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!
MIchael
I’m new to this whole coupon thing, my wife said we needed to start saving more money so she “unleashed” me to figure this coupon thing out, i watched some video’s on youtube, charged up my printer, and baught several sunday papers, and clipped-clipped-clipped-clipped-clipped and omg!!!!!!!!! clipped more (LOL). and baught a 3 zippered ring binder with baseball card holders for my binder, man does it look great, anyways about these cashiers that give couponers problems about using a ton of coupons at checkout time, well for me it hasn’t really happen yet but i’m sure it will, and when it does i’ll probably kill’em with kindness, since i stand 6’6″ 350#’s i normally just tell them ” i’m new to this game and if i screwed up i’m sorry about that ” normally i get them to laugh. Oh ya ” man i saved a crap load of money so far ” i’ve avg savings has been better than 70%+, all my wifes friends want me to show them how to do this, i told them any day they want to ” i will ” ….. any ways good luck everyone…. thanks BIG Mike
Linda
That is too cute, big mike! A big guy with a coupon binder!
Christie
I have found by getting to know the store managers at CVS, WG, and RA ha been extrelemy helpful…They appreciate a good loyal customer and will keep the staff in line since “I play by the rules”.
The coupon form is AWESOME!!!! Love it! :)
I totally agree with giving helpful info to cashiers…I also spoil my cvs staff with brownies…pizza etc…from time to time! :)
Janet
Yes, a bunch of folks are abusing the system and it makes it so tough on those of us just trying to use our coupons and get what we need for our families.
I have been in a situation in Walmart and Kroger with tough really tough cashiers!
At Kroger I had the cashier telling me could not accept almost every coupon.
She even called a manager who did not know that yes you can use a Kroger coupon and a manufacturer coupon. So, I quit shopping at Kroger because I will not be yelled at to spend my money in that store!
At Walmart they did the thing where they had to go over every coupon for like 5 minutes until my ice cream was totally melted.So I asked if I could go trade out the ice cream and I was told no. The level of frustration has me now going to Target for groceries.
I have had issues with cashiers not taking my coupons at Target , but if I take them to customer service they always give me the cash for the coupon no other hassle!
Jenny D.
I’ve found shopping in the evening to work better. The clerks just seem to want to get me through the line.If I do have to shop during the day, I can’t always judge who will be a pleasant clerk but young women, males of any age, and people of an ethnic race (any age) are the best (they “get” the need to shop frugally).
Linda
Seems like any cashier would get the need to shop frugally. I mean they don’t rake in the dough!
Cathy
I am 60 and I get those computer coupons just fine. (Of course I have been working with computers since 1972 when they took up a whole warehouse and didn’t have as much power as the laptop I’m typing on right now.)
I like the coupon refusal note too. Great idea. If I have trouble with a cashier and my coupons, I just say, “It’s valid, Here are the items on the coupon (showling I bought the item) and here is a copy of your company’s coupon policy. ” The ruder they are, the more I am going to stand there and make them give me the money off.
The worst here is Walmart. It seems that they never get all the coupons scanned in. I don’t understand why their registers beep and want confirmation on a perfectly ordinary coupon, but if they clerk is scanning and not paying attention, they will miss coupons.
Jenny
I am a cashier at Kroger. I love getting customers who are smart shoppers and save lots of money when using sales and coupons together to get things free or close to free. Speaking as a cashier and as a couponer, please use your coupons correctly! My pet peeve is having customers who try to misuse the couponing system and then throw a fit when there are several other customers behind them in line. Read the fine print on your coupons and use them properly and couponing is awesome. In the fine print on a lot of coupons it is stated that the coupon cannot be combined with other coupons, this means that if you have one package of diapers and 3 of the same coupons that you can only use one coupon per item, not 3 of the same coupons for one item. If there is a problem with your coupons, PLEASE be nice to your cashier. It is much easier to fix a coupon mistake when both customer and cashier are not fighting with each other.
If a coupon has failed to work for some reason, please visit customer service to have the problem fixed AND DO NOT TAKE IT OUT ON THE CASHIER AS TAKING OUT YOUR TROUBLES TO THE CASHIER IN A MEAN WAY RESULTS IN BITTER CASHIERS WHO YOU CALL TOUGH CASHIERS! We are willing and able to working through sorting out the issue as long as you act like an adult and are respectful.
I do believe the reason we have tough cashiers is because many times before you have come through their line, that cashier has come across very difficult customers who have been trying to misuse the awesome system of couponing. Be nice to your cashier and your cashier will be nice to you.
Christina Gilbert
Just smile and ask how their day is, I’m currently a four year customer service person who clips coupons. I work at SAL and most of the time if your nice the cashier and just ask them how they are, unless their one of the stuck up snotty school girls who all they want to do is party then yea go for someone else. But if you ask the about their day cause most of the time they try to be nice and they get shit. JFYI.
Susan
I myself have learned a valuable lesson in regard to cashier/coupon conflict. KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT! Often times if you say nothing, act respectfullly, be kind, and let them work it out. 9 out of ten times they talk themselves through it. Being a very verbal person, this was not easy for me at first, I now know it is right. If I am told “no,” I simply reuse it at another time and avoid that particular cashier in the future. Try it, it is amazing when you keep yourself out of the equation how freeing that is, for yourself as well as the cashier!!
Hillary
I think as the couponer we can also help reduce the frustration of cashiers by being prepared. I am not blaming shoppers for a grouchy cashier, however I do think it helps if you go into the store with a game plan and to be prepared at the checkout. Make sure you are buying what the coupon specifies and prepare the correct amount of coupons before you get into the checkout line. It is embarassing everybody when the line starts to back up because the shopper is using incorrect coupons/amounts. If you’re prepared, your cashier should have no reason to be grouchy with you and you will be more credible if you do end up having to talk with a manager.
Josie
I agree, I just go in extremely prepared, and make sure that I do buy the correct # of items in order to use a particular coupon. I make sure that if the coupon specifies a specific product, I buy the specific product, as opposed to any product made by that company. And then I put my store coupon and manufacture coupon next to each other, so that they are not mixed-up. This helps with the cashier wondering, ‘didn’t I just scan a coupon for that same item???’ And then if they say, ‘did you get both of these?’ or ‘did you get 2?’, I just say yes, and name the items I purchased, or if it’s accessible in the bag, show it again.
The whole trouble stems from some customers trying to illegally use coupons, using more than 1 store and 1 manufacture coupon per item, or printing like 50 coupons for the same thing and clearing the store of an item. Let’s just keep in mind that even if it’s a good deal, it’s not being a good consumer draining the stores’ supply of an item so that nobody else can buy the item — it takes several days to replenish those things. Anyway, yes, be prepared, be kind, and don’t be afraid to talk to management if necessary.
Josh
That coupon form is ridiculous and purely indicative of the lack of respect that cashiers and people who work in the service industry receive on a daily basis. Why are some of your coupons turned down by bitchy cashiers? Because of crap like that.
What many people don’t realize is that no matter how legitimate a coupon may be, cashiers can’t necessarily accept it. For example, say you have a coupon for $2 off a purchase of 24 cans of cat food. You bring up two 12 packs and attempt to use the coupon. No dice. At Walmart, our system will automatically reject. As a cashier, I am not allowed to put it in manually because the system will only recognize the coupon if you buy 24 individual cans. Yes, it sucks. Us cashiers agree with you! But why would we put in anyway and risk getting that dreaded sheet from the cash office that excoriates us on not following policy? Three of those suckers and BOOM, automatic coaching, which stays on our record for a full year.
It’s a shame that working in the service industry isn’t something that’s required of everyone. If it was, the world would be a much nicer place. Especially if everyone was forced to work in Walmart for a spell lol.
Linda
My husband and I are always saying that people should have to work customer service for awhile so people learn some manners.
