Pitching a fit, shouting, stomping and causing all types of commotion and you’re usually guaranteed not to get what you were seeking. And if your coupon is accepted you’re likely not going to want to return. I agree it can be frustrating, but getting satisfaction through diplomacy has it’s own rewards.
First, ask calmly to speak to a store manager about the coupon issue, politely ask him or her to please tell you why your coupon cannot be accepted. Then, regardless of the reason, if the coupon is valid, ask them to make an exception. If your a regular shopper at that store you will likely receive a favorable reply, and it never hurts to ask.
If that doesn’t work, write down the name of the manager you dealt with, along with the date and time you spoke and follow up later with written correspondence to the stores upper management or customer service department. Include a photocopy of the coupon for best response.
If the store doesn’t accept coupons printed from home, or so-called Internet coupons, ask that they make an exception since you regularly shop at their stores. Inform them that despite the fact that the coupons were printed from your home printer they are valid coupons offered by the product manufactures through websites like zorkler.com, couponcabin.com and coupons.com.
At minimum if the coupon policy wasn’t clearly posted at the store insist that it is going forward. You shouldn’t have been forced to confront them because of their customer service failures. One reader suggested printing out a copy of the stores coupon policy, most post it on their website. That way, if you encounter a store employee that is uninformed on the stores coupon policy you have your ammo ready and there’s no hard feelings.
You might also check your own state laws about coupons, expiration dates and their acceptance. In my own state, stores are not allowed to double manufacturers coupons except in the case of a new stores grand opening event, which is limited to two weeks.
Lastly, if you’re double dipping (using both a manufacturer and a store coupon in a single transaction) present any manufacturer coupons BEFORE presenting store issued coupons.
