Couponer's: How to hold your own!

Using coupons can drastically lower your grocery bill and that has been proven time and time again. But what happens when a couponer is uninformed? Or perhaps the cashier is uninformed? These are examples of why its important to know the policies and use them to your advantage. Its kind of like playing a game, you have to know the rules as well as know what you are able to “get away” with. Knowledge truly is power. Here are some tips to help you hold your own when using coupons.


Know the Rules (Policies)
When you plan to use a coupon at a store, you should know what their policy is. This is key to using them properly. Most stores have a copy of the policy online that is easily accessible. If you can’t find their policy online, go by the Customer Service desk and ask for a copy. Stores like to have this information available so that they can enforce it with documentation. Here are some of the most common store’s policies.

Walmart

Target

Each store can vary. I always carry a copy of a store’s coupon policy with me in my binder. This REALLY comes in handy when a cashier is uninformed. Which brings me to my next point.

Using the Rules Correctly
Now that you know the rules, you can use them to your advantage. You’d be surprised at how many times I go into a store and have a cashier checking me out that has no idea what they are doing. I’d say its like this more times than not. In these situations, you can use what you know to help them. Know the prices and what coupons that you will be using. Sticking to a plan makes not only shopping easier, but checking out easier. Cashiers who are uninformed sometimes think that we couponers are trying to beat the system or get away with something. When the truth is, we are getting away with something, but we are also using their rules. People don’t realize that on a daily basis that you can get something for free and when they find that out, they just assume that you’re doing something wrong. Don’t be afraid to hold your own if you know something is correct.

Holding Your Own
Having a list and knowing your plan when you walk into a store, is the best way to use your coupons. That way there are no surprises. After you’ve filled our shopping cart and head over to the checkout line is when the real fun begins. You can either have a great experience with a cashier or it can be very difficult. Most of the time you’ll find that you’ll have no problems.
I cannot tell you how many times I have walked away from a checkout line with an incorrect receipt. Coupons can be left off very easily, especially if you are using a lot of them. And if you’re like me- you know exactly how many should be listed on that receipt. Its no big deal to go back to customer service to get your refund for that coupon that was left off, but don’t be afraid to tell the cashier while you’re in the checkout process. Or if they are questioning whether a coupon can be used with another coupon, don’t be afraid to ask for a manager. You have nothing to be worried about. Coupon resistance can be handled nicely and easily as long as you are armed with the correct knowledge!