Did You Know?

Did you know that every time you print an Internet Printable (IP) coupon, the coupon is accounted for?

Manufacturers catalog the volume of printable coupons for several reasons, including:

1. Manufacturers set 'print limits' to allow for a certain allotment of coupons to get into the hands of the consumers. Keeping tabs on the number of prints allows the manufacturers to know whether or not a product is a popular item (if the printable coupon reaches its print limit, and how quickly).

2. Manufacturers also keep tabs on the potential of how many coupons can be downloaded so that the manufacturer can watch its bottom line, and not give too much of their products away inexpensively (or FREE, I LOVE FREE!).

3. Manufacturers can watch the print market for regional trends and plan their coupon campaigns accordingly. For example, Michigan would be much less likely to receive a sunscreen coupon in a January insert, but Southern Californians may be happy to receive and spend a winter sunscreen coupon!

4. Manufacturers are trying their best to keep (super savvy) consumers honest! Most manufacturers are aware of our strange breed (read: hard core coupon spenders) and that many coupon spenders are willing to break a few rules to get a good deal, so manufacturers have placed codes on each Internet printable coupon that spits out of your printer! Manufacturers code each coupon with time, date, and IP address, so that they can locate an individual who is abusing their print limits by scanning/photocopying coupons.

Does it bother you that manufacturers know so much about you, simply by reading your unique coupon code?

Spending Store Rewards

"Store Rewards" or "Catalina's" are the coupon look alike's that print from a little box beside the cash register at several major chain stores (like Meijer, Kroger and Walgreens just to name a few).

I place a lot of purpose behind my purchasing to maximize my savings and to minimize my out of pocket costs. Each week I purposefully search the weekly sales flyers for items or scenarios that will offer money back for me to spend on my next transaction. Often times, my next transaction immediately follows my first purchase, but sometimes I like to strategically plan to purchase items that are essential to running our home (like meat, trash bags and produce!).

About a year and a half ago I heard rumors in the blog-o-sphere that savvier consumers than I, were spending store rewards at stores other than were boldly stated on the reward. For example, these savvier consumers were spending Register Rewards from Walgreens at Meijer... WHAT?

At first, I was kind of stupefied by this practice... how did that work? My coupons BOLDLY stated that they were "redeemable at Walgreens!" Was that legal? I decided to call Catalina Marketing (the makers of the coupon printing boxes) to find out the truth.

I had a long chat with a woman in the legal department (I skip to the higher-ups instead of talking with the customer service reps when at all possible) and she informed me that IF a store reward stated that it was a Manufacturer's coupon (NOT a "Store Coupon"), that it was allowed to be accepted at any store that allows coupons to be redeemed, but that the store was NOT obligated to accept a coupon with another store's advertising logo on it! Huh? The "Redeemable at Walgreens" statement was just an advertising logo?

From that point on, I began looking for store locations that would accept ANY store's reward coupons! At first, after I had been declined being able to spend my store rewards at my local Meijer store, I decided to comb my local shopping radius to find another local-ish Meijer that would accept them... and with a 5 minute longer drive, I did find one!

Finally, after about a year of driving out of my way when I had a wad of store rewards to spend, MY typically shopped store began to accept the rewards! YAY! It was awesome!

BUT... today, I went to my local stomping ground and I was informed that they no longer will accept store rewards with other store's advertising on them... WHAT? My cashier told me that a memo had just come out!

I tried to get as much information about the situation as I could from my cashier, and I asked to speak with a manager. Here is how I have handled myself in this situation:

1. Never try to pull a fast one! Yes, you might get away with doing something that you are not supposed to do, but it will always be at someone else's expense. Cashiers can get in trouble for accepting store rewards when they have been told NOT to! Instead, seek out a store manager and ask what you are and are not allowed to spend in his/her store.

2. Explain your situation. Kindly! Be sure to keep your thoughts short, sweet and to the point. Let the manager know what you like and what you don't like:

a. I like shopping at your store, its convenient, friendly, offers great sales.

b. I don't like that other stores accept store rewards and you don't accept them!

c. I like keeping local money local and shopping in my own neighborhood.

d. I'd hate to have to take my business to another store, but I need to care for my family the most inexpensive ways possible, especially with Michigan's tough economy!

3. Point out the bonuses for the store. By accepting store rewards, you are building a base of loyal shoppers, moving items off of your store shelves and into grocery bags and earning $.08 per coupon/store reward spent.

4. If all else fails, kindly ask if the manager would allow you to spend your store rewards that you have with you that day.

Today, after my local store claimed that they were revoking the right to spend store rewards with other store logos on them, I began asking questions. After making my purchases, I spoke with a store manager who offered me $3 cash since I wasn't allowed to spend a $3 Kroger store reward (plus I got to keep the reward) and when she returned she also gave me a $10 hand written "catalina" because she felt badly about the change in policy.

In between when the manager went to the customer service desk to compensate me for the policy change, I saw another (higher-up, in a suit) manager, and I spoke with him as well. He told me that he saw NO problem with me spending other logo'd store rewards since they are indeed Manufacturer coupons, and that he would look into the situation further. I was given his permission to continue spending whatever store rewards I pleased in his store.

