So, I have had a very horrific coupon experience tonight. It is really sad to me that we dedicate time to saving our family money, follow ALL coupon policies and still get treated like your are doing something illegal.For those of you out there that have had a bad experience, unfortunately, know that you are NOT alone!
Being part of the MyCityMommy team is great because we can make an inpact not just in one city but several. Training seems to be the root of all the problems. Uniformed cashiers, assistant managers and even managers. Is it their fault? No, not necessarily. I would say that some are due to lack of training and this coupon world being shifted to what is now known as "Extreme Couponing". This industry is up by 30% this year and was even featured again on the Today Show this morning. Still only 1.5% of coupons are redeemed. Amazing, huh? Unfortunately, like anything else there are those that abuse the systems too. Creating a bad "name" for the rest of us. I urge you to make sure that you are following the rules and if you need a refresher, visit the Couponing 101. Also, it is not a bad idea to arm yourself with coupon policies of the stores that you shop at. And I even need to practice what I preach! I found myself without the store's policy tonight. Although, it would not have made a difference probably in my case as it was regarding the wording on a mfc.
And lastly, you can always file a complaint with Customer Service for the particular store.
So, I have putup a q&a regarding some issues that I ran into. I hope that you can learn from it too!
Question: Tonight, a salesperson insisted that one per purchase meant one per order/transaction.
So what does that mean... one per purchase?
Being part of the MyCityMommy team is great because we can make an inpact not just in one city but several. Training seems to be the root of all the problems. Uniformed cashiers, assistant managers and even managers. Is it their fault? No, not necessarily. I would say that some are due to lack of training and this coupon world being shifted to what is now known as "Extreme Couponing". This industry is up by 30% this year and was even featured again on the Today Show this morning. Still only 1.5% of coupons are redeemed. Amazing, huh? Unfortunately, like anything else there are those that abuse the systems too. Creating a bad "name" for the rest of us. I urge you to make sure that you are following the rules and if you need a refresher, visit the Couponing 101. Also, it is not a bad idea to arm yourself with coupon policies of the stores that you shop at. And I even need to practice what I preach! I found myself without the store's policy tonight. Although, it would not have made a difference probably in my case as it was regarding the wording on a mfc.
And lastly, you can always file a complaint with Customer Service for the particular store.
So, I have putup a q&a regarding some issues that I ran into. I hope that you can learn from it too!
Question: Tonight, a salesperson insisted that one per purchase meant one per order/transaction.
So what does that mean... one per purchase?
Answer: There are several standard terms and restrictions on grocery coupons that manufacturers use to clarify their intent for coupon redemption. Unfortunately, sometimes a cashier or store manager see these interpreted differently than the manufacturer originally intended.
It has been my experience that upon explaining the terms, they usually agree to accept them.
So here are some "common" coupon terms and their meanings:
1) "One coupon per purchase" - Shoppers can use one coupon per item purchased. The item is considered the purchase. Example: If a shopper had 6 boxes of identical fruit snacks and 6 individual coupons, she could use one coupon per item in her order/transaction. In this case, buying all 6 items and using all 6 coupons.
She could NOT use 2 coupons on the same item if she was only purchasing one fruit snack because that would be more than "one coupon per purchase" of the item. Almost all coupons have this restriction unless a more restricted term is used.
It has been my experience that upon explaining the terms, they usually agree to accept them.
So here are some "common" coupon terms and their meanings:
1) "One coupon per purchase" - Shoppers can use one coupon per item purchased. The item is considered the purchase. Example: If a shopper had 6 boxes of identical fruit snacks and 6 individual coupons, she could use one coupon per item in her order/transaction. In this case, buying all 6 items and using all 6 coupons.
She could NOT use 2 coupons on the same item if she was only purchasing one fruit snack because that would be more than "one coupon per purchase" of the item. Almost all coupons have this restriction unless a more restricted term is used.
2) "One coupon per order/transaction" - This means that the shopper can only use that specific coupon once per order/transaction. Example: If a shopper had more than one coupon, they could use one coupon per store visit, which would be one coupon per order/transaction.
3) "One coupon per household" - These are rare and usually a high value or issued for something FREE.
A shopper will only be allowed to use a coupon of that type period. They are restricted from reentering the store or making a multiple trip purchase, including a different day, to utilize an identical coupon.
The most common coupon restriction is "one coupon per purchase" and unforunately the one most misinterpreted. When cashiers and/or store managers interpret this term as "one coupon per order/transaction" it can create frustration for honest coupon users. Familiarize yourself with these three restrictions so that you can calmly and politely explain what they each mean. Count out the items purchased with them and ask how many am I purchasing? Right, it is one per purchase! Don't we all wish the mfc would change this lingo!!! Sometimes it will help and you will easily be able to use multiple coupons when buying multiple identical items which leads to the most savings or what we consider stockpiling. However, if you encounter a store that still refuses after your explanation to accept more than one identical coupon per order, I would suggest that you write a polite letter, email or make a call to the store's corporate headquarters to express your concern about this policy and your situation that took place. Forunately, I have only had to do this once and was happy with the result.
On the otherhand, it looks like I will have to call on my attempted purchase tonight. I was not successful even with my explanation of the terms listed, the clerk still refused to do it. So frustrating and hard not to be upset when you know you are following their store policy and the manufacturer's policy and being treated like a criminal and not a customer. Oh well, that store also has very polite, friendly and well-informed cashiers too!
I believe that corporate will be able to straighten it out for me.
Happy shopping to you all and don't let one bad experience get you down!
A shopper will only be allowed to use a coupon of that type period. They are restricted from reentering the store or making a multiple trip purchase, including a different day, to utilize an identical coupon.
The most common coupon restriction is "one coupon per purchase" and unforunately the one most misinterpreted. When cashiers and/or store managers interpret this term as "one coupon per order/transaction" it can create frustration for honest coupon users. Familiarize yourself with these three restrictions so that you can calmly and politely explain what they each mean. Count out the items purchased with them and ask how many am I purchasing? Right, it is one per purchase! Don't we all wish the mfc would change this lingo!!! Sometimes it will help and you will easily be able to use multiple coupons when buying multiple identical items which leads to the most savings or what we consider stockpiling. However, if you encounter a store that still refuses after your explanation to accept more than one identical coupon per order, I would suggest that you write a polite letter, email or make a call to the store's corporate headquarters to express your concern about this policy and your situation that took place. Forunately, I have only had to do this once and was happy with the result.
On the otherhand, it looks like I will have to call on my attempted purchase tonight. I was not successful even with my explanation of the terms listed, the clerk still refused to do it. So frustrating and hard not to be upset when you know you are following their store policy and the manufacturer's policy and being treated like a criminal and not a customer. Oh well, that store also has very polite, friendly and well-informed cashiers too!
I believe that corporate will be able to straighten it out for me.
Happy shopping to you all and don't let one bad experience get you down!
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