Guest Post by Kari Patterson of KariPatterson.com, the first in a 3-part series.
I had the coupons printed. It was the last day to get the deal. It was pouring down rain. I pack my two small children in the car, fasten into carseats, drive to Rite-Aid. Unload, get them in the cart, safely maneuver around the candy aisle and the toy car display without a scene. So far, so good.
We only need one thing so I head straight to the back. I search the shelves until I find the two small pink boxes. Check the coupon: $2 off two boxes Playtex tampons. Perfect, done. I hope for a female cashier (am I the only one who hates purchasing feminine products from men?). Hope is dashed, of course.
I keep my eyes down, hand over my pink boxes. The total is way too high. Must be wrong. I hand over my coupons. Beep beep beep. They don’t work. I begin to sweat. Try again. Beep beep beep. A line is forming behind me. My kids start to fidget. “Mommy, are we done yet?”
The cashier holds up the boxes, compares them to the picture in the ad. Are you kidding me? Sweat beads on my forehead. He picks up the intercom phone, “Can I get a price check on register three, please. Price check on three.” Oh, for crying out loud!
Finally a small committee forms at register three, analyzing my boxes of feminine products while a sea of customers lined up behind me looks on. Can’t they open another register? It must be a hundred degrees in here. “Oh, ma’am, the coupon is for 24-count. This box is 18-count. Sorry, we’re out of 24-count boxes. Would you like your coupons back to use for another time?”
Oh, it’s ok, no thank you. I turn and face my audience, smile in humiliation, and lead my children out of the store, empty-handed. Why is being frugal so frustrating?
Ok, honest show of hands: Ever had one of these? A humdinger of a frugal failure?
It’s all about the fine-print.
Of course seasoned couponers know what to look for in the fine-print, which is why we turn to our coupon experts here at FrugalLivingNW to help us along the way. But there’s another sort of fine-print, so to speak, that can be equally frustrating when not taken into account.
Over the next few posts we’ll look at this frugal fine-print, at how to make this Frugal Living thing work long-term without a life of beeping cash registers and embarrassing moments. Because, let’s face it, no one wants a frugal failure. So let’s figure out how to succeed.
Leave a comment! What’s your most embarrassing coupon moment? Do you have a fine-print failure you’d be willing to share with the rest of us?
Kari Patterson is a pastor’s wife, ministry mommy, writer, runner, blogger, reader, and frugal living enthusiast. She enjoys green tea, line-dried laundry, and Alexander McCall Smith novels. Her musings can be found at KariPatterson.com.
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My husband is so good about buying those girly things; he think I’m silly for building a little fort around and over them in the cart when he’s completely secure carrying them through the whole store. Oh, I love that man…
I received a coupon for FREE name brand hot dogs in the mail and finally remembered to bring it with. It was over $1 and at this particular store a manager has to approve those coupon transactions. The manager looked at and immediately said it was fraudulent–talking to the cashier as if I weren’t there. I explained that it wasn’t, how I had gotten it, and even showed her the letter that it came with in the mail (lucky I was disorganized and hadn’t clipped it ahead of time!).
After much debate, the manager pushed it through, but not before belittling me and saying she’d pretty much have to fall on her sword for this coupon.
Sigh…it can be a tough world for the coupon user.
Kari,
I’m definitely in the category of “seasoned couponer” but I can tell you that this sort of thing happens to ALL couponers, no matter how long you’ve been doing it. It’s just part of the realities of busy life, and complicated deals.
Probably the only difference between being seasoned and being newer is that the more you do it, the less it bothers you when stuff goes wrong. But, we all have bad days, where it can still bother us.
Although the term “frugal failure” is rather catchy, I have to say that “failure” is a rather strong word for a shopping trip that went awry. It’s not the end of the world.
While we may be well aware of the spotlight on us at that moment in time, the cashiers and staff see hundreds of people, so what’s a BIG INCIDENT to us is just another insignificant moment in their busy day.
Leanna,
Agreed! Not sweating the small stuff, right? And truly, in the grand scheme of things, a coupon not working is small stuff. Glad to know that even the seasoned frugalistas still have frustrating moments! Thanks for sharing.
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for being willing to share these stories! LOL!
I too have had a few times of complete and utter embarrassment ( it takes very little to embarrass me – I wish I could coupon “under the radar” without anyone noticing).
I have always tried to be extremely polite to clerks any time there are coupon problems. I am usually the one apologizing when it is the clerk who should be apologizing!! And, yes, I have sucked it up and bought some things at full price when my coupons didn’t work just to save myself more embarrassment!!
I actually shocked a clerk at Walgreens yesterday when I was checking out: I wanted to do a small, second transaction but several people had appeared behind me in line, so I told her I didn’t want to do the second transaction at all. She almost begged me to do it, but I simply moved out of the line and went around to the end of the line to wait my turn. When I got up to the register the clerk was visibly surprised (I think she thought I had just left the store), and she looked at me with wonder in her eyes. I think she just couldn’t comprehend that I was trying to be nice. Soo sad…… unfortunately it is the few, obnoxious, rude, couponers who can ruin it for the rest of us.