The best advice I can share is to know what you want and ask for it! And keep asking (or looking for another store) until you get a satisfactory answer. In most cases, it is lack of being properly educated, on the use of spending coupons (by the store employee) that earns you the answer "NO!" Be a (gracious) educator and you may just get what you are looking for!

Is Trading Coupons Committing Fraud?

Jill Cataldo, a self proclaimed Coupon Queen, delicately tackles the ethics behind trading coupons, read more here!

Good thing I just consider myself a Coupon Princess!!!

Did You Know?

Collin, of Hip2Save wrote a great article about coupon spending 'start to finish,' check it out if you are curious!

Price Matching at Target

In case you have yet to try to price match at Target, and you've got some hesitation moving into uncharted territory (especially is you shop at a coupon- hating location, such as myself!), Kerry who blogs at Totally Target has written this fantastic article to help you navigate your way! Thanks Kerry!

PS: Kerry's blog name, like totally reminds me of like, the 80's... uh, yeah!

Have YOU ever price matched at Target? I have twice, and I find it kind of a hassle, but worth the savings.

Q & A

Coupon Clipper: Whoa. Wait....what...? You can use RR from WAGS at Meijer? Like the $ off RR?! Please clarify.

Me: Yup! Sweet huh!?!

I often will make purchases at Walgreens that will earn myself Register Rewards (AKA: store reward money) and I will spend them at a location other than Walgreens.

You see, Register Rewards are actually Manufacturer's coupon (look at the picture!) And Manufacturer's coupons can be spent anywhere that accepts coupons.

The only glitch is that Register Rewards say "redeemable at Walgreens." Yes, they definitely are redeemable at Walgreens, but they are also redeemable elsewhere- but ONLY if the other stores choose to accept them.

Catalina Marketing, the maker of the coupons, and I have had a few in depth conversations. (*I prefer speaking with the legal department rather than a customer care representative!) I have been told that any store that accepts the Register Rewards will be fully reimbursed by the manufacturer for the value stated on the coupon! Yay for us!

Now... stores other than Walgreens DO NOT HAVE TO ACCEPT your Register Reward!!! It is their choice! There is nothing that you can do.

My advice:

1. Ask your store manager the next time that you are shopping if they will accept your Register Reward. You can take the time to explain that they will indeed get reimbursed.

2. If you are asking while standing at a cash register, ask the Manager if (s)he would mind just trying to scan the coupon... it will scan, and sometimes that helps to make up their mind to accept the Register Reward.

3. If your store chooses to accept Register Rewards as a form of payment- still expect to have to explain this to your cashier each and every time you shop with them, because your cashier will look at you like you have six heads!

If your store refuses to allow you to spend your Register Rewards with them... shop around! My favorite Meijer does not allow me to spend my RR's, but a Meijer five minutes further down the road welcomes me to spend them in their store... and ten extra minutes in the car for FREE groceries is well worth my time!

PS: I almost always will send my Register Reward money on meat. This way I can have meat in my freezer ready to make any meal that we normally eat- and it makes keeping my budget low much easier!

Q & A

Coupon Clipper: Hi! I am new to couponing and enjoy your site, I live in Columbus OH. My favorite store is Kroger because of the rewards I earn with my Kroger Mastercard. I have been researching internet printable coupons and have seen that Kroger is hesitant to take them and prefers that you load coupons onto your Kroger Plus card to be processed at checkout.

This is a great idea but I am hesitant because it will be hard for me to track. I am wondering what your experience has been with this. Does it show up differently on the receipt so I can make sure it was credited? Do you have a good way to keep track of what you have downloaded to your card so you remember what is on it?

Also, do you know how many coupons I can stack per item at Kroger? I had three different coupons for cereal and they cut me off at two, is that normal?

Thanks for your help. I am really getting some good deals and its so exciting.

Me: You have given me some interesting information! I do know that Kroger has discontinued carrying certain products (Cottonelle 4 packs) because of internet printable coupon fraud (coupons were scanned and then printed, which is illegal, and Kroger was not reimbursed for the scanned counterfeit coupons), but I have not heard of their hesitation here in Michigan.

I also find it interesting that Kroger prefers you to download your coupons electronically onto your Kroger card instead of using internet printable coupons- since they are NOT the same. Internet printables can be printed twice per computer and are sometimes reset during the month to allow you to print them again, and the coupons that you load onto your Kroger card are only available to be used ONCE per month... and those coupons DO NOT double... ever!

Personally, I do not use the loadable Kroger coupons- for the same reasons as you:

1. I don't want another 'thing' to keep track of! I much prefer the handing over of a paper coupon!

2. I've heard of one too many people needing to go through a long hassle of getting their eCoupon money back when the eCoupon wasn't deducted when it should have been.

Kroger's coupon policy allows one coupon per item, unless the coupon states otherwise, like a coupon may state: save $1 on two products. In Michigan, Kroger just made a new rule that allows you to spend up to THREE identical coupons per transaction. Maybe you just need to purchase your groceries in more than one transaction!

