Originally published May of 2011, I thought it would be good to share this post again. . . especially as we head into a big season of sales.
I hear you. I do. You read about a great deal on your favorite blog, you load up the kids, you trek it to the store with anticipation of a good deal, and the shelves are empty. You stand there with your coupons – frustrated and mad. You figure, I’ll get the next deal. . . next week rolls around, same story, different store, different shelf – it’s empty. What’s a deal seeker to do with what appears to be an EMPTY SHELF EPIDEMIC.
Here’s are my thoughts about this. . .
Try not to make assumptions – You see an empty shelf and you immediately start thinking to yourself that your neighbor Susie (who also coupons) was probably already there this morning and cleared them out. You assume it was Queen Bee – she must have just buzzed over here and bought them all. You start seeing people in the parking lot – and assuming they are gonna beat you to the deal. STOP. It’s probably not your neighbor Susie, I guarantee you it’s not me (I’m too busy blogging!) and it’s probably not the person walking out of the store. It’s probably not this elusive shelf hoarder, the scapegoat that every talks about but no one’s really seen.
Try not to get ugly and mean about it – I know it’s hard because you’re frustrated and I know we all need to vent once in awhile. But spewing ugly comments or assumptions about empty shelves is neither productive or good for your heart. Let’s find some solutions not point fingers.
Try not to be part of the problem – So the last five deals you tried to get were a total bust. Empty shelves everywhere. You finally get the store at just the right time, you’ve got all your coupons in hand – you clear the shelves, because if you don’t someone else will. That competition eeks out and it’s no longer about whether or not you need the item, but whether or not you get the item.
Here’s why I think our shelves are empty . . . There are a TON of us smart, savvy coupon shoppers. When I say a TON, I mean MORE than we know. New coupon shoppers are springing up daily and the stores just can’t keep up – it really is a nation-wide coupon frenzy. More couponers nation-wide means even corporate warehouses have less stock – which means stores do to. Less stock, more shoppers – the odds are not necessarily in your favor. Consider this – 32 bottles of Frank’s Hot Sauce on the shelf at Walmart (that’s how many the shelf will hold, I checked) – it’s probably not one person coming in and buying 32, but more likely 10 couponers coming in and buying three each OR maybe it’s just eight people buying four each. Eight outta the hundreds of couponers in your area doesn’t seem like good odds – but it’s the reality these days.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I know that there are couponers who over-buy (and empty shelves), but this is NOT new, there have always been and there always will be people who take more than their fair share. Do I think the empty shelf epidemic is solely due to the elusive shelf clearer? No, I think it’s a combination of them AND the hundreds of us who are now shopping smarter with our coupons.
I’ll take some of the responsibility . . .I get it. I post a deal on my blog, other bloggers are posting the deals, and now everybody and their brother knows what’s FREE at every store. You run to the store. empty shelf. Not a HOT deal if you can’t get it. So I realize that blogs like mine do play a role in empty shelves. I mean if Queen Bee hadn’t posted about FREE Frank’s Hot Sauce at Walmart well then maybe there would be some left for you – thanks a lot Queen Bee, you ruined it for me.
All I can say is – I won’t apologize for helping people be good stewards of their money. I have heard of people who are MAD at me for teaching another couponing class. They say I’m “creating a couponing army” that runs out to get the deals. Here’s my response – they didn’t mind when I taught their class or when I posted an awesome deal that they were able to score because they read it on the blog. Couponing is not a population “you” and everyone else is not welcome. Couponing has always, always been competitive and frankly the early bird has always gotten the worm (I’m not saying the early bird should get ALL the worms). Just because you’re a veteran couponer doesn’t mean it’s your turf or your deals. Get over it, we’re all trying to save money here. And for the record, I won’t apologize for posting deals, either.
