How do you keep from getting discouraged?

[VivaciousJewelz]

I have a question about rainchecks. If the product isn't "on sale" can I get a raincheck? The cat food was a trial size, not a regular bag marked down.

If it's not on sale, you don't have to get a raincheck, just go back when they are in stock, or ask an employee when the trucks are in to restock and go then.

[motherofmolly]

dont let one rude person discourage you. personally, i would stop leaving just for the couple of free items and start planning regular shopping trips. you can still save good money on items for your family. they might not be the crazy money makers or free items, but you still can do really good.

i dont even bother with target...someone beats me too it. and i dont do too many mm's at walmart. i do my normal shopping and still save 60% or better and come home with tons of free stuff after coupon.

[Harper12]

I went to 2 other Targets today...they were quite a ways away, but the fiance is home to stay with the baby. Both were out. But at the 2nd one, a man was stocking other cat food and I asked him about it. He said they got a truck in today and was surprised they were out already, but suggested I come in as soon as they open Friday morning as a new truck will be in and if they're not on the shelf yet, they should be in the back. So I plan on doing just that!

PS-I'm in a hurry to get these because the cat is almost out of food, and I'd really like to get the free cat food when I know it's possible! Also, since these are trial bags, I have no idea how long they'll be carrying them.

PSS-On the bright side, my two visits to Target got me some super cute clothes on clearance for the little missie. Sure, they're 12 months and bigger, but she'll fit into them eventually! I probably got about $120 worth of clothes for about $25 :)

[melodyjg]

You are doing great! You will find what works for you... Everyone is different :)

[TheatreMama]

I feel for ya! I have a 15 month old, so I know the stress and time constraints that can add to the mix. Just stick to it. Take joy in the little trips. Hopefully people will get lazy, and get off of couponing and let the rest of us who are trying to save money for our families be in peace! Just keep at it! Don't give up!

And secretly pray that Target woman gets pooped on by a bird in the parking lot...

[ari'smom]

I got discouraged pretty quickly myself. Between the hassle of trying to get large amounts of coupons to make it worthwhile when the occasional good deal came around, only to have to battle with other couponers to get said items, then endure the cashiers who either don't know what they are doing or are convinced you are trying to steal from them. Oh, so much drama. And with an anxiety disorder, I was just never sure if the anxiety of the whole process made up for the anxiety of going without certain things. Not to mention if any money I was spending trying to get extra coupons and driving around for deals was worth it in the long run.

My mom still gives me her coupons and sometimes some from her friends. But usually by the time I see her most of them are expired lol. And really there seem to be so few deals that I am finding, the one or two things here and there almost aren't even worth it. But it was pretty good for awhile so I guess I can't complain.

[fluttervale]

I always shop later in the week. Most of the stuff has been re-stocked and no one gets mad because you've taken the "last one."

I also don't fool with the policies. One transaction, no doing multiple transactions. I'm always an ethical shopper and if I'm shopping for someone else and can't get enough for both of us, I give that person the coupons and let them buy their own stuff. If I decide I don't want something, I put it back where I found it. This keeps the clerks & managers happy and that gets me favors like, "I think there's a clip strip over there..."

[Texaspurplecouponlady]

In my town, we have one Target. I missed getting the trial size one week, but, was
able to get it the second week. Maybe if you call ahead & talk to a manger about
your last trip. Hopefully, if they have some trial size, they will save some for you.
Don't get discouraged, all will get better!

[peggy47]

Don't get discouraged. There are some really rude people in this world. I hope you took notice of face so one day you can fill your cart and whip on by her and smile sweetly at her and say "I took them all...too bad for you!" Ha ha. Seriously, don't ever be like her!!! I would rather miss a deal then be rude to a fellow couponer & come across as being greedy...