Using coupons can be fun and rewarding.
The feeling of saving 75% off your bill is great!
However, using coupons can be a really bad experience, if you aren’t prepared.
Personally, I have never felt bad for using a coupon. I make sure I am honest with my coupons. I never try to “get over” on the system with a coupon. Due to this, I feel there is no reason for me to feel bad. I certainly have had cashiers that have tried to make me feel bad about coupons. I have had cashiers say I am trying to steal. I have had cashier tell me that I am cheap. Even still, I never feel bad about using my coupons.
I have read stories of people leaving a store crying after being berated for using coupons. When your cashier says “NO” you cannot use this coupon, you have to be prepared. You have to make an instantenous decision on how you will handle the situation. In the end, you may not always be able to use your coupon. Personally, I do not feel like I have to win every time, even if I know I am 100% right. Sometimes, it is just easier to say, thank you, but I have decided to not purchase the product. I have been in the situation where I have an exceptionally good deal and will ask the cashier for a manager.
So how can you avoid the big NO at the register and feeling bad when you get a NO? I guarantee that you will have another cashier say No in the future, regardless of what you do. You can take some steps to have less of a chance. Follow these tips to get less NOs and feel good about your couponing!
1. Know your stores policy – This is the most important step to successful couponing. National stores such as Rite Aid, Target, Walmart and CVS have corporate coupon policies. You should be able to find these on their website or by calling corporate customer service. Many grocery store chains have individual store policies to compete with competition. So, I highly suggest that you go to the actual store you shop at and ask for their coupon policy. If they do not have it written, take the time to write it down while you are at the customer service desk. After you write it, note who you spoke to, their title and date. I suggest trying to get the policy directly from a manager, if they don’t have it written.
2. Print and carry the store policies in your coupon binder – If you need it you can show to the cashier. This will allow you to show the cashier why you believe what you are presenting is correcting.
3. Know how your coupon is meant to be used – Taking the time to learn coupon terminology is so important. Make sure you understand what the coupon is offering. If you aren’t sure, ask someone who is. There are many great sites available to explain coupons and of course, you can always contact me.
4. Use your coupon the way it was meant to be used – If you are using coupons to try and beat the system, you will likely get caught. Not only is it coupon fraud, you are taking money from the company. If you are honest, you will have a clear conscience about your coupon practices. If you have a clear conscience, you should never feel bad, no matter what the situation is.
5. Stick to reasonable limits – If you go in and try to use 40 of the same coupon, you may have trouble. Even though you are using the coupon as it is meant to be, most stores have policies on how many you can use in a transaction. This is something that may cause a cashier to immediately red flag you.
6. Share the wealth – Take the time to be friendly with your cashiers. Many people believe that “flying under the radar” is the only way to coupon successfully. I am always friendly and wear a smile. If a coupon is giving the cashier a problem, I try to help them figure it out. I know this won’t always work, but most times it does. Also, share the wealth with the cashiers. Most of them are curious as to how you are able to do this. Share your favorite blog or share a coupon.
7. Know when to say NO thanks. – Sometimes the deal just isn’t worth it. If you have an angry cashier or manager, keep your cool. There will always be another deal, another store and another cashier. If the situation has escalated to hostile, say no thanks and leave the store. A store cashier should never make you cry. If you are to that point, you can simply say you’ve decided not to make the purchase. Don’t threaten the cashier with phone calls to corporate or reporting them to a manager. Remain calm and follow up with managers and corporate once you leave the store.
What are your best tips to successful couponing! Leave them in the comments and I will update the post!
Krissys Tip: Tell the cashier you have coupons upfront so they are prepared. – Yes, giving the coupons to them at the beginning of the transaction does help. Don’t wait until they say your total is $xX.xx and whip out 40 coupons!
Samantha Fox says
Love this post being a big couponer AND a cashier.