Linda
I go out of my way to be polite to any cashier. My daughter was a cashier at Wal-Mart and it was horrible what she had to put up with sometimes. Some of the cashiers do not like messing with coupons but what the hey, it is their job. Just smile and tell them to have a great day.
carol
I think the whole idea of couponing is great, but I agree with Josie…..don’t clear the shelves of an item…someone else might really need it..let’s think about others..do you really need 50 bottles of shampoo ? Everyone, make it a great day and enjoy the money you saved couponing.
simona
I avoid Walmart Killeen ,TX and Walmart Harker Heights,TX.
Nicole, manager in HH told me that regardless what the coupon said, the item had to match the picture on the coupon, when the coupon clearly stated ANY. Killeen Walmart Employee just plainly stated that her superiors were “idiots” and that’s why she could not accept the coupon. I do not use a lot of coupons to begin with. This was not the first incident. I used to shop Walmart, but have taken my business to HEB and Target instead. To treat somebody like they are stealing using a 75 cent off coupon makes no sense…
Cameron
as a cashier at Target, the biggest piece of advice I can give y’all is…don’t try to lie to us!!! :D
I have a couple Guests (Target doesn’t have “customers”, they have “guests”) that have tried various things…and ADMIT that they tried to use a coupon for a 40pk on a 20pk and I bust ’em out!!
another thing seems to be using coupons on trial sizes…I know, I know…the coupon says “any size” but if the register rejects it, I’m not forcing it in…we can’t take a $1 coupon on a $.97 trial size…period…sorry
the store gets paid for the coupons we accept, so in theory, coupon abuse hurts the manufacturer the most, which is the people issuing the coupons in the first place…so expect to see changes and restrictions in the near future *because* of some of the bad apples ruining it for y’all
Danielle
Target issues their own coupons and lets you get trial sizes free with them now…. guess progress is great huh?
Mackenzie
I am a checker at a local grocery store in Texas called H-E-B. I understand where the couponers are coming from, saving money is great! But, customer’s get made at the cashiers when his or her coupon doesn’t go through. Usually, I try and try every combination in the system and eventually it’ll go through. But if it doesn’t, the customer gets haughty and standoffish. Please try to imagine what is like on our side. We have upwards to nine hour long shifts were we are constantly on the move and standing and dealing with customers. No matter how our day went, we have to treat the customers with respect and kindness, and it only makes it harder when the customer is rude. So, next time you go in, try and understand what is like for us. If you treat us with kindness and respect, it will most likely be reciprocated.
Kim B
When I first started couponing, Walgreens was where I started. Bad choice. At first, when there was a problem, I would stand down and concede that I guess I was wrong. After time I learned the coupon policy better. The grumpy older lady whom always helped me started to notice I was becoming more confident and knowledgeable. And that’s when she started getting plain old mean and snotty. I tried other cashiers after that. But I found none of them actually knew their own coupon policy. I was actually yelled at by a cashier that I was dead wrong once. Even when the manager agreed I was correct the employee wouldn’t let it go. I no longer set foot into Walgreens.
I have a favourite cashier at Target though. She’s a sweet older lady with a bit of a memory problem. But after looking at me a couple times and seeing all my coupons she recognises my face, and then things start to click back into place for her. We normally chat about the same things literally every time I see her, but she’s spirited and humorous. Every time she finishes scanning my purchases she stops, picks up the stack of coupons and holds them up and says “Now everything here matches up to the things you got right?” “Yes, ma’am!” “Good, cause I can’t be bothered with double checkin!” and then she cracks a big old smile. Lol ^_^
Jeanine
I have my husband deal with “tough cashiers”, managers etc. For whatever reason that man can get whatever he wants out of anybody, don’t know how or why, he doesn’t say much, but there is just something about him that can soften the hardest female or male into giving him what he wants. I, on the other hand can forget it. I have to fight for what I want and honestly, my time is valuable to me, too valuable to argue over some $1 dollar off coupon with some cashier.
If the coupon doesn’t go through, fine, I don’t get the product, hand me back my coupon, problem solved. If by some chance it really matters to me, I will take it up at the CS desk instead of being an inconsiderate jerk holding up the line. That is what CS is for, handling problems, cashiers are for check out, seems too many confuse the two, but I digress.
