Ok, so far, we have already posted our first two topics in our Starting Fresh with Coupons in 2012 Post Series. If you missed them, you can read them here and get caught up:
- Starting Fresh in 2012 with Couponing: Organization is KEY!
- Starting Fresh in 2012 with Couponing: Time, Time and TIME! Is it Worth My Time??
- Starting Fresh in 2012 with Couponing: What Do I Do with Expired Coupons?
Now that you are organized, and are ready to actually use your coupons- the MOST important thing you can do is bring your Coupon Policies with you each and every time you shop! That is your Arsenal!! You wouldn’t go into battle without being prepared. And although using coupons shouldn’t be a like a battle, sometimes we do run into un-educated cashiers or managers. So, having the corporate coupon policy with you every time you shop will help with any problems or issues you might run into.
Where Do I Get the Coupon Policies??
Just about every store have a corporate coupon policy. There are only a handful who do not. I’ve linked you to a few of the most popular store’s policies so you can access them right now, print them off and either put them in your purse or coupon binder:
You can usually find your local store’s coupon policy on their company website. If it isn’t there, and you can’t seem to find it, just email customer service and ask them to either link you to their Coupon policy or email it to you. They are usually pretty willing to do that.
Make Sure You Understand Your Coupon Policies
Now that you have all of your coupon policies printed off for all the stores you shop at, make sure you understand your Coupon Policies. Each store will allow different things such as stacking coupons or using coupons with a BOGO free sale. And if you are new to couponing, just quickly re-read your coupon policy that is always in your coupon binder before you go in to shop. Then, you will make less mistakes and will make sure you are following all of the policies correctly!
What Do I Do if I Still Have Problems with the Manager or Cashier After Showing them the Coupon Policy?
If you still have issues with your cashier after showing them the coupon policy, and you are using the coupons correctly, you will want to ask for the store manager. Most of the time, the store manager will know and understand the coupon policy and will be able to help the cashier fix whatever problem you are having. If you still have problems with the Manager, call up Corporate right then and there. I know that is a lot more confrontational than a lot of people want to be… but sometimes it has to be done.
When you call up Corporate, politely explain that you are trying to use your coupons but the store manager isn’t following the Corporate Coupon Policy. Almost always, Corporate will fix the problem right then and will more than likely ask to speak with the store manager.
This should help everyone when running into issues redeeming coupons at Grocery stores!! Having those coupon policies will cut down just about every problem you could run into shopping!
Nicole
I don’t think I could ever stand there in a check out line and call corporate while the cashiers, managers, and other customers stood there watching!! I honestly don’t think it would be worth it to me for the money I would save. But that’s just me. I’m not a confrontational person.
Sara
I agree. I have went home and called corporate before, but when you are in the store and everyone is staring at you, sometimes it’s just not worth the .50! Not to me at least!
kathy
same here
Anna
I don’t think I’d called corporate right then either. I’m not confrontational. But I can understand how doing so would help. I mean, if you have a customer asking to call corporate and then they talk to the store manager, I’d think they’d work a little harder making sure cashiers understood the coupon policy so it doesn’t happen often.
But I’d probably call and complain (if I did at all) later at home. 🙂
Gina
When I first started using coupons and had issues I would let them slide, but not anymore! I’ll stand up to what I believe to be the RIGHT way of using my coupons!
Rhonda
If I knew without a doubt that I was right and had my policy there to prove I was right & they still wasn’t budging; most definately I would call corporate. My coupons is my families way of being able to keep our heads above water since everything has gotten soooooooo expensive. Best of luck to everyone!!
Barbara Taylor
I might not stand there in line, but I’d let them stop my transaction and ring up somebody else while I called. I did that once in CVS. And what you can tell them is that you want to get clarification right then so they won’t have to take time with others that have this issue. Let them feel like you are doing them a favor, and smile, and keep your voice polite and respectful.