Q & A

From an email...

Coupon Clipper: I have a couple quick questions.

Today I went to Walgreen's. I was going to buy the Gillette Gamer razor for $8.99 (and get $6.00 back in the Walgreen's register rewards). I had a $4.00 off manufactures coupon. The cashier said the $6.00 register rewards would not print if I used the $4.00 off coupon? I didn’t buy it, but I wondered if you knew if this was true.

Me: Liar!!! That is a very uneducated cashier! (OK, maybe liar is a bit strong... but non-truth telling is pretty accurate!) Whether or not RR's (Register Rewards or Walgreen's money) print has NOTHING to do with using a coupon or not using a coupon. RR's print because specific items, like the Gamer Razor, are purchased. ***I personally always try to work the deal to get the RR's, and if it doesn't work the way that I had planned- I return the product before even leaving the store!

Coupon Clipper: Also, Walgreen's had Hershey’s BOGO (buy one get one free) free. I had a manufacturer’s coupon for BOGO free too. I figured that both candy bars would be free, right?

The cashier (same as above) said no. And said that ½ of the candy bar price was .45 and wrote .45 on my coupon! I said that the candy bars were not on sale for .45; it was buy one for .89 and get one free.

If they were on sale for .45 then I should be able to get one for .45 and not have to buy 2. She got very rude!

What do you think? Should I have just cancelled my purchase and gone to a different Walgreen’s?

Me: Wow! You were correct in how you planned on using your coupons- she was wrong again.

When I think that a cashier either isn't educated in coupon usage or if the cashier is becoming upset, I immediately start asking for advice from the manager. I don't make the cashier feel stupid, I simply say that sometimes the company doesn't offer the best training and that it isn't their fault.

Secondly, I always try to stick to (or stay away from ;) ) the same cashiers... the ones that I know are skilled in coupon usgae and their cash register.

If all else fails, it may be best to just pass by that location and make another store your home turf.

Coupon Clipper: You have no idea how much your wisdom has really helped my family. My husband’s hours have been cut at work and with the new baby, money has been pretty tight. I haven’t paid a cent for diapers/wipes since your class, and I’m getting other stuff free too! Thanks again!

Me: I LOVE to hear about how finances are being stretched during the tough economy that we are having. I'm proud of you for shopping smart and taking even better care of your family than you had imagined that you could!!!