I have to say: some stores really do have sucky and unfair coupon policies. And just because the cashier doesn’t do your coupon for a reason it is not always due to their own personal qualm with it. I know we are told strict rules at WALMART about online coupons (Only 1 of a coupon per order. Say you had 4 $1 off peanut butter coupons. Our Walmart says no, you can only use ONE of your peanut butter coupons, and that any doubles of it that you have are FRAUD. Which is, excuse my french, a bunch of bull. And yes I know Walmart’s online policy says one thing, but our Walmart claims that they’re allowed to change it to keep up with these “newer coupon resources.” I’ve tried multiple times to explain to my superiors that double of a certain coupon does not equal fraud, that I have double coupons sometimes, that most sites allow you to print two, and then there’s the fact that these coupons reset and you can print even more…they don’t want to hear it. They insist on fraud.
One of their own is trying to explain, and they’re still sticking to their incorrect ideas.
ANYHOO (going off on a rant)
Most Wal-Marts are jerks about the coupons
I work at a Wal-Mart as a cashier.
I coupon a lot. And I love when people come with tons of coupons (love to see people being money conscious. they usually apologize, I say no no don’t be sorry it’s an awesome thing.)
But there’s certain things my superiors demand that I cannot accept, and if I disobey them even if I feel they are wrong, I’d be out of the job.
So be friendly to your cashier. It’s not always their ruling. I know I’ve had to refuse many a coupon that I felt the customer should’ve been able to use due to a crappy policy.
I don’t think it’s worth patronizing the cashier for $1 coupon. We could lose our job if we put these things through for you and we’re told not to. And not all cashiers, at least at my store, are always informed on the latest rule, so if one comes up and instructs another not to do the coupon, they’re not trying to be mean, they’re trying to help their co-worker from doing something that could get them into trouble.
And my co-workers and fellow cashier hate it when I come through their line with my own stack of coupons, hahahah.
-20 year old super-couponing cashier
Lee says
I certainly would not want to save a buck or two if it meant that a cashier could lose his job. I will be a lot nicer henceforth. Thanks for making the comments.
Lee says
We have the same bullseye logo store within 5 miles of our house: Targzhay, where they scorn coupons, regular old Target and Targhetto where you can’t use a coupon without a hassle. Guess which one I go to, coupons front and center, smile on my face??
Lisa says
I don’t know why Target is catching so much flack. I agree, the cashiers aren’t entirely educated about their coupon policies, but I have yet to have a problem using coupons at Target. One time I had $22 worth of stuff that ended up being $2.19, and the cashier just looked at me in amazement and said “Where did you get those coupons from? Wow!” so I told her about these blog sites. I’ve also had no problem with coupon stacking either. Maybe I’m just lucky to come across cashiers who are very laid-back about the whole coupon thing. They typically tend to say things like “Great coupons young lady!” or something like that. Fingers crossed I keep getting lucky! :)
Kim says
“I recently had an experience with a BOGO item and using a coupon $1/2. The cashier was going to put the coupon through and the girl bagging was like you can’t use that you have to get another pack to use that coupon because the one item is free you can’t use a coupon on it.”
So can you or can’t you? If you’re using a BOGO coupon, can you use another manufacturer coupon on the free item? And if you can, what kind. Can it be for example a $1/2. Or just a straight $.75 off a product.
Kim says
So can you or can’t you? If you’re using a BOGO coupon, can you use another manufacturer coupon on the free item?
Kristen says
I’m sorry to hear so many negative comments about Target! I’ve worked at my local Target for 4 years now, and while you’re completely right, the cashiers usually don’t know too much about any other ares of the store, let me offer a few helpful hints;
1. Target marks down girls, boys, and infants items that are going clearance on Mondays.
2. Tuesdays are Womens and Men’s clearance.
3. Wednesday is housewares and furniture clearance
4. Thursday is cleaning supplies and health and beauty item clearance
5. Friday is Toys and Sporting Goods clearance.
If you are looking to find items cheaper in a specific section, try going after about noon on days that the items get marked. Those days will also be the days that the ‘Temporary Price Cuts’ go up in those areas as well.
