Having trouble using Coupons at Target?
I’ve heard now from lots of you about the horrible experiences you’ve had shopping at Target. From them not taking a Target coupon and a manufacturer coupon together on one item… to them not adjusting the coupon down to the value of the item. I’ve also heard how rude some of the cashiers have been.
I want you all to know you are doing nothing WRONG! You are doing quite the opposite! Taking charge of your financial situation, saving money for the important things in life, teaching your kids the value of $1 and the list goes on. My point is that I hope you all don’t let one grumpy cashier or manager get you down because trust me there will be lots of them.
When you are checking out with a so called crabby pants. Oh and let me stop there and say that I’m using this name, so we can make this humorous. When you turn a horrible situation into a funny one… well, doesn’t it always make you feel better. Whenever I have one of those frustrating and very aggravating moments while checking out I always, always take a deep breath and say to myself- is there a point in getting angry? Will it do anything for me? I then calm down and always find something funny in the moment.
Now back to what I was saying. When I checkout and start having issues I first always try to explain why I can use these coupons. Sometimes just explaining what exactly I’m doing will remedy the issue. You have to remember that a lot of these cashiers don’t know anything about coupons and are just confused about the whole process.
If that doesn’t work your next step is to ask for the manager. I always try to be as nice and polite as possibly. The manager may agree with the cashier and that’s when you pull out the stores coupon policy (if you have one with you). Sometimes, though, this won’t do the trick.
If those steps above don’t work, then you have 2 more options. Call corporate while in the store. I know, I know, it’s a little intimating doing this, but it sure feels good! Or you can call corporate when you get home.
I posted a few months ago about how I called corporate while shopping at CVS! Here is a quick recap of what happened:
The manager checked me out at CVS. While scanning my coupons he stopped and let me know that I would not be able to use my L’Oreal coupons since the items being purchased were on clearance. I looked a little puzzled and said this must be a new coupon policy. There was no one behind me, so I asked nicely if he could hold my purchases for a second. He looked confused, but said yes. I got my cell phone out and called CVS corporate- 1-800-746-7287 (I have their number programmed in my phone). I asked if their coupon policy had changed in regards to clearance items and explained that I was in CVS and was told that I couldn’t use a manufacturer coupon on a clearance item. The lady on the phone told me that was wrong and I could, so the manager ended up speaking to her and letting me use my coupons. I walked out feeling like such an empowered consumer… maybe even a bit like a coupon diva too!:)
The main reason for this post was regarding Target and I’m veering off the subject… sorry about that! Anyway, Tori emailed me yesterday about the frustrations she’s had with Target. What I loved about what she wrote was the ending!
Here is what she said:
Hi Collin, I just wanted to let you know what happened today when I went to target, after the terrible experience I emailed you about last week. After reading your email, I decided to call Target Corporate. Of course they were of no help, so I sent a reply email to the email they sent me (the generic sorry for your trouble email). And I told them, that I still had not received any kind of response that would make me want to go back into that store again. And I said that I wanted a personal individual response that a real person typed, not another generic response. And this is what I received back:
Thank you for your additional email. We’re sorry you didn’t receive the type of service you’ve come to expect at Target when checking out last week. We know the importance of having well-trained team members. And I know it can be frustrating if you receive inconsistent information about our services. I’ve contacted store leadership and they will go over training information with our front end team members about your concern.Thanks for helping us make Target even better.
Sincerely,
Mary
Target Guest Relations
https://www.target.com/
So, on Tuesday, I wasn’t in the mood to deal with going back to that same target (which is only 3 miles from my house), so I ended up going way across town to the Super Target, where I had a fantastic experience, no problems whatsoever. But it was so far away. So today, I said you know what, that is a bunch of BS, I am going to go back to that store and stand up for myself. I had a cart full of free or nearly free items, and I was ready for a battle if they didn’t take my coupons. When I got to the register the cashier started to give me a hard time and she called the manager over (the same one who had given me such a hard time last week). And I said I was here last week and I had a ton of problems with the coupons and I told her that I contacted Corporate and they said I should be able to do it. And she said yes, I know they called me and told me to take your coupons. So she told the cashier to override anything that beeped and for her to take all the coupons I had without a question.
