Knowing The Fine Print On Coupons
Generally when a coupon is turned down under those circumstances we feel cheated
, maybe a bit conned and we tend to lose trust in the store. The two main reasons retailers list exclusions on coupons are terms of agreements and maintaining profits.
The first reason is the "Terms of Agreement" clause. Retailers often enter into agreements with popular name-brand companies.
These agreements state that the merchandise purchased will not be promoted within a certain time span and sold under the suggested retail price dictated by the wholesaler. Some may also state that they must meet the criteria for what is considered an acceptable promotion by the manufacturer.
The second reason is maintaining profits.
The retailer creates an advertisement for the main purpose of moving out-of-season and slower selling merchandise. The retailer does not want to sacrifice the profit on its top-selling current merchandise.
For this reason they discount out-of-season merchandise to keep current priced fully. If a particular line of clothing is really hot and selling like crazy at full-price, the retailers don't need to offer those items at discount prices.
The same thing occurs with new items on the store's shelves. The retailer needs to get a good handle on the customers' reaction to it before jumping the gun and offering it at discount prices.
If you are upset that the advertisement you used has fine print that excludes the items in your cart, it may help to complain when you are actually in the store and face-to-face with the store management. If you are shopping online, however, you may not be as fortunate.
Generally people taking complaints over the phone are less likely to bend the rules. If you ask to complain to the next level of management do not be surprised if you are told that there is no other level.
When you are planning to use a discount that you have received either in an email, posted on a website or one you received in regular mail, always take the time to read it completely. Be sure to also check the small print.
If you are unclear as to what items are included in the promotion call your local store and ask the store manager. If you plan to use it online, call the customer service number and ask for clarification.
If you know what you plan to purchase, keep the customer service representative on the phone until you process your transaction and see that the coupon code you entered was accepted. If it does not go through, ask the employee to process the transaction over the phone.
If you are in a store with a coupon that lists several exclusions, try to team up with a sales associate and have them help you select the promotional items. If you run into a problem when you go to check out, your chances of them making an exception and giving you the discount are greater if an employee told you the discount was good on the item you selected.
Promotions and discounts can end at any time, even when an expiration date is listed. This mostly happens when companies are caught off-guard with a advertisement that circulates around the Internet.
If the company only intended the coupon to go to specific people and it gets posted for anyone to print, the promotion could be halted. Companies allot so much money for promotions and if the amount begins to exceed beyond what they planned for, they can discontinue the discount at any time.
It is one of the many things often written on the bottom of the advertisement in small print. Complaining to store management sometimes works, but they are not obligated to give the discount.
A good solution when dealing with stores that constantly issue advertisements that are confusing is to shop somewhere else. Consumers have the power because they can stop buying.
by: Tommy Greene
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