That’s why I am grateful for all of you, and specifically this website, who promote being polite, kind, and gracious in our frugal endeavors! Keep up the good work everyone and maybe we can change the negative views that some clerks/stores have about us “couponers”..!!
JM, Well I want to thank YOU for sharing this, and I agree, I love this site so much where women can be honest, kind, polite, and encouraging. And, might I just say that you totally inspired me with your example of going to the back of the line to do your 2nd transaction. THAT is how we should set an example of graciousness and kindness. That is so cool! I’ve never thought of doing that. So glad you are here, thanks for your valuable input!
Funny this topic should come up now. I went to K-mart last week ready to get my lowest oop purchase yet. I had 14.95 on my K-mart card, and decided to go and see just how many items I could get with coupons for the 14.95. ( I also took no money with me just to make it more interesting) Armed with my coupon binder, I scoured the shelves for sale and discontinued items. I got, 1 fabreese spray, 1 soft soap, 1 body wash, 1 box of tampons (which were on sale for 5.50, for which there was a super coupon for 5.00 off on the shelf…score) 6 containers of Beniful prepared meals, and 10 cans of mighty dog. Ok, according to my calculations, this was just over $13. Perfect, still enough for tax. I get to the register, very proud of myself for getting so many items. As Im watching the register, Im thinking, ok, a bit high, but no worries, I have my trusty coupons to bring it all down to my calculated price. Then bam, my grand total, $19.95. What happened? where did I fail? oh the humuliation :(. I asked the clerk if he had scanned all of my coupons. He Had. I explained to him, “this is too high, it should be lees that 15.00 with my coupons.” He called a manager, (you know that of course I have a line behind me now), and she gave me the bad news….you can not use more than one K-mart coupon of the same type in the same transaction. Defeat!!!!! Fortunately, my daughter in law, who works at K-mart, wandered by at this moment and gave me a $5 so I wouldnt have to redo the order. Lesson learned……know your stores policy. So, short story long, next time I know to break up my purchase.
Ah, bummer!! Thanks so much for sharing your story, it seriously helps so much when we realize we’ve all had our share of frustrating moments. It’s worth it, and it’s fun to learn and grow together!
May I just say 1) though there are frustration – I feel like this is how I “earn” my savings! Time is truely money and when I’m having a good day I can take the frustration in stride and say – if I save the money its worth it and patiently work through it.
Sometimes when I am really over the top I just buy the items and then return them when I go back (aka bought nabisco crackers.. all checked out and the coupon was expired instead of having the checker dig for them and return them I took them home and then returned them when I came back)
2) can I just say how NICE IT IS to be on a blog where 99% of the people are NICE, DECENT and generally understanding happy people? I’ve been disgusted lately with the people complaining about TLC and how the show has RUINED couponing. Umm.. I don’t think so – I think stores are cautious and in a good way – you just have to know that things ebb and flow and really? Complaining about it and others (you bought 15 of those? Wow thanks for ruining it) really isn’t productive or positive!
Hey Annie, I must say I agree– this site is such a joy because we’re in it together.Yes, there are frustrations, but we’re still here, right? And the bottom line is that we’re all so fortunate and blessed we can laugh about our inconveniences. Thanks for your perspective and bless your day!
Oh is my most embarrassing moment over the top. I came across a great deal at Target on Lambskin condoms. (ok Im allergic to latex and these NEVER come on sale) The posted sign said $1.48 a three pack. I hid 10 packs in my cart as I shopped and didn’t look at anyone behind me in line. My total, almost $80.00. I gasped and said “something must be wrong!” Oh yes, it was the condoms. They rang up full price. The cashier had to send the manager to check the tag on the shelf. I have NEVER been so embarrassed in my life. After an eternity the manager returned, it seems that someone marked them wrong, but they went ahead and honored the price. Yippee for me I actually was right for a change! But this meant voiding every package and re-ringing the 10 boxes, overriding the old price and putting in a new price, while several people impatiently waited behind me. I went in Target for a gallon of milk! Came out with the most humiliating story of my life! I shared this horror story with my husband who was waiting in the car. We both laughed all the way home, and I still wonder how I survived that nightmare! What we will endure to save money!
That is hilarious, Debbie!
That is seriously funny! Thanks for sharing. If you hadn’t been so embarrassed, there’s so many quips you could have made while waiting.
Oh my oh my!! Debbie, BLESS you for sharing this story. I think maybe this is the best I’ve ever heard — you should have written this post! 🙂 Well, you inspire us all by your perseverance in frugality. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve had a similar, but sort of different experience lately at my Rite Aid. With P&G coupons, they will beep if you don’t buy the item pictured on the coupon itself – regardless of what it says. Example – Old Spice Bodywash. I wanted to buy the older version Old Spice in the red/blue bottles, and the coupon showed the new fancy white-bottle version. The coupons beeped and the cashier wouldn’t take them. I had to run all the way to the back of the store and get the ones pictured on the coupon. Silly. Exact same brand, size, etc. Just not the one on the coupon. 🙂 Now I go so far as to match the exact item pictured BEFORE I get to the counter – at least w/ P&G Qs at Rite Aid!
