When I go home to visit my folks I usually do a little shopping with my mom. Because I like to get the best possible deal on everything I buy, I always bring along my coupons. Two Thanksgivings ago, my mom and I did a little black Friday shopping at the drugstores. Before we went in the store my mother told me not to “cause a scene”.
Now before you start thinking I’m a jerk who buys 100 packages of adult diapers just because I can get them for free, then yells at cashier and causes a scene, I’m not! I’m not a “crazy coupon lady” and you’re not going to see me on an episode of extreme couponers any time soon. I don’t break the rules, forge coupons or clear the shelves of all the sale items.
Further Explanation of, “Causing a Scene”
My mother, by nature, is somewhat shy and hates being the center of attention. Because using coupons often involves more in-depth interaction with the cashier, my mom sometimes feels uncomfortable. In her mind, couponing brings unwanted attention, and she’d rather pay full price than tell a cashier that he/she entered a coupon incorrectly. What brings more attention (and therefore is more undesirable) is when the cashier doesn’t know the store’s coupon policy and the manager has to be called. This, for my mother is embarrassing and weird. She’d rather just pay the higher price to avoid conflict and “causing a scene.”
I’m not saying that I’m a conflictual person, or that I enjoy arguing, but I’m certainly not afraid to speak up and let my cashier know when he/she is wrong. If my cashier missed a coupon or entered the wrong price for a item I’m not rude or nasty, I just point out the error and ask him/her to correct the mistake. If he/she doesn’t fix he mistake and refuses to fix it, I ask for a manager. If the manager doesn’t fix the problem or refuses to follow the store’s coupon policy I let the district manager or corporate know (in fact a cashier once asked me if I worked for corporate because I knew the store’s coupon policy so well).
I Swear I’m Not a Nightmare Customer
That being said, I’m a very patient and kind customer. I have good working relationships with the cashiers and managers at the stores I shop at frequently. I’ve built their respect over time because they know that I’m honest and follow the store’s policies. I always make sure to thank them heartily for taking the time to check me out and I call corporate and fill out surveys praising my cashiers when I receive good customer service.
So if speaking up for myself and making sure I get the best deals is “causing a scene”, guilty as charged, I’m a scene causer! And I’m OK with that because it saves me thousands of dollars a year!
Are You Afraid to Speak Up When a Cashier Makes a Mistake That Would Cost You $$?
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