6. Pay attention to the dates on the sale prices and temporary price cuts. There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to argue with a cashier who doesn’t work around the store about a price that wasn’t supposed to be up anymore, or one that was put up and not logged into the system.
7. At least at my store, if you have any issues with coupons, you can take them up to guest service after your purchase and they can be added to your order at that time. Check with guest service about this policy. This makes you completely bypass unhappy cashiers and gets your items at the price you intended to buy them at.
8. Sign up for a RedCard! You get 10% off your entire order, plus you can go pay it off 20 feet away at guest service after the transaction. Even if you never use it again, you’ll get exclusive coupons in the mail for Target. If you do use it, a portion of your sale will go to the school of your choice, and you can expect more 10% discounts in the mail on birthdays and when you reach spending milestones.
I’m part of the Logistics Team at my store, but I was a cashier for a short time, and if you bring an item up that is slightly damaged, they can give you a discount on it at the register. While what I say is true for my store, it may not be true for every store, and if you go in when the store opens you will get better service than if you went late at night.
Jean says
I have found that at my local Target the “Guest Service” people have been some of the rudest and hardest to work with people in the store!
Carla says
Kristen~
Thanks for all the great info. on Target! I’ve had great experiences at mine, and I’m so thankful! One more tip: If you wear a red shirt while shopping there, be prepared to be approached by people who think you work there! ;)
zelda rocha says
I have my coupons out when i am ready to check out – i tell the cashier I have lots of coupons and ask if they would like them now or at the end – I also always offer to hand them the coupons with each item – especially when items are free – that makes it easier for the cashier to write the amount on the free coupon – i also tell them I have coupons that will need to be adjusted down as the item is less then the coupon – also i always look for a cashier i have used in the past and there was no problem – when a problem accours i have found cashiers dont like it if u try to tell them what the policy is so i smiply smile and ask “Can we call the manager over and get their advice” – also i never use more then 5 coupons for the same item – example – if i have more then 5 coupons for like items i want i will make another trip – zelda –
CJ says
I won’t apologize that I have coupons, but I do say “I have coupons, please” and I thank the cashier after they’re scanned. If I have a bunch of coupons or the coupons end up being a problem in any way I say “Thanks for the extra work with my coupons, you did a great job!”.
Kim says
I’m not sure if its just the Las Vegas economy or more people are using coupons to make ends meet. I have NEVER had problem with a coupon. But, I do know that most stores….Walmart, Target, K-Mart only allow you to use 3 coupons for the same product in one transaction. I try to respect the busy times of a store and go when I know there will be less people. Its less stressful for me and the cashier. I have only gotten high fives and “way to go” on my couponing. I was at Von’s aka Safeway and a gentlemen was behind me in line and I apologized for all my coupons. He said “just watching and learning…thats amazing”. Just be respectful of others and to the system of couponing.
Kristen P says
I also had a gentleman behind me at Publix today – I had a very full cart and over $70 in coupons and he only had one item, so I warned him that I had a stack of coupons and he probably didn’t want to be behind me (I would have had him cut in front, but they’d already started ringing up my order). Anyway he said “that’s okay, it’s great you’re saving money and proceeded to wait and watch for a while (he did end up changing lanes after a few minutes) – I have found that it saves a lot of nasty glares and is just generally respectful to warn the shopper behind you, particularly when there are multiple other checkouts available to them.
jenn says
I know in your post you stated there are sites to understand coupon terminology but I was hoping you or the readers can answer a question for me. Last night was the first time I ever had a problem with coupons at Target. My coupons that exceeded the amount of the item were adjusted down to .01 instead of free. No biggie, but the principle that it should have been free. Later, after I checked out the manager gave me “sorry” coupons worth $3 off my next order. But my question is this – I had the coupon “$3 off ANY 3 of the following – reach floss and/or listerine and/or toothbrush”. I bought 3 floss and the cashier refused to take it because she thought I needed to buy all 3. I told her ANY 3 but she refused to budge and I was already having trouble with my coupons so I didn’t pursue it. Was I correct? What should I have done? I cannot stand the attitude I get from cashiers. Sorry about rambling on…thanks for the help! :)
Sandra says
I stopped shopping at Target because of all the hassle with coupons…..the managers are rude! At least at the one in Gilbert, AZ and the 202 San Tan Fwy. It’s not worth the headaches….last time I told them I didn’t want to buy anything and left my cart there.
