So often, it’s easy to get caught up in getting the best deal possible – even if it’s maybe using coupons in ways not intended. After all, the store accepted the coupon and it did not beep, so it must be okay. Right? Let’s spread the word that it worked so everyone else can take part. Right?
EY!
I understand that there are times that we all might use a coupon not realizing that we used it for something that was not correct. We grabbed the wrong size bottle, did not get the variety specified or somehow or another an expired coupon got by you and the store clerk. We are all human – things like this are inevitable.
When it becomes a problem is when we use a coupon that we know is intended for something else because – well…it makes a good deal even better! ABC said it worked and so now XYZ and MNO are following suit because they can get away with it. The computer did not beep and the clerk said nothing. SCORE!!!!! (or so you thought).
While you might get away with it this time and walk out with the small bottle of ketchup instead of the large bottle specified or you might score Aunt Millie’s Homestyle bread instead of the Healthy Goodness listed, you are not getting over on the stores.
By using coupons in ways not intended, you are adding to the stress that comes with using coupons later. Next time you get hassled over the coupon you are trying to use legitimately and are angry that it is happening, think about this. Think about any time that you may have gotten caught up in taking that great deal to the next step.
It’s things like this that make stores go overboard with examining coupons. It’s things like this that make us all face the headaches of stores having hateful attitudes about coupons and those that use them.
From time to time, I may post a deal and inadvertently list a coupon that is not intended for the sale item. If I find out that this has happened, I try to immediately update the post with the corrected information (either via comments or the post itself). I never want to condone using coupons in ways not intended and hope that you consider this next time you feel that urge pulling you to use a coupon in a way not intended.
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Good article! I often wonder about the coupon for “$1 off any Johnson’s baby item”. Many blogs advocate using that coupon to get free or nearly free Johnson’s Buddies soaps. I don’t think the Buddies are a baby item. Am I missing something?
The Buddies are stocked in the baby aisle at Target, not the soap aisle.
Thanks for your honesty : D I’ve noticed some ‘bad advice’ on other blogs. Your right about the stores. Cashiers get in trouble if they accept the wrong coupon, which makes them question every coupon thereafter. If you do make an honest mistake they look at you like your trying to ‘pull a fast one’. Your article has some great advice!
Andrea, this Johnson’s coupons falls into the same category as the whole “can you stack an electronic coupon with a paper coupon” debate. While we know now that the answer to the latter is NO, this was something incredibly debated back and forth and I honestly think that it’s just one of those things that will remain up to the discretion of the user because there is a bit of a grey area there.
Kayo is right though – Kroger, Walmart, Target and so many other stores stock this product in the baby section – not with soaps, etc only adding to the debate and the confusion.
Thanks ladies – great thoughts!