So I am taking responsibility and trying to work with our stores (both locally and at a corporate level) to see if we can get more stock on the shelves. I met with an Albertsons manager and a Walmart manager last week to discuss stock issues and I have plans to continue the conversation with other stores. Other bloggers hear your frustrations and we plan to work together to attack this on a bigger scope. I’m learning a lot about the retail system and how they order stock and I believe knowledge is power – the more we understand the retail system and WORK WITH our local store management the better for all of us. So I’m taking responsibility and I’m making this a priority.
There are a few things you can do to help . . .
Like I said above, let’s not point fingers, but find solutions. Here are some ways that you can help with the empty shelf epidemic:
Special orders – If you plan to buy more than the average amount of something, place a special order. It’s super easy, just pick up a special order form (like the one pictured below from Albertsons) or talk to the customer service lead at your local stores. Don’t be scared – most stores love to move product and they’ll be happy to place a special order for you. Generally it takes 2-3 days for the stock to come in and you’ll get a phone call to come pick it up. You can use your coupons on your special order. You get your 10 boxes of FREE pasta, the store is happy to sell you product and the shelves aren’t cleared for the next shopper.
Do you really need more? – So there is FREE toothpaste at Walgreens and you already have 20 tubes in your stockpile, can you pass up the sale so the newbie couponer who just started couponing this week can get a FREE tube? You certainly don’t have to (I’m not telling you what to do here), but sometimes we need to stop and ask ourselves, “are we getting the deal because we need it?” or are we just caught up in the competitive game and we just love the “high” of a FREE deal too much to ever pass one up. Just something to think about.
Communicate with your local stores – We can all pitch in and help. If your local store has a stock problem, call up and ask to talk with the manager. Tell them you are a coupon shopper and you’d love to help them identify which items are going to be HOT that week with coupons. You’d be surprised – most of the time the store managers have no clue about the coupons that are out that match up with the sales – so they aren’t going to see that Ronzoni pasta is FREE after the $1/1 coupon until it’s probably too late to order more for the sale. So talk with them as soon as you see store match-ups and give them a heads up.
Stores get charged for back stock – It’s not a matter of the store just ordering cases and cases of something on sale – if it was that simple most stores would have boatloads of stock in the back. Did you know that if they have inventory in the back that isn’t sold, they get charged for it? So it’s a fine balance between ordering enough for the sale vs. not having product sit in the back.
Know the times to shop – The local Walmart manager told me that shelves are much more bare on the 1st and the 15th of every month. People get their paychecks (lots of government employees in our area) on the 1st and the 15th and those are big days for product to move out of the stores. Also, find out what days your store gets stock and shop EARLY the next day for best selection. For example, I found out Walmart gets stock EVERY NIGHT, so the best time to shop is 7 a.m. and that by about 1 p.m. the shelves are starting to look bare again.
Don’t see it on the shelf? Ask! Don’t assume that just because the shelves are empty that there is no stock. Learn your stores system, so you can easily determine whether there is any stock in the back. For example, Walmart has little tags that they stick on the shelf that say “no stock” and the date it was ordered (generally it takes 2-3 days from ordering). Target puts a grayΒ circular sticker (I think that’s the color) on the price tag when it’s out of stock in the back. Ask a store associate to explain the shelf tag system, the back stock and the process of getting items on the shelf at your favorite store.
Don’t see it on the shelf? Look around. Sometimes products are located on end caps (the ends of the aisles) or a duplicate area.
Don’t see it on the shelf? Get a rain check. When you find an empty shelf and there is none in back, just head over to customer service and ask for a rain check. Itβs basically an IOU that honors the sale price at the time it was issued. So if pasta is $1 a box, get a rain check and that means you have 30 days to pick up your pasta at the $1 price. You CAN use coupons with your rain check.
Don’t go out of your way for a deal. I rarely make a special trip to the store for just one deal (unless I can’t live without it, but that’s rare) – because if the shelf is empty I’ve wasted a trip. Instead, I’ll incorporate the deals into my errands and/or shopping trip. For example, a great deal on pasta at Safeway means I might stop into the store on my way to driving my son to preschool. Shelf empty? I didn’t waste gas and it only took a couple extra minutes instead of 15-30 minutes.
