Dear King Soopers, Why Do You Hate Coupon Users?

Dear King Soopers, Why do you treat customers using paper coupons like criminals? I have been a loyal customer for years and shop many of your locations on a daily basis. However, almost every time my friends and I use paper manufacturers’ coupons at checkout, we’re the bad guys.

You know grocery prices have skyrocketed recently and the number of coupons available has plummeted. Discounts are now few and far between for bargain hunters. So, when a paper coupon can save me a few bucks, why do your clerks act as if I am a scam artist out to cheat the store?

For example, I had a coupon for £1 off any two bottles of Suave body wash which I tried to use at the Monaco at Leetsdale store. At self-check, I scanned the coupon, but the system noted an error.

The clerk informed me that I had to buy two of the same scent because there was a picture of a blue bottle on the coupon.  When I politely pointed out that the coupon was valid on ANY two bottles, she muttered something and approved the coupon. Unfortunately, it didn’t end there.

As I was walking out, I overheard her and another checker talking about me: “Yeah, she is trying to cheat the store using that coupon and she thinks she got away with it, but that won’t happen again!” (Yes, customers can hear you, when you’re three feet away from us.) Once, a clerk told me that the item I wanted to buy was “excluded” and that I needed to buy the smaller size to use the coupon. Sorry, but that’s not what the word excluded means.

It means I could not use the coupon on the smaller package. Another time, I had an in-house King Soopers branded coupon for shampoo, but the system noted my product didn’t match the coupon. Uh, yes, it did exactly!  The clerk agreed with the system rather than actually read the coupon.

In this case, I simply voided the purchase rather than get into an argument. As one of the country’s largest grocers, you know Procter & Gamble no longer offers paper coupons. If you want to get any coupons for their products, you have to print them from your computer and they expire within 48 hours!

A friend recently shopped your Central Park location off Quebec at I-70, hoping to take advantage of a sale on detergent and use those coupons for a bit of extra savings. She has three different coupons for three different sizes and types of Tide — a 100 count tub of pods (£4 off), a small bag of pods (£2 off) and a large bottle of liquid detergent (£3 off). Things were going well at checkout until another checker decided to intervene, telling my friend that she could only use one coupon per day for any Tide detergent.

When the intervening checker was politely told that these were three different coupons for three different products, she dug in her heels and insisted she was right. She even called over a manager who didn’t even look at the coupons, but immediately backed up the clerk. My friend ultimately just voided out most of the purchase (which was actually going to a shelter) and walked away.

Since the coupons were only good for 48 hours, they became useless. Here’s the exact wording on the coupon. CONSUMER: Limit one coupon per purchase of products and qualities stated. Limit of 1 IDENTICAL Coupon per household per day.

Let’s break this down: One coupon per purchase of products means a shopper can use one coupon for the product specified on the coupon. In this case, Tide PODS Laundry Detergent 65 to 82 count. Limit one identical coupon per household per day means a shopper cannot use two of the exact same coupon.

My friend has three different products and three different coupons, but because they were all the famous orange color on Tide products, the clerk saw red. Clearly, she either didn’t read the fine print or didn’t understand it. Are you starting to see a pattern?

I will be the first to admit that working as a cashier is no easy job. And you have some who go out of the way to help when there is a coupon issue. (I’m talking about you, Hampden at Monaco location. Love ya!)

Granted, there are bad actors who counterfeit coupons or try to game the system. However, a majority of coupon users don’t cheat and follow the rules. We’re not shoplifters wheeling out hundreds of dollars in merchandise without paying.

We’re just trying to save a few bucks, so we can feed our families, keep our homes clean and maintain basic hygiene.  Why don’t we receive the benefit of the doubt? Blame the computer, not the customer.

I suspect checkers are told if they let a bad coupon slip through it’s on them. So every coupon is a perceived ding on their record. And, let’s be honest, as manufacturers discontinue paper coupons, this allows you to offer digital coupons, as long as someone has the wherewithal to understand how to use your app and can afford a smartphone.

However, as a loyal King Soopers shopper, why do I need to shop a store 10 to 20 miles from my home to avoid hostile employees, who clearly see me as the enemy and themselves as victims if I use more than one paper coupon per shopping trip. I have a suggestion. I teach workshops to consumers on how to effectively use coupons, with an emphasis on how to understand the fine print and not let the product pictures or legalese confuse.

