Let me just say, I am no expert at this couponing thing. I am learning as I go, and making my fair share of mistakes along the way.
For instance, last Thursday I went to Target, armed with a TON of coupons. I was going to get trash bags, toilet paper and some other items for a killer deal by combining their sales with both a Target coupon and a manufacturer's coupon. I was so proud of myself! Until I got to the cashier. She rang up all my items, and then I handed her my stack of coupons. She obviously got a bit overwhelmed because she rang up about two of them, and then put the eight or so rest of the coupons in her drawer without ringing them up! I tried to get her to go back through and ring them up, but she was so flustered that it was useless. When I got my receipt, I realized I had paid at least $4 more than I should have because she hadn't used my coupons!
I was so frustrated. I actually made myself sick to my stomach. (Over $4???) Super Crafty Sister was with me and gave me the idea of taking back two of the boxes of trash bags since I ended up paying way too much for them, and I only bought them because I was planning to get such a great deal. So everything ended okay, but it was frustrating in the meantime!
My lesson learned here? Don't buy things just because you have a coupon. Buy things you would normally be willing to buy full price. And then the coupons are just a bonus! Yes, still plan your trip around the coupons and sales, but don't make yourself sick if it doesn't work out the way you planned. :)
After Target, we went to Walgreens where I had a much more successful trip. They had a deal last week (in small print in the ad!) where you could get Honey Nut Cheerios at 2 for $4. When you bought the cereal AND a gallon of milk (already the cheapest price around that week at $2.79), you got $2 in Register Rewards. I had two printable Honey Nut Cheerios coupons (found here), each for $1/1 box. So I got 2 boxes for $2, and got $2 back in Register Rewards. Not bad!
I'll try to post my shopping lists this week - we'll see how that goes!
In the meantime, do you have any couponing mistakes/lessons learned to share with the rest of us?
Saturday, January 2, 2010
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Oh no! I can't believe that the lady at Target just didn't ring up your coupons...I'd freak out on her! I'm glad you at least took back the trash bags...that is crazy! I'm super impressed with your coupon-ing...I try my very best to buy as much as I can with coupons, and attempt to buy as many things as possible that are on sale (produce, meat, etc). It really does make a difference when you start looking at your receipts!
ReplyDeleteSome cashiers at Target are unfortunately incompetent. I had to bring a printed e-mail from customer service saying target coupons and manufacturer's coupons can be used together. Or I go to customer service.
ReplyDeleteBut remember you are doing thing correctly and within the store's policies and sometimes the cashiers just don't understand or are overwhelmed like yours was.
That sucks about the target for the new years reso I my goal is to be better with the whole coupon thing, you are doing great so far!
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