Do mean cashiers hold you back from couponing? You are not alone! Michelle left the following comment, in response to my Extreme Couponing at Walgreens:
“I want to try this so bad, but the cashiers at my store are SO RUDE! I hate the way they make me feel when I use a coupon.”
Michelle, I was in the exact same position back in 2008, when I first started my couponing journey. While I never once considered quitting, there were times that cashiers embarrassed me, frustrated me, and even yelled at me on occasion! Here are a few tricks I’ve learned along the way to make cashiers nicer, using Rite Aid as an example:
1. Location, Location, Location
Yes, that’s a phrase I used daily in my career as a realtor, but it also applies to couponing. Don’t assume all Rite Aids are evil because you had a bad experience at one location. In my area, I have 3 Rite Aids, but only one of them is “mine.” Drug stores vary greatly, not just chain-to-chain, but store-to-store. The quality of the stock, cleanliness, and the cashiers can be world’s apart. Don’t rule out anything until you’ve shopped multiple locations.
2. Be friendly
This may seem obvious, but human beings subconsciously mirror and if you’re grouchy or pushy, the cashier will respond in kind. Don’t go in with a bad or combative attitude. Say hello, ask how their day is going. Leave a positive impression for all couponers. We get a bad reputation, due to a few crazies. Yes, Mama June, I’m talking to you…
3. Build bridges
If you intend to coupon regularly, at the same location, you’re going to interact with the same cashiers—a lot! Try being the “Nice Coupon Queen,” by offering a token of gratitude.
Whenever I need overage to use a Rite Aid Up Reward that’s just slightly under, I add in a $0.30 caramel and always offer it to the cashier. I have never once been refused. Quite the contrary, you’d be surprised how far this simple gesture goes to build good will.
4. Do for those who do for you
When a cashier is especially nice, tell their store manager. Take the receipt survey and give great feedback. Better yet, call corporate! I guarantee it’ll be appreciated. (Conversely, if you have a truly horrible experience, tell corporate that, too. They really do take these things seriously.) I called corporate to praise 3 teenagers that work nights at my Rite Aid. These kids are awesome and they deserve recognition. That was a few years ago and they still talk about it when I come into the store.
5. Cashiers are not the enemy
I’ve seen some couponers treat cashiers like an enemy. If the coupon beeps, they get nasty. If the coupon is expired, they try to fight it. If a certain deal isn’t in stock, they will holler to no end. Cashiers truly do not want to prevent us from using legit coupons! If an item is gone, get a rain check. If you’re trying to push fake and/or expireds, you deserve a bad reaction! Be ethical and the cashiers will be, too.
Over time, I’ve become friendly with many cashiers. Like any other long-term association, I’ve heard about their lives and problems. I frequently hear store gossip and get the heads-up on hidden deals. My cashiers will gladly bring me stuff from the stockroom and even have carried heavy items out to my car.
They treat me with respect because I treat them with respect. (Isn’t that the key for every successful relationship in life…)
How have you made friends—or enemies!—with cashiers?
There are a lot of bad couponers out there. Be nice like your mama taught you, apologize when you mistakenly hand them a coupon for a wrong brand or expired. It’s getting hard to read those tiny exp dates and they do understand that. I told one I was sorry, and the cashier thanked me. she said people had been yelling at her all day like she had any control over setting the rules.