The Sales Stock Blues

Scenario:
The excitement is on! The store has advertised a sale for the next day and you have your coupons ready to go. You go to the store on the first day of the sale, list and coupons in hand and there it is. Disappointment. The store is already out of the advertised item and they were obviously not expecting prepared for the frugal hunters to be there so early waiting to fill their stockpile, leaving a hole that can only be described as a window of sadness for any coupon clipper.

This is something every savvy saver has experienced at least once in their bargain hunting career. I've been doing this for years and it is still frustrating when a store is not properly stocked. But I've learned to not let that be the end of the road in my deal hunt. If you run into this issue, be sure to explore these options:

• Ask the store clerk if there is another display or if they could check in the back.
• Ask if there will be another stock delivered before the sale is over.
• Ask the clerk to call another store.
  
• Ask for a Raincheck.

If you do receive a Raincheck, take good care of it! Keep it in a safe spot where you won't forget about it. Try to cut out the image of the ad and staple it to the raincheck. My experience is that often the forms are not filled out correctly and sometimes redeeming them can be a hassle. Clip any coupon that matches it and keep it with the raincheck as well. Now, this can become an advantage or disadvantage. The store may not have the item in stock before your coupon expires although, a new coupon (hopefully a better one) will be out while you wait for the item to be in stock.

Try not to fret over a deal that isn't properly stocked because usually there is a light at the end of the tunnel. If it is a sale that is marked "while supplies last" and you feel that the store was not prepared, call the corporate number. After all, we are consumers and we are what keeps the stores going!