Yay for me !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy. Finally some recognition that what we are doing is ok and that they are wrong and don’t know what they are doing. I wanted to post a note on the blog, but as you can see, I don’t know how to keep things short and sweet. But feel free if you want to mention it on the blog that the corporate site actually backed me up on this one. Score one for all the couponers out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I absolutely love receiving these kinds of emails! I actually get chills just reading them! Lets all try and stick up for what we’re doing! Like I’ve said a zillion times we’re doing nothing WRONG!:)
Andrea,
I did that, manu first, everyone beeped said did not purchase that item, check the bag, argue whether it matches the coupon. Now hand him the target coupon, he says, “oh your’re going to use target coupons too” With a dirty look, processes them with the same method as for manu Q’s.
Back to the coupon lane idea, my concern is that it seems retailers don’t really want to make it easier for customers to use coupons. I also think they don’t want it to appear that they are endorsing coupon use by establishing dedicated lanes or spend extra time training employees. And the thing is…I don’t get it. While reports are that consumers across the country are buying less, I (using coupons) buy as much or more than ever. I don’t spend as much out of pocket as I used to, but the out of pocket amount doesn’t hurt the retailer because they are reimbursed by the manufacturer PLUS a handling fee for every single coupon they accept. It looks like they would LOVE us. If anyone is taking a hit by increased coupon usage, wouldn’t it be the manufacturers? I guess my point is that with this economy retailers may begin to rethink their attitude toward customers. I don’t shop at Target because I’m not close to one, and frankly after reading this I have no desire to. I shop at Kroger & Walgreens and both of them have been very coupon friendly even though I also shop with my three-ring binder full of coupons, and I let them know how grateful I am. Target (and Wal-Mart) have both reported flat or falling profits and it could very well be because shoppers are migrating to Walgreens, CVS, and grocery chains that are beating their prices with sales AND are coupon friendly. I started couponing last Dec. and I’ve read many comments on this blog from others who are relatively new to this and I think we on this blog are a representation of the trend. Target needs to wake up because we have the final say when we take our business elsewhere.
Wow, I just looked at my VERY lengthy comment above, sorry, I guess I was on a roll…
Lela, it was a very nice comment and I think you are dead-on right!!!!
Thanks Jackie 🙂
I like that you stood your grounds. I wish we had the phone numbers to every corporate office; so when we are treated so ugly we can just pick up the phone and make that call. Where can we go to get that phone list?
100 calorie packs last sunday were 1.93 on tuesday they were 2.04 I was able to print a few more today and went back and the packs were 2.79…WTF
Great information for your readers. I have had nothing but pleasant expiriences with the Target stores in Kalamazoo, Mi! I try to go to the same cashier, she knows that I use lots of coupons. I also go at night when it has slowed down, the cashiers tend to be more patient with me!! I’ve found that Target has really good prices on cereal and when using coupons with it, I get them for .60 to .99 cents a box!!
I’m not sure about DTL and such..but DSL might mean District Team Leader..as the others must be some kind od “team leaders” too.
I can’t even remember the name of the “feared ones” at Walmart when I worked there. They were a group of suits that came into the store now and again and EVERYONE needed to be on top of their game. Even management ran like scared chickens when they knew “they” were coming.
They made sure everything was running as it was should. aisles clean and everything in top shape.
I think its them you need to contact. Each store is assigned one for their district locations. Come to think of it..my store went through 2 different store managers and a hand full of assist. managers when employees…usually cashiers reported them for mistreatment. Every store has the number to their district manager. I’d try asking for their contact numbers from management if you run into trouble. Esp if store management is being unhelpful and abusive.