Don’t spend your time (and emotional energy) judging others. What is the magic number before something goes from smart shopping to hoarding? It’s going to be different for everyone. So you see someone pushing a cart with 10 boxes of FREE cereal – instead of judging them and thinking to yourself, “I would have only taken three” – STOP. You don’t know another person’s situation, don’t judge others for their purchases and don’t make assumptions about how they may be crazy, selfish shelf-clearers. That shopper could be a mother of three teenagers who will eat that cereal up in three days. That shopper could be unemployed and trying to feed her family. That shopper could be buying for someone else. That shopper could have pre-ordered. That shopper might not have any coupons at all. You don’t know another person’s situation, so please don’t place judgment. I CHOOSE to give people the benefit of the doubt and I’ll withhold judgment – the world is a better place without it.
Realize it ebbs and flows – and every deal has it’s day. Maybe it’s just because I’ve been couponing for a few years now, but I try to look at the big picture. So I didn’t get a deal today? It will come around again. It will. I promise. Remember – most products get at their rock-bottom price about every 12-weeks (some more regularly than that).Β So you only got two boxes of FREE pasta instead of the 10 you were hoping – every little bit counts. I try to focus on the deals and the savings I do get instead of the ones I don’t. Let’s work together, work with our stores, find solutions, and keep things positive – that’s the best cure for the empty shelf epidemic.
I’d love to hear our thoughts on this (please keep it civil). Do you have suggestions or ideas that we can share with store management?
Misty says
Can I link this article/ post to my own blog? I was just thinking about this and well, you said it much better than I could have. Very informative and eye opening. Thanks in advance!
Lola says
I love this site and this viewpoint is why!!! I get so tired of all the bickering that goes on between couponers (mainly other sites) and then they complain to corporate offices, only to find out that the policy change they help implement has not only hurt those they think are a threat, but in the end themselves because the corporation makes it so hard to use coupons that it isn’t worth it anymore. You are so right….if you don’t get this deal another one will come again and again and again. Maybe it is the longer you have been couponing the more you become comfortable with this fact. You should post this very well written article once a month. Thank you all for your hard work…as always, it is appreciated.
Rachel says
Thank you for this. Good info and tips! I love your blog, I recommend it to everyone I can. I can’t understand why people would blame you. If something isn’t there, get a rain check that’s what they are for. I also like to consider if I really need the item, I ask myself can I live without this or am I getting it just for the deal?
Erica says
My question is this…someone commented about people “stealing” peelies and tearpad coupons. Occasionally I peel 1-2 coupons off of a product at a store if I know I can get it for a great price at a different store or if I know a sale is coming up or if it’s a product we use and I want to save it for a sale. Is this wrong? I would never take more than 2 (and usually most of the products have peelies attached) and don’t take for products I don’t use. I think this person was commenting about people who “steal” the peelies or tearpad coupons to sell them but I was just wondering if someone could shed some light on this. Thanks Heather for all your great posts!
Melanie says
Love your blog! I am so glad that u have addressed the empty shelves issue. My motto is: ” was not meant for me to day, but for another who must have needed it more than I did!” Will follow ur advice and do a rain check. Thnkx!
Amberlee says
First thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic I really enjoyed it, but I do disagree on one part.. you or any coupon saving blogger taking any blame. I personally am very grateful for all of you and there is nothing IMO wrong or anything negative about it. Even if the more people are blogging or sharing money saving tips means more people are becoming shopper savvy so I miss a deal or two.. isn’t that a positive thing? We all have budgets to deal with and I would rather someone save then no one. It’s a good thing π Miss a deal today… find another tomorrow! With all the WONDERFUL bloggers, coupon groups, and friends who share the same desire to save you’re bound to find out about the next one(s) in no time.
