Every Thursday I’ll pose a question for you to share your experiences and tips. If you have a question that you’d like me to post, I’d love to hear from you!
If you’ve been couponing for very long, chances are you’ve come across a tough cashier — one who acts like you’re wasting their time or doing something illegal, who huffs and puffs as they scan your coupons or, worse, says that they can’t accept coupons that you know are valid and acceptable under the store’s policy. Running into too many of these types of cashiers can make couponing an awful experience instead of an enjoyable one, and more than one couponer has quit because they prefer to avoid confrontation.
So how do you deal with tough cashiers? Do you have tips to spot them and avoid them altogether? What do you do to try to “set the mood” before you check out? How do you handle their bad attitudes or refusal to accept coupons?
Join the discussion — add your two cents to previous Ask DSM Readers questions too!
judy workman
I have found that Walmart gave me the most trouble and even when I was not using coupons. For the second reason, I contacted corporate and the manager and refused to go back and told them their cashier was something I won’t put in print. I just recently found that at CVS no family member can use a CVS extracare coupon unless you have the correct card that is registered for the extracare coupon.
For the most part, I have found most stores very reasonable when using coupons (won’t use at Walmart and I haven’t used at Target, no reason) and have used there own judgement and it turned out for my betterment.
Kimberly
You know I was just researching today coupon policies. On one of my recent visits to Kroger, they would not honor IP coupons over $1 which I was floored but polite. It was an older lady and not the usual teenagers that checked me out. Usually i go in and neatly have my items ready to go, i hand them the coupons and they rip right thru them. This lady took 15 minutes reading and studying each coupon. So after that i found myself going to Kroger and to Walmart which i hate. Walmart has not turned anything down nor have they been rude, it’s just painful to go there. But when Kroger wouldn’t take my $3 Huggies coupons i made the trip and was well worth it.
Today, I called my local Kroger because i realize each store does their own thing. I was told next time to ask for the floor supervisor because they do take IP coupons for more than $1. I will be trying Kroger again tomorrow so we will see!
caroline
I just used several 2/2 and 3/1 huggies coupons at my local kroger just two days ago. Good luck with yours!
Nicole
I have to say I have not had too many problems with coupons. When I am at Target I do tend to look for younger cashiers because they don’t scrutinize your coupons and they will actually go out of their way to make sure they are accepted. I also like to give a list of all the websites I go for coupons to the cashiers. You would be surprised how many people appreciate that, especially when they see my bill go from $80 to like $10. I am the coupon queen of all of my friends and I have people ask me all the time for tips on how to coupon so good. I have had a couple times customers that were behind me get upset because I was holding up the line with my stack oh coupons. I litterally looked at them and said there are other checkout lines if you are in that big of a hurry. My favorite was this older man who had a Starbucks in his hand that we all know cost $5 atleast and he was buying store brand cinnamon toast crunch and was complaining that I was taking too long. I looked at him and said I am sorry I get to buy name brand foods because I save so much…. you are buying knock off cereal and your bitching to me. Jealous are we much. haha
I have had problems with coupons not scanning but I figure I save so much money with coupons that if I lose out on 1 coupon per visit it won’t kill me. I haven’t had to call a manager over yet, but I am scared if I ever have to the enitre store will here me complain. The manager will wish he just took the coupon or paid the amount out of his pocket.
Beth Anne
I try to go to stores at the same time during the day so that I usually am familiar with the cashiers. I agree than male cashiers seem to care the least if you are using coupons, and middle-aged female cashiers are most likely to give me a hard time. I have one cashier that I never go to because she will manually override my coupons that double if they say ‘do not double’…I have even gotten in a longer line to avoid the conflict. I love when stores have a clear coupon policy that I can take with me, specifically Rite Aid. I want to be honest with my couponing, and that is so much easier to do when the company tells you up front what they will and will not accept.
