One of the things I have noticed since I started Addicted to Saving is that many of you have awesome tips on everything from couponing to cooking to gardening to finding deals, etc. So, I thought I would start a new 5 day post where every afternoon, I ask a common question that I get in my email inbox. I will attempt to answer the question and then all of you can chime in with how you would answer the question! The goal of this is for all of us to learn from each other. In order for this daily post to be a success, you all need to leave comments with your thoughts and ideas. I can’t wait to hear them!

Let’s Discuss: What do you do when you see people using coupons inappropriately?

My Thoughts: I remember two summers ago I was speaking with a woman who was telling me how she was able to use a Pretzel M&M’s coupon at CVS on Peanut M&M’s.  This is despite the fact that the coupon specifically said BOGO Pretzel M&Ms.  I listened to her tell me how the register didn’t beep so what she was doing was okay.  What did I do?  I went into my schpeal telling her that we always have to read the writing on the coupon and then follow it because while the register may not beep, the store will not be reimbursed on a coupon in this situation.  Even after this, she was extremely insistent that she didn’t do anything wrong.  No, I didn’t get into an argument with her – I let it go.  Here is the thing.  We all make mistakes.  But when people knowingly misuse coupons and make excuses for this, we are setting our stores up for not getting reimbursed and our stores will then crack down on all couponers – whether they follow the rules or not.

Your turn: What do you do when you see people using coupons inappropriately?  How do you handle the situation? 

For a list of all of the topics we have covered in 2012, click below where it says “click to continue”

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