My first Brag GONE BAD!

[bvandoren]

Well as u know I posted my first brag from SDM (4 boxes of huggies for12.99)

K let me start at the very beginning.
Sunday
I went to SDM to get diapers and a few other items. I went home after shopping and looked at the flyer and realized that I was over charged for my diapers as they were supposed to be on sale. I went back to the store at about 5pm and stated that I thought i was over charged and that I would like the money back. the lady argued with me and said that the small pack that I bought was not on sale and only the big 26.99 ones were but she said she would give me the difference this one time. I was confused at the time and accepted the 8 dollars she refunded me. I then asked if scanning code of conduct applied and she snapped and said NO. I calmly left the store baffled.

9:30 pm I went home unsatisfied and thought about it and came to the conclusion that if the big boxes are only 12.99 then THATS A WAY BETTER DEAL then buying the small packs. SO.....I went to the store and politely asked the same lady what the limit was on the big boxes because I planned on stocking up. She said 4 so I bought 3 for 12.99 and one for 10.99(coupon) I was so pleased...I went home satisfied.

So I planned to go back on Tuesday when I got paid and pick up some more, not knowing there was a limit per household per sale. ( I thought it was per visit) I went to the check out with my 4 boxes and the cashier immediately called her superior and the lady "Laura" came to the till and said, We know about you! WE are on to your antics, I said pardon me?! She said, my staff are on alert for you!
She then looks at the boxes and says well those two aren't even on sale its only the snug and dry. by this time I am crying in front of everybody mortified and I said calmly okay that's fine.. I wont get them. (even though i bought them the previous time) She said I could still get the two boxes that were on sale and then she said we have limits you know, so I asked if the limit was per visit or sale and she said per sale. She still gave me the 2 for sale price. I was embarrassed and crushed. I told the lady (through my tears) that I am not a "scammer" or thief I just like a good deal like anyone else. I said I feel very insulted. She had no remorse and said she has to look out for her employees. I asked to speak with her manager and she said I AM!

I was so embarrassed I got in my car (as they watched through the window) and drove to another parking lot and cried.
I had to go to the grocery store next and when I finally dried my face enough to go back in public I was to scared/ashamed that I didnt use my coupons when i got my groceries. I feel like everyone is watching me or talking about me now. I live in a small town that I am new to and I am just so discouraged.

I haven't even told my fiance because I am so embarrassed. I threw out my coupons and I will never go to SDM here ever again...how could I?!

I am mom of 2 under 2! I stay at home and was really liking this whole saving money coupon kick (it gave me something to look forward to) Now my stomach turns at the thought of shopping or coupons
this has really affected me negatively and I am trying to stay positive.

[khipson]

Oh, wow, I think what you need most is a hug!!!

Try not to take it too much to heart - there are cranky staff everywhere and sometimes you'll just find them. Some cashiers and managers seem to take it personally if you're getting a deal, it's like they feel like you're taking money out of their pocket or something.

I think there is someone at our SDM who is "watching" me... every time I'm in the store she's asking me if I need help with anything and I've just got this weird vibe from her. But the cashiers are always pretty great and let me know they're impressed with the coupons, I even gave the SC address to one this week.

[cherry_lola]

Sorry, but I'm a little confused as I can't figure out what exactly made you so upset. What did "Laura" say to you that made you so upset?

So far it just sounds like total confusion, so I honestly wouldn't worry about it. Being confused about what size/type of package is on sale... happens to most of us. A lot of the time the store flyers don't specify the products clearly. Don't take it so personally as it happens to a lot of us! You've done nothing wrong!

[[email protected]]

I am really sorry to hear from you, Don't feel sad about it an don't blame yourself at all. All you do it for your family and also you are not Scamming anything. You saving money and truthfully. Its the manufacture who encourage people to use their coupons.

So please don't feel bad at all. Stay Positive

[madeinczech]

That's awful! Hope you're ok. Here's a virtual hug for you!

