Target - First Bad Experience in a long time

I love my Target. I've gone there since it opened and have had very few issues while couponing. Tonight was not a stellar experience. First, there were associates everywhere, chit-chatting and blocking aisles. At least 3 separate times, I had to ask them to move their cart/flatbed out of the way so that I could pass or get to merchandise. Frustrating, but so goes the way of retail employees. What really annoyed me, was being cut off at the end of the aisle, again by cart wielding associates. Twice! In two separate areas! No "excuse me, sorry, oops." Nothing.

I'm not asking for customer service. I go in knowing what I am going to buy. I know where I'm going.  I'm glad I'm not asked every 30 seconds, "can I help you find anything" But to be impolite in your actions and not even acknowledge my existence gets me going.

Okay then, so there's that. I walked to the checkout and "profiled the cashier". I chose a cute young man with a head of bouncing ringlets and nerdy glasses. "Perfect!" I thought. As you see from my previous post, I purchased one Revlon Nail File set and one Renuzit Air Freshener. I had 2 coupons for each, and planned on purchasing 2 of each product. However, I was told first by the cashier that I was not allowed to use 2 "like" manufacturer coupons.
(edit - how was I able to use the 4 Tide coupons + 3 Barilla coupons, then???)
Of course, I didn't have the coupon policy with me because I didn't need it! This was my Target, and they're always cool and they know me. (LESSON LEARNED)

The supervisor came over and stated the same thing. "Whatever", I thought. "Okay then, please remove one of each from the order" I said. It's not a huge deal, but the experience as a whole just wasn't pleasant.

I'll be back. Seriously, how could I avoid a nice, new, clean Target 3 minutes from my house with a Starbucks? Not possible. :)

I did go to the Target website and lodge a complaint. 'Cause that's how I do. ;) And I blog about it. I feel better already!

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Target: Practical Couponing in Southern California = 96% Extreme Savings!

Total product $53.93    Total OOP $1.75    Total Savings 96%

Ohh, football. I can only take so much in one week until I run screaming from the house (okay, i wasn't screaming...but you get the point.) I went through my coupon envelopes (new post coming soon, showing my new system) when I found a coupon for a FREE Suave lotion that expires on 9/4. I couldn't think of a better reason to get out the sportsbar that is now my home on weekends!

I bought:
(1) Suave Mango Mandarin Lotion $2.89
I used FREE Facebook coupon (up to $2.99) from mfr (no longer available)
Total paid FREE + $0.10 money maker!

(1) Emerald Nuts $4.59
I used FREE mfr coupon (up to $5.99) from mfr (I emailed them about their product)
Total paid FREE + $1.40 money maker!

(3) Barilla Marinara Sauces $1.89 x 3 = $5.67
I used (3) $1/1 mfr coupons from 8/28 SS
Total paid $2.67 or $0.89 each

(2) Ortega Taco Shells $1.59 x 2 = $3.18
I used $1/2 mfr coupon peelie on box
Total paid $2.18 or $1.09 each

(4) Tide Single Loads $0.97 x 4 = $3.88
I used (4) $1/1 mfr coupons from Tide Sink Packs bought last week
Total paid FREE + $0.12 moneymaker!

(1) Visine Travel Size $1.97
I used $2.00 off printable coupon (no longer available
Total paid FREE + $0.03 moneymaker!

(2) Johnson & Johnson First Aid Kits $0.97 x 2 = $1.94
I used $1.50/2 printable coupon (no longer available)
Total paid $0.44 or $0.22 each!

(2) Hershey Aerated Kisses $3.29 x 2 = $6.58
I used (2) $1/1 coupons from 8/28 SS
I used $1/2 Target coupon
Total paid $3.58 or $1.79 each

(1) Renuzit Solid Air Freshener $0.97
I used $1/1 coupon printable coupon (no longer available)
Total paid FREE + $0.03 moneymaker!

(1) John Frieda Precision Foam Hair Color $11.99
I used FREE mfr coupon from previous free offer
Total paid FREE!

(1) Rimmel Eye Shadow Quad $3.99
I used $2/1 Facebook coupon (no longer available)
I used $1/1 Target coupon
Total paid $0.99

(1) Revlon Nail Files $1.27
I used $1/1 mfr coupon from 8/28 SS
Total paid $0.27

(1) Neutrogena Bar $1.97
I used $1/1 Neutrogena mfr coupon 8/28 SS
I used $1/1 Target coupon
Total paid FREE + $0.03 moneymaker!

