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I had several conversations like this yesterday. We hand out our Black Friday coupons early, so we can advertise the savings. Even though it says, "ONLY good Nov. 27th, 28th, and 29th, 2009, NO RAINCHECKS, NO ADJUSTMENTS, ONLY WHILE SUPPLIES LAST", I still get them. (Of course, I can't expect SCs to read.)
SC: I just bought this TV (or camera or iPod) and I want to use this coupon. *hands me a BLACK FRIDAY coupon*
Me: I'm sorry, this is from the Black Friday flyer. You can only use these Friday, Saturday, and Sunday this week.
Usually, it stops here. A few went on with:
SC: Well, can you ask a manager?
Me: I will tell you right now, they will say no. These are only good on Black Friday weekend.
Another few went on with:
SC: Well, can I just bring back the receipt on Friday and get it adjusted?
Me: No. It's not fair to all the people that waited until Friday when the coupons are valid and come in extra-early to get them.
One guy said:
SC: Well, I bought this early so I didn't have to deal with the crowd and so you could adjust it for me this weekend!
Me: I'm sorry, sir, it's just not fair to everyone else. We will not adjust the price.
A few went:
SC: THEN WHY DO YOU PASS THE COUPONS OUT EARLY IF WE CAN'T USE THEM?
Me: The point of a sale is defeated if you don't advertise it. The dates the coupons are good are clearly labeled on the front.
One woman started SCREAMING. I kid you not. Full out two-year-old-kid-temper-tantrum SCREAMING. Ever seen the "Shark Fin Soup" video? JUST like that. Luckily, we've had a cop in the store every day for the last week (until Christmas, you're the best, buddy!) and the cop took her outside to calm her down.
We also had a fight between two women over a parking spot in front of Membership on Monday, but I didn't witness it. Apparently, my coworkers and managers found it to be quite hilarious after the initial shock wore off and the cop broke it up.
SC: I just bought this TV (or camera or iPod) and I want to use this coupon. *hands me a BLACK FRIDAY coupon*
Me: I'm sorry, this is from the Black Friday flyer. You can only use these Friday, Saturday, and Sunday this week.
Usually, it stops here. A few went on with:
SC: Well, can you ask a manager?
Me: I will tell you right now, they will say no. These are only good on Black Friday weekend.
Another few went on with:
SC: Well, can I just bring back the receipt on Friday and get it adjusted?
Me: No. It's not fair to all the people that waited until Friday when the coupons are valid and come in extra-early to get them.
One guy said:
SC: Well, I bought this early so I didn't have to deal with the crowd and so you could adjust it for me this weekend!
Me: I'm sorry, sir, it's just not fair to everyone else. We will not adjust the price.
A few went:
SC: THEN WHY DO YOU PASS THE COUPONS OUT EARLY IF WE CAN'T USE THEM?
Me: The point of a sale is defeated if you don't advertise it. The dates the coupons are good are clearly labeled on the front.
One woman started SCREAMING. I kid you not. Full out two-year-old-kid-temper-tantrum SCREAMING. Ever seen the "Shark Fin Soup" video? JUST like that. Luckily, we've had a cop in the store every day for the last week (until Christmas, you're the best, buddy!) and the cop took her outside to calm her down.
We also had a fight between two women over a parking spot in front of Membership on Monday, but I didn't witness it. Apparently, my coworkers and managers found it to be quite hilarious after the initial shock wore off and the cop broke it up.