If you have used coupons for any length of time, you will know that cashiers generally do not like you. We can potentially cause a lot of extra work for them, and sometimes they think you're trying to do something illegal. I have heard all sorts of horror stories on the web about cashiers and coupons, but I have had generally good experiences. Here is what I do to make it easier on both of us.
1) Shop slowly. Make sure that you select the correct item for the coupon that you're trying to use. This is not the time to rush through the store.
2) Carefully select your cashier. If you're at Wal-Mart or Target, you probably have a bunch to choose from. If you're at Walgreens, not so much (at WG, check out at the makeup counter if possible). Look for someone who appears pleasant, not too tired, and fairly competent. If
3) Approach with pleasant-ness. I'm going to be honest here- I'm a pretty happy person and it shows (as a reference, I generally don't make people want to vomit, but they do sometimes laugh at my optimism). Because of this, it is much easier for me to make nice with people since it is genuine. However, large stores with bunches of people make me cranky, so even I have to fake it sometimes. Greet your cashier very happily and tell them immediately that you have coupons. Ask them where they want you to place the coupons and do so. Gently remind them when they try to "forget" to enter them in.
4) Use your coupons properly. Don't try to pull a fast one. Comply with store and manufacturer's policies, and never do something like copy coupons or try to slip the wrong product or an expired coupon past a cashier. If you do, you make all of us look bad and make it that much harder for couponers to be seen as legit. You also can be banned from stores.
5) Be polite but firm. If you're using your coupons legally and within the limits of the store's coupon policy, then request a manager. It helps to carry a copy of the store's coupon policy with you. You can email Target and get their policy, and Wal-Mart has their coupon policy here. Once I had a cashier at Target tell me something that I knew wasn't true and I politely but firmly corrected her. She didn't like it, but she did honor the policy.
6) Recognize the great cashiers! Take the time to tell their managers how easy they made your life. The cashiers that enjoy talking to me and don't mind my coupon use (or even look forward to it!) have my devotion for life.
Happy couponing!
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4 comments:
Those are some great tips Miss Tessa! I am so glad you shared them. I have had a few very unpleasant experiences couponing, but there is one young man at Kroger and one older lady at CVS who are just as thrilled with my savings as I am, so I always look for them when I can. It's the little things that make the difference and a warm greeting and big smile are always the best policy. I use cloth bags and I have had some baggers treat me coldly, but now instead of putting them on the belt, I walk down to the bagging area, hand over my bags and say 'Thank you so much for helping me do my little part for the environment!' What a difference that has made!
Blessings!
Heather
Hi! My name is Jenn and I have been stalking your blog :) Only to get the best info of course! I just signed up for ebates and I hope that we can both get the $10! Thanks for all of your insight this far. I will try to keep up my blog more often and will comment here more as well!
Hi!
It's momgenet from the yahoo group!
One thing you CAN try is the self checkout and skip that cashier who only had 5 minutes left for break until you came!
Different stores are different about this . . . .but I've had good luck . . . .UNLESS you have a FREE coupon or one that requires them to enter a price amount . . . .can't do that on the self check-out!
That is a GREAT tip, Genet!! I always forget about the self checkout.
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