(1) Dove Ice Cream Bars $3.04 (not pictured)
I used FREE mfr coupon (up to $3.99) from BlogHer conference
Total paid FREE + $0.95 moneymaker
-------------------------------------------------------------
Total Product $53.93
Total coupons used $46.46
Total after coupons $7.47
I paid with a $20.00 Target gift Card that I bought for $5.00 (no longer available)
Total OOP - ZERO!

$7.47 is approximately 35% of the $20 Gift Card, so 35% of $5.00 (what I paid for the gift card) is $1.75
I therefore assume I paid $1.75 OOP for this order
(Any mathematicians want to check me on this, please do....I'm hardly a math whiz!)

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Albertson's Southern California - Velveeta Catalina Deal!

Total Product $8.15           Total OOP $2.15             Total Savings 74%

Here's a deal I wrote about last Tuesday in my Albertson's Coupon Matchup.
It will still be available through tomorrow 8/30. I actually did four separate transactions (in the 15 items or less lane) getting to the back of the line after each one (it's just what i do).
I might have been able to buy all 3 Velveeta Skillet boxes at once and get a $3.00 Catalina for meat, but to make sure, I bought them in separate transactions.
See the fear that shopping at Walgreen's has put in to me? ;)

I bought:
(3) Velveeta Cheesy Skillet meals $1.67 each.
I used (3) $1.00 off mfr coupon from 8/21 SS
I paid $2.01 and I received (3) $1.00 Catalina for meat purchase.

Then, I bought
1 lb of Ground Beef $3.14
I used (3) $1.00 Catalina for meat purchase
and paid $0.14 OOP!

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Target: Practical Couponing in Southern California = 81% Extreme Savings!

I haven't been to Target lately, so I decided to make a trip this afternoon. It was packed! I had 2 FREE coupons for Playtex from The Art of the Summer Striptease Booklet and wanted to do the $5 Gift Card deal.

Total product $66.38    Total OOP $12.59    Total Savings 81%

I bought:

(2) Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons $6.99 x 2 = $13.98
I used (2) FREE (up to $5.00) Coupons from the Summer Striptease Coupon book
Total paid $3.98

(1) Soft Soap Pomegranate/Mango Bar Soap 6 pack $3.99
no coupons
Total paid $3.99 ( I love the scent of the liquid, and I want to try this)
-------------------------------------------------------
Total product $17.97
Total coupons $10.00
5% for using Target red Card = $0.49
Total OOP $7.48 + tax AND, I received a $5.00 Target Gift Card!


Then I bought...

(8) Assorted Revlon Beauty Tools $10.16
I used (4) $5/2 Target coupons (in the newspaper) 8/28 RP
I used (8) $1/1 mfr coupons 7/31 SS
Total paid FREE (it looks like I could have just used 2 Target coupons and 2 mfr coupon for the same result. No overage. Sad face.)

(4) Cascade Trial Packs $0.97 x 4 = $3.88
I used (4) $1/1 coupons 7/31 SS
Total paid $0.12 MONEY MAKER!

(2) Clorox 2 Stain Release Spray $2.99 x 2 = $5.98
I used (2) $1.50 coupon from Play2Day Game
Total paid $2.98 or $1.49 each.

(6) Tide Sink Pack $0.97 x 6 = $5.94
I used (3) $1.50/2 Tide Products from 8/28 P&G
Total paid $1.44 or $0.24 each (+ included $1/1 any Tide coupons inside each one!)

(1) Welch's Grape Jam $1.99
I used (1) $1.50/1 Facebook Coupon (5,000 available on Wednesdays)
Total paid $0.49

(1) Heinz Ketchup $1.79
I used $0.50/1 coupon from 8/21 SS
Total paid $1.49 (can't help it, I'm brand loyal to my ketchup!)

(2) Mt Olive Relish $1.02 x 2 = $2.04
I used (2) $1/1 coupon from 8/28 SS
Total paid $0.04 or $0.02 each

(2) Mt Olive Peppers $1.87
I used (2) $1/1 coupon from 8/28 SS
Total paid $0.87

(3) Old El Paso Taco Seasoning $0.34 x 3 = $1.02
I used (3) $0.50/1 coupons from 8/7 SS
Total paid $0.48 MONEY MAKER!

(2) Lipton Natural Iced Tea $1.39 x 2 = $2.78
I used a B1G1F coupon received at BlogHer
Total paid $1.39 or $0.69 each.

(1) Crest with Scope $2.54
I used $1/1 coupon from inside package
Total paid $1.54 (It included White Strips + Glide Floss sample and $10 in coupons!)

(2) Bounty Basics $0.99 x 2 = $1.98
I used (2) $1/1 coupons (not sure where from)
Total paid $0.02 MONEY MAKER!

