Is it possible to STEAL coupons from SS pads?

[wl_pro]

I'd like to know your thoughts...


Do you think it's possible to steal coupons from the SmartSource pads and/or Coupon Zones in stores? Aren't they there for the taking (within reason of course using proper coupon etiquette: i.e. don't take the whole pad, don't take more than you're going to use within the 'life' of the coupon, take a few from one store, a few from another (if you want/need more) etc. etc.)? Do I have to buy something when I'm shopping for coupons? Do I have to be buying the product I am taking the coupon for that very moment? Help. I feel totally guilty - with the help of a cashier of course... What is right/wrong???

[KellyC]

If they didn't want them to be taken, they'd have them in a little lock box with a padlock on it.

[vibrantflame]

Some store personnel will try to convince you that you are only allowed to use the coupon on purchases you are making right then and there...but that is simply not true. They have an expiry date for a reason, so you can use them at anytime before they expire. I think some say this because they don't want the coupon being used in combination with a sale item or because they don't want you taking the coupon and using it somewhere else (although I have no idea why, as most stores seem to find it a huge hassle to accept coupons).

[mimi-]

Some store personnel will try to convince you that you are only allowed to use the coupon on purchases you are making right then and there...but that is simply not true. They have an expiry date for a reason, so you can use them at anytime before they expire. I think some say this because they don't want the coupon being used in combination with a sale item or because they don't want you taking the coupon and using it somewhere else (although I have no idea why, as most stores seem to find it a huge hassle to accept coupons).

stores like don't people to take the coupons to use somewhere else because they want the business that the coupons would generate to stay in their store. i guess they feel disappointed when they run a coupon promo and the benefits in revenue goes to another store. as for using coupons in conjunction with sales, i don't think there is any conflict of interest because the store is reimbursed so their shouldn't be any attitude. except maybe when there's a really good sale item and people with coupons buy all the stock at the beginning of the sale. the store is left with no stock for a good duration of the sale and leaves a bad impression on some customers as being the store with the advertised deals being always out of stock.

[pelosofamily]

aw poor stores

[lshortt]

I always take coupons from more than one store but I do take extras to share...I have never had anyone from a store stop me from taking coupons...I usually wait until a good sale comes on and combine that with the coupons = saving money...

[Chantel]

Do you think it's possible to steal coupons from the SmartSource pads and/or Coupon Zones in stores? Nope! They're not money (as in, they're not coins or bills. They're legal tender, but you're not pickpocketing the store or anything), and they're not items that need to be paid for. As long as you're being courteous, you can take as many as you'd like.

Do I have to buy something when I'm shopping for coupons? Negative. You never HAVE to buy anything! Most of us do when we're coupon hunting because something catches our eye on a clearance rack or we need a jug of milk or something, but you don't have to.

Do I have to be buying the product I am taking the coupon for that very moment? Help. I feel totally guilty - with the help of a cashier of course... What is right/wrong??? Another HECK NO. That's what being a smart canuck is all about, saving coupons to save maximum cash. Why would you spend twice as much on an item just to get a dollar off? Seems silly! Stores that have good coupons often have sucky regular prices, so if they want me to bring that coupon back and use it in their store on a sale, they better have a good sale! Most of my coupons get handed over to the lovelies at LD anyway. If anywhere else would like to have me as a customer at their store they should A: Treat me and my coupons properly and B: Not hound me about what I'm doing with and where I'm going with the little pieces of paper that THEY didn't even put up!

Take the coupons you want and tuck them away for a clear(ance) day Don't feel obligated to spend them there or at that moment.

[amanda4]

Very very well said!!

Do you think it's possible to steal coupons from the SmartSource pads and/or Coupon Zones in stores? Nope! They're not money (as in, they're not coins or bills. They're legal tender, but you're not pickpocketing the store or anything), and they're not items that need to be paid for. As long as you're being courteous, you can take as many as you'd like.

Do I have to buy something when I'm shopping for coupons? Negative. You never HAVE to buy anything! Most of us do when we're coupon hunting because something catches our eye on a clearance rack or we need a jug of milk or something, but you don't have to.