I’ve also heard of Regional Manaders too. The store should have all these numbers when you request them.
ah..ETL…Executive Team Leader
DTL.. District Team Leader
STL..Store Team Leader
I just went tonight and got the sunscreen & band-aids plus some other clearence deals and the cashier put all my coupons through plus I got the overage. I asked her to adjust the coupon and she said they just had a meeting and if its only a few cents to just push it through because they get an extra .xx on each coupon anyways. HTH
I am so glad that we all have this support group here. I had the worst experience at target the other night. I was at the checkout lane for an hour and a half. I didnt leave the store until 10:45 at night. I too really wish all stores would be nicer to their couponers. We are all human and all make mistakes. I accidentally tried to use an expired coupon tonight. The cashier read it and gave it back and i appologized greatly because i am such a scatterbrain and dont even know what todays date is! I know my walmart has been cracking down on internet coupons because of fraudulant ones. If only there was a universal coupon card that you could load your coupons onto (like some grocery stores have) and we wouldn’t have these issues! and i wouldnt have to spend hours clipping 🙂
We live in Cincinnati and have never had a problem at our Target! They do adjust the amount of the coupon to the amount of the item, but that is reasonable! I agree about going to the younger cashiers because they really don’t care, but even the “older” cashiers seem to have been trained properly at our Target.
I have even had some tell me about clearance deals that I had missed!
so i went to target today and i had several axe coupons and tried to use them and they told me only one per person even though it doesnt say that on the coupon and tried to do different transactions but they wouldnt let me. Do they only let you use one per person and one transaction?
I had a bad experience with the Coke deal at CVS and I wrote them. I got an email yesterday telling me that they were wrong for not taking more than one coupon per item I was buying and that they were going to forward this to the District Manager so the employees could be trained properly. Woo Hoo! I can’t wait to go in there in the future and pop out my coupons!
On a high note, I must say that I have nothing but much love for my local Walmart. I was there last week with 37…(I counted them) coupons and the girl was wonderful. She didn’t see if I bought one of each item. I went back today to grab some of the sweet Kraft coupon deals and I had 30 $1.00 off coupons and the guy was so sweet, smile and very easy on the eyes! The whole time my husband sat with our son right across from us and watched! He did have to comment on how friendly he was and I said I hope I get him every time I come back! Thank you Walmart for hiring cute and friendly cashiers!
FYI…If anyone has those “forbidden” Coke coupons laying around…they have 12 packs for 2.98 and I used them on some items that were not listed on the coupon…again..making small talk and smiling will get us everywhere!
They shouldn’t. They should read the coupon and understand what it says. Otherwise..they are probably just thinking you are jipping them even though your not.
If its a real good deal coupon and I don’t want to take the chance…grab one with your main purchases. Then..unfortunately..I go put my groceries in the car and come back and grab another one and pay through another checkout and repeat to another and another lol. I ain’t losing my items because of no snippy cashier.
That’s what I do at my Ralphs. They will only double 1 coupon, so I “make” my husband go thru then I go back in and go through. Sometimes you just have to have it.
I laugh when friends and family say you got it free, it’s more work than paying full price just not as much fun. This is my way of winning a lottery and the odds are better.
I had a bad experience at Food Lion about my salsa coupons and just let them expire. I shouldn’t have thinking back on it. I had 6 jars of salsa at the checkout and 6 $4 off coupons and the salsa was on sale for $2 and some change and they said that I could not get them for free, that I had to pay the difference. So about $1.50 per salsa. I got so mad that I just put them all back. And, let the coupons expire. It was the WORST EXPERIENCE EVER. And, to top it all off that day, a customer behind me screamed at me to hurry up b/c she didn’t have all day (like it was MY FAULT).
There is a reason why coupons have existed for so long. They are a very good and inexpensive and effective way to advertise. So the manufacturer is winning. The stores get reimbursed and if they are treating you right then they win you as a customer. And there is lots of competition. So go in there with a smile and with confidence that you are doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing. As long as you are being honest then you are not doing anything wrong. And to think otherwise is beyond silly.
Thank you for having this post. I am new to the coupon world and this information was very helpful.
My Target would not accept coupons unless the item I was buying was the EXACT one pictured. For example, the Target Hershey’s Bliss Candy coupon pictured a bag of candy, but did not specify that I had to buy a bag and not a bar. Same with the Kraft EasyMac. The manager agreed with the cashier and I left frustrated.
I would be really helpful if you could post some kind of policy statement on coupons from stores like CVS, Walgreen, Target etc. so that we can take these into the stores with us and show the managers. Thanks for all of your help and great suggestions!
