How Do Deal With The "Anti-Coupon" Cashier or Store
As I review my emails, it seems that at least once per week, another shopper has been unfairly at a store because of coupon use. While it frustrates us that this happens, you'll be happy to know that there IS something you can do! .
The most imporant rule is to print and keep each store's coupon policy handy so that if you have issues when you shop, you can review the policy with the cashier. Here are policies of some of the stores I'd recommend that you print:
Walmart Coupon Policy Target Coupon Policy Walgreens Coupon Policy CVS Coupon Policy (this is from an email that they sent to me - no policy is available on line) Price Chopper Coupon Guidelines Hen House Coupon Policy Hy-Vee Coupon Policy
I realize that there are times when the clerk doesn't want to work with you in regards to you coupons. In fact, it could escalate to the manager and you could still have problems -- even if you are abiding by the policy. Unforutnately, some managers deem themselves "coupon police" and try to change the policy and decide what they will accept and what they will not. I actually had a manager tell me today that she doesn't like internet coupons because so many of them are fraud. I honestly didn't say a word to her as she was not going to listen to what I had to say anyhow. It didn't affect them accepting my coupons, so I really didn't have an issue other than a manager with a bad attitude! LOL!
So, what are you to do if you have a store that doesn't want to work with you? Or worse, a cashier who is rude or unwilling to accept your coupons. Well, you have a voice (or fingers) -- so use them! Most stores will ask for you to contact a manger the moment you are having issues so they can try to resolve the matter immediately, right there in the store. Of course, sometimes that is not possible, but there is still something you can do.
When you get home, take a few minutes to try to calm down, so that you can send an email that is rational and well written and not filled with too much anger. When you type your email, be sure you have the correct store location, date and time that you shopped. You will also want to be sure to let them know the name of the cashier or manager who was causing you problems. But, you don't remember all of these deatils - EEKS! Don't worry - just pull out your receipt!
On every receipt is the date/time you shopped, store location information and most importantly - cashier ID code. You can simply provide that to the company when you send your email or visit with them. I have been told time and time again that the managers appreciate this as most of the time, it is a lack of understanding on behalf of that cashier and this helps them determine who did what. You can also find the manager's name on the receipt as well (in most cases)....but even if not, when your email is sent, the manager's information is always available as it is directly tied to that store's number.
When you type your email, never include curse words. They will not help your situation and in fact, can make it worse. Instead, write it and then read it aloud to yourself. This can help you make sure you are saying what you intend, in the tone you mean for it to come across. Emails can be very hard to intepret, so it is important that you take an extra minute to ensure it is well written.
If you call to talk to someone, it is just as important to stay calm. Remember that you are complaining about something that happened and angry at another person and not the person who happens to answer your call. You will still need to have the same information (store number, date/time, cashier info, etc) handy to share it with them.
I have been told that the stores actually appreciate you talking to them rather than letting situations brew and fester. Or worse - losing you as a customer over it. They actually ask you to speak up and contact them so that they can make it right. It is like I tell my husband, if you are angry or upset with me and don't tell me about it - how will I know and how can I avoid it from happening again? The same holds true with stores and their managers.
My experience has taught me that more often than not, it is a lack of training/undersatnding of cashiers that is the issue than anything else. And, through calm and rational conversations, my issues have been resolved. As a result, I am willing to go back to that store and shop again. So use your voice - it CAN make a difference.