Couponing 101: Coupons That Beep

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clipping coupons

Even seasoned couponers sometimes get nervous heading to the cash register. I know my stomach still does flip flops when I have a huge stack of coupons. I tend to hold my breath as I carefully watch the cashier scan the coupons. There is nothing worse than hearing the cash register beep and seeing the cashier stare at the coupon in hand.

What I am talking about is when a product listed on the coupon is bought and the register does not acknowledge it. I am very careful to read the coupon and make sure that I buy the correct product and size. Unfortunately, that does not always prevent the beeps. Sometimes coupons are just coded wrong by the manufacturer.

I have had this happen a couple of times in recent weeks. Once for the $3 off Keri coupon I used at Rite Aid and once for the $4/4 Bugles and Chex Mix coupon I used at Kroger. In both instances I had bought the correct products. I was lucky that the cashier pushed both of the coupons through and took off the correct amount.

Now, it will all depend on the cashier and store on whether they will push through the coupon. Once the product and size are verified, there should not be a problem. However, that is not always the case and it can be frustrating. If the coupon is not accepted, do not be embarrassed to ask to have the item taken off your order. I have had to do this on several occasions simply because I am not willing to pay full price (unless it is an item we desperately need!). Just politely say that you would like the item taken off the order since the coupon can’t be used.

Coupons that beep are frustrating and there is no telling that it will happen until you try it. Don’t get flustered- stay calm and help the cashier verify that you bought the correct item.

If you are new to couponing, make sure you check out the rest of the Couponing 101 series.

Let me hear your stories about coupons that don’t go through even though they should!

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Renae is a married working mom of two handsome boys. She works as a registered dental hygienist by day and blogs here at How to Have it All by night. She enjoys cooking from scratch, working in her vegetable garden and functional training.

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Comments

  1. I’ve been couponing for a couple of years now and I still get nervous when I have a shopping trip with lots of coupons!

    My best coupon beeping story was when I asked my cashier to remove the product (since it was more than I wanted to pay) and she just couldn’t understand why I wouldn’t still want it because it was “a good deal.” I finally asked her to please stop arguing with me and remove the item. When I said that I think she realized that she had gone a little too far and was super sweet the rest of the time. She just couldn’t understand why I would want it off when it was such “a good deal.” In her book not mine! :)

    • Heather,
      So true! What one person considers a good deal is not necessarily a good deal for another. I realize my price points are a lot lower than some people. Cashiers shouldn’t argue though- that is frustrating! Thanks for sharing your story!

  2. Just started three weeks ago but used 56 coupons this weekend and got so nervous but did well. Impatient people behind me don’t help.

    • Hi Lisa,
      Great job! Yes, people staring always make it more stressful! The funny thing is that sometimes they will go from impatient to interested when they see your total bill! Keep up the good work!