No Q on clearance items?

[mcscheatzle]

So I and a million other couponers were at the Bristow HT. The had a large amount of clearance items due to the reset. The Qs I tried to use needed an override. The cashier called for an override. The Store manager came over and asked why the override was needed. The cashier explained that none of the Qs would go through because all the items were clearance. First of all I'm not sure that is true. :shrug7: The SM proceeded to tell me that they do not accept "Qs on clearance items, b/c it would make them...." long pause here. So i finished her sentence w/ "You mean free". She replied, "NO MORE than free! You are already getting a great deal them". I said I didn't want them for more than free. Free was just fine. She would not bend. Is this a formal policy?
Thanks!

[Alice of the Palace]

I don't know if its a "formal policy" but our store in eastern NC won't take coupons on clearance items. The bar codes are marked through and they have a yellow clearance sticker on them with the new price. I have also been told I was already getting a good price so no coupons accepted.

[postalchick71]

I used them at the store in Reston before. The cashier wasn't sure and checked with customer service and they said sure.

[dionada]

"You are already getting a great deal on them"

That line drives me up the wall. Why do they care? They get rid of stock and get reimbursement from the manufacturer. It's a win-win for them. Smart managers/cashiers/chains will see that and let you use coupons.

I have totally fallen in love with Kroger since I moved here. They have great stuff on clearance, and instead of marking out the barcodes they put their own barcode sticker on it, so it still scans as whatever item it is and if you use a coupon on it, it scans with no problem.

[mcscheatzle]

Well I did email HT corp. Just because I want to know what the exact policy is. I really do understand the SM more than likely felt she was under assault w/ everyone running around w/ coupon binders, etc. I think that the amount of shoppers there this morning had her overwhelmed. That said, if they offer, I'm there.

I am pretty sure I have used Qs on clearance at this store before. As for the comment about getting a good deal, yeah, that kinda miffed me. I don't get why it bothers people if I get some thing free, due to my planning, time, etc.

Once, a cashier said "wow; it's your lucky day! You got 1xx.xx worth of groceries for 10.xx." I just smiled and replied. Yeah, I'm lucky that way! If they knew how much time and prep it takes, I think they might appreciate it more. But then again, some people are just pissed at life.

[$Saving!]

hhhmmm, I guess it could be YMMV situation, but I can't imagine I would be too happy if they wouldn't accept a coupon on a clearance item.

They get reimbursed the same from the mftr whether the item is on sale or not, no different than if they do B2G3 free and you use a coupon on the two you buy.

I would simply and quietly tell the manager (out of earshot of other customers and associates) that if that is their particular store policy (since they don't offer proof through showing you written corporate policy on that issue), that you will find another Harris Teeter to do your shopping with or perhaps (if the case is such), that you will take your business to XXXXXX competitor.

Said quietly, gracefully and in a matter of fact tone then walk away.

In fact, I would go so far to say it's a shame, as HT is one of my largest stores to spend money in but I can understand your policy if you can understand I don't and won't support it

Then go home and call corporate and file a complaint that as a regular customer, you felt belittled by her public comments etc.

Believe me, the grocery marketers are doing everything they can to hold onto market share and if you go to corporate, they usually listen and see the "big" picture better.

But there is no need to be ugly either, in fact, that often makes them ignore what you're saying as "emotional rant" and tune you out.

Approach them as if you appreciate their marketing savvy and this policy is a show stopper for many customers, yourself included and that you belong to coupon message boards and will spread the word.

Word of mouth advertising is priceless if it's in their favor, a killer if it's not because nothing they can do will compensate for bad word of mouth.

I'll have to try to find a coupon match up with a clearance item and try it where I shop just to test the waters.............usually there is nothing in clearance I want but I always look

[beanie23]

I have definitely used coupons on clearance items at HTs in Chapel Hill and Carrboro without any problem. They do need an override, because the register can't match the coupon to the markdown barcode, but the managers have always done it for me like it was just expected. It really wouldn't make sense to refuse a coupon on something you want to clear out ASAP, would it? :shrug7:

[gem7]

I've had some stores take them, and some not. I think it just depends on the SM.

[momofmany]

I was at the Bristow store yesterday and the sign on the clearance area said something like " coupons on clearance items will be accepted at face value - no doubling". I bought one item and they pushed it through and it doubled. lol

Even under the watchful eye of the coupon hating white shirt (who shall remain nameless).

<shrug>

[mcscheatzle]

I was at the Bristow store yesterday and the sign on the clearance area said something like " coupons on clearance items will be accepted at face value - no doubling". I bought one item and they pushed it through and it doubled. lol

Even under the watchful eye of the coupon hating white shirt (who shall remain nameless).

<shrug>

good for you! Aweful, that is the way it is.:shrug7: