I love clipping coupons. One of the highlights of the Sunday paper is the coupons. It’s nice and relaxing to sit on the sofa watching TV and clipping coupons. I find out about exciting new products through the coupons and set those coupons aside to be sure to look for those items.
My coupon filing system needs to be updated. I use a plastic check box with dividers for sorting. I have different categories for my coupons. I keep a calculator and pen in my coupon box too. A lot of times I’ll set special coupons in the large open area where the calculator and pen are. It’s not the best system because even though I have my coupons with me, I’m not always prepared with the coupons that match what I’m buying.
I have this fantasy that all the coupons I usually clip and file could be loaded into an iPhone App and presented at checkout. The register would automatically match my stored coupons with my purchases and calculate my savings.
With so many retailers going to great lengths to attract shoppers, can you imagine a store shortchanging you on your coupons? Turns out Target has been doing just that for months now. The problem has been happening primarily with coupons that require the purchase of multiple items.
Say you have a coupon for $.75 off six yogurts but a yogurt is only $.40. The Target computer takes the coupon off one item instead of the whole. The coupon savings would end up being $.40. Target, however, still gets $.75 when it submits the coupon to the manufacturer. Target is making money off this computer error.
Target is aware of the problem and doesn’t know why it’s happening. Hope it’s fixed soon. Until then, watch the monitor closely and check your receipt.