Do any SYS readers have any advice for eCoupons at Kroger?

Q & A

Coupon Clipper: Recently it seems that every coupon I have any interest in clipping say DO NOT DOUBLE? This is becoming very frustrating, does the grocery store follow their rules on this and double it anyway or follow the manufacturer? Do you find you still can find a deal with these types of coupons?

Me: Many coupons say do not double, but still double when scanned into the system.

If your coupons bar code begins with a tiny 5 and then a rash of numbers- the coupon will double automatically when scanned by the cashier. If the first number in your coupon's bar code is a tiny 9, than the coupon will NOT double unless it is entered manually by the cashier.

The choice of doubling is actually set by the store and not so much by the Manufacturer. The Manufacturer offers the face value of the coupon as a discount to the shopper, and the store offers the coupon doubling as their thank you for shopping with them!

If a store chooses to override the Manufacturer's recommendation of not doubling a coupon, they may do so. When a Manufacturer feels very adamantly about their coupon not being doubled, they "code" their coupon's bar code in a way the the cash register reads- and the coupon can not be double without a manual override.

Purchasing Habits Revisted

Personal Note: Please, please, please read this post with the gentleness (even humor) that I intended in writing this post. I make my best effort to read all of the comments posted below each entry and I really appreciate readers taking the time to share their thoughts! I've revisited an earlier topic due to comments regarding the post. I have shared more of my personal insight and even information that you may not have ever been aware of at the bottom of the post. I apologize for the length in advance- sometimes I just can't help myself... Love, Laura


Earlier this week I was asked to address how to purchase items gracefully. Gracefully, in my opinion is purchasing ethically, honestly and with the awareness that other shoppers are most likely seeking the same deals that you are.

My purpose in answering emailed questions here on my blog are to teach new strategies and to bring new (possibly even challenging) ideas to the fore front of your thinking. I believe that we can learn and grow together as a community- and building each other up with fresh perspectives and best practices are great tools for us to encourage one another with!

While catching up reading some of the comments left by readers today, I feel the need to address some of the ideas, concerns and misconceptions spoken through comments left on my Purchasing Habits post.

I must start by sharing that my intent in posing open ended questions, like "what are you thoughts on shelf clearing?" is simply because many of my readers may never have thought about other shoppers disappointment with empty shelves. Many coupon shoppers have the mentality that 'you win some/you lose some... and then you ask for a rain check!' While other shoppers may get irritated and feel like other coupon shoppers are out to gyp them from being able to spend their coupons. Each unique shopper has a unique set of family needs. I raised this question to make us aware of shoppers other than ourselves!!

Secondly, I think that it important to keep in mind that the entire family may not be represented when the shopping cart is being strolled down the aisles. Take, for instance, my friend and loyal shopping buddy Sandy. Sandy has six kids! SIX!

Let's compare Sandy's family of 8's needs to my own family of 3's needs:

Sandy should be purchasing about three times the amount of items that I purchase just to accommodate her family's needs.

Sandy's children are all older than my son, ensuring that they eat a heck of a lot more than my little scrawny-kins!

Sandy needs to purchase multiples of products just to make it through the week- even through the day... I shopped with Sandy over the summer and she was considering purchasing a certain kind of specialty ice cream treat for her kids. The box that she was looking at only had 5 treats in it, and Sandy needs to purchase boxes that have at least six treats to feed her kids ONCE! My son would have 6 desserts from a single box. See the difference!

(Hey Sandy, thanks for unknowingly allowing me to use you as an example!!!)

I feel that judging a cart by its contents has the potential to cause us to stumble with our own grace-filled purchasing attitude.

When posting about owning our own purchasing habits (stepping back to take a good look at ourselves) another intention of mine was to address the knowing when enough is enough. I think that this is a toughie- even for me. I believe that wisely saving money in the area of grocery spending only to blow the saved funds on other 'meaningless' stuff - even if its a great deal, needs to be addressed. It is easy to get so wrapped up in the saving that what is actually being spent has been lost sight of. Nickles and dimes quickly add up to dollars, and more stuff lying around is still just stuff!

I view my posing of questions as betterment for us all! We (myself included) may need to hear that we need to work on some of our shopping ideas/habits... not that we want to hear it, but it may be just what we need to hear!

One commenter described her need to re-evaluate her shopping as "possibly robbing someone else of the joy in finding a great deal!" Words like that kind of sting don't they? But it is a good kind of sting, a lasting mental image kind of reminder. I sure know how I feel when I approach a shelf filled with the items that I am looking for- and on the flip side, I know how it feels to leave empty handed.

I also received comments in regards to how coupons impact the Manufacturers, stores and their policies and wording printed in the sales flyer or on the coupon itself- please bear with me, but I'd love to take this opportunity to share more behind the scenes coupon information.

A Coupons Impact on the Manufacturer:
I'm sure that you are aware that the Manufacturer's goal in making coupons available to you and I, is to lure you into purchasing their product. Plain. Simple.