mjs says
I rarely travel to an Alby’s but if I am in Alby’s area I stop in if all the stuff I have couponing is wiped out I just leave the store…Nothing one can do about hoarders who buy 35 bottles of purex laundry detergent..I have better luck up the street at our local safeway never any problem getting any of the specials with double coupons at that and most times $10.00 of a $50.00 purchase and 4 dbls and nice checkers and if I forget something in the checkout line, they actually will get it for me, if I forget a coupon, customer service is nearby never any problem makes shopping a no hassle deal for me and my family..I won’t tackle anyone for anything and hoarding is a waste of my small time I have to shop..I get the specials and go in two times to stock up on 2 items, never have 5 months in my pantry..wouldn’t be productive use of my limited time and money..
Tanya says
Thank you for posting this! It is well said!!
I am new to couponing but I also find that some weeks I can go without buying anything because I simply have enough or don’t have room for it in my house. We have a smaller sized home and I don’t want extra clutter (even if it is things we use!) in every room. I have sworn to buy enough of items on sale that we have in our budget and that we have space for (we have a small basement room with extra storage for food and supplies and a small kitchen, when they are full that is all we buy!)
I appreciate what you posted. And, I appreciate what you do to help the rest of us save money, too!!
Thank you! Sincerely!!
Mary says
Well written article, and it’s right on. You hit the nail on the head with every aspect of this subject, from “hoarders” buying all of the itmes on sale, to the store just having a few of the items in stock and regular folk purchased them. There is NEVER any reason to get mad when an item is out of stock, because one can request a rain check.
You get an A+++ for this article! π
Angela says
Thank you so much for posting this! I’m a newbie and I’ve been in those very shoes. This post makes me feel so much better π
Sheila M. says
In the past I was excited to get stuff for free. More recently it has been harder to find stock available on the free deals, so I have changed my thinking a bit. Now, I would rather find the product in stock and pay a bit more, than waste my time chasing after a free deal that isn’t on the shelf. I bought some Duncan Hines brownies at the beginning of the ad week even though I could have waited (since bloggers were reporting that Twice Value coupons were expected at Albies.) My new way of thinking allows for peace of mind and still saves my family money. I would rather have 5 boxes of brownies for $0.50 each…than none for free. Last Wednesday, I was enjoying a pan of freshly baked brownies instead of ‘hoping’ to find them on the shelf come Sunday! Chocolate bliss and less stress…the best of both worlds.
Barbara says
Great post. I am new to couponing beginning this month, and while I have anticipated empty shelves for items I imagined many would want (especially during Albertson’s doubles) I have not experienced it. I don’t know if there just aren’t many couponers in my area (N. Tacoma) or if the ones that are here just purchase what they need, as I do. So far it’s been a great experience and I’ve saved over 60% this month on foods my family already eats. Thanks for all you do!
Sharon says
Thanks for your article. You mentioned that you and a few other bloggers are working together on this problem. I’d love to work with you as well from central KY. I have been hearing lots of frustration from my readers with the same issues. I’ve been couponing and finding deals for too many years to get bent out of shape about this right now. If there’s something I can do to from my part of the world, let me know! Thanks again!
Sarah says
I have found myself getting frustated at empty shelfs. I am always bumbed when I make the trip to the store and all I see is shelf. But… Never fear there is another deal, another time and 100’s of other stores. I am VERY new at this but have come to realize its just a part of the game. I also make a concsious effort to make sure I only buy what I need no matter how good the deal and free or not. I also only take a few if there isint much left. I know I am not the only person who does this. So thank you for the post. it was a great reminder that we are all human, we all want to save a buck and sometimes we get the deal and sometimes we dont. Its all apart of the game.
Maegen says
I think I’ve commented more than my share, but I just wanted to add that I did another Albies run today, and I was pleasantly surprised to find almost everything in stock!
Two kinds of pasta were gone (I got rainchecks), but most everything was still there.
So, go with an A, B, C, and D plan, but don’t be scared from going!
This store actually had Tons of Lawrys and Franks’s hot sauce, and I hope they don’t get stuck with it! Grab your binders and get out there-lol.
