Comments on: I Am Not Stealing

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 19:03:50 +0000

How about instead of all this hand wringing, call her out. Be an adult. and ask her why she is upset that you're using legitimate coupons and following store policy.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 03:22:21 +0000

I've also gotten attitude from a particular cashier for using coupons, but it appeared to be because she thought I was using them fraudulently (I wasn't, and her attitude improved drastically when she realized this). In this case, if the cashier started in like in your post, I would not even bother to dialogue with her but call immediately for the manager (and if you know them by name, so much the better). The suggestion to write a letter to the store corp. office is a good one. You have a right to use coupons in accordance with store policy and coupon rules, and you don't need to apologize to anyone in line about it. My $0.02, k-chink.

By: PigPenny

PigPenny — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 23:59:51 +0000

I'm a new reader, so sorry if you address this elsewhere, but I'm curious where you find all your coupons and how you know when the store is also running sales on the same items. I've read a few things about "extreme couponing" but don't really know where to start.

P.S. Have you heard about TLC's show Extreme Couponing? I haven't seen it yet, but I want to.

By: Blue Noumenon

Blue Noumenon — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 05:24:32 +0000

As a store manager and cashier, I can sincerely say that anybody who comes into my store with a stack of coupons and walks out with stuff for next to nothing is considered a SAINT. The fact that avid couponers have the cognitive wherewithal to do what they do is something worthy of admiration, not scorn.

The thing is, ringing up coupons, even internet coupons, is mind numbingly simple. Any cashier who has a problem with it can't possibly be bothered about the inconvenience. It sounds like this particular cashier has some sort of ethical issue with your couponing, which is wholly unjustified. Her pay grade has nothing to do with your shopping habits. I'd be surprised if she lasts long in retail with that sort of attitude.

Keep fighting the good fight.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 04:20:38 +0000

I would definitely let the store know that I am now reconsidering my decision to shop at this store, solely because of this cashier's actions and attitudes. What she is engaging in is mental and psychological assault, and it is intentional and meant to spread disharmony by bullying and belittling. If I ever had trouble with her in future, I would make it my personal mission in life to see that she is fired so she does not keep driving away business from this retailer that I otherwise enjoy doing business with. Failing that, I would never set foot in that store again, ever.

Sorry this sounds so severe, but I see that cashier's actions as the ONE Unforgiveable Sin in a customer service environment, and there is no way I would tolerate that in an employee.

By: Justin

Justin — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 02:12:52 +0000

I'm with "Anonymous #2." I've worked as a cashier, and I don't see how a) it's any of her business to care what you're spending (even if it did affect the store's profits, she doesn't get a share of those profits); or b) why, if she's so concerned about the well-being of the store, she's providing such terrible public relations.

Anyway, I came over from GRS as well, and very much enjoy the post. One point of contention, though: you certainly SOUND like an extreme couponer. :-)

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 22:36:55 +0000

Perhaps this is a very small store, but where I shop with coupons (Jewel Foods, Walgreens, Whole Foods) the coupons are just scanned in–seconds more work for the cashier and they automatically match with the product if eligible. No muss, no fuss and no reason for the cashiers to get upset–in fact, I think most applaud me. Places give coupons because they WORK–they bring business into the store. If it weren't good for business, you can bet that savvy retailers and manufacturers would stop. Use without guilt! I don't do extreme couponing because imho the pay per hour of effort is lousy and a lot of the stuff you couldn't pay me to eat. But if I buy it anyway, or would, or would like to try it, I clip.

By: Abela

Abela — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 21:04:08 +0000

Girl: Thanks for the article. Here's my two cents about making use of discounts etc. Supermarkets goal is to draw in customers (who spend money on other things) and therefore, coupons, sales, deals (like "points" for gasoline discounts), selling X w/a lower markup (like very low vegetables), are all "loss leaders".

And as typical salespeople, they are trying to lead you (= trick) to think you're getting a deal when you may not be; shopping requires thinking. I always make sure to read the per-pound or quart… price, to make sure that there is really a deal. Because, sometimes its just 10% off or 10 cents off… I am a guiltfree customer…

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:22:30 +0000

To those who talk about reimbursement from the manufacturer - they do not reimburse the profit only the cost. So they do not make any money from the coupons. And I am sure she used drugstore coupons in addition to manufacturer coupons.

Melissa

By: Junk Drawer Kathy

Junk Drawer Kathy — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 09:40:26 +0000

I don't understand the anonymous commenters. You're doing something perfectly legitimate. And frankly, you go girl, because I'm too lazy to clip coupons! And I agree with the other anon commenter who said the store doesn't lose out because they're being reimbursed by the manufacturer.

Geesh. The only problem here is the behavior of the cashier you encountered. I'd avoid her too. Life's too short for cranky people who are paid to ring you up.