After a bad experience at Wal-mart, I wrote an email to corporate and then a couple days later got a call from the store manager asking if i could come in and pick up a gift card he wanted to give me for my troubles. I got there and told him i wanted to clarify something, b/c i was told by the supervisor that i couldn’t use other store coupons. The manager said that was correct. I pulled out the wal-mart coupon policy where it says they WILL accept other stores coupons and he stuttered all over himself and upped the gift card from the $20 he told me about to $25.
Just a note…..I have very little trouble at Target in Birmingham, AL but at Walmart….it is a nightmare. Their scanners are all coated with I do not know what and if the coupons won’t scan they will not take them. I have walked out of there quite a few times with nothing. Then walked over to Target and used the very same coupons. Walgreens and CVS as well, no problem.
We call a bad cashier “coupon nazi”
I am so disgusted with target, Again! The managers, and yes three of them told me the banana boat coupon was only for full size not trial size because the picture did not show the trial size. I even called corporate while i was at the register but they weren’t very helpful. The manager told corporate it was the wrong coupon but we all know it wasn’t! They did allow be to buy a few, but they thought they were doing me a favor. They told me I was wrong about the coupon and they know their policy. I can’t believe they have no clue about coupons, it gets me so frustrated. I have to call corporate again tomorrow to talk to someone else.
Has anyone thought of sending a copy of all of these comments to Target corporate? Just a thought. :0)
Ok so i started out loving target with all these coupon ideas you guys have been giving me. Well the happiness lasted for 3 weeks. Now it’s a nightmare. My target will only let me use one target coupon per transaction which is clearly stated on the coupon but I know all of you use more than one at a time and I was too for a while. If the computer takes it whats the problem?
Another experience a few days ago the manager wouldn’t let me use my coupons… not even manufacturer Q’s.
I called corporate they were no help at all. I brought the target coupon policy… no help. I talked to the store manager person and he sys I have the right to limit the coupons you use so he deleted them from my receipt one by one….
Then told me that I can only use ONE target coupon PER DAY for each different item!!!!
I unfortuantely was buying other without coupons that I really needed or I would have just walked out again.
Let me say that Target sucks!!!! I am cutting up my Target card that I love so much!!! Never getting my business again!!!
Walmart had issues with my $4 Glade coupons but after a little huffing ad puffing by one of the managers she let me use them. I just don’t get it.
One of the walgreens by me has mean people working there, the employees and the managers all are mean. Corporate will be getting a call from me… however they do let me use my Q’s without too much trouble but I get horrible looks and horrible customer service.
CVS is not doing ECBs here right now so I dont shop there.
I just hate shopping right now. Everything goes great for a while and then BAM– I’m hated. Boo!!!!!
I am a HUGE couponer and understand both sides of this issue. I work at Target as a manager at the checkout lanes. There is a difference between using coupons, and trying to get something for nothing. If you take advantage of the awesome Target coupon to the point where there is no product left for the rest of the customers, I am afraid Target will eventually stop even having coupons. That is not fair by any means. I have no problem overriding coupons for a reasonable amount of product, but it is VERY frustrating to see someone trying to get an entire cart of items for free. At least buy something else as well. Many business have $ invested in the product and are losing in the end. Target policy is that we can refuse bulk transaction coupons.
Overall, just be smart and reasonable, and you should not have any problems.
I had trouble for the first time at Target today. I was getting the Nexcare bandaids trial size for .97 and they would not take them because the coupon was for $1. After talking to the cashier, a front manager, another manager the first one called over, and calling customer service, I finally got them to price correct the coupons. OMG…what an ordeal. I had over $100 of total groceries too. I also got the..”it does not match the picture” statement but showed them the printing where it describes ANY Nexcare bandage. Customer service explained to them how to do the price correct but the first manager, who was angry, still said they might not do it next time.
The other day when I went to Traget, I had coupons I had printed off from the internet. For some reason they would not scan and they told me they would not take coupons that do not scan anymore, these were Target coupons. They told me I could print them off at their store, but now if I have other coupons I pront and they don’t scan I can’t use them, I don’t understand that.
I also had the same problem at Wal-Mart, but the cashier took them. I use to work for Wal-Mart as a cashier and customer service, so I know they can take any type of coupon, becasue they can hand key them in, becasue they turn in all their coupons at the end of the day. If you have trouble at Wal-Mart go to customer service and if you have trouble there call a manger. I just started this whole coupon thing and I have been having trouble everywhere I go even WalGreens. The lady called up the manger to see if I could use the coupons, becasue I had one for each item, I will be going to a different one where they are much nicer.
