Save More at the Grocery Store: Stop, Breathe and Revamp

grocery cart

When you come to a “coupon crossroad” and are unable to use your coupons with a specific store, don’t get mad. Stop. Breathe. Revamp.

We have all been in this situation and/or will be again as coupon barcodes/databases and employees change for retail stores. In your coupon binder, keep the store’s coupon policy filed for easy access to review a concern with the store’s manager. If, you cannot find common ground determine whether you are making the day’s purchases or leaving them at the store. No scene is necessary. Don’t let your savings journey be underscored with bitterness. Use the opportunity to communicate with corporate managers and staff in an quick email or Facebook message to voice your concern. Usually, you will get a response with 24-48 hours.

A few months ago, I was “pumped” about shopping at Dollar General and saving money with their $5 off $25 coupon and my manufacturer’s coupons. The cashier, the manager, checked me out but my bottom dollar was not what the coupons added up to deduct from my total. She tried three times to no avail. I opted to leave the items at the store. Behind me, my girlfriend stood there to be checked out. Her coupons worked. Thus, the cashier tried mine again. We learned that the $5 DG coupon had to be scanned first (subtotal—before tax—must be $25) and then the manufacturer’s coupons had to be scanned. The total matched the figure in my head. It was accurate. I was frustrated but it all worked out.

Thus, if your first impulse is to get mad. Stop. Breathe. Revamp. Vowing not to return to the store might be your first reaction and decision but first communicate your concerns and TRY to reach an understanding about your “coupon crossroad” so that you and others (even the employees) can learn from the experience. Ultimately, the savings is yours and the decision is too. I choose to communicate and educate myself and others around me!

Check out the other Save More at the Grocery Store tips if you missed them!

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Renae Chiovaro

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.