Note from Laurie ~ it's Shannon's turn for a penny-pinchin' rant this week, and we'd love to hear your thoughts (just please be considerate of others!) Â
Okay, so I have a question for everyone . . . how much is too much when buying an item on sale?  I've been so frustrated lately when I hear about someone wiping off the shelves . . . ugh. About a month ago at CVS, I asked the cashier what had happened to all the Tresemme Shampoos which were on sale.  She said someone came in and purchased TEN!  (I wondered if Tangled is living right here in our area. . .  if so, my five-year-old daughter would love to meet her!)
Then I went to Publix this week ready for my trip. I found some good deals and was ready to snag many of the items. Only (even a few hours after the sale began), a few of the items already were out of stock . . . someone had grabbed all of them. This frustrated me because it wasn't only one empty shelf, but two!
My store is really good about keeping items in stock, however when someone comes in and grabs 15-20 of a specific item . . . well, then there aren't many deals left for the rest of us. Â Our main grocery store typically allows four of each sale item per visit (which usually means 4-8 items if it's a Buy One Get One Free sale, but you should check with your management to be sure.) Â When Laurie and I teach coupon classes we encourage attendees to stick to a reasonable number and consider what your family will really use over the course of the next 4-6 weeks. . . to be honest, I never have enough coupons to buy many more than the limited number!
This doesn't mean you can never buy a huge amount of a specific item if you have the coupons for it. . . just let your store manager know ahead of time (you can even call and ask him to order extra of an item if you're planning to purchase a bunch!) Â Many stores are great when working with couponers. The managers can order extra for you, plus allow the items on the shelves to go to other customers who'd also like to penny pinch a deal or two.
How do you feel about clearing the shelves, and do you have any tips on how to stock up on more without taking all the deals off shelves? Of course, if you do find the items all gone, remember that  many stores allow you to pick up a raincheck and there are a few ways to use those to your advantage.  And, if you tend to grab twenty or more of a deal every once in awhile, please leave a few for the rest of us, and think about ways you might talk to your manager so that they'll have extra on hand just for you.
DISCLAIMER: When the Nestle Morsels are BOGO I call the manager and warn him I plan on buying 20 bags. For all who follow PPP I know you were thinking in the back of your mind–Nestle Morsels, we know those girls buy a ton! I know…. I know…. 😉