Rachel says
I also did a Albies run today with my girls – found all I wanted for today. Got a couple free deals even. Was a great trip- only shelf that was cleared was most of pasta but still got 2 boxes of whole wheat. π Was a Good Day
amena says
ShelfClearers procuring large quantities of coupon inserts, for free, is where the shelf clearing starts. Stand up and do something!!!!!!
Illegal acquisition of coupon inserts must be stopped.
Please call and report these issues to :
News America Marketing (distributes Smart Source) 1-800-462-0852
Valassis (distributes Red Plum) 800.437.0479
CIC Coupon Information Corporation (703) 684-5307
Donβt forget to contact P&G , local newspaper offices, store managers and district managers.
Write the board of directors! The shelf clearers do!
We have to report newspaper carriers who are selling inserts and the inside staff. Those coupons are supposed to be under lock and key. Very few have access to them.
It’s not that hard to track.
1,000 perfect inserts don’t show up in a dumpster each week per shelf clearer.
Please do your homework and report.
People steel peelies and then couponers run and buy the stolen items from the thief ON EBAY.?Hey which spelling is correct anyways? Peeliesteelers or peeliestealers
Same thing with tear pad thieves. The take whole tearpads, sell them on Ebay and people go PAY for this stolen item.
Newspaper carriers, newspaper staff, and others steal coupons then sell them through clipping services. This is illegal and starts the fraud ball rolling.
It always amazes me that people complain about not getting their coupons in their paper but then are the first to say go to the crook wholesalers to get them guaranteed.?Nothing like a crook with a guarantee I guess?!
Where do you think coupon sellers, coupon clippers, ebay coupon sellers get their coupons?????Hmmmmmmmmmmm
Rachel says
Some of your post is true Amena – but I have a friend who gets her papers legit and sells on Ebay. She doesn’t take pellies or tear pads – don’t get them from illegal newspaper person. She works hard to get the papers and clip and make a living for Her family. I personally by 6 to 15 papers a week if the coupons are good. I do all the things Heather speaks about in this article. As I shop for 3 different households some times My car gets very full- but If we all fallow the rules and only order from and shop as is legal we will all be happier @ the end of the day. Thanks for you information .
Danielle says
Not all inserts are obtained illegally. Peelies and whole tear pads that are being sold on eBay are a big NO NO! And most likely not obtained legally be aware is all I can say.
Celia says
Rain checks are key!!! Especially if the deal does not include a CATALINA coupon! π Heather, I told the Pacific Ave/Fones store (Albies) about your How to Shop Albies post and they said YAY! They are tired of people who don’t get it and expect to not pay tax, use all the doublers in one transaction, and have the cashier split them up (like the cashier is supposed to know how you want it done). I’m proud of you, keep up the good work!
Melody says
Great post! This is something I have been trying to fix on a local level as well.
Knowledge is definitely power! The manager that I work with at Rite Aid explained his ordering process to me, when they get orders, how many they can order, where they come from, how many stores are pulling from the same distribution center, etc. People automatically assume that the stores are just lazy or not keeping up with their stock, when in truth, it can be a lot of different factors.
The stores don’t necessarily know when there are great coupons out there. While we may know about a freebie, the store may have no idea. One thing we have to watch out for though is having too many hands in the cookie jar. It does take a little bit of knowledge and understanding (that Queen Bee of course has!) to know what will sell out at a store. Knowing what type of coupons and how many are available is a huge factor. Knowing about limits and promo types is another.
Anyway, I’m excited to be a part of this. I know it’s gotten really frustrating for some couponers (myself included) and especially for those just starting out. Time to be pro-active and do something about it!
Melody says
P.S. I’m very tired of the judgement, pointing fingers and name-calling as well. Couponing is a means to an end, NOT a competition!