Do I have to be buying the product I am taking the coupon for that very moment? Help. I feel totally guilty - with the help of a cashier of course... What is right/wrong??? Another HECK NO. That's what being a smart canuck is all about, saving coupons to save maximum cash. Why would you spend twice as much on an item just to get a dollar off? Seems silly! Stores that have good coupons often have sucky regular prices, so if they want me to bring that coupon back and use it in their store on a sale, they better have a good sale! Most of my coupons get handed over to the lovelies at LD anyway. If anywhere else would like to have me as a customer at their store they should A: Treat me and my coupons properly and B: Not hound me about what I'm doing with and where I'm going with the little pieces of paper that THEY didn't even put up!

Take the coupons you want and tuck them away for a clear(ance) day Don't feel obligated to spend them there or at that moment.

[$stretcher]

I agree with bigbertha, the only time I wonder is when I see people who have 50 coupons of something to trade. I only take 5 or 6 at a time, maybe on a couple trips (my SDM still has nivea $2 coupons) but I would never take a whole pad or hog them. I wonder if the traders do that, or if they have an 'in' with a rep or store to get a few pads before they hit the shelves? Makes me wonder....

[guccigoo22]

I'm one of those who has an "in" (sometimes) with a SS rep, thanks to my MIL who works at Safeway. I told her that I share the coupons with people all accross Canada, who may not be lucky enough to find them in their towns. I've done about 15 "tearpad trains" so far.

I find that many stores in my area, have long lasting tearpad coupons, so I keep note, then when I see someone looking for them in a trading post, I go grab some, and trade for ones that I want.

Take the $1 Oral B toothbrush right now. I have 4 different stores, within 5 minutes that have FULL tearpads, so yesterday I grabbed a few from each, and am going to RAOK them to 2 people, so they can take advantage of the great deals this coming week. To a stanger it may seem like i'm being greedy (I took about 8 from each location), but I don't feel bad, cause i'm sharing the love!

[quebecqueen]

Give it to a cashier to make us feel -yet again- like we are thieves.

Again BigBertha has the right words, with the right answer. ..Thanks BB for the words of wisdom!

[caroman]

If they didn't want them to be taken, they'd have them in a little lock box with a padlock on it.

[wl_pro]

TY everyone :O)

[kris10]

lol, i was at the grocery store last year specificaly to collect coupons cuz i was at the plaza anyway, i went in the freezer and took some and no frills security guy accused me of stealing pasta when i had walked ouside,lmao.

[barbs]

Do you think it's possible to steal coupons from the SmartSource pads and/or Coupon Zones in stores? Nope! They're not money (as in, they're not coins or bills. They're legal tender, but you're not pickpocketing the store or anything), and they're not items that need to be paid for. As long as you're being courteous, you can take as many as you'd like.

Do I have to buy something when I'm shopping for coupons? Negative. You never HAVE to buy anything! Most of us do when we're coupon hunting because something catches our eye on a clearance rack or we need a jug of milk or something, but you don't have to.

Do I have to be buying the product I am taking the coupon for that very moment? Help. I feel totally guilty - with the help of a cashier of course... What is right/wrong??? Another HECK NO. That's what being a smart canuck is all about, saving coupons to save maximum cash. Why would you spend twice as much on an item just to get a dollar off? Seems silly! Stores that have good coupons often have sucky regular prices, so if they want me to bring that coupon back and use it in their store on a sale, they better have a good sale! Most of my coupons get handed over to the lovelies at LD anyway. If anywhere else would like to have me as a customer at their store they should A: Treat me and my coupons properly and B: Not hound me about what I'm doing with and where I'm going with the little pieces of paper that THEY didn't even put up!

Take the coupons you want and tuck them away for a clear(ance) day Don't feel obligated to spend them there or at that moment.

agree with everything...except...'take as many as you'd like'

I recommend.......take a reasonable amount........you can always go to another store (or back to the same one and collect more)........gives everyone......a fair chance.....to get some coupons too..

BTW, we don't call it STEALING? coupons......merely...COLLECTING coupons......