Confessions of a Coupon Junkie

This week, I found myself in an unusual predicament while trying to use coupons at the grocery store. As a result, I have a hive of bees in my bonnet.

I am an avid coupon user. I use coupons out of economic necessity, and in part, for my driving desire to constantly challenge myself as a consumer. I average 6-8 hours per week prep in reading ad circulars, clipping coupons and surfing websites. I take advantage of mark downs, sale items and instore specials. I subscribe to newsletters, download e-coupons, read coupon blogs and use merchant reward cards.

I generally spend about 4-5 hours at the grocery store comparing prices. I read labels and comply with store policies and coupon restrictions. I do not want any surprises in the checkout line.

I purchase the minimum quantities with the exact amount of ounces required to qualify for the coupon. It is my personal mission to be aware of stipulations, requirements and the guidelines of coupon use. Some would say to the point of obsession. 

I am a coupon junkie. 

That is why I found it particularly unnerving this week to be accused by the cashier at my local grocery store of attempting theft by couponing.“Excuse me?” I said, while scrutinizing the coupons in question. “I believe I’ve met all of the requirements for my purchase today.”

She accused me again of coupon thievery, only more loudly this time, while pulling the chain on her checkout light stand.

I could feel the daggers from the eyes of the other patrons in line behind me as they all sighed and shifted from one foot to the other. I was that person I hated to be in line behind.

I’m not a thief. This was not a coupon crime. Should I allow myself to stand accused by this overzealous clerk in a red apron?

What’s the charge, I thought, Frozen Food Fraud?

While apologizing to the crowd in line behind me, I took a deep breath and decided to stand my ground with my accuser. It was the principle. It was my integrity. It was my couponing code of conduct in question here.

I’m certainly not one of those moms who can make a $232 shopping tab disappear into $12.49, but I do okay.

I explained to the cashier I was a long time shopper, and the coupons were what brought me in the door.

Her response, “We have never accepted manufacturers' coupons along with store markdowns, and I got the memo!” Now, I thought to myself, I’ve been shopping there since this store opened and I never got the memo.

The natives were becoming restless in line behind me. Thank goodness, the store manager was coming.

“This woman was trying to use a manufacturer’s coupon to buy this item,” she said.

My comment to the manager, “You know I’ve been a loyal patron, I’ve never had this issue before, is this a new store policy?”

“Nope,” he said, “it’s always been our policy.”

At that moment, wondering why they had never clarified their position before, I realized I had to make a decision. I was standing there with a half gallon of melting ice cream.

I caved and paid the bill.

I have my suspicions, that due to recent economic challenges, grocery stores are altering or suddenly enforcing coupon policies that they have never had to before. They are trying to protect their bottom line.

Well I say, I’m in the middle of the same challenges, and I have to protect my bottom line too.

The wisdom I gained from my experience is that as consumers, we have choices. If the store you patronize chooses not to honor your coupons, consider shopping elsewhere.

There is a wealth of information about savvy coupon use online. Be sure to check to see if your store’s policies have changed, and do your homework.

I invite you to share how you get the most out of using coupons. See you in the Patch.