Amy says
I love this post. I have been couponing on and off for a few years now. It all started in college. I love getting free deals! The best part about the deal is when I make the 2.5 hour drive north and get to take “gifts” with me. I may be the one who buys 8 bottles of ketchup on sale, but I am only keeping 4 of those. Also when I can pick up free baby wipes for my nieces. I am only 2 years out of college and the 4 months I was too busy to coupon (really only home long enough to cook dinner and sleep) my budget got too tight. I am hoping my couponing can help me pay for grad school π I agree with the share the love.
April says
I have on occasions finding myself rolling the rainchecks and doublers. When I find a product out of stock I get the raincheck and when the next doublers come around and it happens again. I often can use the rain check from the previous week and not worry about the lost deal.
shellyg says
What gets me is that the store advertises a sale & does not have ANY extra ordered…
I went to a store for a BOGO hot dogs… 3 on the shelf! & this was the first minute of them opening the door. Manager looked for more but said he didn’t order any. THEN I looked for a couple other things on sale in the flyer & the manager said they had not carried that for 2 YEARS! So don’t always assume it is a shelf clearer. Also if it’s a REALLY good deal… I get maybe 3 at the beginning of the sale & since most store get shipments every few days, I go back at the end of the sale & get 3 more.
jolene says
The only time bloggers bother me is when they contradict themselves. Another blog posted a picture of 6 bottles of formula then said “I bought these for the overage I don’t have a baby. I’m going to donate them.” Then after EC aired wrote a post about donating from your own stockpile not buying donations with coupons. I know you don’t do this. I’m just venting. I recommend your blog to friends.
I used to get really upset about cleared shelves. Finally my husband said “Your only hurting your self by getting mad. Don’t let the best deal get in the way of a good deal.” I figure I can’t change the circumstances that cause empty shelves but I could change my own behavior. I don’t go to a store for 1 sale anymore (especially if it’s free). I go to the store with the most deals that work for our family. I don’t drive out of my way to get a deal, it’s just a waste of gas if the shelves are empty. If I’d have to load my kids in the car and drag them through the store, the deal isn’t worth it to me. Once I changed my attitude coupon shopping was fun again. I think the biggest problem is the economy. Almost everyone is in survival mode.
Heather says
Well thank you and thank you for recommending my blog to your friends! I’m sure I’ve contradicted myself at some point or another. π I’m human, I think people forget that bloggers are just average people – doing our best. I will never claim to be perfect, I make mistakes. Most of the bloggers that I know, have good hearts and are just doing their best. But I can see how it can be frustrating when you see contradictions like that.
Good for you for changing your attitude. I’m a big believer that even when we can’t change a situation – we can change the way we feel about it. Empty shelves are never fun, but I won’t let it get me all frustrated and thinking ugly thoughts. I have more important things to worry about. Keep up the good attitude and thanks for taking the time to comment.
CentsLessDeals JB says
I LOVE this post! I love the way you write, you’re soo entertaining and informative at the same time. Thanks so much for writing this, a lot of people tend to assume that one person has cleared the shelves, you’re awesome!
JB
ashley chambers says
I also find that if i shop in a higher end area or low end area there seems to be less shelf clearing. my kids dr and trader joes that i love is in a higher income area. i love it because safeway albertsaons walgreens and t.joes are in the same parking lot or if im not heading that way our church is in a poverty stricken area so the albertsons and safeway near there are. i have only found sheoves cleared 1x π
Angela R says
Very well said, and thorough, Heather! Yes, I too have had this issue so heavy on my heart! I have been reaching out to my stores and plan on doing more of that over the next few weeks/months.
THANK YOU.
Maegen says
Thanks, Rachel!
Here I’ve been doing this for years, and I still learn things every day!
So glad Heather hosted this convo!
Maegen says
Hmmm….Sounds like I could be doing more than three, too? Gosh, that would be exciting! I feel sort of silly now.
I guess I better go read that policy.
Oh, and for the record, I got everything I was after yesterday-I think sometimes folks overlook really excellent deals in favor of the free ones.