Recently I went to the Target store and purchased several items. I used manufacturer and store coupons on some of the items and just store coupons on the remaining items. I presented all of the coupons to the sales associate at the time of purchase and had no problems. Apparently the sales associate felt that the coupons were okay to use. I would later learn that the training or guidance that the associate received clearly differed from the store manager or customer service representative. After completing my purchase but before leaving the store, I realized that I did not use 2 of my coupons. I went to customer service to have them assist me. The young lady at customer service stated that they could accept my coupons because they exceeded the value of the product. I have attached a copy of the coupon policy. When I asked her if I could return the items in question and get my coupons back, she said yes. She went to the register where I had purchased my items and returned with every coupon that I had used. Upon her return to the customer service counter, she immediately starting accusing me of stealing from the store (in front of several other customers as well as my two young children). She went on to say that I needed to return all of the items that I had purchased and at some point I said fine. I asked her to return my coupons and she gave me the manufacturer coupons back. At some point I asked to see the store coupon policy and to speak to a manager. When the acting manager arrived at the customer service, he started with the accusations of fraud. Again all of this was said in earshot of other customers and my kids. He indicated that by using multiple in store coupons items such as the ice cream coupons in one transaction, I had committed fraud. I stated that I had never had any problems before and apologized after the he pointed out the limit one per transaction. After watching the manager and the customer service representative unsuccessfully try to refund my money, I left the store empty handed.
The young lady accused me of stealing. The definition of stealing is as follows: to take something that belongs to somebody else, illegally or without the ownerÂ’s permission. The manager accused me of committing fraud and the definition of fraud is as follows: the crime of obtaining money or some other benefit by deliberate deception.
I would like Target to explain how I was stealing or committing fraud.
The following day, my husband contacted the district managerÂ’s office and spoke with a young lady . During this conversation with her, he requested that she would review the store tape from that night and she agreed. She also stated to my husband my treatment was not standard protocol and she apologized. She went on to say that if I did steal and or commit fraud that loss prevention should have intervened. Loss prevention never came in the picture. On the following Monday, June 29th my husband contacted the District managerÂ’s office again to see if she had an opportunity to investigate the matter. She indicated that she had not obtained the store video yet, but that he was on her list of people to call. My husband ended the call and said that he would check back in a few days.
Target clearly does not care about its customers it is just a matter of time before it goes out of business.
With Target or any store, when I first arrive, I go straight to customer service and ask how many coupons I may use. They often ask how many I have, and I answer honestly … and they often will allow more than their official policy. I often use 10-20 coupons in a single transation, all for free items, and I show them the coupons if they ask.
I know how it feels to be wrong – or new at a job, or new at a process. I try extra hard to be kind and calm. I don’t accept any rudeness, but I just firm and kind. Everyone tries harder when you treat them with respect.
I try to be considerate of their limitations and respectful of their wishes. That way, if I am going to have a problem, I know right away. Usually, if one employee has a problem with coupons, another employee on a different shift will be fine.
Like others who have written on this blog I also work at target and I am also a huge fan of coupons and overall good deals. There are many department store in my area and I have shopped them all. Target by far has the most friendly and helpful staff (go ahead and say I am biased 😛 lol). For those of you who are having trouble it is more than likely caused by others abusing the coupons or down right fraud. I have seen people buy stuff with coupons then return everything to make a HUGE profit. This is fraud. I have also seen people (try) to buy a WHOLE stock of Travel section items. Of Course Target won’t let that happen! What ever happened to coupon etiquette? Every Store manager can limit the number of free Items per transaction. At my store it is 10. I think this is more than fair. Target is a business and they do work hard to keep things stocked. Which is hard to do when one person comes in wanting to but 100 of the same item.
For those of you who AREN’T abusing the system keep doing what you do, and you are not doing anything wrong. But PLEASE remember that it is those people who abuse the system that are causing your troubles not Target.