But did you know that the Manufacturer goes to great lengths (and expense) to make their coupons available to the public. First, the manufacturer needs to decide what items they would like to market with coupons, then the coupon needs to be designed, the Manufacturer then must pay to have the coupons printed (in either a newspaper, magazine, home mailer or in store grab-able) or they may decide to have their coupons made available through an online printing company like Coupons.com. This step comes at a HUGE financial expense to the Manufacturer.

Then, the Manufacturer must PAY to have their items highlighted in the weekly sales flyers, online media, as well as radio and TV commercials. Stores MAKE money from selling their ad space!

The stores also MAKE money by hosting shelf space for the Manufacturer's to rent. The prime shelf locations are right at chest level, where not so savvy shoppers can easily purchase name brand items. Less expensive rentable shelf space is the very top and bottom shelves- which is where you normally find the store placing their own brand merchandise.

Since the Manufacturer is aware of what products they place out into the market, how much money they have spent for advertising, product location on store shelving, sale prices that they have agreed upon, and what coupons they have made available to the public- it is NO SHOCK to them at the deep discounts that shoppers are able to receive if they have wisely done their homework. (Read more here.)

Even though nearly every single American will claim to spend coupons (oil changes, ordering pizza's and grocery coupons are all lumped together as 'coupons'), the truth is that very few people actually spend coupons as intently as you and I do.

It may *feel* differently since you read about other like minded shoppers here at Sharpen Your Scissors and on other shopping blogs- and you may have hooked your circle of influence into your savvy savings at the grocery store, but the truth still remains... we are an oddity, a sliver of how the average American shops for their family.

Manufacturers are aware of us, but even banded together- we don't threaten their infrastructure! We probably feel like an (single) ingrown hair on their long freshly shaven leg... not their favorite follicle, but not overwhelming either!!!

We mustn't flatter ourselves so much that we think that our deeply discounted or even FREE purchases are making even a small dent in the cornerstone of manufacturism.

Stores and Store Coupon Policies:
As I eluded to above, stores make the money that they need to pay both their employees and their bills + turn a profit by selling their influence. Shoppers are deeply influenced by advertised sales and attractive merchandising.

Stores are in the business of MAKING money. In addition to selling product advertising, stores also receive $.08 per coupon that they accept from smart coupon-spending shoppers like you and I! That is $.08 + the face value of the coupon.

Stores, along with Manufacturer's also are vying for your spending attention.

Many grocery stores will offer to 'double' your coupons. This is the store's effort to get you to shop at their location. When you spend a coupon at a store that doubles- the Manufacturer pays the face value of the coupon (+$.08/coupon) and the store itself offers the second price discount as a thank you for shopping with them. It is the store's discretion on whether or not to implement a doubling policy, as well as it is another luring tactic to keep you and I from shopping with their direct competitor.

Super Kroger, a local Kroger that doubles coupons up to and including $1, has tweaked their coupon acceptance policy a bit recently, but I view that as their right keep their policies in the best interest of the store, and my right to decide if I want to take advantage of what their stores have to offer to me.

Target has also streamlined their coupon printing policy. I could become frustrated, but I've decided to roll with the punches, and be thankful that Target is keeping my kind of shopping in mind when they are updating their policies. I'm actually grateful that Target is moving forward in unifying their corporate policies (can I get an Amen?)

And lastly, I'd like to address Coupon Verbiage. Wording printed in sales flyer and on the coupons themselves can be quite confusing.

Is one per transaction the same as one per customer? To be honest, this may very from store chain to store chain or even from location to location... If you have uncertain feelings about how to handle your transactions and you are in a store, just ask a store manager. If you are wondering before you have headed out to the store, call the 800 number and ask in advance of your purchase.

I think that transaction insinuates that you may have more than one, after all is there are store that would turn you away from shopping again later in the week?

Normally, a purchase that includes a store reward (like earning money back on a purchase) will have the register print a single reward per transaction... so purchasing two or three like items in a single transaction will only allow for one reward. One per customer can vary from store to store (one per customer per day, or can you have your kids each check out with the specific product?) so feel free to ask a manager to define this term for you!

Bottom line, lets all choose to move forward gracefully, keeping in mind our ethics, honesty and the awareness of others.

Target Store Coupons Update:

Mindy, at Moms Need to Know, has the latest scoop about Target's Internet printable coupon. Sadly (but not devastatingly sad), Target has changed their printable coupon policy to two prints per computer instead of unlimited printing. This may mean fewer coupons to spend, but at least we can all agree that Target offers great coupons right?

Read Mindy's detailed post here.

Grocery Shopping at Kroger

Grocery Total: $26.08

Spent: $7.72 & Saved: $18.36

I LOVE when Kroger runs the cereal and milk promotions!

I had found (4) HN Cheerios coupons in boxes of Ziploc's that I had previously purchased, so I was thrilled to use them in conjunction of the sale!

I also picked up a coupon for saving $1.25/3 Philly cream cheese bricks when I was shopping at Meijer this week (near the Ziploc's display)- and since it was a Manufacturer's coupon, I was able to spend the coupon at Kroger this week since Philly is on sale for $.99 each!