Rachel says
Thanks Megan-Don’t feel silly. I was facing the same problem – main office said that that is why they put out doublers is to get more shoppers. The limit as to not clog the lines I was told. The flyer limits are so they don’t run out. π Have a Great Day.
Misty says
You are right just ask they more than likely have not had time to stock the self back. But another thing you can do if they are out and don’t give rain checks is ask if they can call another store close by and if you are not wanting a large amount and they have it some will hold it until you can get there to pick it up. I have done that alot since I work in one town and live in another are there is like 6 walgreens in the 2 areas
Kristie says
Excellent post and information. Thank you! Here is what I’m learning: Rain Checks are my friend. Its doing 2 things: 1) letting the store know they didn’t have enough stock and 2) I get the deal just a week or 2 later. I do make sure, especially at Rite Aid, that they write on the rain check the sale price and UP reward so there is no question when I buy it later. I even staple the picture of the sale ad with the item to it when I get home. I also have filled out the surveys for my local Albertsons from the bottom of the receipt and I receive a personal email from the manager EVERY time I do and he realizes they are having a problem keeping up with stock and I’m noticing an improvement in sale items being available. ALL of the surveys are KUDOS to the store, not complaining. My daughter works for Rite Aid and also uses coupons. They are limited as to how many they can order. Sometimes they get ZERO of the sale item in their shipment for that particular store. So there are a lot of factors when you see the empty shelf for sure. Its just sometimes hard to remember that when you are standing with your list and coupons in hand ready to buy!
Rachel says
I love these ideas. @ Megan. Some Albies have the wrong coupon info. I have been in constant contact with cooperate on this – Here are the Albies “rules” 3 transactions of 3 at a time. You can go back in the store and do another 3 of 3 . In fact the main offices encourage this as per the letter and phone call they sent me. If you shop at my local Albies there under corporates eye now for not doing things right. Hope this clears a few things up for everyone. Go to the Albertsons web site PLEASE and even to there FB site and get the rules. there are some BIG misunderstandings as how and what they are. and yes I special order and fall all the rules to the letter on couponing.
Thank You Queen Bee For All You Do.
Shelly :) says
Well said. π Thank you for all you do!
Another thing I have found helpful is what location to buy from. For example, the Covington Fred Meyer is awesome at keeping the shelves stocked (especially on the weekends). The Auburn Fred Meyer on the other hand is always out of something when it goes on sale. I was at the Auburn Fred Meyer getting a rain check and I mentioned something and the Manager said because Auburn has a higher turn over rate than Covington store (which makes sense). A lot of people walk to/from the one in Auburn while the Covington one you have to drive to. I’ve never had a problem getting a rain check at Fred Meyer (or even Safeway). I also will staple the coupon to the rain check so I will know what the deal was and so will the checker because half the time they don’t put all the information on the rain check. Shoot, they have handed them to be me before just to fill out! π
I think the place I have the most problems with is Target though.
Cheryl says
I appreciate your honest and insightful comments. I’m also new to couponing and have come to rely on your site for deals and information. One thing I know I’m trying to do is to be brutally honest with myself about a ‘deal’. Do I need it? Do I have sufficient stock already? Do I have the space to store more? Can I let this deal go to someone who may have greater need or use?
The high we get from a deal is fun and exciting, but a sense of balance is in order too. In my family of two, 10 boxes of cereal on hand is wasteful…we’ll never eat it before the expiration date so why buy it to begin with?
I’m also trying to help out by sharing coupons I know I won’t use, and the local Freddy’s has a basket where we can leave coupons for others.
Annie says
More Couponers = more frusteration but in my mind – MORE JOY π
Yesterday I shopped at albies twice (I happened to be in two parts of the area so I hit one at each (and yes only 1 transaction at each and very small # of products.. ok 20 yogurts at the 2nd one – but people don’t’ be pointing fingers – I did not clear a shelf!)
