One of our readers, who also works at a drug store sent us a perspective on the other side of the counter. Since Sarah is sick this week I thought I would take control of things this week.;)
I think that couponing is great and I save a TON of money every month, plus I am able to stock up on things will they are on sale. I work at a local drug store and there are a few coupon ladies that are GREEDY and ruin it for the rest of us who don’t go over board. We try to order enough items so that everyone who wants the product can take advantage of the coupons, company benefit coupons (changed program name to protect the writer) and the great deals on sales. But there are a few that think they need ALL of the items and then when we run out are upset.
Here are a few examples:
1) A lady came in and put all the Vaseline Infusion lotion in here cart; she cleared the shelf. I am guessing she had 10-12 of them in there. She then finds one of the employees and asks if we have anymore. This employee tells her no. The customer’s comment “well, my mom wanted some” and she was really upset we didn’t have more. I guess I look at it that she should have taken a couple for her, a couple for her mom and left the rest for other customers who may want them. She was so greedy she could not even share the 10-12 she had with her mom. I mean, really, how many lotions do your REALLY need at one time.
2) A lady bought several of the Robisussin to go 2 packs. She came back a couple days later and wanted more but we were out. She said “my mom didn’t get any” I guess I look at these two examples as why can’t she not be GREEDY and give a couple to her mom.
3) The other night we had a lady come in and purchased some things. Among them was Crest toothpaste. She used a coupon and company benefit coupon but because she used a P & G company benefit coupon it did not spit out another company benefit coupon. Then she gets mad at us saying we did it wrong. We tried explaining to her why it did not give her a second company benefit coupon. She gets in a huff and leaves.
It is getting so out of control that our manager is now limiting customers to two unless we have a huge quantity of them. She is also limiting to two transactions per customer so that people like the ones mentioned above will not take all of the product and leave nothing for other customers. This is more so when we are really busy, compared to a Sunday night when the store is pretty quiet.
Please pass on these points:
1) Don’t get mad at the employee if your company benefit coupon does not print out because you used too many manufacture coupons or a company benefit coupon from the company you already used a company benefit coupon. We do not make up these rules, the manufactures do.
2) Don’t be greedy in the amount of items you get. Other customers want to take advantage of the company benefit coupons and free stuff too. Although we order plenty of items to satisfy everyone, if one person takes them all we cannot satisfy only one person.
3) On freight day do NOT ask the employees to go through all the totes for the products you want or hoover over us while we are putting out the merchandise. We have literally hundreds of products to put out and only one day to do so. You can wait, just like everyone else, for the items to be put on the shelf. Sorry if you miss the items you want, now you know how everyone else feels when you take everything and no one else gets any.
4) Be organized when you come in. When you are up at the register it is NOT the time to go through your coupons, deciding which items need to be purchased in which transaction and making us return something, only to ring it up again because it did not print out the company benefit coupons you were expecting.
I am sorry this sounds so harsh, but maybe if you let these couponers know then they will think twice about how they act. I can literally tell you hundreds of stories that happen everyday in retail and the way these people treat us, the majority of them are NOT nice. Many of our couponers do subscribe to your website, as I have asked them where they go for their information.
Thank you
It’s Matt again. I really think it is important to remember to always be – Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.
For those younger moms or guys who didn’t go into scouting… that’s the Boy Scout Law. And since I’m an Eagle scout I think I can post it.
If a cashier likes you and you follow the Scout Law then they will do things that go beyond just being a cashier. We get alot of questions like how did you get that, or why are they so nice to you. Well it’s because Sarah follows the above Law. Then cashiers, and store managers will go out of their way for you too.
Hello: fellow coupon blogger here. WOW. You know I’ve been at this only a year now, but I’ve learned something. Frugality isn’t just about saving money – it’s being resourceful ALL AROUND. It’s keeping an orderly house, conserving trips, gas, and TIME. While I love sharing deals with my readers, I take a completely moderate approach to stockpiling and deal-getting. There are ways to enjoy a good deal in a respectful, kind manner.
BTW, I just have to say this – can everyone PLEASE be careful not to stereotype couponers as women? There are LOTS of men who coupon out there!!
Thank you – I will likely reference this post on my blog soon.