Grocery Shopping at Meijer

Grocery Total: $38.77

Spent: $8.03 & Saved: $30.74

27 coupons spent

$2 in store rewards (Catalina's earned from purchasing Ziploc's last week)

6 FREE items (Tony's pizza's)

We really didn't need much this week (I picked up a gallon of milk and 3 bricks of cream cheese at Kroger later in the week for $4.75), so I just grabbed our produce and my stockpilable items.

I was pleasantly surprised when a $.50 Catalina printed out for each sleeve of yeast that I purchased... especially since I purchased 3 per transaction (2 transactions) so that I could spend my $1/3 MBC in addition to my $.40 MFC's.

As I stood in line, I realized that my Barilla coupons were one day expired, so classic Laura... I asked the cashier if I may spend them or else have them taken off of my order. My cashier allowed me to spend them.

When I scanned my Barilla coupon (U-Scan) a window popped up that said that I needed cashier assistance. When my cashier entered her code to work the U-Scan machine manually, the computer said that my coupon was EXPIRED! My cashier laughed because I had already ratted myself out... but just beware if you try to spend expired coupons... the coupon scanners are getting smarter!!! Don't get caught in an embarrassing situation!!!

Q & A

Coupon Clipper: What is the scoop on internet coupons that say do not double? Some blogs make it seem like they will still double.

Me: Yes, some 'Do Not Double' coupons will still double automatucally at the register. If the tiny number preceeding all of the barcode numbers on your DND coupon is a 5, than your coupon will still automatically double. If the tiny number is a 9 instead of a 5, than your coupon will not double unless a cashier chooses to do so manually. *If a store chooses to double a DND coupon, it is simply because the store offers the 'doubled discount', not the manufacturer.

Coupon Clipper: What is your target price for a roll of TP? With BIG rolls, Double rolls, Mega rolls.....I have a hard time figuring out when it is the best deal.

Me: I grew up a loyal Quilted Northern girl, why stray right? BUT...since then I have tried several other brands when they have been on sale and I have had coupons to match the on sale brand. *I'd be lying if I didn't mention that I haven't paid for toilet paper since May 2008. So my target price is actually $0.

So here is how I "purchase" toilet paper for my household:

1. I keep a watch out for all brands of toilet paper to go on sale, then I check to see if I have a matching coupon. This would give me the lowest possible price to purchase my TP at. Also keep in mind that purchasing the smallest quantity of rolls per package (as the coupon allows) will give you the greatest financial impact of per roll savings. *I have even spent a $.50 coupon (which doubles to $1) on a four roll package of TP that sells for $1 = FREE! This is rare, but does happen!

2. If I am running low on stocked rolls, I will spend my store rewards (usually Extra Care Bucks from CVS) to purchase my TP instead of cash at the grocery store. This keeps my grocery spending down, but my TP spools filled!

Store and Manufacturer Coupons

Did you know that coupons are made available because the manufacturer decided to run a campaign?

When a manufacturer wants to get the word out about the products that they stock our stores shelves with they will run an ad campaign... especially if the manufacturer has a new to the market product that they want to introduce to us consumers.

An ad campaign can take on several different forms including TV commercials, Radio spots, online advertising, billboard signs, full page spreads in a newspaper or magazine, strategically placed tear pads and blinkie machines near the products on the shelves, a direct mailing or through a coupon campaign.

Even coupon campaigns differ. Some coupon campaigns are very high in value and are solely for magazine subscribers to benefit. Other coupon campaigns widely publicize specific brands or products through the coupon inserts that are delivered with our Sunday papers. And more recently, we have seen an onslaught of printable coupons available to us with just a few taps upon our computer keyboard.

With so many options available for manufacturers to run a campaign, the need arises for manufacturers to decide where exactly will they receive the most bang for their advertising buck!

Many manufacturers are supplementing the pricier advertising avenues with the far more affordable online coupon campaigns. It is far less expensive for YOU to print coupons on YOUR paper and with YOUR ink, than it is to run a traditional newspaper coupon campaign.

Manufacturers have also found another venue for making printable version of their coupons available to precisely the market of spenders who will use them... store websites like Target and Meijer. Store coupons, like the more familiar online printable manufacturer coupons allow for an even deeper discount for savvy clipping consumers since stacking one manufacturer and one store coupon per item is allowable!

Let me explain, a manufacturer 'rents' space on a store's website as an added advertisement location. Don't get silly and think that the store is over benevolent and happily gives the manufacturer leeway with hosting tempting coupons on their site... these store coupon campaigns also come with a premium, the store always wants their slice of the pie!

It seems that offering to knock down prices is one of the key motivators in moving products from the shelves, into carts, off the end of the conveyor belts, and into grocery bags that will ultimately make their way into our homes and our hearts...well, at least into our homes. Plain old fashioned bargaineering a trick that always works.

Bargaineering, in fact, is a campaign that allows the consumer to obtain a product for FREE. (Have I ever mention that I *heart* FREE stuff?) FREE samples, FREE item coupons and even pricing items so that post coupon spending the product that they manufacture is, you guessed it... FREE!