Danielle
I know this seems hard to do because of their attitudes but remember they are human too. However, when you know you are right DO NOT LET THEM TELL YOU YOU ARE WRONG!!! I recently had an experience with one that tried to tell me that because I would get the item basically FREE and only have to pay tax that I couldn’t use it, well when that tactic failed after I explained that to her she STILL wouldn’t believe me. On the coupon it said $1.00 off 1 8 pack Gatorade OR 1 Gatorade bottle, 32 ounce bottles are $1.00. She called over her manager who told her that she was wrong because of the wording on the coupon. I was a cashier at Winn Dixie, I now work in the produce department at same store and only help up front if I have to, I hated it and would prefer never to do it again. I NEVER talked to a customer like that unless I had a reason such as they talked to me like that first. Honestly, I loved seeing people with coupons come through, why not save money or get free items? Not to mention the fact that with coupons that I can get just like theirs, combined with my discount at work and shopping smarts from working there and knowing what we have on clearance and knowing 2 weeks in advance what is coming on sale, works for me!!! Like I said, saving allows me to buy things I could normally not afford.
Do this next time you are faced with a disagreeable cashier, tell them that you want them to cancel the sale at the register that you are at and go to another one with a different cashier that is more agreeable and has a better attitude. Then when the manager comes over and wants to know why they are having to do a void transaction, you can tell them right then and there. Most times you will have the upper hand at this point and every coupon you have will either go through fine or the manager will just override it to keep you happy. Never let them TELL you how your shopping experience is GOING to be rather make sure they know your not going to let them ruin your fun in saving money with coupons…. Great advice that I use to my advantage at other stores all the time. You are not trying to cheat them out of anything, the manufacturer pays them back for the deduction. As a matter of fact some coupons can be used on anything that the company makes bearing that same name.
Such as Neosporin for example. Say you want to buy the biggest tube of ointment they have, you have a coupon for 2$ off the body wash, sometimes because both are made by Neosporin you can use it on the different item, but not if your cashier is actually looking at the coupon items. If they do look at it or it doesn’t go through just act like you forgot to take that one out of your coupons that you handed them. Your only human after all…..
Danielle
I have been on both sides of this coin. Being the recipient of said donated items and donating them due to smart couponing but I do not go buy everything they have, first of all I can only usualy print 4 of each coupon for free items. I have started to make my stockpile with coupons, this site in particular has been the greatest help to me, I just want to hug DSM to death hahaha, and after I get it where I want it then I will split the buy. 2 for us and 2 for donation. If we still have 3 boxes of Qtips then 1 for us and 3 for donation. My grandfather did this same thing but he didn’t call it a donation he called it helping others. I appreciate the donations, we still have to go to the local Sharing Center to get by and to try to stay ahead but we are spending less there due to coupons and free items. It allows me to buy a couple items that I normally could not buy. But, please leave some of the items in the store for us to buy as well with the coupons, it makes me feel good that I can leave some stuff at the Sharing Center for those that are not able to do what I am able to do, with the coupons. They may not have access to a computer WITH a printer…. or can’t afford the extra 1.75 for the sunday paper or a mag subscription for the other coupons in there. But, do still donate some…..
Nancy
I continue to be as nice as I can, but I make a note of their name and when I get home I get online, goo to the store website and send a comment about their (lack of) customer service…and you better believe I name the employee in my feedback. It’s been my experience that stores take these feedbacks very seriously as often I receive a return email or call (if my phone number was requested) from the manager of that specific location.
kodachrome
I always shop at the same stores so i am familiar with some of the cashiers, in turn i know which ones to aviod as well. I think the best policy is to BE NICE, arm yourself with the facts and no matter how nasty someone gets do not stoop to thier level, if they refuse under all circumstances then just void that item. I think it is best to try to remember that everyone has a bad day sometimes, and while it is more than likely not your fault try try try to be patient. I have actully boycotted shopping at walmart because a lead cashier or csr acussed me of comitting fraud for have 2 like coupons even though I was nice and tried to show her the difference b/t the barcodes, she caused a complete scene so I cancelled the entire transaction winked at her and wished her an awesome day. Will me not shopping at walmart harm them in anyway absolutely not, but it will save me some hassle.
