Comments on: When Your Cashier Says No

By: christen

christen — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:48:36 +0000

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!

By: Lee

Lee — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 01:04:46 +0000

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.

By: Samantha Fox

Samantha Fox — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:30:35 +0000

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.)

By: Samantha Fox

Samantha Fox — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:24:20 +0000

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

By: Cashier Frustration « For the Love of Coupons!

Cashier Frustration « For the Love of Coupons! — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:43:54 +0000

[...] a place to voice suggestions on how to deal with tough cashiers. You can find those posts here and [...]

By: Jessica

Jessica — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:03:33 +0000

Definitely be organized with your coupons and have them ready with your products. I have seen many times where other couponers have waited till the total is announced to be digging around for their coupons and their stuff is everywhere making a mess. It makes me cringe and feel bad for the cashier! Organization at check out at least is definitely a key!

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:48:31 +0000

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.

By: Lee

Lee — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:46:06 +0000

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??

By: Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:40:37 +0000

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! :)

By: Kim

Kim — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:08:28 +0000

“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.

By: Kim

Kim — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:06:24 +0000

So can you or can’t you? If you’re using a BOGO coupon, can you use another manufacturer coupon on the free item?

By: Carla

Carla — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:19:26 +0000

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! ;)

By: Jean

Jean — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:25:55 +0000

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!

By: Kristen

Kristen — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:23:09 +0000

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.

By: zelda rocha

zelda rocha — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:03:08 +0000

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 -

By: Kristen P

Kristen P — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:26:10 +0000

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.

By: DiPaola Momma

DiPaola Momma — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:33:40 +0000

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!

By: Christy

Christy — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:26:39 +0000

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.

By: josie

josie — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:17:44 +0000

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.

By: CJ

CJ — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 21:05:19 +0000

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!”.

By: Kim

Kim — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 18:03:41 +0000

I’ll do the same thing…tell them I had a coupon. They usually said “thats OK”…..

By: Kim

Kim — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 17:58:35 +0000

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.

By: Kim

Kim — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 17:55:49 +0000

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.

By: jenn

jenn — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:51:51 +0000

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! :)

By: Sandra

Sandra — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 05:07:20 +0000

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. :)

By: NW

NW — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 03:58:21 +0000

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.

By: Dizzy Mommy

Dizzy Mommy — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:57:28 +0000

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.

By: DD DeVito

DD DeVito — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:04:26 +0000

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.

By: Judy

Judy — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 01:08:18 +0000

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!

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 00:42:42 +0000

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. :)

By: julie

julie — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 23:02:39 +0000

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.

By: Leslie

Leslie — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 22:02:03 +0000

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!! :)

By: Celia emmons

Celia emmons — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:16:42 +0000

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!

By: Celia emmons

Celia emmons — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:09:53 +0000

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!

By: josie

josie — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:50:58 +0000

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.