Manufacturing and marketing products is a multi-billion dollar industry. Stakes are high which is why so many manufacturers are competing for our attention (um, and our $$$ too!). Savvy marketing, unique features and a wide variety of sizing forces us to really need to think if we want to stretch our household budgeting dollars to the extreme.

Tossing a few (hundred... wink) coupons into our thought processes, and coupons really help us to quickly decide where our manufacturer loyalties lay. If I can purchase a product at a discounted rate, I'll give it a shot. If I can try a product, even a trial size, for FREE... I'll take it. Who ever said you can't get anything for FREE? Trial size for FREE? Is that legal? As long as the coupon does not exclude trial size, or isn't size specific. Crazy huh?

Manufacturers are fully aware of all of the products that they market. Someone (most likely many someones who are far up on the company food chain) are paid to be aware of every product on every shelf in America... along with what coupon campaigns have been made public. Manufacturers know what stores are stocked with which products because they have to pay (BIG money!!!) for the 'shelf real estate' at every single store they choose to do business with (another nice little perk for the stores!) So if a savvy coupon clipping consumer matches a coupon with an item and the item ultimately becomes FREE to the consumer... trust me, the manufacturer isn't shocked, just the cashier is!!!

So when I am asked if I feel badly spending coupons... WHAT? Badly? Nope! Spending coupons is like ballroom dancing, a beautiful embrace where the consumer gracefully follows the lead of the manufacturer because ultimately they each depend upon the other.

Saving in Advance

I hate when I have strategically planned my deals and have headed out to the store only to find bare shelves! Grrrrr! (OK, I am *sometimes* guilty of clearing shelves... but aren't we all?)

So I have learned to ask for a rain check for the out of stock items that I planned to purchase.

A rain check is a written guarantee stating that once the specified product is back on the shelves... that you can purchase the items for the sale price of when the 'shelf clearing fairy' had made his/her visit to YOUR store!

Well, since I live pretty close to all of the stores that I normally shop at, I have learned a pretty savvy saving tool for saving in advance of the next sale. Let me explain...

This week, Hefty One Zip bags are on sale 10/$10 or $1 per box. I had several $1 coupons for the Fresh Extend produce bags and so I picked up several boxes, but I still had 4 coupons left over. So before I left the store I stopped by the Customer Service desk and asked for a rain check for more Fresh Extend bags.

*NOTE: I only asked for a rain check for the Fresh Extend bags (a specific variety) since the shelves with the regular Hefty bags were still filled. (Remember to only ask for items with vacant shelves!!!)

I popped into two other stores that I was near this week t see if I could spend my remaining Hefty coupons, and these stores shelves were also barren... so I asked for rain checks at each of these stores as well.

Now that I have multiple rain checks I am secure in spending my remaining Hefty Fresh Extend coupons PLUS I now have a written guarantee for the 10/$10 price when new coupons flood my Sunday papers! Bring on the next round of Hefty coupons!!!

Here are the rain check policies for my neighborhood stores:

Kroger: Rain checks are available only at the customer service desk, and although they say that they expire 30 from the date written, my Kroger will still accept them 4 years from now!

Meijer: Rain checks are available from your cashier, the podium with the CSA located near the check out lines, or at the customer service desk. Meijer's rain checks are valid for 30 days and often have a limit printed at the bottom. The Livonia store allows up to 12 items to be purchased per rain check while the Southfield store only allows 6 items. This must vary from store to store so be sure to read your Meijer rain checks carefully.

Target: Rain checks are available at either the register or the customer service desk. Target rain checks expire 45 days from printing... but if you still haven't been able to purchase your items, you may ask to have new rain checks made before your old ones expire!

CVS: Never expiring rain checks can be written either by a manager or a cashier. It is wise to bring a sale paper with you so that you can have your rain check written to include any Extra Care Bucks that are part of that week's purchasing deal.

Walgreens: Rain checks without expiration dates may only be written by a manager. Walgreens only allows small limits for number of items allowed by each rain check. My favorite store only allows up to 4 items per rain check. Register Reward money is not included as part of the rain check.

Rite Aid: Rain checks may be written by either a manager or a cashier and will expire 30 days
from the date written.

A Delicate Tackle

I have kind of hemmed and hawed over posting on this subject since I hate to bad mouth any store or employee, so I will do my best to delicately tackle how best to cope with poor customer service.

My love/hate relationship with Target stems back to my bridal registry days when I was unable to return anything that we had received duplicates of... regardless of whether the item was on my registry. Then, Target changed their return policy for general purchasing to only twice per year, then to only returns for the exact identical item (pink stripey shirt size M, for pink stripey shirt size M). Ridiculous. But I digress...

Then I became a 'hard core' coupon spender.

Target's racks and shelves (and especially their clearance end caps) are filled with all kinds of good stuff. Manufacturer coupons and store coupons- and even stacking these coupons for extra great savings keeps me returning to the store.

But, unfortunately, it is often customer service at the store level that raises my blood pressure.

