[ambtay79]

So I went to do a little shopping at TARGET today. I get up to the register unload my basket. Lady rings it all up and then I nicely hand over all my coupons about 30 of them.

She tells me sorry corporate is cracking down and they are going to start not letting customers use the $1/1 on the travel/trial sizes anymore. Cause we are getting them free.

I was like well I had no idea. The manager came over cause she had to keep pushing F1 to push all the coupons thru and she said the same thing about not taking coupons on trial sizes anymore. Then told the cashier we had to start all over cause the trial/travel sizes were only .99 cents and my coupons were for $1 each so they needed price adjusted.

ANYONE KNOW OF THIS??????

I was getting the all small and mighty, tide, dove, satin care travel sizes.

[jenlovestoteach]

I talked to someone from corporate today about a separate but similar matter and she said that as long as the q doesn't say excludes trial, it's fine!

[ambtay79]

SEE THAT IS WHAT I THOUGHT, the coupon says save $1.00 on any clean and clear and no where on the coupon did it say excludes trial sizes.

Sometimes these cashiers act like we are taking money from there pockets really makes me mad..

[TigerGirl1226]

I used about 6 today. I did notice that my store was replacing the All Small and Mighty travel size with Tide which made me a little sad

[ambtay79]

my target has the tide and all small and mighty and lots of them both.

[vinsue99]

My Target tried this too - after letting me use them prior. I called corporate who advised me that as long as they dont have a size restriction, I should've been able to use them. I was told to go back and try again, and if there was a problem to have the store manager call them directly and they would straighten it out. I did go back, and I didnt have any problems.

** I was also told that they couldnt legally give me money back on products where the price was less than the coupon. They would have to manually adjust the coupon to the product price. I told them I have no expectations of getting money back, and a coupon adjustment is fair.

[antiqueforest]

Get the policy from Target which says they will adjust down and hand it to the cashier or manager when they question you. I had to do this and no problem since.

[wildpookey]

I went to Target last Sunday and they pulled the same cr*p with me! I tried using the $1/1 Satincare shave gels on the trial size which are priced at $.99 each. Well, of coarse the register beeps, I tell the cashier to just press K1 to override as that is what usually has to be done but instead he calls over the manager.
The not so coupon friendly manager advises me that "in order for me to use the $1/1 coupon, the item has to be priced at $1.01". It's not my fault that Target only charges $.99 for each!!!!
I had them take the items off my order and got my Q's back.

[*Jackie*]

I just want to issue a reminder for everyone to keep in mind: these cashiers are following orders of their bosses, so please remember that whenever you get angry with them. Second, it is in Target policy that each store is allowed to accept/decline coupons as they see fit. Sure, it's fine to be upset and all, and if you ever have a problem at a Target store, you should always email corporate and let them know (especially if the manager wasn't super friendly about the whole situation), but any gripes should go in the Gripes and Groans thread

[reneb0529]

No offense, but how many tiny sized products do people really need. I think a lot of people take advantage of this just to get something "free". I have never even tried to use coupons of trial items, to me a few ounces of shampoo is not worth the hassle or tax.

[sar1]

Originally Posted by reneb0529

No offense, but how many tiny sized products do people really need. I think a lot of people take advantage of this just to get something "free". I have never even tried to use coupons of trial items, to me a few ounces of shampoo is not worth the hassle or tax.

When I travel it is much easier to take a travel-sized shave gel than a full sized one. A lot of people also donate these items b/c they are free and are needed. I think people, including myself, are frustrated at the fact that it's a hassle simply b/c there is no reason it should be a hassle. They're using coupons legitimately and being given a hard time. There are many times I would rather use the $1 coupon for the full sized item b/c that's what I need. It's not like I would buy 30 trial sized All Small and Mighty's and use them for my everyday laundry. But if you need the travel size or want to donate it, give it as a stocking stuffer, whatever, then there is really no reason you shouldn't be able to use a legitimate coupon for it.

[lesliec]

Originally Posted by reneb0529

No offense, but how many tiny sized products do people really need. I think a lot of people take advantage of this just to get something "free". I have never even tried to use coupons of trial items, to me a few ounces of shampoo is not worth the hassle or tax.

I don't get a ton of these, but my fave is the Buttpaste. I would much rather use a sample packet on my baby than a huge tube that gets funky and crusty over time. It is much more sanitary to use and toss, and if it's free, that's even better.