I totally relate to this. From stores blaming their computer system, to cashiers retorting that “you should have told me you had coupons!”, plus the extremely long queue that always seems to form only when I have coupons and there’s trouble scanning them through!
So true, when your not using coupons, the store is so slow that you can hear the dust balls forming under the shelves, but when you have just one coupon that wont scan, the entire town is behind you in line.
So true lol!
I hate that feeling! Back when I was a newbie I was so excited about every deal and would walk up to the cashier beaming with excitement to watch my totals decrease dramatically as they rung through the coupons. I will never forget one experience however, when my sister was pregnant, due any day and stressing about stocking up on certain famine products. Well, with her 2 children already she had her hands full so I told her I would pick some up for her. I checked, triple checked and was even excited to find out that I had a surplus of coupons that I needed (Remember I was a newbie and printed anything and EVERYTHING and had it all neatly sorted in a binder). When I got up to the cashier I proudly handed the guy (yes a guy unfortunately!) my coupons. They wouldn’t ring up. As he looked at them again and again he finally said that they expired yesterday. Shoot! I handed him the wrong stack of coupons after sorting through the good and bad ones in the aisle. But, being that I was trying to get this deal for my sister I sucked up the embarrassment and quickly grabbed my other stack of coupons and handed him the right ones, apologizing for the delay. Just then, the cashier announced (very loudly) that of course I would have extra coupons hidden away for such a deal, stated what was wrong with “you people”, and it was obviously that time of the month for me to be causing problems. After turning all sorts of red, purple, and what must have looked like a rainbow I was so upset I left without my deal and wrote a long letter to the store manager who in turn said that it was my fault for not correctly using the coupons. I will never be shopping at that store again; however I did go to another store down the street and get the deal 🙂
Couponing has its ups and downs but that’s what makes it fun, right?
Hahaha!!! Oh my goodness, Melissa, thank you so much for sharing this story! This is the worst thing! I am so proud of you for sticking with your frugal ways despite this early set-back … most people would quit! Thanks for sharing…
So sorry you had that experience Melissa. It’s always uncool when we couponers get accused of fraud.
I had to actually stop myself from smiling ear to ear because I can totally relate to this. I double and tripple check usually to still end up getting the wrong quantity 🙂 I try so hard sometimes and it makes me nervous to check out.. but then it is so exciting geting the great deals and saving so much! The cashiers don’t always help either… more and more I’m finding them to be irritated and frustrated by coupons.. I’ve learned to step back, slow down and only get what I need and not to do too much at once. Thanks for this story
Great wisdom, Michelle — slow down and breathe deep, that helps us from crumbling in a heap of tears when it all goes wrong! Hope the next few posts can be helpful too, thanks for reading!
Honestly, this EXACT frustration is the reason why I’m on a couponing break. In a world filled with stressors, this is one I need to (for the sake of my family) walk away from. The savings, though potentially great, aren’t always worth all of this stress!!
I totally agree. I stopped couponing because I felt like I was spending so much time hunting down the deals at every store. I miss the savings, but I am happier just buying what I need at a good sale price, without the hassle of coupons.
I totally hear your frustrations, guys! I think we can all relate. Hopefully the next few posts will be helpful — we’re all learning how to be frugal without frustration! Best to you both, K
Glad to hear I’m not the only one 🙂 I scorned Winco while I was couponing, and even long before it would openly hate that store; laughing as I drove past while headed on another coupon run. But, for now at least, I’m SO enjoying the simplicity of driving up to that one store for one decently-priced transaction.
Yes I have had a few experiences like this-I check, double check and right before I go through the line-like to check my coupons AGAIN! But even with experience with will still happen occasionally.
Your story is very funny 🙂
Oh yes, Charolyn, the quadruple check before it’s our turn at the cashier. Live and learn! Thanks for reading…
My favorite is when after the committee studies your coupon and determines that your item does in fact meet the fine print criteria but then still want to give it back to you to use at another time because they can’t figure out why it won’t take. And they look at you like its somehow your fault. Really?!
Also, a friend recently told me about a 3-transaction trip to her local grocery store where the 2 neighboring checkers were bashing an “amateur couponer” who’d recently been in (much to the discomfort of the dozens of customers standing in line to check out). When my friend (whose coupons were thankfully in order) called the store manager when she left to advise him of this unprofessional behavior, but she got no suppoort. In fact, the person she spoke to said, “Yeah, we get a lot of those through lately.” !!! :-0
Oh dear … yes, sometimes it’s a harsh world out there for frugalistas! FrugalLiving has certainly helped me swallow my pride on more than one occasion. I guess it’s good for us! Thanks for reading.
I hear you sista…. I find coupon shopping to be as frustrating as it is exhilarating. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve just sucked it up and bought stuff cause I didn’t want to cause an annoyance. – I think it’s a sick game they play to see how many shades of red they can get us to turn.
Ha! Thanks for your honesty. Sometimes we think that it always works easily for everyone else … I’m sure we’ve all had our share of red-faced moments. Thanks for joining us here!