This past weekend I saved $76.25 in coupons and only paid $10.58. The cashier was okay, starting getting a little cranky towards the end of my pile, but did not question my use of store coupons combined with manufacturer coupons. The person who was really cranky was the woman in line behind me. My DH made light of the situation and kept making comments about how he wouldn’t question my coupon clipping anymore! After all the time I spend researching deals and putting together my list with coupons, I do not have much patience for the huffing and puffing of other shoppers. Seriously, it is an additional couple minutes of their life. Or are they jealous at the good deal we are getting……..
Hello! I am new to Hip2Save and LOVING it!!! Thank you for all of this awesome information!
With that said, I need some perspective on a coupon issue that arose today:
I have had problems with my T using coupons 9 out of 10 times, so before shopping spoke to the Front End Manager, who assured me she would be close by if problems arose. She looked at my Q’s and said all looks well (though she wouldn’t let me use multiple TQ’s for same item). Fine by me- I split it into 2 transactions.
I tried to do the Kashi deal- I bought 2 TLC cookie boxes @2.54 each. I used the $1 off 2 TQ and attempted to use 2 of the $1.50 off any Kashi TLC product. First, I was rejected using a TQ and MQ combined. I whipped out my own personal email to Target Corp. stating the Q policy. Even the Mgr who I spoke to got a lesson here. Then she flat out denied my 2nd MQ ($1.50) because it said on the Q:
“Offer Limited to One Coupon Per Purchase”
In my view, this is one per item, so I should have been able to use both Q’s since I had 2 items. She claimed “purchase” meant in one transaction, hence, only let me use 1 MQ and the TQ.
Who is right?
Hi, do you know exactly how they could adjust the value of the coupon? When I use a $1 on a .99 item, they screen showed “Item not found”, and only showed two buttons on the right: 1. Accept anyway 2. Decline. When the cashier saw that screen she just said I cannot use the coupon. Which button do they have to press to adjust the value of the coupon down to .99? Thanks for your help.
Okay so I think I am done with Target!
I just sent this email to them:
I am writing to inform you how I am DISGUSTED with your Bloomfield Hills MI store and because of two bad experiences I will no longer be shopping at Target. My first experience was on July 3rd in which an associate rang up all my items and then another person came to say I could not use more than one coupon on certain items even though there was no restriction listed on the coupon. So this was irritating to myself and those behind me as we then had to remove items from what I’d bought. I checked your corporate coupon policy and there was no restriction listed. Yet in still I tried again to visit the store today and was even more disgusted this time. Although I don’t think it is appropriate this time I only had one coupon per item I chose to buy to conform to this stores arbitrary rules. This time however I am told they will not accept Internet Printables. How can you offer printable coupons on your website AND in your kiosk and then say people can not use them? So again I told her to take away all the items with IPs and that left me with only three items. I had another item which the coupon exceeded the value so the associate refused to use that. I explained to her that the Target coupon policy is to reduce the value of the coupon and not give overage and she still refused. So I was so digusted I bought nothing and I left. I never want to visit your store again after this. I wasted time gas and energy. If stores are making arbitrary rules or changing their rules every month (I used IPs on July 3rd with no problem) please ask them to post them so no one else uses them. I really did like Target however it is not worth my time to visit since everything changes every time I go there. -Former and currently dissatisfied customer Tashena Lynette Gonzales
I went to one Target and got the line about how they couldn’t take coupons to make an item free. I didn’t put up a fight because I hadn’t read all the other posts and didn’t read the coupon policy. So today I went by a different Target armed with the coupon policy. The cashier didn’t really say anything but got the front store manager, who was kinda scary. That lady said they couldn’t take the coupons because they didn’t say that the item could be free. So I told her about the email and she wouldn’t even acknowlage it. So I asked if they could hold my items while I called the corporate office. Ben form Guest Services was very nice and said in fact they could take the coupons and asked to speak to the manager. We ended up getting the store manager over and they started arguing on my cell phone about how the policy wasn’t in the book or something. Eventually Guest Services call the store manager on the house phone and he relented. I asked him if this were to happen again what to do and he said that the register will probably reject them but all the front managers will know the new policy. I left that Target sweaty and with a HUGE smile on my face. Scary as it may seem I did this with a 2 year old and a 9 month old in the cart. Now I have to go work on the first Target I went to. So excited!
