[kristieboyd]

This afternoon I received a call from Liz, who said she was calling on behalf of Mr. Steinhafel. She was really nice, apologetic, etc. Said the way it was handled goes totally against their coorporate policies, both for coupons as well as handling guests. Mentioned they'd gotten a lot of similar e-mails lately (AFCer's???) and were looking at ways to handle this company wide. That coorporate takes these sorts of complaints VERY seriously. She said she'd already contacted my store's DM and instructed him to set up a store wide training session on their coupon policy and had instructed him that he needed to have a sit down with the manager on appropriate ways to deal with customers.

She said she's sending me a GC for my trouble....guess she read the part about me not wanting the $3 coupons! LOL I said I wasn't looking for compensation, but she insisted. I'm just glad my experience is actually being taken seriously and being addressed.

Just spent over 2 hours dealing with the store and CS for no reason! Here's the short version (although once I calm down I will be writing a more in depth letter that I'm sending to DS, and every exec. I can find contact info for!!)

Basically every issue they could have with my coupons they had ("THEY" refers to cashier, GS rep, and store manager...the head guy!)
-Planters coupon...wouldn't take at first because I didn't "buy the one in the picture" (GS) I fought that...then SM says that my jellos don't count since they're single serve! Even after showing SERVING SIZE:4 on the back, still wouldn't take it cause it beeped
-Wouldn't take Target $5/5 with $1/1 J&J wash & 2/2 Buddies...can't combine Qs
-Archer farms $1/1.....can't use on .99 packs..have to buy something MORE than $1
-Degree $1/1...can't use on trials even though coupond does NOT say "excludes trial size"
-Ziplock 1.50/2.....can't use on the $1 hanging packs buy registers since they're not "in boxes like the picture" (coupon says on ANY)

GS even had the nerve to tell lady behind me that she should go to another register because "It's going to be a while.....she's trying to use coupons that she can't use" I was speechless. Totally humiliated. Ended up leaving my entire $50+ order there and walking out. Called CS in the parking lot...very nice at first, supportive, store was wrong, yada yada. Calls store gets a totally different account (I was trying to use 2 TARGET Qs on 1 item...coupon said "excludes trial" yada yada.) CS not so nice any more...obviously believes store over me. Said he would "readdress the coupon policy with the store" and send me 3 $3 off coupons....I said I don't want more coupons that I won't be able to use. I want the employees to know I was not wrong in my usage and I want an apology. CS said can't make them do that...this is all I can do. Sorry if it's not acceptable, I'll have to end the call now if there's nothing else I can do for you.

Wanna talk about FURIOUS!!!!

UPDATE: Here's my letter. I think I may send copies, along with a copy of the coupon policy I received, to the STL and my local news station, just for kicks. LMK what you think. BTW....I am NOT a shortwinded person! LOL

Dear Mr. Steinhafel,

I am writing to share my extremely frustrating and humiliating experience at your Target Store located on Two Notch Road in Columbia South Carolina that cause me to leave empty-handed today. I am still in shock over the way I was treated by the GSTL, STL Mark, as well as the “customer service” I received when calling Guest Relations following the incident.

I was checked out by Emily, who greeted me and is the only person to remain friendly with me throughout the events that transpired. As she went through my coupons, she placed all internet printed coupons to the side informing me that she needed to call a GSTL for approval. This I fully understand because I am aware that there has recently been a fraudulent $5 off coupon circulating.

The GSTL (no visible nametag and did not give me her name when I asked) was rude from the beginning of our interaction. She looked through the coupons and then began to give me countless reasons as to why they could not be accepted. All of the reasons go against the Target Coupon Policy I received via e-mail today from James in Guest Relations. Among the things I was told are:

-You cannot accept a Target coupon in conjunction with a Manufacturer’s Coupon
-You cannot accept a coupon for more than the price of the item and adjust the amount of the coupon down (for example: Item is .99 coupon is for 1.00. I was told
that the coupon cannot be adjusted to .99, that the item must be OVER 1.00 to use the coupon)
-You do not accept coupons on trial sized items even when the coupon does not state “excludes trial sizes”
-Coupons can ONLY be used on the item in the picture, not onan item that meets the written description.

This GSTL huffed and sighed throughout our conversation and even told a guest behind me that she should “go to another register because she (pointing to me) is trying to use coupons she’s not allowed to use”.

Eventually the STL, Mark was called. The GSTL proceeded to insinuate that I was using my coupons fraudulently and Mark just nodded. Some coupons he offered to push through “this time”, but at this point I was beyond frustrated and humiliated and wanted nothing more than to get out or the store. I asked them to cancel my entire order, save the candy my son was eating, and left my $35+ order sitting on the counter.

