White Orchid Melody

Everyone wants to save a buck where they can, but in our daily lives we often miss those opportunites.  You really have to pay attention to make sure you are getting the best price.  For example, we were getting cat and dog food at Petsmart last week, and the label on the shelf showed $5 off the regular price of dog food.  When we got to the check out, however, it rang up at full price.  Fortunately I was paying attention.  I explained to the cashier that the food was labeled $5 off on the shelf.  She had to walk back there with me to verify this, of course.  Turns out the tag was from last week’s sale, but since it was still on the shelf, she honored the price, and we saved $5.  That is a pretty good return on an investment of 2 or 3 minutes of my time.  It shows how important it is to make sure your receipts reflect the advertised prices.

Other times, it isn’t so simple.  We recently bought a travel system (carseat/stroller) for the baby.  This was one of the most expensive baby purchases we’ve made.  The day we checked out they gave us coupons for 15% off starting the next week.   That was annoying.  I’d liked to have saved 15% on that item!  Then, the next day I get a 15% off coupon emailed from the store, which was even retroactive a few days.  Had they sent it on time I could have used it on the travel system.  I debated on whether we should return the system (we haven’t used it yet) and buy another with the coupon.  The coupons say “not valid on prior purchases” so I didn’t think they would do a price adjustment.  I debated over this for just over a week, then decided I should at least call and speak to the manager.  When I called and explained the situation, she said they typically only make adjustments for the first 7 days, which I’d just missed.  So, I asked her if she could make an exception.  She said yes, I’d just need to come into the store and see her for the refund.  That saved us $43!  And we didn’t have to go through the hassle of returning the item.  It pays to ask!