I’d be happy to hold some sessions for your staff. You know how to reach me. xoxo,

Laura

Tags:

american-golf listed on couponmatrix.ukfloom listed on couponmatrix.ukgarden-wildlife-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukjarlo-london listed on couponmatrix.uklook-fabulous-forever listed on couponmatrix.ukpharmacy2u listed on couponmatrix.uk
american-golf listed on couponmatrix.ukSave money while indulging in your favourite pastime and turn to American Golf for all your golfing supplies. American Golf is Europe’s biggest golf retailer with over 130 stores across the UK and Ireland stocking all the equipment and clothing you need for a round or two on the green. Don’t forget to use an American Golf discount code from us on a sweet set of clubs or state-of-the-art GPS tracker, and you’ll up your performance without busting your budget.
floom listed on couponmatrix.ukLooking for beautifully handcrafted bouquets in a hurry? Floom brings together artisanal florists with an easy online ordering service. Browse hand picked, hand crafted bouquets and gifts for less with a Floom discount code from us. It can be hard to find unique, beautifully arranged flowers when buying online, but Floom makes it easy. It’s all the benefits of visiting your local independent florist, with the ease of online ordering!
garden-wildlife-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukGarden Wildlife Direct is a family run business and the UK’s largest online independent bird food supplier. They are passionate about supporting nature and guarantee to offer the very best quality bird food at the best prices, all delivered direct to your door. With a passion for maintaining garden wildlife, Garden Wildlife Direct are dedicated to making caring for your garden wildlife both affordable and easy. Why not try them out for yourself and use a garden wildlife direct discount code to save money on your purchases?
jarlo-london listed on couponmatrix.ukJarlo is a London-based brand that creates beautiful clothing. Combining elements of nostalgia with contemporary fabrics and intricate detailing to create something unique. We believe that fashion should be fun, and our Jarlo discount code is the perfect way to save on your next order! Whether you're looking for a new dress or a statement piece, we've got you covered. At Groupon, we know that saving money is important to our customers. That's why we work hard to find the best discount codes and deals for Jarlo. We want you to be able to get the most out of your purchase, and our team is constantly on the lookout for ways to help you save. So be sure to check back often for the latest Jarlo discount code to get the best deal possible! Thanks for shopping with us! One of the best-selling products is the Mika Cowl Front Maxi Dress, with strappy back detail, perfect for formal occasions. If you're looking for a discount on Jarlo, then you've come to the right place! We've got a great selection of Jarlo products at amazing prices. And with our Jarlo London discount code, you can save even more! So what are you waiting for? You don't want to miss these offers!
look-fabulous-forever listed on couponmatrix.ukMeet Look Fabulous Forever, the luxury beauty brand celebrating mature beauty. Created exclusively by and for older women, Look Fabulous Forever offers cruelty-free products for eyes, lips and faces at affordable prices you’ll love. We’re tracking the Look Fabulous Forever discount codes right here, so you can shop everything from skincare to nail products for less. Check out the 10% welcome discount, free delivery and makeup starter kits to push your budget even further! Looking fabulous certainly doesn’t have to be expensive with Groupon’s help. Go ahead and treat yourself to some well-deserved luxury from Look Fabulous Forever – subscribe to the newsletter for 10% off your first order, and check out the Look Fabulous Forever voucher codes at Groupon for an even better discount. Find everything from blusher and eye shadow to shampoo and conditioner at Look Fabulous Forever. The Look Fabulous Forever Continuous Cover Foundation is the star of the show, providing lightweight coverage and a dewy glow – it also contains skincare goodies like coconut oil and vitamin E to nourish your skin. When shopping for your dream match, be sure to use a Look Fabulous Forever promo code from Groupon to enjoy a fresh base at a low price. For the best deals on foundation and more great products, check Groupon’s deals first.
pharmacy2u listed on couponmatrix.ukStaying on top of your health can be difficult sometimes, but with Pharmacy2U it’s never been more simple. So much of your life happens online that it makes perfect sense to start sorting your prescriptions online too, and with a Pharmacy2U discount code this service can be yours at a price you’ll hardly be able to believe. For all the products and functions of your average high-street pharmacy without ever leaving the comfort of your own home, pick Pharmacy2U.