Also, when I use my coupons at the grocery store,I mix them up so no two “alike” coupons are back to back. This prevents the “skipping” of coupons by the cashiers. :)
Kim says
I do the exact same thing at the grocery store with my coupons….I mix them up. Or alot of times I do self-check.
NW says
I do my regular grocery shopping @ Super Target and it has been wonderful! If I know I have a lot of coupons, I plan to shop early in the day or late evening. I also make sure before I check out that I have reviewed each coupon and have the correct products in my cart. I like to go to cashiers that I have dealt with in the past, but I’m really not choosy at my location b/c everyone young and old(er) follows the corp policy. It really depends where you go, I only shop at Target stores that consistently follow the rules.
Dizzy Mommy says
Ive found that Target is like for many my nemisis (makes me think of a Disney show my son watches), I’ve always had the most problems there. Last week I had a cashier tell me my printed off coupon policy was fake, another time I had a cashier try to say Targets are Franchises and have there own rules.
Ive found choosing the right cashier is one of the most important things in the world. The rare times my husband is with me its difficult because he just wants to go to the shortest line. Where as I scan each and every one, watch how they talk to customers. If they are smiling or seem in a good mood then I generally will go for them, Ive noticed around me younger cashiers (early 20s) and much older women (60+) tend to be my best bets. I young and have a new baby so those to things are to my advantage with those groups. I also try my best to go at off peak hours and stick to the stores I know the best.
Judy says
I like to shop in the late evening when the store is not busy and I have my hubby at home to watch my son. I find that I miss things when I have my son with me and sometimes it can be embarrassing. I also have found the young male cashiers to be nicer about it. I recently had an experience with a BOGO item and using a coupon $1/2. The cashier was going to put the coupon through and the girl bagging was like you can’t use that you have to get another pack to use that coupon because the one item is free you can’t use a coupon on it. I understand if its there policy but have done it many times there before and have done it since then. I think the cashier was not happy with the the person bagging for saying that to me. The cashier was a sweetheart about it. Since she was nice and the item was a BOGO I went ahead and got it anyways! As for Target I have not been there in months and its going to take a darn good deal to get me to go back in that store. I have had so many problems with that store and I even had issues with calling corporate. I do not think they know what they are doing there either and for a customer service person to tell me over the phone that my child is being annoying makes it that I will NOT go into that store unless it’s a deal I can not pass up. I almost gave up using coupons because of Target, but alas I can not otherwise I think my family would be eating raman noodles a few nights of the week…LOL. Thank you so much for posting this and allowing me to sound off!
Elizabeth says
I have had lots of bad experiences lately where the cashiers have given me attitude or said no. One particular instance, I was using my VocalPoint Rice Krispies coupon (for a free box up to $4) and she said I couldn’t use it. I politely took the coupon back and read it word for word to her, showing her that I was right and I could use it on my purchase. She gave me more attitude and I politely said “You can get these great deals, too. Here’s my business card with my blog website.” She perked up a bit with that information. :)
julie says
Target is the hardest store to use one or five coupons at. The internet coupons I were told are now manager only approval to honor. To many fakes. So each time I use one the manager comes over. Makes you feel like you are committing a crime. Most of the Walgreens in my area are pretty picky too..The best company I deal with the CVS they honor the coupons and agree with me every time on how important saving money is..Guess where I will be spending mine,,even without an coupon.
