Unfiltered Story #190970

(I work at a clothing store where we always have coupons out that “grow” with your purchase. They can be found online/in coupon apps, or you get them in the mail. Like all coupons, they have exclusions that are clearly printed on them. My coworker, a new hire, is helping a customer at the register.)

Coworker: Alright, your total is $55.

Customer: I have a coupon. *shoves coupon at my coworker*

Coworker: It looks like you’re about $20 under the minimum for this coupon for your $25 off. You can grab something from clearance, underwear, or smaller things at the register to boost yourself up there without spending too much more.

Customer: *heaves a big, dramatic sigh and instead, marches to the perfume display and grabs a $50+ perfume before slamming it on the counter* Here.

Coworker: Alright! That’ll definitely get you over. *scans the perfume and the coupon and presses a few buttons on the screen before scanning the coupon again. Then she asks for help in her earpiece.*

Me: *walks back into the register* What’s up?

Coworker: The coupon isn’t working.

Me: *looks at the register screen* Oh, that’s because your total before the perfume is under $75. You’d need to spend like $20 more before the coupon will take anything off because it doesn’t work with perfume.

Customer: EXCUSE ME? What do you mean it doesn’t work on perfume? I buy perfume here with coupons all the time!

Me: Yeah, unfortunately our coupons do have exclusions and the perfume is one of them.

Customer: Where does it say that?!

Me: *takes the coupon from my coworker and reads the first sentence on the back* Right here- it says it’s not valid in closing stores, on [3rd party brand body shapers], [designer brand] fragrance, or licensed sports merchandise.

Customer: Ugh. How do you know this is [designer brand] fragrance?!

Me: It’s right on the opposite side of your box, as well as on the display table.

Customer: Well I’ve never seen that here before. Who reads the back of coupons anyway? Not me!

(Needless to say, she refused to buy the perfume. I also think she should start reading what she can and can’t use the coupons with to spare her unnecessary grief and embarrassment!)