Once in the parking lot I called Guest Relations. I spoke with Kevin, who was very supportive and understanding. He apologized for the way things were handled and called the store to get more information. He spoke with LOD, Casey. Casey spoke with someone who was involved with the incident and proceeded to share incorrect information with Kevin. I am not sure if it became misunderstood as it went from person to person or if someone was intentionally untruthful, but many false statements were shared with Kevin, such as I was trying to use 2 Target coupons on one item and that my coupons excluded the items I was buying.

From Kevin I was transferred to Adam, a member of the Special Case Team. Adam was not nearly as friendly. His only resolution was to revisit the coupon policy with the store and send me 3 $3 off coupons. I stated that I was not interested in receiving more coupons, as they were the root of my problem. I simply wanted him to speak directly with the GSTL & STL with whom I’d dealt, inform them that my coupons were in fact being used appropriately, and I wanted an apology from the GSTL who was so incredibly rude to me. Adam stated that he could not do that and if I was not satisfied with his resolution that there was nothing else he could do for me and to have a “nice day”. That was the end of our conversation.

Mr. Steinhafel, up until today I have been a loyal Target shopper of over 15 years. I frequent this very store 2-4 times each and every week. Anyone who knows me will tell you I’d choose Target over WalMart or Kmart any day of the week…..until today. I am also a member of an online forum for coupon usage and I cannot begin to tell you the countless number of seemingly identical stories that have been shared there in the past few months. Customers are flying out of your doors as a result of this and will continue to do so if something is not done. While your cooperate office continues to issue coupons on your website each week, customers in stores are having more and more difficultly using them. As the economy continues to tighten and families are forced to use coupons to make ends meet, they will search more and more for coupon friendly stores in which to shop. I am sorry to say that what used to be my favorite store, Target, no longer falls into that category.

Sincerely,

Kristie

[skbrush]

Time to boycott!!

[kristieboyd]

Originally Posted by skbrush

Time to boycott!!

I'm torn between that and continuing to go and just call CS from the register the next time. I don't want them to think they were right about me and that they have "won"

[staviles]

I agree...I am all for a Target boycott...even with coupon usage, I spend more $$ and time in that store than I probably save...I am all for a boycott..too bad we can't picket in front and let people know why!

[mtalk]

Sorry - that sounds like a nightmare!

Do you have another friendlier Target nearby?

[lwilsonide]

Geez! I am not saying aything else as I don't wnat to jinx myself

[A20SomethingMother]

Originally Posted by skbrush

Time to boycott!!

Out of the millions of people shopping per year, a boycott will not do any good UNLESS you get some media behind you. Which isn't a bad idea, really. I mean, think about it-news outlets have been tlaking more and more about coupon usage everyday due to the poor economy.

I am so sorry this happened to you...it is unfortunate when Target Team Members don't know how to do their own job

[kristieboyd]

I actually told CS on the phone that it was a shame they are handling things like they are. That I am a member of an online forum for couponing and every day there ar more and more people with Target horror stories just like this. That I have always had good things to say about Target and up until now would go to Target over WalMart/KMart any day of the week. It's a shame Target CO isn't taking these issues more seriously because every day they are losing more and more customers due to these issues. Once they finially realize what's going on, it will be too late.

[Gossamerwings]

Make a copy of the coupons you were using and show that the store was wrong. Did not say excludes trial sizes. Include it with your letter/email. That really sucks. I would have asked the GS if she was accusing you of fraud. That is totally unprofessional. All she had to say was that it was going to be a while or something to that effect. She might as well have said that this customer is stealing and we will be a while. That is how I would have felt like she was calling me a thief@@ Do they not teach customer service anymore?

[A20SomethingMother]

Originally Posted by kristieboyd

I actually told CS on the phone that it was a shame they are handling things like they are. That I am a member of an online forum for couponing and every day there ar more and more people with Target horror stories just like this. That I have always had good things to say about Target and up until now would go to Target over WalMart/KMart any day of the week. It's a shame Target CO isn't taking these issues more seriously because every day they are losing more and more customers due to these issues. Once they finially realize what's going on, it will be too late.

AGREED. 100%. Which I think is great about people writing the CEO and stuff. This is getting ridiculous, and I am prepared to write a letter myself (even though I haven't had a bad experience) because as a former happy Target employee, I am disgusted with how they are handling the situation and treating customers. In today's economy, people aren't going to just let it slide and keep coming back: they are going to go other places where their coupons aren't scrutinized, where they aren't humiliated openly in front of other guests, and are practically treated like criminals. They seriously need to fix this now. If they were able to get the word out about the toy coupon so fast, they can get the word out about the actual coupon policy just as fast.