I like to keep local money local, shopping in my own neighbor keeps my neighbors employed, and I like that. I like to get to know my store employee's, learn about their kids/grand kids/nieces and nephews, I like to become a familiar face and I try to be known for my kind words and attitude and for having the world's cutest kid! (I'm partial!)

But this is tricky for me at my neighborhood Target. I unfortunately have the dirty stigma of 'the coupon lady.' Dirty stigma since my Target is NOT coupon friendly.

It isn't every shopping experience that is stinky... just most.

Usually I'm scrutinized. (OK, to be honest, managers are alerted by cashiers when I enter the store... seriously!!!) My coupons are scrutinized. Checking out takes FOREVER. And more often than not, Target employees are rude or huffy.

I could just give up shopping at my local Target and find a new one, but there are no guarantees that any of the above would change, I'd just be spending more time in the car driving.

So how should I handle poor customer service?

Well, it depends on the situation.

1. If a store employee seems to be having a bad day, I do my best to offer kind words- I know what bad days can feel like and so I first try to over look crankiness. If the store employee is cranky with me, than I use me "go to" phrase of "Have I done something to offend you?"

This phrase usually catches the store employee off guard enough to end the cranking for me. Be bold, but speak in a kind voice.

2. If a store employee is dramatically slow at scanning my wad of coupons so (s)he can verify each coupon matches each item in my cart, than I kick it into 'helpful high gear.' I will help speed the process along by finding items that have already made their way into my bags, or I will set each coupon on top of the item it is intended for. Helping the transaction along helps me to keep my crankies at bay.

3. If a store employee does not accept a coupon I first assure the employee that I am in no way upset with them, but that I'd like to discuss the reason for my coupon not being accepted with a manager.

When the manager arrives, I share what coupon I planned to spend on which particular item, and I go into great detail (so the manager knows that I am well educated in coupon spending) as to why I believe my coupon should indeed be accepted.

At my local store, nearly every shopping trip requires me to interact with a manger. Sometimes the manager changes his/her mind about not accepting specific coupons, and other times I choose to take the item(s) that I had intended to purchase with coupons off of my order and when I get home (OK, it more like I have the ear of a customer service rep. before I turn my car's ignition on) I call Target corporate services to share my store experience, ask questions and verify whether my coupon spending intentions were indeed valid.

Talking with delightful/helpful customer service representatives helps to iron out disagreements between coupon spenders and the store itself. It would be nice to be able to skip this 'middle man' step, but I will gladly accept their help when I need it!

Previously, I would call corporate services as a follow up to my shopping trip, but recently, following the advice of corporate services, I called corporate services from my cell phone while I was still in line at the checkout.

While this forced me to stand in line for a longer than usual- I did get my desired outcome without having to either give up purchasing the items I intended or having to return to the store.

I don't like to make a stink in the store, but I do like to have the store following the same rules set by corporate that I am required to follow.

If you are experiencing some of these same frustrating issues at your local Target here is my advice:

1. Keep you cool. Its just 'stuff' that you are purchasing.

2. Be aware of Target's corporate policies for redeeming coupons.

* Target accepts two kinds of coupons: Target-issued coupons and manufacturer-issued coupons.
*Target accepts one Target coupon and one manufacturer coupon for the same item, unless either coupon prohibits it.
*Target can't give cash back if the face value of a coupon is greater than the purchase value of the item; in that case, we'll adjust the value of the coupon to equal the price of the item.
*Target can't accept coupons from other retailers, or coupons for products not carried in our stores.
*All valid (non-expired) coupons should be presented to the cashier at the time of sale.

3. Call corporate services at (800) 440-0680 as soon as possible following your experience. Make sure to have the store's location, the time of your experience and the names of the store employees to better help the service representatives. (In fact, enter numbers 1,1,1,2,5,4 when prompted to quickly access the correct branch of service representatives.)

I hope this has been encouraging and helpful!

K-Mart's Super Doubles are Back!!!

K-Mart will be doubling coupons up to $2 again this week! So pull out all of your 'high value' coupons and head to K-Mart this week!

Keep in mind:
You must collect at least $25 worth of merchandise to purchase BEFORE your coupons will double (weird, I know)... but don't worry the $25 in merchandise just needs to be calculated before you factor in your coupon savings!

More recently, K-Mart has only been allowing 4 identical coupons per transaction, and even limiting coupon spending to 10 coupons per day per person (Hmmm, bring your kids!) but I haven't been hearing that for this round of Super Doubles!

Your coupons will double up to the value of the item that you are purchasing. For example, say you are purchasing a tube of Crest toothpaste for $1.75, and you have a $1 coupon... you will receive $1 off for your coupon, and K-Mart will match the coupons value up to the purchase price, so K-Mart will give you $.75 off, making your Crest FREE, but without coupon overage!

Visit www.hip2save.blogspot.com for an extensive list of FREE or at least deeply discounted items this week at K-Mart... I'd print the list to use as a reference! *You may need to scroll through more recent posts to find the K-Mart deals...