Leslie says
I found a great explanation of the DND/DNT coupons!
http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/coupons_101_do_not_double
Then I looked through all my DND internet coupons and found that ALL of them should double – now I’ll just cross my fingers!! :)
Celia emmons says
Go alone! The last thing you need when dealing with a picky cashier is whining kids, or worse… a whining husband!!
Also, I check my receipt before I leave the store, or at least the parking lot. It is so much easier to deal with a problem right then & there!
Candi says
I agree that Target can be a bit tricky at times but it seems that I have had a good run with them. I recently got the LeapFrog Tag system that is normally $49.99 and was on clearance for $12.48 there was a $10.00 off coupon on the LeapFrog website. I called my store first to see if they were on clearance and found out they had 4 in stock. I printed 4 coupons and they did not say you had to use in separate transactions. I went in and got all 4 systems for under $10! Normally would have cost almost $200. I went to a very young girl who did not question it at all. She just rang them right up even when some of the coupons wouldn’t work she just used a different coupon. LOL
As far a grocery is concerned I do think if you use the younger males they won’t worry about the coupons and double even though they aren’t supposed to.
Either way, I have run into my own bad luck with Safeway, the cashier would not use a Safeway coupon with a manufacturers coupon saying that is was “only one coupon per purchase”. I was pretty upset but did not show it. I told them I did not want the item (hot dogs) and finished my order. That was the first time it happened to me there as I have used both types of coupons together before and no problemo. I have yet to go back there.
Michelle says
Regarding multiple transactions, I too shop at less busy times and at Walgreens I check out in the cosmetics dept. The cashiers are less busy there and you can take your time doing multiple transactions. The cashiers at my Walgreens expect me there every week and are always excited about the deals I get. I even try to help them out if there is something they are looking for a deal on.
Kelly W says
It is funny that so many people mention Target. That is the only store I had a bad experience at and have yet to try and stack coupons there again.
I usually shop at Acme and am familiar with most of the cashiers. Generally I use self checkout and all but one of the cashiers just hits the button when my coupons ring them. One however always goes through the box and matches up the coupons with my purchases. She is often there and you would think after a few months she would quit doing that but not as of yet!
Another older long time cashier there told me to come in the evening when all the kids are working and they just pass everything through. I heard another cashier talking about me once there to this same woman and she defended me. Yea! Saying I don’t blame her so although she is now my favorite cashier I still don’t use her because she admits to being coupon picky. LOL.
Heading over today to do 4 campbell’s soup transactions and I sure hope to see one of the easy ones at the self checkout. :o)
Kelly
Michele says
I have been couponing for years and always amaze friends, family, cashiers and other shoppers at how much $$ I am able to save!
I wanted to share a recent negative experience that I had @ my local Target. I gave the sales girl my 10 coupons before ringing up my order. She put them down, rang up the order then proceeded to go through my coupons, came upon the save $1.00 on 2 Market Pantry cheese items, (I had purchased 2 cheese sticks @ .40 each). She LOUDLY called over her front end mgr. and proceeded to have a mini couponing session, pulling my items out of the bags, searching for the items, I was commenting, trying to be helpful, was being ignored and I was feeling as if I was being treated like I was trying to “pull one over” or “cheat”. I was aggravated, embarrassed, very rattled, to say the least. I told them that it wasn’t nice to treat people like me who do LOTS of research and take TIME to match coupons w/sales, (also w/the help of posts like yours! =D), like we are doing something wrong.
She didn’t apologize. I go to that Target at least twice a week, especially when I can get FREE Artisan breads or Cheese sticks, bananas, etc. I haven’t gone back, I’m sure I will but, I wanted to vent. This happened Wednesday. Thanks for giving me my “platform”. =D
Sonya says
Yesterday I was at Walgreens and they didn’t have paper tape for the register rewards. The checker consulted the manager and tried to work out a different system (getting another part of my order for free). Anyway, the cashier said she entered it wrong and they are going to dock it out of her pay. I didn’t exactly know what to do, because I had no idea how to key it in! That’s pretty harsh if they really deduct her pay.
