers created by shops, it is also up to the retailers to impose terms and conditions they deem fit.

However, these terms and conditions should be clear and cannot be misleading.

If the terms and conditions on your discount card do not prohibit the possibility of using the discount card with another offer, then you may have a case and you can file a complaint with the Office for Consumer Affairs.