Couponing is meant to save money. However, some shoppers take it too far. They use aggressive or unethical tricks. These actions frustrate employees. They also disrupt the store. Retailers have little patience for these behaviors. Using these nine couponing tricks could easily get you kicked out. You might even face a permanent ban.
1. Arguing Aggressively with the Cashier
A coupon might not scan correctly. The terms might be confusing. An experienced couponer will politely ask for clarification. An aggressive couponer will start a loud argument. This holds up the line. It creates a stressful scene. This hostile behavior is a fast way to get asked to leave the store.
2. Abusing the Store’s Generosity
Some stores have very generous policies. They might accept expired coupons. They might allow stacking. An unethical shopper will try to push these policies to the absolute limit. They will argue for every possible loophole. This abuse of the store’s goodwill can lead to a manager revoking those privileges. They may even ban the customer.
3. Clearing the Shelves
“Shelf clearing” is a major couponing sin. This is when a shopper uses a large number of coupons. They buy every single unit of a sale item. This leaves none for other customers. Stores view this as extremely inconsiderate. Many managers will limit quantities. They may also ban customers who repeatedly clear shelves.
4. Using Coupons on the Wrong Items
This is a common form of coupon misuse. A shopper will try to use a coupon on the wrong size or variety of a product. They may hope the cashier does not notice. This is often an intentional attempt to deceive the system. Repeatedly trying this trick can flag you as a problem customer. It can lead to you being banned.
5. Exploiting a Known “Glitch”
A “glitch” is a computer error that gives an unintended discount. Some online groups share these glitches, and followers resort to intentionally and repeatedly exploiting these errors, which is unethical. Retailers are aware of and track this activity. If they identify you as a “glitcher,” they can ban you from their stores.
6. Returning Items Bought with Coupons for Full Price
Some people try to make a profit from couponing. They do so by buying an item with a high-value coupon, then returning the item later without a receipt. They hope to get the full retail price back in cash. However, retailers track returns very carefully, and this kind of return fraud is a quick way to get banned.
7. Using Fake or Photocopied Coupons
Using a counterfeit coupon is the most serious offense. This is not a “trick.” It is a crime. Retailers lose millions of dollars to fake coupons each year, and they pursue these cases aggressively. If you are caught using a fake coupon, you will be banned and possibly face criminal charges.
8. Wasting Huge Amounts of Time
Some couponers are extremely disorganized. They will come to the register with a huge pile of unsorted coupons, forcing the cashier to spend a very long time processing the order. This holds up the line for everyone else. While not technically against the rules, this behavior is very inconsiderate.
9. Creating a Mess at the Register
An extreme couponing transaction can create a huge mess. There can be piles of discarded packaging and unwanted items left on the belt. A customer who consistently leaves a disaster area at the register will get a bad reputation. This can lead to employees refusing to serve them.
The Ethics of Saving
Couponing requires a sense of responsibility. It is a partnership between the shopper, the store, and the manufacturer. Abusing that partnership with aggressive, inconsiderate, or fraudulent behavior will quickly get you shut out of the savings game. The best couponers know that saving money should never come at the expense of respecting the rules and the people around you.
Have you ever witnessed someone using one of these tricky couponing behaviors? What do you think is the most important rule of couponing etiquette? Let us know!
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