Great post! I am a HUGE planner. I have all my coupons matched up and ready when I head out to the store. That way I spend the least time in line. I understand how some people can get “addicted” to this. With me couponing provides an outlet for my brain to be exercised. Since I am an organizer and no longer work outside the home, Deal hunting keeps my brain working and gives you that rush when you know you’ve figured something out! BUT I also know that I don’t NEED everything, so there are some weeks when I don’t go to the store. Couponing has provided my family a great little stockpile in our pantry and allowed us to bless some friends with some of that stockpile when they were in need. I never want to take advantage of using coupons. I did recently get upset with a cashier. I had gone to the store and had everything planned and then was told of a coupon policy change at checkout. It caught me off guard and I was a bit flustered (we both misunderstood each other) and directed my anger the wrong direction. I went to the service desk to get clarification and then got back in the same cashier’s line. I wanted to make sure that I apologized to her and thanked her for letting me know of the policy change so that I could let my other couponing friends know.
I think when you first get started couponing, it’s easy to get carried away because you think this might be your only chance to get toothpaste or whatever. After awhile you realize that things continuously go on sale, and if you miss toothpaste this week, or only get 1 or 2, it will go on sale again within a few weeks. By just buying a couple of items each week, I don’t make myself so crazy spending too much time couponing, and I’ve still built up a good supply. Also, I’ve never met a mean cashier in more than 6 months. Some are or more or less accomodating, but they’re all polite.
To the employee of the unnamed drugstore: Why is your store allowing 1 customer to get 12 lotions? The ads/signs say “1 per customer,” don’t they? Some people have no shame! I have bought 4 lotions since the sale started, on 4 different visits, and I am feeling a little greedy and guilty about that. How could someone take so many and still want more? Crazy! And to the poster who mentioned people justifying their excessive “purchases” by saying, “but I’m giving it to friends/neighbors/charities…” I totally agree! It drives me crazy when I see someone complaining about a store not accepting their 20 IP coupons and saying, “and I was just going to give it all to the homeless shelter!” If you really want to donate, then donate, don’t expect the stores and manufacturers to finance all your “charitable” giving!
Thanks for this post! I was chatting with a checker at Alb’s a few weeks ago and she thanked me for being so polite. She told me that the day before she had a coupon lady scream and yell at her about some problem with the doublers. The lady was so out of control they had to ask her to leave. I was horrified to even hear that story. Saving a dollar on something is NOT worth your integrity or manners!
My walgreens limits to one of each RR per person per day which even though I live 15 minutes away I like this because things are left on the shelf a little longer. But they also just started posting that you cannot use any manufactured coupons on any of the RR deals, so I stopped going to that one, hello that is how you get the good deals to combine RR with coupons. My other walgreens will only let you do one transaction per day which is sort of hard to do all the RR things in one transaction because then you have a ton of RR to use the next week.
This is a great post and it is frustrating to have gone 15 minutes to my closest walgreens only to find that someone has gotten all the Free after rr’s. Usually taking 12-15 of one item. My problem is what are they doing with that many. Are they selling them or something? Lets be reasonable and just take a couple. And let everyone have a chance on getting some free products.
On the other hand at a store where there is more inventory I wouldn’t have a problem with more as long as you are going to use it or give it away, not just hoarding it cause it is free.
Seriously, why must I explain why I need so much of one product. Yes, some couponers do excessively shop. But, to the mom who needed the juice boxes for her babies. Really am I going to criticise you cuz you needed this and used coupons to sweeten your deal? Heck no. Do I as an individual need to know why you need so many juice boxes. Heck no. Nobody’s business but the buyers. I’m sorry let Capri Sun go on sale for a $1 a box and I have 20 $1 coupons. It’s every man for themselves. 20 boxes will get my family thru 2 weeks. Free compared to $1.79 a box. Seriously, it’s a no brainer. I dont know or need to know the needs of any shopper. I will courteous and patient for as long as a cashier or manager treats me the same. I have been made to feel criminal for using coupons, have been made to wait in line for well over 15 minutes while my coupons are being discussed; have been asked to step out of the line and pay at Customer Service as if I have done something wrong. No, I dont condone disrespecting anyone but by the same token I dont want to be disrepected or humiliated for saving dollars. It’s basically to each his own. My limit is usually around 4 to 6 items unless it is something my family uses constantly. Then, my limit will go up. I do agree that some stores should do like CVS and limit their sales supply. But stores like Publix, it’s a no brainer. IMHO!!
This post was fantastic and should be forwarded to all other coupon bloggers out there. It is reprehensible that anyone would coupon to the point of excess, and as a newbie this really resonates.
That being said, the coupon bloggers and couponers out there who don’t take advantage of the system should be proud of themselves for sharing the wealth!
Matt, Thanks for the reminder for all. I think of it this way: When I go into a store, I try to make the least amount of impact on the store as possible. I try not to bother other shoppers, I let the old lady buying just cinnamon rolls go in front of me, I replace items on the shelf, and I am kind to the employees. Thanks to all the other KIND couponers out there. And to the other couponers to whom the original email was written: please follow the Boy Scout Law so that we can ALL enjoy the sales in the future.