Beth says
I always put my free items on the belt first and my free coupons on top and I let the cashier know. I do not feel bad about using coupons they help my family make ends meet, and I am proud that my hard works saves my hard earned money.
Mary says
I tend to migrate to the young male cashiers as well. I live in a college town, so they are always curious as to why I have so many groceries, am able to save so much and can I adopt them for dinner. It’s nice to work in a conversation while they are scanning the coupons. Makes it go smoother. Thanks for the tips!
Jessica says
I count how many coupons I am using and then count again as the cashier is putting them through. I also tend to migrate to the young male cashiers as well – not as much drama. I also take note of catalinas I have accrued during the shopping trip and talk to a manager right away if they do not print. I have received an immediate cash refund for the amount on the spot.
Kaite says
I am SO glad you did this post! I actually wanted to contact somebody about a question that I had and I’m sure others are wondering the same thing.
What do you do when (for instance at RiteAid) a rebate doesn’t come through for you and you need to return an item you’ve used coupons for? Do you tell them that you used a coupon on the item as they’re checking the receipt, or do you not say anything as you return the item?
I had 4 high value coupons that I used at RiteAid and the rebate didn’t work. My coupons were gone, the store will still get the money from those MQs, so I didn’t say anything to the cashier as I returned them and I received a full refund at the pre-coupon price. I just don’t know what was right or wrong.
ADVICE: I take a calculator, pad and pen with me and write down all of my coupons and what the final price should be. As the cashier scans, I double check that everything goes through, and then I make sure the prices match up with what I thought it should be.
Celia emmons says
I tell them I had a coupon for it, and they usually say, “don’t worry about it,” I think it takes them more time to factor in the coupon!
Kim says
I’ll do the same thing…tell them I had a coupon. They usually said “thats OK”…..
Samantha Fox says
The computers/registers can usually check if an item has been purchased as they can your coupons, so there really isn’t a need to let them know if you have a coupon. (Usually. Most stores I’ve been to, lol. Unless it’s a free/BOGO then it’s polite to let them know because we usually have to write the price in for the item onto the coupon.)
Lori says
I used to worry myself to death about this when I would return an item, not wanting to shortchange the store. Then one day a nice WAGS manager told me that his store got reimbursed for the coupon, so the customer should ALWAYS get full value for the refund. Duh…. I’ve never since said anything about using a coupon when I’ve returned an item.
Amanda says
I do the “sorry” line as well. I’ve also found that if you go to a line with a young, male checker, they almost NEVER give me a problem. They also always double coupons that say “Do not double.”
Jennifer says
I agree with all of your tips.
I also find that shopping at the same stores all the time helps. I have made friends with several cashiers and a manager at my local Acme. I go to their lines when I’m there and if I have a problem, the manager knows me and helps me out.
Pretty much all of the CVS people know me now too. Not by name, but they recognize me. So, they know what to expect LOL.
I do multiple transactions almost everytime I walk in a store. I try to make sure the store is not too busy if I’m going through a regular line. Otherwise, I’ll go through self-checkout. I don’t feel bad taking too much time there. It helps to have all of your coupons and transactions separated out and your club card ready when you get up to the front of the line. I also try to help bag sometimes to keep things moving along. Because I did do that in a previous life and I am anal about how things get bagged:)
If there is a problem at a store I don’t normally shop at (Target), I’ll just walk away. There is always another deal.
christen says
I agree that shopping at the same store makes a world of difference. I shop mostly at Kroger and they know me as the coupon lady. I know which cashiers are the grumpy ones and which ones are my admirers. I’ve even had people ask me to teach them how to save so much with coupons! And, of course, I direct them to this website :) Walgreen’s is my other favorite and I’ve never had a problem with any of the cashiers. I have had issues in other stores but I pretty much just don’t shop there anymore. It’s not worth the hassle. You shouldn’t ever be made to feel bad for being smart with your money!
josie says
i’ve also found the “sorry, i have a lot of coupons” line helpful. i had a coupon etiquete question, by the way. in a lot of coupon blogs, i see deal scenarios in which they list “transaction 1, transaction 2, transaction 3” and so on. how do you typically do this? ask the cashier to ring items up in several transactions? go back later and shop again? multiple transactions would be especially helpful at walgreens. (so many rules there!) i don’t think i’d feel uncomfortable asking the cashier to ring up 2 seperate transactions, but beyond that i’d feel kind of conspicuous. thoughts?