Beth
The very first time I decided to coupon at a drug store, I planned very well. I chose Walgreen’s because you don’t need a store card. I wrote my shopping list on an envelope separating my 2 transactions and put my coupons in the envelope so they were ready. I was confidant and ready to go. Then I hit a snag when the cashier wouldn’t let me use one of my coupons on one of my items because although my manufacturer’s coupon, (clipped from the paper), clearly stated “ANY”, the item was not the EXACT item pictured. I nicely showed the cashier that it said any, but she still refused to let me use the coupon after reading it very carefully. Since this was my first drug store couping attempt, I was not that confident, so I politely told her that I would not be purchasing the item, paid and left. I haven’t been back since. Now I shop at CVS where they are very helpful and nice!
Brenda
I’ve been going to the same Kroger in central Ohio (High & N.Broadway) now for over 2 years and know the cashiers well. I have no problem with any of the cashiers…they are all great regardless of age, except 1 lady. Everytime I have to go through her line she lays all my IP coupons out, matches them up and starts comparing to make sure the numbers aren’t duplicates or they aren’t copies…it takes forever! She’s gone as far to hand two back and say “they are the same”, basically accusing me of coupon fraud, and then I showed there they weren’t and she took them. She won’t even scan until after she’s laid them all out and compared them. In addition to this she is so SLOW and speaks very broken english so it’s difficult to communicate with her. I’ve given up on being friendly because I know she recognizes me and should know by now I’m not a dishosnest couponer but she still insists. I’ve tried to be nice and reason with her that she could scan first and then check if they beep but she just mumbles excuses about how she has to check. I do everything to avoid her but sometimes she’s the only one open.
Sarah
My problem store is rite aid, just a certain one up the road from me. All the other rite aids are awesome. This certain one only allows you to buy one of each sale item!! Even on a saturday evening when the sale for the week is about to expire!! I was accused of fraud with original newspaper coupons and was buying the exact item that was pictured on the coupon. When I asked to speak to the manager, he was very rude and and spoke to me like I was trying to steal something. I called the regional manager she very nice and appauled that I was spoken to the way I was. In the end I was given a gift card in an effort to not lose my business. However, I will NEVER go to that one rite aid again.
EM
Reading all these comments make me feel so much better! It’s nice to know that we’ve all been in the same boat one time or another. I’ve had problems with Walmart and occasionally Walgreens.
And I ALWAYS pick the younger male cashier when I can- they think it’s so cool I pay so little for so much with coupons!
Megan
I worked as a temporary cashier at Walmart one summer in college. It often felt like a mindless, thankless job. I’ll never forget the excitement in another cashier’s face when she told me the lady I had just checked out (and had been talking to about candy and the Osborne’s reality show) had just written a glowing comment card about me at the customer service desk. To this day, if I’ve had a positive experience with a cashier, I make sure I write a comment card, send an email, or call so that corporate, the store manager, and (hopefully) the employee know that they’re making this couponer a happy customer. (I will do this as well if I’ve had a “not so positive” check out as well).
I try use my coupons correctly in the first place. I also either give them directly to the cashier at the beginning or place them on top of my first item on the conveyor belt/register counter. If I have q’s that will require the cashier to write in or look up a price (like for B1G1 or free item coupons) I give them a heads up. If a problem arises, I apologize to the cashier for holding up the line, but hold my ground.
I’ve rarely had problems at Walmart, Rite Aid, Shaw’s, CVS, and two local supermarket chains: Hannaford’s and Shaw’s. Target, and Walgreens can be hit or miss. I sometimes refer to them as “coupon purgatory” as it depends on your cashier, your manager, the register, what q’s you’re using and deals you’re going after. It’s any one guess what will happen.
ShelleyB
I had an incident with Dollar General – I had a BOGO and a $$ off 2 coupon – so I was either going to walk out with 3 free with the 2 coupons or 2 free with the one – I asked about the coupon policy if they could be combined (as mentioned many a times – it’s a grey area!). The cashier was pleasant and willing to see if it would…well, it didn’t and she did the BOGO first. She had no idea that you couldn’t take off a coupon (which I still do not believe!) without voiding the transaction with manager override. Well, the Manager pitched a royal fit about it – I politely said, well you can void the transaction and allow me to use the coupon, or you can void the transaction and I’ll walk out of her without spending a dime. (I was spending about $20 oop) She voided it and slammed everything she could until she stormed off – the cashier felt bad and kept apologizing – I told her that it had nothing to do with her! So I did contact DG about the incident. I too will never go back. I think it boils down to respect and I refuse to suppost a company with my hard earned money who will behave like that.