I hope MORE people read this!!!!
I have stopped shopping at Albertson’s because, so far, every time that I have gone there to shop using my coupons and trying to match them with the sale, the store has been out of more than half of the items on my list and then I am always left to try and figure out new “scenarios”. After a couple times of this, I had it. I just decided that it is pointless for me to even go shopping there now because, I can never find what items I really need. When I am at the checkout stand and they ask me if I found everything alright, I have to honestly tell them “no, it seems that you are actually out of several of the items I came for, I guess that some of the other couponers have already cleared out your stock”. Unfortunately, I just do not have the time to drive to every single Albertson’s to find the items so I just won’t go there any more.I have always wondered though, if it was someone like this that may have cleared the shelves before I got there.
Thank you for the post. I have come to the conclusion that when people buy more than they need, that it is a sickness or addiction. (This includes going to great lengths to steal coupons). If you have more on your shelf than you can possibly use before the expiration date, than you are not saving money, you are wasting money. Medicine and lotion will both go bad.
As for the checkers and the clerks, I have so far only encountered very helpful employees. I would like to thank the Walgreens on Linder for the awesome help they gave me with my coupons.
Thanks so much!!! I completely agree with this!! I wish people could see themselves in a mirror at times and see how they really do sound.I think they would be embarrased by their behavior.
I have to admit I almost cleared a shelf today. My daughter has impetigo on her bottom lip and in her mouth and on her tongue. She has never had this before and quite frankly, it’s awful. She hasn’t eaten anything since Saturday and only drank one 6 oz. juice box on Sunday and two on Monday. That’s it. It’s all she can stomach and unfortunately, that was the end of my stock. Because impetigo is highly contagious, the juice boxes are very convenient for disposal as well (this way I make sure my other children don’t drink out of the same cup). Although there are other items on sale at Albertson’s that I could have used my doublers, this was the most necessary. I had to go to 3 stores to use all of my coupons but I’m basically making her drink one per hour so she doesn’t end up in the hospital with dehydration. Normally I don’t clear the shelf of any one item (unless it’s the last one or two). I do like the way Sarah shops. She may do one or two transactions in a day and then leave what’s left for others. Then she might go back a day or two later and shop what’s still on the shelf. I am grateful to the Albertson’s Caldwell stadium store and the Caldwell Blaine Street stores for trying to anticipate our needs & wants and stock up for us. I’ve never been disappointed at either store.
oh please! the whole point of couponing is to save money! The women in the examples were being “thrifty”. were they being selfish, yeah, they want to save a lot of money for themselves. No I do not clean off a shelf when I coupon but if I saw someone doing that, hey more power to them. I dont need that product, or need to save a dollar on that product to feel good about myself. theres always another deal.
I do believe in all the other things that were said, yes, you certainly will catch more flies with honey than you will with vinegar.That being said, I will not feel sorry for a cashier having a bad day, or feeling bad because she doesnt know how to do her job. will I be rude, no. impatient no. but goodness, if you cant handle it, its time to find another job!
Great post~
Thanks Matt for the extra comments about Boy scout law. Coming from a Scout family- it means a lot. 2 Eagles and 1 more very soon within the next month.
Happy shopping all~
I agree. I have coupons all ready and only get enough for 1 or 2. However, there is one checker at walgreens I try to avoid. She treats me like a criminal, holding coupons up to the light and asking repeatedly where I got them and that they better not be photocopied. I had her today and just asked her to get a manager to check me out in cosmetics. One checker can ruin your day!
I defense of the woman who wanted her catalina coupon to print when she bought the P&G item, as far as I’m aware this rule isn’t written anywhere. I have looked on the catalina and also on the tags in the store and in the ad. Nowhere does it say that you can use that catalina on any item “EXCEPT if it is on another product made by the same manufacturer that is going to print out another catalina.” People that follow couponing blogs are well aware of this rule, but I don’t think that you should have to spend 2 hours reading online in order to shop at that unnamed drug store
Matt, I am the mother of a Boy Scout on his way to Eagle. I am proud of you.
Amanda, lol that’s funny 42 bottles of cold medication!!!! You keep up the good work helping others who want to be thrifty:)
Thanks Matt for passing this along…it is a great reminder for everyone. It is very discouraging to go to a store and have the shelves empty. I also try and remember when I do find a great deal that there are others out shopping and trying to save money too. Another great thing to remember, that I know Sarah said once, there is ALWAYS another sale on things. I coupon to save money (my husband is unemployed) and to help me stay stocked up on items so I get them on sale vs paying full price. Another great reminder for everyone…if you HAVE to have 42 bottles of cold med…try and ask the manager for a special order.