[luv2sav]

Originally Posted by reneb0529

No offense, but how many tiny sized products do people really need. I think a lot of people take advantage of this just to get something "free". I have never even tried to use coupons of trial items, to me a few ounces of shampoo is not worth the hassle or tax.

As long as the coupon doesn't exclude the trial size, it's perfectly fine to use it. Isn't that what couponing is all about? Getting products you want or need for as cheap or as close to free as possible?

I got about 20 of the All Small and Mighty for free(with coupons of course)a few months ago. We weren't able to use them because we have to use free and clear(that's what I thought they were)so I passed them on to a friend who could use them. She was thankful! I also have a grocery bag full of trial size shampoos, connditioners and lotions that we regularly use.It's all personal preference. I like getting things for free, so I will use my coupons on trial sizes when I'm able. Those who don't...thanks for leaving more trial sizes for those who like them!

[crackedwillow]

Why post this in this matter. Its obviously known that diff stories "try" different things on customers, doesn't mean it should be posted. I was once told at a Kroger, that my coupon didn't work, because I'd used it before, that wasn't true, but didn't come to the boards, and misinform others...

[*Jackie*]

It's not technically misinformation to use a coupon on trial sizes if it doesn't say "excludes trial sizes". The fact of the matter is, every Target is different, and can accept/deny as they wish. I know one Target's manager has way more strict rules than my Target-the Edina Target scrutinizes every coupon I use, which is why I go to Richfield. But it's not misinformation, it's just a gripe.

[kattlekate21]

I also don't think there is anything wrong with using/buying the trial sizes. I personally love the all trial size All, I keep one in my bathroom and use whenever we have a diaper blowout for a quick cleaning of clothes before they go in the laundry and to hand wash my bras and others things I don't throw in the machine. It's super handy - especially since our washer is downstairs!!

Free is free to me, I keep a whole thing of travel sized "stuff" in the car for whenever I need them. I have deodorant in my purse, car, diaper bag, stroller... Plus I love that I can take what I need for the weekend and throw in my bag when we go somewhere without having to lug all of that heavy stuff around. I have been known to refill travel sized just so I don't have to take the big ones!

[mommy2huddy]

Originally Posted by reneb0529

No offense, but how many tiny sized products do people really need. I think a lot of people take advantage of this just to get something "free". I have never even tried to use coupons of trial items, to me a few ounces of shampoo is not worth the hassle or tax.

I don't usually reply to things like this, but I truly felt compelled to in this scenario. How exactly is it "taking advantage just to get something free" when they are using the coupon legitimately and on a product the coupon is valid on??? If the item does not exclude trial sizes, "they" are well within their right to use the coupon on ANY product they wish --- big or "tiny". I respectly disagree that anyone would be "taking advantage" in this situation.

[sunshinejanie]

[reneb0529]

Well, agree to disagree is right.

People do go in these stores with tons of coupons, clear the shelves, then go and try to check out without any issues, why, well it's their right. The "coupon states", the "coupon states". Perhaps "taking advantage" of is the wrong term here. Lack of common sense is my issue. Many go to the check out lines, however "in the right" they are, with unrealistic expectations of what the outcome will be. Then there is a new "Target horror story" posted.

I think this kind of couponing does ruin it for the rest of us. I also think it makes stores get more and more strict. And for however many people are out there donating and making good use of these free trials, there are just as many out there that are not.

I didn't want to start a battle either. Remember, I am NOT the crabby cashier NOT taking your coupons. I am the who IS NOT buying those specific coupons and leaving MORE for you. I just stated my opinion to this thread.

Originally Posted by mommy2huddy

I don't usually reply to things like this, but I truly felt compelled to in this scenario. How exactly is it "taking advantage just to get something free" when they are using the coupon legitimately and on a product the coupon is valid on??? If the item does not exclude trial sizes, "they" are well within their right to use the coupon on ANY product they wish --- big or "tiny". I respectly disagree that anyone would be "taking advantage" in this situation.

[Susuz]

Originally Posted by reneb0529

No offense, but how many tiny sized products do people really need. I think a lot of people take advantage of this just to get something "free". I have never even tried to use coupons of trial items, to me a few ounces of shampoo is not worth the hassle or tax.

