Trudy, Did You Know? Yes, I Knew!

Even with a zillion ideas for blog posts, I hadn't planned to blog again today; however, after my Harris Teeter experience today, I just couldn't help myself! Try to stay with me, it will be a bit lengthy.

One thing that I cannot express enough - even if you are not a couponer - Know what you are supposed to be paying and check your receipt!

I made a cheat sheet this morning before leaving home. I knew what the prices of everything was supposed to be, what paper coupons I was going to use, and what e-coupons I should automatically see at checkout. I even made sure that the paper coupons were coupons eligible for doubling. (We'll get to that in posts to come.)

The young lady that checked me out was very pleasant, but, a little 'coupon-green'. She had problems with a couple of my coupons and had to call over a Customer Service Representative two times. When she gave me my total, I knew that something didn't seem exactly right. After taking a moment to scan my receipt, I was able to determine that I had, in fact, been charged incorrectly for 3 items.

The items were 3 bottles of Nivea Men's Hair and Body Wash. According to the tag on the shelf below, these were a clearance item. Regular price was $5.69. Clearance price was $1.99. I had coupons for $1.00 off which, of course, due to Super Doubles, made them FREE. After checking the shelf, the Customer Service Representative agreed that I had been overcharged. She refunded my money ($18.22 with tax) and because the price scan was incorrect, she then only charged me for one. Note that I did tell her about the coupons, but, she said that she was not worried about it. (As it turns out, the cashier missed scanning one $0.50 coupon that would have doubled and three of my $1.00 coupons that should have doubled didn't.)

Here is what I bought: (Note, I'm writing as things should have been.)

(1) Hefty Cinch Sak $8.79 ($1.00 coupon which doubled - $1.00 e-coupon) $5.79
(2) Minute Rice Singles $2.49 ea ($1.00 off of 2 coupon which doubled) $1.49 ea
(3) AquaFresh Toothpaste $3.59 ea (on sale for $2.49 - (3) $1.00 off coupons which doubled) $0.49 ea
(1) Stayfree Maxi Pads $3.79 (on sale for $2.50 - $1.00 coupon which doubled) $0.50
(1) Tyson Any'tizers $8.69 (on sale for $5.97 - $1.25 coupon which doubled) $3.47
(3) Pepperidge Farm Cake $4.79 ea (on sale for $2.50 - (3) $0.50 off coupons which doubled) $1.50 ea
(2) Kids Cuisine $2.59 ea ($1.00 off of 2 coupon which doubled) $1.59 ea
(2) Hot Pockets $2.50 ($0.75 off of 2 coupon which doubled) $1.75 ea
(2) Gorton Grilled Fillets $4.39 ea (on sale BOGO - (2) $0.50 off coupons which doubled) $1.20 ea
(1) BC Powders $4.49 ($1.00 off coupon which doubled - $1.00 e-coupon) $1.49
(3) Nivea Men's Body Wash $5.69 ea (Clearance $1.99 ea - (3) $1.00 coupons which doubled) FREE
(1) Pork Chops $5.00
(1) GoGo Squeeze Applesauce $2.99 (on sale for $2.00) $2.00

My total paid was: $38.30 (Coupons Savings: $29.00. VIC Card Savings: $36.63. A savings of $65.63!!!)

All in all, after careful calculation (good thing I'm an Accountant), even with the blunders, I only overpaid $0.12 more than I had expected to pay. I'm not complaining! FREE body wash; $1.50 Pepperidge Farm cakes; $1.49 box (24 ct) of BCs; and $0.50 package (24 ct) Stayfree Maxi Pads - great deals!

Again - Know what you are supposed to be paying and check your receipt!