I usually say this at least once a week! I get all nervous and confused and distracted under all the bright lights in the stores.
Learn from my mistakes (and there are alot!). Ha!
Some recent ones:
1. Bought Nestle 8 pk fun packs at Walgreens instead of Hershey. So now I need to buy 3 more Hershey to complete the get $5 when you buy $10 worth of HERSHEY. NOTE TO SELF: Just because an item is sitting right next to another does not mean it is the same brand. I did this with crackers once too at CVS. Then I was ticked at the register when my ECBs didn’t print out. Well, doh, Kraft and Sunshine are not the same. They had me all confused with the same sale and yellow tags. I’m sure that is what they are counting on. But back to the Hershey deal, oh darn, I have to make another trip to Walgreens. That is going to hurt. [giggles maniacally]
2. Huggies Swimmers rang up as $8.99 instead of $2.25 clearance. Almost walked out of the store and then realized that there was a reason I had to pay so much more than I planned out of pocket. So turned around and received my refund and he re rang it. Then as I was walking out, I noticed he only charged me .25 instead of $2.25. So what do you do? They told me just to take it since it was already so confusing. Okie Dokie.
3. A while back ago there was a Get $10 off 3 Hanes/Fruit of the Loom (they changed the brand mid way through) when you buy $10 worth of Nabisco. Checked out. Checked receipt. Couldn’t figure out why they $10 didn’t come off. Stood in Customer Service line for around 10 minutes. Then figured I was $1 short because something was on sale more than it was listed (normally that is good – but not in this case since it would have saved $10 if I would have spent $1 more.) Explained to Customer Service, just returned everything. Then I tried it again. Can you believe this, I messed it up AGAIN. I only bought 2 Fruit of the Loom items forgot another package of socks. At this point, I said forget it. We needed the stuff anyway and I was too mentally worn out from all the math.
4. Bought an item not on my list because it was a good deal and I had an awesome coupon. Got to the register. Guess what? Expired by 2 days. That is just a total bummer because I thought I found an extra deal.
These are just some recent ones. I should know better, I’ve been doing this awhile. These are total rookie mistakes but I think it happens to all of us. I should note that all of these trips, I didn’t even have my kids with me to get distracted…so there is NO excuse! LOL!
So Some Tips:
1. Always check your receipt. Especially with clearance items at CVS. I was told today that the system only holds it in the clearance % for 1 week and then it has to be entered again. That is why some things don’t ring up like they are suppose to.
2. Check Expiration Dates of coupons and toss them or donate them to the Overseas Coupon Program.
3. Double check the deals and make sure you have the right items, right size, right BRAND. (Don’t let those yellow sale tag distract you!)
4. Remember you don’t have to buy 10 when the deal is 10/$10 unless it is specifically noted that you have to buy 10 to get the deal! (Don’t let the mix and match advertising confuse you!)
5. Did I say check your receipt? Also, watch while they are scanning your coupons to make sure none get missed!
Any other tips or funny deal mess up stories for my readers?
The comment about the pressure of couponing really hit home. At a normal store, the clerk is eyeing you, the bagger is waiting on you. The person in line behind you is peeved. My favortie thing to do to avoid this is shop a store where you are allowed to self check large transactions. Then I go at my pace, am able to check each and every purchase and coupon, if I get in trouble, I hit the help button and a dedicated clerk comes over. And if someone gets in line behind me, I just say…I take forever, you may want another line. (Some stores make you take your coupons to the main self check clerk(who really scrutinizes them). Meijer is my favorite for self check. Yes, it takes more time, yes I usually mess up, but the pressure is minimal, so I don’t feel stressed. And yes, I do always check my receipt and am usually in line at customer service because I’ve overcharged myself. Happy clipping everyone!
Hi Bri, I’ve done some of the same things imagine that but I got some good deals at Walmart the other day I used my tuna coupons znd was able to use 6 at a time and the register took off the hold amount even when the item was less than coupon.
Thanks for the update
Don’t feel bad. I did the exact same thing with the Nestle/Hershey deal b/c the tags both priced these items at 10/$10. I ended up taking the 3 Nestle back and swapping for 3 Hershey’s. Thanks for your tips!
Hi Briana!
Very great tips. I will have to direct my FWTR readers here so they are aware of them too – hope that’s OK.
Also, with the Weight Watchers chocolate, my store also didn’t have the 2/$3 tags on them but since I know this store was notorious for just being slack at tagging, I assumed the register would know better. WRONG!
Oh well, they are super yummy – though not many in a bag!?!?!
I hate when that happens! The KC deal prices varied in regions, which I didn’t realize. Ours were all even #s but I hate when the deal ends in 24.97 and you need $25. Drives me nuts! At least with the KC deal you could just buy some extra Kleenex! I need the :bri: emote here! LOL!
I just did this at CVS this week w/the Kimberly-Clark deal! I was $1.03 short of the $25 requirement. My mental math was off!
My messed up mental math!