No offense to you either, and also feel like we can agree to disagree. If you are able to provide your family with a product you would not normally be able to afford by getting a free trial size in multiples then more power to you! Times are tough and some folks will take shampoo for free an ounce at a time if that is the only way they can get it! LOL

Companies that put out the coupons are well aware which products we are using the Q's on, and how many we buy in one transaction, etc. and also are familiar with the wording that will prevent us from using them on Trial sizes believe me!

Their philosophy may well be that the majority of the people DO NOT use coupons (What is the percentage, 6% or something) and it is insignificant in the big picture to them. Also they are really trying to get us to try a product one way or another. They mail them to you, give them away at events, they don't care, as long as there is a chance that you will like the product and buy it in the future. They are betting on brand loyalty which is their goal.

I travel quite a bit and use these products, but I also donate huge amounts every month to the Children's Emergency Sheter, the troops overseas (they love the trial size ALL), the Homeless Shelter or Women's Shelter, church missions. If I choose to spend my donation money on tax and make my donations go further then that is my perogative.

I also agree with you though, some people do take advantage, as they do in ANY situation, unfortunately that is the way of the world. I like to think of all of the good I am doing rather than dwell on the fact that there may be some poor soul that has a garage full of trial shampoos that they will never use! LOL

[brownie16]

Originally Posted by Susuz

No offense to you either, and also feel like we can agree to disagree. If you are able to provide your family with a product you would not normally be able to afford by getting a free trial size in multiples then more power to you! Times are tough and some folks will take shampoo for free an ounce at a time if that is the only way they can get it! LOL

Companies that put out the coupons are well aware which products we are using the Q's on, and how many we buy in one transaction, etc. and also are familiar with the wording that will prevent us from using them on Trial sizes believe me!

Their philosophy may well be that the majority of the people DO NOT use coupons (What is the percentage, 6% or something) and it is insignificant in the big picture to them. Also they are really trying to get us to try a product one way or another. They mail them to you, give them away at events, they don't care, as long as there is a chance that you will like the product and buy it in the future. They are betting on brand loyalty which is their goal.

I travel quite a bit and use these products, but I also donate huge amounts every month to the Children's Emergency Sheter, the troops overseas (they love the trial size ALL), the Homeless Shelter or Women's Shelter, church missions. If I choose to spend my donation money on tax and make my donations go further then that is my perogative.

I also agree with you though, some people do take advantage, as they do in ANY situation, unfortunately that is the way of the world. I like to think of all of the good I am doing rather than dwell on the fact that there may be some poor soul that has a garage full of trial shampoos that they will never use! LOL

[schatz]

ya know. if the company didn't want the comsumer to buy the trial size they would put excludes trial size. Most companies don't put coupons out there for us so to say they do it for themselves! If you had a coupon for x product and tried it out and loved it wouldn't you be more likely to use your next coupon perhaps on a larger sized item or maybe even rave to someone how much you liked their product..its word of mouth marketing and they do depend on that! Trial size means just that try it! They want you to try whichever products you might not normally buy and it gets thier product out there....maybe you take that trial size shampoo to the gym and 4 other people see it...got that trial size baby wipe in your purse..I've whipped those out in many occasion at a restaurant even when the kids aren't with us If its your perogative not to use such a coupon then don't. And I don't think that the average couponer is going to go into a target or walmart armed with their coupons and clear out the travel section. Maybe it really would be best if the employees were trained in coupon use and corporate policies

[ambtay79]

all the trial size items i was trying to get were being given to a local homeless shelter. thats why i was a little mad about the whole situation

[marbear]

Some "travel sizes" are not so small, too. I bought about 14 edge shave gels when I first started with a .75 coupon...they were 99 cent travel sizes. We are not evening denting those things and my hubby shaves daily.

Trust me...the coupon world is not just 10 times smarter than the people making the coupons. They know how to avoid people using the coupons to get freebies if they want.

[joshmamabear]

I like to buy travel/trial sizes with coupons because we take mini vacations often and it doesn't hurt if DH and kids forget them at the resort/hotel. Not that I need to explain why I buy them but if its free, I'll take some; but I see reneb0529's POV also.

after several years of couponing, I have learned not to use 50 to 100 coupons for trial size items and expect an uneventful check-out. even if I know the coupon does not exclude trial size/travel size, if I present too many coupons at one time, its like challenging the cashier. I don't blame them if they question it or outright reject the coupons. Most often, I buy maximum of 5 each time I shop, have never had problems. of course, I also choose my cashiers wisely