WORD TO THE WISE: K-Mart does NOT do a great job of fully socking and restocking their shelves during their Super Doubles sales... shop early for best selections!

I'd LOVE to see your goodies if you'd be willing to share a picture with me!!!

Q & A

Coupon Clipper: I had a really frustrating experience at CVS today and was wondering if you agreed with the store or not. Maybe I just don't know store policies well enough.

Here's what happened: I have a rain check for 3 razors on sale for $7.99 (reg $9.99) I gave the cashier my rain check along with my 1 CVS coupon for $5 off $15 purchase and 3 manufacturer coupons for $4.00 off each razor. The cashier returned my coupons to me because they expired "Well over 2 months ago". I agreed that they did expire but they weren't expired at the time of the rain check. The cashier explained that they can not take expired coupons.

I tried to explain that they were not expired when I came to get the merchandise and if they would've had the merchandise on the shelf I would've been able to use them that day, and that is why I got the rain check for the items. She called the manager and the manager agreed with the cashier. I told them both to give me the coupons back and that I would take them to another store. Am I right to be upset about this?

Besides the fact that BOTH employees that I talked to were incredibly rude and treated me like I was a moran for trying to use expired coupons. Thanks for your help!

Me: First of all, I'd call corporate and share with them the rude experience that you had in the store.

Secondly, I'd find another CVS location to give your business to.

And lastly, I'd head into my next CVS store and talk directly to a manger and I'd explain that you are looking for a new store to become a loyal shopper at, that you have had an incredibly rude experience at (name the location) and that the other store where you normally had shopped was out of stock of the items that you have been wanting- for so long that your coupons are expired.

I would ask the new store manager if (s)he would be able to help you out with your razor problems. Explain that you are aware that spending coupons passed the expiration date is wrong, but you tried to spend them before they expired, but that your old store had not restocked their shelved quickly enough for your coupons to be spent.

I would also remind the manager (very sweetly) that you are aware that companies are allowed to send their accepted coupons to the *clearing house up to 6 months past their expiration, and that you hope that you will still be allowed to purchase the items that you have been stalking for months. Hopefully your plea will fall on kind ears.

I have built so great a relationship with my 'CVS of choice' that one manager has told her employees "do whatever Laura says... she knows our policies better than we do!" That was music to my ears! It really pays off BIG time when you build relationships with store employees and when you treat everyone respectfully.

I'm bummed that this was your experience- I feel like you stated your side/expectations accurately and respectfully- I think you just need to find a new location!

*A Clearing house is the location that coupons are sent to once that have been scanned and accepted by the store. Lets use Target for example:

If I purchase stick of Secret deodorant for $2.33, and I spend a $1 manufacturer coupon, I pay $1.33 (plus tax) for the deodorant since $1 was deducted for spending my coupon.
Target accepted my coupon and the cashier placed my coupon (it now becomes Target's property) in his/her register's drawer. Target is now responsible for sending the Secret deodorant coupon to the clearing house for $1 in reimbursement + Target will be given an additional $.08 per coupon as a thank you from the manufacturer for accepting the manufacturer's coupon.

Target (and all other stores as well) are given up to 6 months past the expiration date printed on the coupon to submit the coupon to the clearing house for reimbursement, if Target delays sending coupons the manufacturer does not have to reimburse Target.

Companies stand to gain quite a bit of profit from accepting manufacturer coupons. I wish they would convey this information to the cashiers who often give us coupon spenders a hard time.

Q & A

Coupon Clipper: I have a question. Ball Park's are on sale B1/G1 (buy one get one FREE) at Kroger and I have a $1 off 2 coupon. My question is can I use the coupon with a B1/G1 free sale?

Me: Yep! Cool huh? The rule is that you may spend one coupon per item purchased, unless the coupon states otherwise, like your coupon does. Your coupon states that you must purchase 2 packages of hot dogs in order to be able to spend your coupon.

It doesn't matter that one of your packages of hot dogs are FREE because of a running promotion, the cash register just needs to have scanned two Ball Park bar codes to be able to accept your coupon.

Q & A

Coupon Clipper: where did you find the Target coupons...on their website recently?

Me: Target coupons can be found on Target.com at the bottom of the grocery section. Click on "coupons" to access all of the current coupons.

Coupon Clipper: How often does Target change their coupons?

Me: Target seems to have rolling dates on their store coupons. The coupons seem to pop up with no rhyme or reason. But... keep in mind that ALL coupons are marketing strategy to persuade you to purchase specific products under specific time restraints (think coupon expiration dates). Manufacturers "purchase" advertising space from the store when they are marketed by "store coupons."

Coupon Clipper: What are IPs?

Me: "IP" is coupon jargon for Internet Printables... or online coupons that you print yourself!

Coupon Clipper: Can you use more than one coupon on a single item (manufacturers coupon + store coupon, for example)?

Me: Yup! Isn't that awesome!!!

Coupon Clipper: And when you're getting a BOGO free item, can you use a coupon on the free item?

Me: Yes and no... it all depends on if the cashier/ manager on duty will allow it. I always shop "armed" with dual coupons, but I take getting turned down with grace!