Day 7: Checkout Checklist
Avoid anxiety at checkout! To ensure a peaceful checkout experience, there are certain steps you can take to lessen the anxiety. I like to call it “Seven Ways to Avoid the Craze”, or, more simply put, “Your Checkout Checklist”!
1. Get organized. Before you leave the house, make a plan of what you want to buy. Write down the items, the prices, and the quantities. If you are doing multiple transactions, separate the items into lists before ever leaving your house. If you’re organizing your coupons, unclipped, by date, now you’ll want to clip your coupons before heading to the store. Those who organize clipped coupons by category may also want to “pull” the coupons they plan to use. Place the coupons in an envelope or in an empty sheet protector at the front of your binder.
2. Choose wisely the time of day that you shop. The less crowded the store, the less stressed both you and your cashier will be. Try doing eight separate transactions with 50 coupons at the 5 o’clock rush hour!! That makes for one grouchy cashier and a line of unhappy customers behind you. I have found that early in the morning, early afternoon, or late at night is best for me.
3. Tip for moms: if you have young kids like I do, shop at a time when they are at their best (in the morning or right after naps). Checking out as a Krazy Coupon Lady is a much longer process than you’re used to. Bring along something to occupy their minds or a treat to occupy their tummies!
4. Consider shopping with a friend. Friends make everything more fun. You can help each other at checkout, share coupons, and even stick up for each other if need be.
5. Talk to your cashier before you even start. Greet him and let him know you will be using coupons. Ask if there is a certain way he would prefer to take your coupons. If you’re planning several transactions, ask if this lane is okay. Be appreciative and kind. Hopefully, the cashier will reciprocate this behavior. Don’t be afraid to profile. I always scan all the checkers and decide who I think is going to be the most coupon-friendly. Personally, I have had the best luck with younger, male checkers. Once you become a regular at a store, you’ll know who to choose.
6. Don’t be afraid to ask for management. Often you know more about the store coupon policy than the checkers do, so don’t be afraid to nicely ask for a manager. Many times, I have had management called, and it ends with the checker saying, “Huh! I never knew that!”
7. Carry a copy of the store’s coupon policy. The reason you went through the trouble of getting it in the first place was to educate yourself and, secondly, to let it do the talking at the register. So keep it close at all times!
With these seven steps, you’re much more likely to check out with ease! Now let’s get these groceries home and start ourselves a stockpile. See Day 8: Stockpiling Sense