Alison
I always have trouble at Target. It seems that every time I go in, the same two middle aged ladies are working the registers. I have had issues with both. Sometimes, I’ll go to the CS desk to check out to avoid the confrontation.
Jen
Try going at a busier time,when they are likely to have cool young people, like around 5pm (after school), or on Saturdays.
Amy
As a cashier of Target I can only say this based on my store’s way. Not all stores work the same. We have to look through your bags if the computer declines the coupon. If you have a lot of coupons, to avoid this, place the coupons with the items. I had a lady one day who had 2 carts full of items, and a lot of coupons. She got upset, because I did this. Also, after she left my manager noticed that she used a photocopied coupon. These are not allowed. That is why we have to pay close attention to web printed coupons. Most sites have a limit of times you can print. Also, if you have b1g1 coupons let your cashier know ahead of time. We also price adjust the coupon if it is more than the product. If a cashier tells you they can’t accept the coupon cause it’s more just politely ask to see their manager. Odds are more than likely they don’t know how to adjust. If you have a coupon for example diapers it cannot be used on wipes unless specified. It’s those who abuse the coupons that make it difficult. I try my best to give good customer service to those with or without coupons. Please do not take it the wrong way us double checking your coupons, or asking for approval. I am very fair about coupons, but I will make sure that they are used the right way.
Patricia
I find that kindness and empathy work well when a cashier looks grumpy. I say something like “I’m really sorry to make more work for you with all my coupons.” Just acknowledging that I’m asking them to do something more than the average customer is usually enough to soften them just a little.
Jen
What a great idea. Also, I sometimes ask them how their day is going, or if their feet are tired.
kimberly
I always start right in talking to them when I get up in line. I let them see that I am okay as a couponer…not a theif. I did get totally scruntized at walmart once by a young cashier with some attitude. She made me feel like I was stealing. A customer in another line walked by and said, “you poor thing” to me. I just try to scruntize my coupons and make sure it’s all clear as can be when checking out. I also help the cashier remember to write in amounts on free items.
Cindy
How strange that everyone says not to go to middle aged women, but to go to young men. I mean, definitely go to young men! They do fine. But I’ve never had any trouble with middle aged-women, either. In fact, the only people who have ever given me trouble are college-aged girls who would rather be gossiping with the girl in the next line over. Maybe I just live in a really friendly place, but I rarely have any trouble getting anything accepted at any of our stores, though my favorite grocery store won’t accept free or bogo coupons that are internet printed. That makes me sad. :-(
I’m also surprised at the Wal-Mart criticism. Wal-mart is a great place to use coupons in our area. The cashiers have never given me any trouble at all. I think it must depend greatly on where you live.
lisa
My walmart tells me they can’t accept internet coupons, they could lose their jobs! but then, they code them in, very annoyed since I stand my ground(very very politely) and they act like they are doing me the biggest favor in the world. Walmart is definitely the worst store for couponing. which is too bad, my kids love the place. but I usually only use it as a last resort.
Cindy
Oh, yeah. And be sure to wear a smile. If you expect to meet an adversary, you probably will. :-)
Sandy
I have also had the most trouble with middle-aged women. The very worst experience I ever had was with a 40ish woman, though. I think I could have chosen a better line from the beginning, because she looked irritable before I even got up to her. There is also an older lady at our local Publix who wants to line up every item with it’s coupon and scan the coupon immediately after the item it is for. I avoid her like the plague! That takes forever. Couponing in itself isn’t embarassing in the least, but holding up the line that way is. She says that even though the register beeps or refuses coupons when they aren’t used properly, she doesn’t trust that and she doesn’t want to get in trouble. I aim for the college-aged boys. Most of them think it’s cool, and a couple of them have asked if I would teach them how to do it, too. I drive all the way across town to go to a specific Walgreens even though there is one about 2 blocks from my house. The closest one has been terrible with my coupons, but the other one is great! Wal-mart is a hopeless case. I worked there in a managerial position for 11 years. They truly are the Evil Empire.