[superk]

Where are you from? Just curious if you could get media coverage on this issue.

[Natesmom]

sorry about your experience. I used to go to target everyday and I've been there maybe twice in past month. I dont even like to come read the boards anymore, its depressing with all these horror stories. Here's hoping Target and their employees get their acts together soon!

[stampinonthefarm]

The media coverage is an awesome idea! They have covered the couponing stories, so why wouldn't they cover this now, after they tried to help people by covering the couponing? Otherwise, their coverage of those stories is a waste of time! Good luck, you were right, keep us posted.

[vkearney]

I emailed corporate today...there is a tread under the target forum about standing up for each other...make sure you read it!

http://www.afullcup.com/upload/targe...hat-right.html

[SCJunebug]

I got a similar response about the ziploc coupons the other night....but my stores reason was that it says one coupon per purchase...and I said...yes!! and I am purchasing 14 so my 7 coupons are good! The girl helping the cashier says "go ahead and push them through...it's late!" then turned to me and said "It really is only one coupon per person" At that point I just shook my head and said I am not going to argue with you but I thought you just said one coupon per purchase?

So I probably won't go back again for another 6 months. I usually have an very large headache by the time I finish checking out at target! ugh

[brisa]

I tried using the Skippy Peanut Butter target coupon yesterday at my target and they would not take it because some coupons are fradualent. I told Cashier that the fradulent coupon was the $5/25 and they still would not take it. Cashier wanted to keep my coupons and I said I need them back because I am going to a different Target in Westside Chula Vista that takes them and she said well they shouldn't take them. I was just there yesterday using the same coupon. I also had the same experience with the Ziploc coupon. I left my purchase and returned the next day and a different cashier passed it through.

[heatherecu]

Target is quickly losing my respect after hearing things like this so often.

I also have something to add, watch your target coupons closely. I have some Target coupons that I received in the mail. Yesterday the amount rang up wrong ($2.00 of only took off .50) I didn't catch it until I was in the car since I had a lot of purchases. I wanted to march back, but figured I didn't need the headache today. What store doesn't ever ring it's OWN coupons correctly!!!!!!

Sorry Target, won't be seeing you for a while. It was good while it lasted.

[rach]

What a bunch of crap they are pulling OP! Sorry to hear your bad trip and hope that they eventually get the picture with everyone calling and complaining. Eventually they have to get sick of us calling. Right?

[armympwife]

The only things I buy at Target are the clothes off the clearance racks for like 80-90 percent off. I rarely go over and use coupons because between grocery store bogo, doubles and triples and Wags/CVS and all the horror stories I read on here it's totally not worth it. Too bad because I'd spend 100's of dollars instead of 10 to 20 dollars a month on clearance clothes. Their loss.....

[kristieboyd]

Originally Posted by superk

Where are you from? Just curious if you could get media coverage on this issue.

I'm in South Carolina. I'm not sure it would get a lot of coverage, but I told DH today I should send a copy of my letter, coupons, and the coupon policy I just got in my e-mail to our local news station.

Another thing.....I wasn't even using lots and lots of coupons! The most of any single coupon I had was the Pringles (6 Target & 2 .30/3 manu) and those actually weren't a problem. Other than that I had 2 Archer Farms qs, 1 ziplock q, 1 Target $5/5, 1 buddies $2/2, 1 J&J shampoo $1/1 and 2 degree $1/1. It's not like I had 20 degrees and was trying to get 20 trial sizes free......which I don't see a problem with anyway. I usually try to not get tons of something if it's gonna be free.....TRYING to aviod issues when possible.

Thanks everyone for your support. This really was a very upsetting experience for me.

[kristieboyd]

Letter For Ceo In Op!!

[shereen329]

Sorry this happened to you...I'm a target addict and I know exactly how you feel! I have been getting so turned off by them lately not to mention all these horror stories I hear which I completely understand (been there). It sucks and we need to do something...and NOW!!! I agree w/ A20Somethingmother and I think that is the only way we are going to get through to them and that is to bring this to others attn through media coverage!

[mrsbrehmer]

I think your letter sounds great!! Let us know if you get a response.

[Omar329]

I know we say "thanks " for all of the great savings that everybody finds, but maybe we could have a " Im sorry to hear" response for all of the crap that some of these retailers are giving people like us that are just trying to save some hard earned mula. I bet that button would be clicked alot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sunshinejanie]

That happened to you. I am tired of being treated bad for using coupons. I'll stand behind a boycott