On one of the boards I frequent (not a coupon board – they would take care of this) there is a person advocating the misuse of coupons. She is using coupons that are not for the correct product because the register doesn’t beep.
I think this is morally and ethically wrong! You can be thrifty without cheating. Doing things like this makes it harder for the rest of us who are playing by the rules because the poor cashier who gets chewed out for not realizing something was wrong will be more leery of all couponers after that. The store or manufacturer may start issuing less coupons because they realize that people are not using them correctly. Or, a store may become more strict about their coupon policy because they aren’t reimbursed for a coupon that they accepted because it was expired or for the wrong item.
Some stores do accept expired coupons. I don’t bother – all expired coupons can be donated to military families (who are allowed to use them longer). You can always ask your store. If you haven’t asked or know that they don’t then please don’t try to sneak them past an unknowing cashier!
If a coupon is for a specific product the company wants you to try that product. Please use it for that product – don’t ruin this for yourself and others! Many stores are already leery of couponers and rule number one is always keep a low profile. Don’t be the one they cringe seeing walk through the door, LOL!
Just a rant…
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I think I know who you are talking about.I’m not sure how I feel about using the coupons for different products by the same company. I usually ask If I’m unsure of the proper usage of a coupon. In that case if the cashier says it’s ok I think it isn’t cheating. The only time I would say it is cheating is if you are not open about the coupon being for something else and try to sneak it by . Full disclosure is the best way to keep that kind of coupon usage honest.