Hello all. I am new to this site but am going to post since I have been a Target tM for almost 5 years, and an avid couponer as well. Here is my take on the whole thing:
If you are not happy with your service, call the guest relations number (readily available at the Giest Service Desk)
Make sure you fully understand the policy and are using the coupon correctly. ONE MQ CAN BE USED WITH ONE TARGET COUPON, per item.
There will sometimes be a survey that prints out on your receipt for a chance to win a $5,000 gift card. There is a spot on the survey to leave comments, and it would be appropriate to leave a comment (good or bad) about your experience. These surveys are very important to the store from a managers perspective and from the District Managers perspective. ALWAYS fill it out.
The coupon-only line is a great idea in theory, but is not really feasible. The people that run the lanes are not just cashiers, they are often pulled from the floor to help on the lanes. Stores are not usually given a budget to allow for a cashier that is soley devoted to couponers. There are cashiers scheduled for the sole purpose of cashiering, but sometimes only one or two.
Be polite. I know it is extremely frustrating to deal with these issues, but I promise you being in the cashiers face or in the face of the GSTL (front end manager) will not get you anywhere. Kill ’em with kindness.
Follow what the coupon says and don’t try to get away with a sneaky deal. That only makes it harder for everyone else.
You cannot get an item “free” unless the coupon says it will be free. You will be charged a penny for the item. We do not get reimbursed for the full amount. the cashier should be writing on the coupon how much the discount was (for example… dove coupon for $1.00 off any dove item, if I buy a dove trial size for .97, cashier will ring it as a Man. Discount for .96 and write that on the coupon. I know, few do, but that is policy.
Tell your cashier ahead of time that you have a ton of coupons! We are timed from start to finish, but the cashier can suspend your transaction, and get it going again.That causes less frustration for the cashier to not have the pressure of trying to hurry.
I hope this helps!
Amanda
I had a very positive experience at Target yesterday. Upon walking into the store I cleared coupon policy with those at the service desk: internet coupons (yes), one manuf/one target per item (yes), using something that costs more than the price of the item (no). They will not adjust down the price on an item so you make money or are in the negative. I know this may not be in their policy, but i accepted it. I did my shopping and upon approaching the register informed the cashier I had coupons. He was fine with it and we separated the order by items and did each coupon after each item, which was awesome so that I could check that they went through. He was very pleasant. It took awhile but we had nice conversations and he stated how he doesn’t care about coupons, but does care when people scam them, i.e.: using a $25 off 100 toy purchase when they purchased a $5 toy and a $95 of groceries. Basically he gave me the ins and outs. I told him I agree that if everyone uses coupons responsibly we will be allowed to use them. I just wanted to share this pleasant experience. I did have one bad target experience before where THEIR coupons would not scan and they would not type them in. One hint: I generally try to pick cashiers who are around my age (24) and I have never really had a problem. So, I know how you all feel about going into a target and being nervous things won’t work, but I just worked with the cashier, was pleasant and he was surprisingly helpful.
In the past I have gotten dirty looks from the cashiers and they have called managers over to confirm the q was ok but on Fri I had the worst experience ever. When I got to my car I cried I was so upset. I had various P&G coupons that were to expire on Fri so I wanted to use them up. I didn’t get very much. 4 travel tides, 4 travel olay lotions, 4 head & shoulders trial (these wouldn’t have been free only $1/2 q) same w/2 trial pantene. The young girl (I’m 26 and she looked younger) rolled her eyes and gave me a dirty look from the beginning. She said that none of my coupons were scanning and called someone over that lady said coupons over the cost couldn’t be used I told her that the corp policy says they can adj the q down, front leader was right near and 1st he agreed w/me. Then he walked by and the snotty cashier said but none of these are scanning and we were told they couldn’t be used for trials. He came over and started looking. He waived my tide in my face and said that I (me) know that the coupon means for the full product not the trial and I told him that it said any. He didn’t care he said he wouldn’t give it to me, like he would be doing me a favor. Then he wouldn’t take the pantene or the head and should even though they wouldn’t have been free and what really really made me mad was i had a bunch of qs for b1g1 easy mac and she threw them at me. “it won’t take it you can only use one per transaction” they said purchase but whatever and only 2 of the q said that (I didn’t notice because my printed ones didn’t say that) they wouldnt let me use my $1/2 easy mac q either. Then i had a q for a free can of chef michaels dog food that i tore off a previously bought package and they wouldnt take that either. they said only 1 per transaction (it says “one per item purchased” on it) I was only getting 2 cans. Geesh. I am so afraid to go in there they always make me feel like a thief and i always buy the kids toys and take them to get popcorn and icees from the cafe (reward for being patient) Sometimes we go to target just to go to the cafe. So mean.