Constance
I am friendly with several cashiers at several stores, so I usually try to get in thier lines because they know me and they already know “what to expect”! But, if for some reason I do run into some sort of attitude/problem, I nip it in the bud by saying “Thank you for your assistance so far, but now I’d appreciate it if you would call the manager over”. That usually solves the problem right there. If not, and the manager gets involved, I always have a copy of the corporate store policies with me in my binder. If for some reason THAT doesn’t do the trick, I write down the managers name and the cashiers name and politely thank them for thier time and inform them that I will be contacting corporate with my grievance, and for help with resolving the issue(s). I find that 9 times out of 10, managers try to avoid having the customer contacting the corporate office and involving thier store, and them personally. I am ALWAYS polite, but firm. I usually walk out of the store satisfied.
Rachel G
The middle aged ladies at my local Safeway are great. I’ve goten high fives and requests to teach them how to coupon and just a lot of positive comments.
I’ve had the worst at WalMart and Target beleive it or not. I’ve had two really bad experiences there.I try to work it but if they wont budge I just wont buy that item there and try somewhere else. Most recently it was the young college guy front end manager at walmart that didn’t want to let me use the $1/1 scotch brite coupon. It beeped because the sponges were .84 and I told him that you can adjust the value of the coupon or the price of the item and his beef was that I was getting more that one he thought that “one coupon per purchase” meant one coupon per transaction and I told him what it meant and he didn’t believe me and I said “you mean to tell me that if I bought four boxes of cereal and used four coupons you wouldn’t let me use them. Then he said “I’ll do it this time but I wont do it again” really rudely. I thought to myself whatever I just want these stupid sponges for free.
I think they just get mad when you get stuff for free. I’ve had that same issue at Target with the manager who wouldn’t budge while trying to use a coupon with a price match and they said that you couldn’t use more that one coupon per transaction but I was able to go to WalMart and use them.
Jan
I have been couponing for 5 months now and never had problems. First of all my stores are great about coupons and second I was told to look for young female or male cashiers and believe me that works!
Serena
I have never had an issue with my coupons at Target (this is the only store I shop) Any age cashier, any gender cashier, they are happy to scan my coupons and are excited for my savings! I guess that is the difference about being in Las Vegas! Everyone loves a winner (even at the store)!
Kristy
I have had bad experiences with walmart also. They did not want to accept a soymilk coupon because it did not have the scan mark on the ususal place as other coupons. I explained to her that the coupon was emailed to me directly by the company, but she still had to get approval from the manager. Another bad experience with walmart is that they do not want you to get anything for free. I had a coupon to get free nabsico crackers, but the cashier & manager would not give it to me. They said that I had to get the crackers pictured, eventhough the coupon stated any nabsico crackers. I was irritated & just told them to take it off my total. Also, during this same trip to walmart, I also had $1.00 off coupons, which made the $1 items for free & the cashier said I could only use 1 per purchase. I explained to her that is why I bought 4 items for each of the 4 coupons. The manager said I could use all of them if they scanned, & they all did.My friend who works at walmart, said that walmart does not want you to get anything for free, even if they get their money back with the coupon. I used that nabisco coupon at publix, & they gave it to me with no problem at all. I like publix much better than walmart, publix accepts manufacturers coupon, & the store coupon for one item! My mother has had problems at walmart also, & now she refuses to go there! My mother shops excusively at publix & saves more money through coupons than getting sales at walmart. After, reading some of the posts, I realized it just is not me & my mother who have problems with walmart!
