Tuesday, January 27, 2009

couponing with competitors coupons: a vent

I'm going to keep this short and sweet.

This is a current sore spot for me.

Not because of anything in particular, but a building frustration on my part.

But, it is a twofold frustration.

First, in regards to stores handling their competitors coupons. Policy should be followed, yes yes. However, understanding should be shown IF (and this is a big IF) perhaps in the past policy was, ahem, ignored to a degree. Not every couponer is trying to rip you off and not every couponer understands all the store policies. A bit of kindness on the part of cashiers is appreciated. Also, truly following the policy in a uniform fashion is appreciated by all.

Now, in regards to couponers... people. I have been known to use a competitor coupon or two (or eight) in the past. I don't see anything wrong with using them as long as everyone follows each store's policy and is respectful about it. If you aren't sure, ask first. Don't get mad if they say no. Know that it is a bit of a gamble and treat it as such.

Finally, for everyone involved... I keep hearing these finger pointing statements all over my local coupon community. Some blame local businesses, some blame websites and some still blame people. May I respectfully submit that any problems from using competitor coupons that have arisen are not any one person or business' fault, but a collective fault of EVERYONE. And, how about this... no more finger pointing, it is frustrating, hurtful and altogether not super productive. On a personal level it turns me off to businesses and people. How about everyone just moves onward and upward about it.

Okay, random coupon vent over. Back to your regularly scheduled deals!

1 comment:

Natalie said...

I've noticed that the more the finger-pointing the more the breakdown of the system. Coupons are great, especially if you can be clever enough (thanks Melanie!) to save more than you spend. Everyone needs to be nice to each other, and the system will continue to work!