Coupon myths and misconceptions: “Everyone at the store will hate me!”

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A couple weeks ago, I decided to launch a series entitled "Myths & Misconceptions."  In doing this, I want to explore common responses I get primarily from people who either don't use coupons or are on the fence about whether coupons are worth the trouble.  

Today I want to talk about something that really does bother quite a few people.  And that's wondering what other people might think about you – or worse, what they might say to you – when you head to the checkout with 20 items and 20 coupons.  To be honest, I shared this concern when I started my couponing adventures just a few months ago. 

But do you want to know something funny?  I've had just the opposite happen – in fact, I'm more likely to make someone in the store happy I came in and not upset!  Here are some honest-to-goodness real life encounters I have had:

• A cashier remarked about the high cost of razors as she scanned up my order.  I then told her, "yeah, I don't pay full price.  Here are my coupons."  When she saw how drastically they reduced the cost, she thanked me and told me she'd be doing the same deal on her break (I told her where to find the coupons right there in her store!).
• I was at Target browsing clearance items with my coupon binder in hand when another customer came up and was curious where I got my coupons.  I was able to share with her a few tips and then gave her a coupon for a Glade candle that was on clearance.  She was tickled she'd end up paying less than $1 for a $6 candle.
• Another cashier was surprised when the household cleaners I purchased rang up as $1 each.  She didn't know they were on sale, but was glad I could clue her in!

The truth of the matter is most people want to save money on their groceries.  Food costs have gone up, unemployment rates are soaring, stocks are in the crapper, and many people's housing situation is dubious at best.  People who perhaps once looked down on couponers (and believe me, I was one of them), now might be open to learning how to save wherever possible on their groceries. 

Of course, no matter how much you save, you can still turn people off to using coupons (and you in general!) if you are obnoxious and rude.  The good news is that can easily be avoided.  Here are my best tips how to win people over at the store (both employees and fellow customers):

1. Avoid overly aggressive shopping and couponing tactics.  While I am 100% for stockpiling, I am not for clearing out massive quantities of items so no one else can get in on the deal.  I am also not for asking a cashier to perform 30 transactions for you back-to-back.  I understand "aggressive" might be a subjective term, but here's an easy way to clear it up.  Ask yourself if you're being considerate of others as you get your good deal. 
2. Spread the coupon love with other shoppers.  If you see a shopper in line about to purchase an item you have a coupon for on hand, consider helping her save a buck.  Not into offering strangers coupons?  Try setting a few coupons near their related items on the store shelves.  This is a great way to share coupons that are about to expire or for items you are not likely to use.  I have found and used coupons myself like this and am always appreciative!   I've also left some, too.
3. Let others go first.  I intentionally try and shop on days of the week and times of day when stores are less apt to be busy.  I also offer to let others go in front of me.  I just say, "I'm using a fair amount of coupons in my transaction today.  Why don't you go first?"  Then, they either take me up on my offer, or decline.  And if they decline, they've been warned and I don't feel rushed.  Simple as that.  Sometimes I will use the "self scan" lines as many of them will accept coupons too.  It's actually a fairly straight-forward process.
4. Thank your cashier.  I always make a point to be friendly with the cashier and tell them up front I have coupons to use.  In most cases, this seems to get things on the right footing.  It also frequently leads to discussions about coupons and I've had more than one opportunity to share a deal in the checkout line! 
5. Be polite with customer service and managers.  Remember, your goal is to build positive relationships with the stores you plan on frequenting.  I know it might be upsetting if for some reason the cashier refuses to accept your coupon, but try to keep your cool and think about the bigger picture.  So if you have to deal with the manager in a scenario like this, try to keep the focus on learning about the store's coupon policy and practices and less about getting a particular cashier in trouble.     

Bottom line, when you walk into your local grocery store, you want the cashiers to all say, "There he is!  I hope he comes in my line!  I want to see what sort of deals he found today!" and NOT "oh dear, here he is again."

If you've been holding back in really getting out there and using coupons because you're afraid people will be annoyed by you, I'd like you to think again.  Sure, there are the occasional sighs, grunts, and mutters.  But I guarantee if you are polite and pleasant as always, you are bound to make a bunch of new-found friends.  Lots of 'em.

Be sure to read next Monday when I'll address the question: "Won't I save more by shopping at Costco?"

Photo credit Felix Atsoram