[BuggaBugga]

((Hugs)) That is truly an awful experience you had. I am sorry to hear this. SDM can be very difficult when it comes to their own sales and using coupons etc and it can be very frustrating. Please don't let this deter you from future deals, they are not worth it and you did nothing wrong.

[shaaland]

Be strong. You have done NOTHING wrong!!! Over time you will be stronger and more confident and your experiences will always be positive ones. This is a new SKILL and we are all here on SC to learn. When your babies are sleeping keep poking around here and learn from others stories. I have every confidence that this will go very well for you, don't give up. There really are some wonderful cashiers and managers out there. In the past I too have given some cranky pants cashiers some coupons and they are ever so grateful (brownie points for us SC'ers).

[etherealone]

I am really so sorry you are feeling so overwhelmed.

It was a little confusing, and rude of them to treat you like that. But life is gonna throw those situations in front of you all the time. YOu cant let it get to you like this. maybe some other things are going on in your life that are making you feel stressed out and upset? sometimes when we are not ready to deal with our life stresses, we find ourselves in situations like you described, crying in a parking lot over something we would not normally be so upset about.

*big hugs* its sounds like you need to be kind to yourself. forget about the store and that woman. don't let her push you around. speak calmly, politely, but decisively. if this happens again, let them know what you are confused about, tell them you expect to be treated like a valued customer and that if you are not made clear and treated right, you will have no problems going to the owner or head office.

and in the meantime, give yourself a break. you are doing well by your family by trying to save money. so take some "me" time. you deserve it with those two wee ones.

[Tuktu60]

Excellent advice here - you are just trying to save some money for your family.
Don't let one bad experience throw you off - just chalk it up to experience. I found I was shy and timid to use my coupons at first and I almost looked over my shoulder to see who was watching. I felt like I was stealing sometimes because of the great deals I could get. I completely understand you were upset. BUT, if you throw away all your coupons think how much money you will be spending when you could be saving it. Stay away from that store until you feel more confident about your coupons. I firmly stand my ground and know the rules when I use my coupons, sometimes I get refused but I just don't let it bother me and move onto the next 'good deal' Its my money, and I will save/spend it as I choose.

[maggiespice]

I am so very sorry to hear of your awful experience at SDM. Using coupons there can be a nightmare. I am a testament to that!!!! But by all means, don't let this experience discourage you from using coupons. Your SC family is always there to lend support!!!

[IRefuseToPayFullPrice]

I agree with what everyone has said here. Totally not your fault, honest mistake. Please don't let one store's unpleasantness deter you from couponing. I have only been a member of SC for 3 months and have saved over $2000 easily from deals and couponing. The benefits far outweigh the cons. There are other stores out there that are great at taking coupons and have friendly staff. On a side note, I had a problem with a SDM employee a while back, I called their customer service dept. to complain and got 3500 SDM pts as an apology.

[bvandoren]

Wow! Thanks for all the encouragement! I guess I just need to try and forget about it and move on. Because I sure DO LOVE this coupon stuff, its so fun! Thanks for the support, its nice to have people to listen to me

[MommyC]

I symphatize with you, I'm also a stay-home mom and my daughter is under 2. I'm a newbie in SC and when I shop with coupons I always think and wonder what other people are thinking. But you know what, my principle is I'm not doing any crime or wrong. I am just trying to save money as other people wants to do.

Please don't stop using coupons, just think that you're doing the savings for your children. I hope all the replies you're getting will cheer you up.

[CarsMommy]

I feel for you!! Before meeting my DH, I used to put everyone elses feelings before my own...then I must of grew a separate "personality" when it comes to using coupons, asking for a SCOP or calling CSM's out when they are rude....cuz' after any of that happens, I shut it off and return to my normal self

Keep using the coupons!! Just refuse to let someone else ruin your coupon experience!!

[Cheesecake]

**hugz**