ANYWAY – my point π I ran into two other heavy couponers at each store and it was fun to “do it together” per say – and when one grabbed the last foil on clearance free – I was happy to see her get it – I have tons of foil at home (from Christmas) and did not need it – better she got it and I saved the tax!
megan says
Good article on this… I’m new to the whole coupon-ing fun myself, so don’t have enough time under my belt to have a sense of ownership over the deals… I look at it as more of kind of a game/competition to get the best deal I can. When I see other people with coupons I get kind of excited, like yeaaa we’re coupon-ing :-).
That being said, my small town has gone coupon crazy, and I go to Freddy’s on a Sunday evening, only to find the really good deals are gone, gone and gone hah! The checker told me that they don’t stock up on these sale items, and what’s there is there. However, they order more, and end up getting another shipment in later in the week, so will head back to see if they’re in then (helpful that I live 5 minutes away).
Thanks for all your insider tips and suggestions, it’s made this super enjoyable!
monica says
Well stated Heather!
Carrie says
Thank you for this. I get so stressed out and jump to conclusions that people are clearing the shelves like they do on tv (sometimes). I’ve almost come to quit couponing all together. BUT never once have I ever been mad at the people who’s blogs I follow. (you included. :)) I’ve decided that I’m not going to quick couponing, because let’s face it, it’s amazing! But I don’t have time to let it stress me out. I’m letting it go. Like Suzanne said, se la vi, that IS life. I’m over it. π Thank you Queen Bee!! π
Heather says
Oh Carrie – I’m glad that my post helps. It’s easier said than done when I find myself frustrated at the store when there is no stock, but at least we can try to remember the bigger picture and that every bit counts. π
Rachel says
Just because youβre a veteran couponer doesnβt mean itβs your turf or your deals. Get over it, weβre all trying to save money here. And for the record, I wonβt apologize for posting deals, either.
THIS!
Suzanne says
Well put. I have been couponing a long time and have learned to just relax and let a deal go. It will come around again. It’s not the last free pasta, hot sauce, cereal….. fill in the blank deal you will see. Once you watched deals come and go over the years you start to relax and not stress out over it. If it works it works, if it doesn’t se la vi, that’s life.
Maegen says
I think those are all excellent and positive suggestions, Heather!
Oh, and for the record, I don’t think you or any blogger should apologize for sharing deals or teaching classes. Your blog and others have been a blessing to me and many.
I started to write sort of a novel here about what should be done, but I know you’ll get lots of suggestions. My only one is to ask stores to enforce the same rules for everyone. At my Albies some folks do their 3 transactions, but the checker told me yesterday, “We get some people in here really taking advantage of the situation who think the rules don’t apply to them.”
I wish I’d asked her more about this, but I was really startled. I don’t want Albies to get less coupon friendly (because I do Love them!), but I have to wonder why they allow some shoppers to bend the rules-especially if they aren’t happy about it.
Confusing!
Aryn says
I think your post was very insightful, helpful and honest. We all need to take a step back and realize that there are so many more of us than ever before. We can all do our part to make it easier, by ordering beforehand, and doing the other things you suggested. Again, good job and thank you for this post and ALL your posts. π
Heather says
Testify! Seriously, this was right on the money. π
Danielle says
Your post is amazing and I agree with all of your post EXCEPT blaming yourself! I consider your blog a life line to my great scores and deals! I thank you!
On to comments to your blog…please remember the economy is bad people,family,kids,and elderly are struggling therefor more people are looking to save a penny,to feed their family or help out another family. Deals come and go and come again!
I have also found going early morning to grab needed items on ad are ALWAYS there fully stocked sometimes getting a good deal means a little work! I am saddened that everytime there is a cleared shelf that a fellow couponer is to blame,when it could be a store isn’t filling the shelf or forgot to order the product. I use to work in a grocery store and have made that mistake.
Julie2 says
Danielle, I think your comments are awesome.
Thanks again for very kind words. Your post meant so much to me.
This article is wonderful and so well written. Its a shame 90% (maybe 95%) of her facebook comments didnt read it yesterday.
Prayers & hugs to both you sweet ladies.