Helen
In the area in which I live (Arizona/CA border area) Walmart is great about coupons. In fact, when I do my monthly shopping trip, the cashiers recognize me and some will come over just to watch and see how much I save each time. On the other hand, I have been embarrassed to the point of tears at the local Target store. I’ve been accused, loudly, of trying to rip off the store, being the cause of higher prices for everybody else, etc. I tried to use coupons four times, and all four times this happened. I guess I’m a slow learner! I finally wrote a letter to their corporate headquarters, copying the local store’s manager, and never even received a response. Now, I refuse to set foot in any Target store, anywhere. Also, I have a HUGE extended family and they’ve begun to stay away from Target stores because of my experience. So, the lesson for Target is this: You are LUCKY that customers want to do spend their dollars, and use their coupons, in your store. You should treat them will the respect they deserve. In this economic climate, you can hardly afford to lose the number of customers that you’ve now lost over this ONE customer’s bad experiences. I can imagine that I’m not the only customer that has stayed away due to this problem.
Lisa
I have had horrible experiences at Target also. The cashiers and even the managers have been rude and inconsiderate towards me. I try to avoid Target most of the time.
Lisa
I always go to a younger cashier, I think since they know the internet more, they have no problems. If I have to go to an older cashier, they always just stare at them and kind of act like you’re counterfeiting money or something. (last week I had an an older man for a casheier and he held the coupon up to the light, he must have thought he was going to find a prize inside! lol)
Jessica C
I’ve been hardcore couponing for about 6 months now and I’ve had a few issues. I try to be fair and correct and cheerful when I know I have a complicated transaction(s) because I don’t need to be “THAT WOMAN” that I used to hate when I worked retail. However, I WILL NOT have my rights stripped away from me from a cashier who doesn’t understand what I’m doing and that it’s not hurting the store, they put the coupons out, I found them, I’m using them, the end. Nothing illegal is taking place, I’m not cheating anyone out of anything. I’m just observant and thrifty! I have printed coupon policies and if a coupon doesn’t work I will finish my transaction peacefully with the cashier, then walk over to customer service and let them call the manager to handle it. It’s not the 3-5 customers fault behind me that the store doesn’t know their policy so I’m not trying to be rude and hold anyone up, I just want to use my coupons. I’ve had more luck at customer service because they have more time to focus on what I’m saying rather than just giving me the brush off.
Kristen
I think that is a great idea. Very smart to be considerate of the other shoppers but still take care of the transaction in the store before you leave.
Kimberly
I have had many problems with grumpy Walgreens employees. Including… if I have multiple transaction the head cashier (who had no one in line) telling me that I had to go to cosmetics and wait while she called up a checker. That checker said that register rewards were supposed to be 1 per customer per product for 30 days. I did have 1 Walgreens lady (older) like what I did and wanted to take notes so that she could do the same. Safeway has been awesome for the most part. 1 checker (older lady) asked if I had more coupons so that we could go lower than .49 and she told me how impressed she was. I haven’t tried Walmart (scared). Target has been careful but nice enough. Rite Aid has been 50/50. I just try to be nice from the start and hope for the best.
Luci
Alot of cashiers know me by now and I recognize the grumpy ones. I start up a conversation with them before checking out. And I also bring in extra coupons that I am not going to use and give them to the cashier and tell them they can use them or pass the savings on to someone else. It’s hard to grumble at someone who is smiling and being so pleasant. Smiling is contagous, don’t you know? Then I thank them for being so patient with me. But I alays have my coupons ready before getting in line so as not to hold up the line for the cashier or others behind me.
Nancy Gambill
I nicely ask them if there is a problem. It really deflates a lot of tension. If that doesn’t work, I ask what the issue is with me. If that doesn’t work, I just ask for the manager. That usually works. Everyone expects a ‘blow-out’ but it hasn’t happened yet. This way gets the job done every time.
jboli
I have never had a truly bad experience yet. There are certain cashiers I like better at the stores I go to than others, just because they know me and that I coupon. The only thing I dislike is when cashiers are not trained uniformly and one will do one thing one time and the next time you go in another does it completely different. I think they should be given some training to save everyone a lot of trouble.
Jennifer H.
As so many have already said,always go to the young male checkers at Target they are the best. They never question anything. In fact, they have apologized to me when a coupon would not scan. There is an older man at our Ralph’s Supermarket who will not take anything. He acts like it physically pains him to accept a coupon LOL I learned my lesson. I avoid his line like the plague.