Canadian Extreme Couponer Theresa
I am always very pleasant. I mean very, and I make sure I’m always smiling.
I am also always very calm. I simply will explain my views, and show coupon policy if I need to, or I simply ask them to confirm their conclusion with the manager.
Linda
I have had some tough cashiers. I am super nice and know how to work in customer service. I have been a waitress and counter help, and I have worked the most awful customer service gig for ten years at the public library in the sixth largest city in the USA. You would be surprised just how nasty people can get in a Free Library. Crazies and lonely hard asses mainly. My problem is that my face gets beet red when I get upset or aroused in any way. I can feel my face getting red and it just makes it redder for longer. I was on WIC for awhile and cashiers get really petty and mean about that. I had one lady at a Ralphs comment on every item and try to refuse almost every purchase. Made a complete spectical of me, involving several ither employees.
Joanna
I work for Wal-Mart and sometimes run register. I don’t defend grumpy cashier, however, I sometimes know why these cahiers might be difficult. Cashiers are excpected to run register a certain speed (scans per hour), and they might think that a large stack of coupons are slowing them down. (just a theory) However I do know that cashiers are held responible by the accounting dept EACH coupon they accept/handle incorrectly. Too many occurences, and you may very well out of a job!!
Jim
CVS is nice and will print you ECB if there is a problem where they don’t print. Also I’ve had some cashiers try to help to get the best savings out of a scenario.
Then again it depends on store location.
Tammie Gambles
Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is great, as well as the content!. Thanks For Your article about Ask DSM Readers: How Do You Deal with Tough Cashiers? .
Chuck
I had one older lady at Walmart scrutinize all my coupons one time. She looked at each and everyone, then looked for the item in the bag. Told me that half my coupons werent for the correct item as it wasnt what was on the picture.
She was very loud and rude about it and even forgot to scan in one of my coupons. I always check to see if the correct amount of coupons show on the receipt. If not, I head to CS and let them know.
I asked her to just scan the coupon and she would see that it works. I never raised my voice or acted crazy. She refused and I asked her to call a manager over. The manager told her to just try scanning it. Ha! They all worked.
I checked my receipt and she forgot/didnt scan one of my coupons. So, I walked to CS to let them know. They gave me cash back.
While I was at the CS area, this cashier was talking badly about me to my GF. Talking me down and saying how rude I was to her. My GF didnt say anything just listened to her. She didnt know we were together as we had seperate puchases. Mine with lots of coupons and hers with only 5 I think.
When I was done at the CS area, I walked back to the register area where my GF was still checking out and put my bags in her cart. The cashier looked at my GF and turned BEET RED! heh heh. I was loving it but didnt say anything.
The next time we went in, I specifically went to her so she could check me out with my 22 coupons. I acted like I had never seen her before and handed her my coupons. I asked her how she was and if she was just starting her shift or soon to be leaving. We chatted while she was scanning my stuff and coupons and even had a few laughs.
Now she loves it when I come to her register cause I tell her how to get the coupons, the web sites I use and the fact that it is just plain fun to walk out of the store with 50-100 dollars of groceries for only about 5-10 bucks at most. A few times I have walked out with them giving me money back. I told her the next time I have a trip that I will be getting money, I will make sure I go through her line so she can see it as she has never cash handed to the customer for the overage the coupons make while she has worked there.
Needless to say, I turned this grumpy woman into a friend of sorts by not being grumpy back and just making small talk with her.
Now when she sees me on the street she asks me how much I am gonna save on my next trip.
This happened at Walmart in my small town. We only have about 4 stores here in town that I can coupon at.
My point is no matter how grumpy a person is, you can turn that around by just talking with them instead of at them.
Jim and Yen
I personally don’t feel any embarrassment if there is a problem with coupons or price matching at Wal Mart for example. If the store employees don’t know their own policys I have no problem making a scene. My job is to get good prices for my family and their job is to follow store policy . That’s just me though.
Dee
I learned quickly that you do have to screen cashiers. Younger men are the best by far. If they have a problem with the coupon, they usually manually make the coupon work.