Thursday, November 13, 2008

Helpful Hint

Wal-mart has me frustrated after my last couple of trips, so I thought I'd share what I've learned.

Situation #1 - About a month ago, I tried to use a BOGO coupon on two regular priced bottles of shower gel. The cashier told me that they no longer accept those coupons. I've always used that type of coupon and have had no trouble in the past, so I asked to speak with a manager. She came and gave me a speech about something that had nothing to do with my situation. Then I showed her my coupon and she said, "Oh, she didn't tell me you had a coupon. Yeah, we still take those." So after 15 minutes of debate, I walked out with my free bottle of shower gel. For clarification, while Wal-mart does honor the BOGO coupons on regular priced or sale items, they no longer honor those coupons on items they already have BOGO deals on.

Situation #2 - Apparently, they've been dealing with a lot of coupon fraud lately, mostly relating to internet coupons. The last time I was in there, I had 3 internet coupons that I was trying to use. The cashier informed me that they no longer take internet coupons. WHAT?! I was just in there the week before and had no problem using them. I went to customer service and they told me that they do still take internet coupons, but they must be printed in color. Of course, mine were not because I hate wasting color ink. So, the next time you want to shop at Wal-mart (at least the ones in my area), make sure you print off your coupons in COLOR.

Here's what I learned during my dealings with Wal-mart:
1. Always print your coupons in COLOR. Apparently, it makes you look more honest.
2. The cashiers don't always know what they are talking about. Twice I've been told incorrect
information.
3. Ask to see a manager if you have a dispute over your coupons. You might not get your
way, but at least you've talked to someone in charge that can explain things to you.
4. Low prices don't always mean less headache!

Hopefully, you've found these tips helpful. I'm headed to Wal-mart again tomorrow with color coupons in hand and pray that I will have an uneventful trip. Happy shopping!

2 comments:

Oma Froehle said...

Thanks for the tip, but I HATE Wal-Mart regardless of the prices. They were founded by a WWII veteran who was all-America and now their stuff is 99% from China. So I only go there about twice a year as a last resort. Bah-Humbug!

Pam said...

Jen: Great post, thanks for the tips! As much as I love shopping there, I would add:
1. Avoid Saturdays unless you really like people.
2. Be prepared to say "excuse me" loudly because most people don't move unless you physically bang their cart out the way
3. Force yourself to ignore the abandoned/obnoxious/tearaway/underdressed children & remind yourself not to lecture their parents or they might shoot you.