Fabuluous post!
I think some people have a disorder (seriously) when it comes to couponing. I have only been doing it a few months and am already well stocked…..actually over-stocked in some areas. For the next few weeks we are going to buy only perishables.
I see people post that they give stuff away to friends, family, neighbors and charities….more often I think this is a rationalization to explain purchasing the last 15 tubes of toothpaste or whatever.
My husband and I call the pics of the grocery shopping excess on some blogs “kill shots”. These are usually posted by the bloggers themselves, sometimes the *WORST* offenders of couponing excess.
The deals keep on coming folks. Don’t hog it all for yourself.
My local Smiths used to take competitor coupons. (I prefer Albertsons, but went once for a good deal.) Anyway from that trip I had a Catalina that was about to expire and went to use it. At the store while clipping my coupons an employee came up to me and said they didn’t take comp. coupons anymore due to three women who were abusing the system and took an hour and a half to check out and had cleared their shelves. Women need to realize when they act like that they are shooting themselves in the foot and ruining it not only for themselves, but for the rest of us as well. PLEASE BE KIND AND CURTIOUS WHEN YOU COUPON AND DO NOT BE SO DARN GREEDY!!!!!!! We will find ourselves with a bunch of stores with strict coupon rules or a NO coupon policy if people don’t stop acting like this. I like a good deal like the rest of you, but there is NO reason to act that way. In most cases you are getting items for free, the least you could do is be nice to the employees, be organized and follow their coupon rules. (I know I’m preaching to the choir here, but I hope the few of you women that coupon rudely and bend and break the rules-you know who you are-realize that how you coupon is WRONG!! and ruining it for us and You!)
Well said, and like the scout law, my son is a eagle scout too. I went to Alb. last night to get 4 tubes of toothpaste and of course they were all out; turns out someone came in and took them all and order 200 more – What! what will they do with that many, that is more then a year supply and I have a family of 7. I’m waiting for the day they don’t let us print coupons any more and I have been doing coupons sense I been married (going on 20 years) and it has been nice to be able to print coupons I save a lot more now, but I’m waiting….
Well said!
My brother who used to intern at a store that has some awesome deals once told me about another trouble he had with coupon shoppers. There would be one or two that would go in, get the coupons to print after the transaction, then come in a couple of days later only to return the items. Basically, those shoppers would get coupons without keeping the product.
Also, the store where I shop limits you to only one transaction because of the greedy women out there.
Thanks for posting this. I have been really annoyed with the greediness of people this past week. I also think that it is very important that we treat cashiers with respect. (Although they may not always treat you that way). It seems that most of the time if you are nice to them they are nice to you. Or in other words treat others the way that you would be treated. And as far as those who have been buying up all of the merchandise I would just say that there are so so so so many deals out there to be had (don’t fill your house with just one item because you wont have room for all the other great deals that you find).
Amen and amen! You said it perfectly.
There are differences between being thrifty and trying to wisely spend the resources God gave us, and being greedy to the point hoarding.
We all need to remember that God does not just see us at church. He sees us at Walgreen’s, too.
Totaly agree!!! I took a friend and sister-in-law shopping with me this weekend to help them get the hang of it. While we were shopping we bumped into another deal shopper. She pulled me aside and scolded me for teaching others and that it was already hard enough to get the items that she wanted. I explained that I had a lot of friends that wanted to learn and I was willing to teach anyone that was interested. Shortly after I was grabbing a childrens medication that was on sale and the lady came up behind me and said “I got 42 of the adult medication for free the other week how many did you get”. 42 bottles of cold medication seriously and I’m the one clearing the shelves by teaching others how to save!!!! What does someone need with 42 bottles of cold medication! People like that give the rest of us a bad name.
I think this is a great reminder for everyone! At Target, they have comment cards (I grabbed a few and put them in my binder). I fill one out and give it to the cashier who rings me up with ALL my coupons. They are so greatful for the card. I write a quick note – “thanks for all your help with ALL my coupons.” I think it brightens up their day and I really do appreciate them taking all of my coupons.
thanks for the reminder. I make the grocery list and find the coupons, sort the coupons and put a C next to the item on the list that will use a coupon……. my husband does the grocery shopping. One particular day my husband came home with the groceries and told me about his bad experience with the checker, I called the sore to talk about it to the manager…… the lady was evedently having a bad day and took it out on my husband because I was told she is not usually like this…. and ever since that day the particular cashier has been very nice to my husband and handles the coupons very well.