I went to Target here in Portland Oregon …The checker told me that she couldn’t take my coupons because it said “One coupon per Item” ….So I made a big stink about saying yes thats right and I’m buying 10 Items with 10 coupons …Your not going to believe what she did ..She called over 2 armed security guards and had them stand there looking at my coupons ..I said what is this all about? She said well if I take your coupons and we don’t get paid back for them from the company its a lost pervention for the store ….I said For God sakes give me a manager …well they didnt have anyone in charge there …and they would only take 2 of my coupons ..So when I got home I called targets head office and the lady thought I was lying she couldnt believe they would call an Armed guard for coupons …She put me on hold called the store talked to the manager and he said that was way out of line …and to sum this all up I’m done with Target .. I will not shop there again …They made me feel like I was trying to pass a bad check or something….
Yeah, I think I’m done with Target, too (well, maybe I’ll keep perusing their Dollar Spot ONLY). They refused to adjust their own TARGET $1.00 off coupons today on items that cost $.99. I am always leaving frustrated and empty handed when I go in that store…no lie. It’s a shame b/c I really like their products. I even had the coupon policy with me and they said that the coupon issues vary from store to store.
As a former target employee I know that they take both coupons. I went on Friday and did great. A suggestion I would have is to go to Guest services and ask to talk to store manager or L.O.D. in charge. Show them the letter and ask them why you seem to be having trouble with cashiers not taking them. I understand the frustration. The cashiers really don’t get enough training and they are scared. I know that in the morning huddles they constantly bring up coupons. Checking for expiration dates and making sure they are not photo copied. The problem is they don’t tell you how to check. So when you get someone with a lot of coupons it makes you suspicious. Secondly, make sure you are getting an actual manager(LOD) and not just a team leader. I haven’t had any problem except for having to ring everything up seperate. Hope this helps.
Continued…..I also caught another store changing their policies from corporate policies while I worked there. Corporate policies are blanket policies and MUST be followed by ALL Targets. I can not believe they called security over on you. Close to opening time is the best time to go and talk to LOD’s especially the store manager. Target is notorious for treating people badly. Sad to say. I would also suggest if you are in the mood to fight. Call corporate while at target and hand your cell phone over to manager. Honestly it will work eventually. Ring up items seperately. Try checking out in the pharmacy as well. They are a lot more patient and understanding. Hope this helps someone.
I had a problem with coupons the first couple of times I tried Target (I’m a newbie), but I read somewhere you can print coupons at the wedding registry kiosk. Guess what? Thir corporate coupon policy is also on that computer and you can print it right there. I printed it (it printed on their special blue paper) and showed it to the cashier. She asked where I got it from and I told her it was IN THE STORE! Never had another problem and I carry it with me. Also, I tell the cashiers to use the hand scanner for the coupons because it almost always works without beeps. This past Saturday was my best Target trip yet. I got $42.98 worth of merchandise for $7.40 with a $5 Target gift card (for the Dreyer’s deal). Yay!
Target…bleh. I just had to argue there today. I lined up the items and coupons on the belt and walked through reading each one with the cashier, and ended up doing the same thing with the manager after the cashier couldn’t handle it anymore. We checked dates, item sizes, blah blah blah. She finally overrode all of the beepers.
She did say that “they” have been getting a hard time about coupons. From whom? I asked? She declined to respond. So if it’s more than one Target it makes you think it’s a corporate crack down, even if calling corporate seems to make things better. It disturbs me that a chain store can give it’s managers so much authority in making decisions. Oh well.
One quick question…should you give the target coupons first or the manufacture coupons first or does it even matter? Thanks for the help.