Shannon says
Good question Josie.
Heres my rule of thumb, if the store is busy and there are long lines, I don’t do multiple transactions. I try to shop “off hours” so that I am not holding up a line of 10 people. The cashier becomes under pressure to get my out fast and usually it ends up bad.
But when its slow, yes I will do multiple transactions. Recently, I did 8 transacations in a row, there was practically no one in the store. I always “warn” the cashier that I am doing multiple transactions too.
josie says
8 transactions!!! wow. do you ever get the hairy eyeball from your cashier? i’ve had very good experiences at wags, CVS and rite aid, so i think i could manage more than one transaction there. probably not at my evil nemesis, target, though. i was there last night with 5 $1.50 kashi coupons and the cashier told me they only took 1 like internet printable per customer, per day. i KNOW that’s not corp policy, but what can you do? “you’re wrong! no, you’re wrong!” try again another day, i suppose.
DD DeVito says
At target – they have a “red” customer service phone in the customer service area. If you have problems at the register – ask the cashier to “suspend” your order as you will be back in a moment. Pick up the “red” phone and speak directly to corporate customer service. They will ask to speak to a manager and then problem solved – it’s like magic! Just try it. No threats…just corporate reminding them of “their” store policy.
josie says
just made a trip to walgreens. i tried doing 2 transactions (only 2!) and my cashier said no. i politely told her i’d just come back another time for the products in the second transaction. sigh.
DiPaola Momma says
I’ve found Wags (or at least many of my local ones) have some tough cookies on the checkout. I’ve been told several times that I can’t roll over a RR coupon (e.g. use it on the next transaction). I’ve been told I have to come back because the RR was only for ONE visit. Seems sort of silly to me. When it happens I just move on to the next Wags or CVS were I find the customer service is MUCH better and the coupon policy as well. In my local Weis I’ve made it a point to get to know the managers and cashiers. That alone makes a BIG difference!
Christy says
I have found that it is much easier to always go to the cosmetics section at Walgreens to check out. There is always a saleslady somewhere in the area. i just say “would you mind checking me out? I have a lot of coupons and I don’t want to hold up the line.” I have always been treated nicely since I started doing this. before, I got alot of irritated cashiers! i don multiple transactions and the sales clerks are always nice.
Andrea says
I have found that you must choose your cashier wisely!! Some of them just have the idea that all couponers are cheap and all IPs are fraudulent. The big problem I have with handing them an entire stack of coupons is they almost always miss scanning a few. What I do is hand them over one by one, saying I want to double-check as we go and make sure I got that product (and occasionally I have found one that I myself missed—saved myself the embarrassment of them trying to scan a coupon for something I didn’t buy). I’m with you, we have every right to use them but in a legitimate manner.
Krissy says
Thats not a bad idea! I definitely have missed out on money back because two of my coupons stuck together, especially internet ones.
Krissy says
I know that I shouldn’t really have to say this to a cashier but I typically will apologize as I am handing them my coupons and say “I’m sorry, I have a lot of coupons” So far I have only heard “oh that’s OK” in response. I do that because it gives them a warning and I can feel them out at that same time. When they say “that’s ok” I know I can just relax while they are ringing me up instead of getting nervous that they wont accept my coupons and cause me to get angry (cause I will get angry!). I agree Shannon, it is definitely in our benefit to get on the cashier’s good side! Thanks for the tips!