(2) Cottonelle Wipes $2.24 = $4.48
I used (2) FREE coupons sent my mfr (and expiring on 9/4)
Total paid FREE

(4) Meow Mix Wet Cat Food $0.49 x 2 = $1.96
I used $1/1 Meow Mix from 8/28 RP
Total Paid $0.96 or $0.24 ea
--------------------------------------------------------
Total product $48.41
I used $38.03 in coupons
I used $5.00 Target Gift Card from 1st transaction
5% for using Target red Card = $0.27
Total OOP $5.11 +tax!



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Albertsons: Look for Specially Marked Crest Tooth Paste with over $23 in P&G Coupons!

I purchased this "Bonus" package of Crest that includes a sample of Glide Floss and a travel size of Crest Complete. In addition to the bonus items there are $23.25 in P&G coupons with an expiration date of January or July 31st, 2013 inside! All this for $1.50 after coupon!

Pamphlet inside the sample box:
$0.75/1 Crest Toothpaste 4oz +
$1/1 Scope Mouthwash 710mL
$0.75 off 1 Oral-B CrossAction, Pulsar, Advantage Toothbrush or 2 Indicator or Cavity Defense
$0.75/1 Oral-B Floss or Picks
$3/1 off Oral-B Battery Toothbrush
$7/1 Crest 3D White Pro Effects, 2Hr Express, Advanced Vivid, Stain Shield, or Gentle Routine

Reverse Interior of Main Box
$1/1 CoverGirl Makeup
$7/1 3D Whitestrips Pro Effects
$1/1 any bag of IAMS Dog or Cat Food
$1/1 any size Secret Clinical Deodorant

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8/21 - Practical Couponing in Southern California = 72% Extreme Savings!

Total Product $67.45   Total OOP $18.40  72% Savings!

So if you saw my shopping list on Facebook earlier today, here is the result! I started at Albertsons.

I bought:
(2) Pantene Shampoo $3.99 x 2 = $7.98
I used (2) FREE Facebook coupons (no longer available)
(1) Pantene Condition $3.99
I used (1) FREE Facebook coupons (no longer available)
(2) Aussie Stylers $3.49 x 2 - $6.98
I used (2) FREE Facebook coupons (no longer available)
(1) Crest Toothpaste $2.00 (with tons of coupons!)
I used $0.50/1 coupon
-------------------
Total product $20.95
I used $19.45 in coupons
Total paid $1.50 + tax
And I received a $5 Catalina!

Next, I bought:
(1) 1.25 quart Coca-Cola $0.99
I used $1/1 Coke coupon from RecycleBank
(1) Albertson's Shredded Cheese $2.50
no coupons
(1) Albertson's Pepper Jack Cheese slices $2.69
no coupons
(1) Albertsons Half and Half $3.79
no coupon
(1) Jello Gelatin $4.39
no coupons
(1) Rex Goliath Wine $4.99
no coupons
(1) 1.94lbs of Chicken Wings $4.83
I used $2 off chicken ($4 or more) wine hang tag from Rex Goliath Wine
(1) Bunch of Celery $1.79
(1) Tubs of Nature Sweet Tomato Cherubs $2.50
I used $2 off peelie wyb this product + Fresh Express Blended Salad
(1) Fresh Express Blended Salad $2.50
I used FREE Fresh Express Coupon from VocalPoint
(1) .54lb Jalapeno Peppers $1.07
no coupons
(1)  .96lbs Crimini Mushrooms $1.92
no coupons
(1) Red Onion $1.43
no coupons
(1) Brussel Sprouts $1.99
no coupons
(1) Head Iceburg Lettuce $1.49
------------------------------------------------
Total Product $38.87
I used $7.50 in coupons
I used $5/$25 Albertsons Email Coupon
Subtotal $26.37
I used $5.00 Catalina received in previous transaction
I used $10.00 Credit from American Express Serve Card
Total OOP $11.37!

Then I stopped at Ralphs...
(3) Dial Handsoaps $0.88 x 3 = $2.64
I used (3) $0.35/1 coupon that were doubled to $0.70
(1) Breyers Carb Smart Ice Cream $3.99
---------------------------------------------------
Total Product $7.63
I used $1.05 in coupons that doubled to $2.10
Total OOP $5.53!

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CVS: Conair iSeries Ceramic Straightener $8.24 + $5 ECB!

I heard about this from a lovely reader, Megan, so I headed out to test it before I presented it here.

CVS has the Conair iSeries Straightener (Model CS65P - regularly $32.99) on clearance for 75% off.
The shelf tag read 75% off, but I verified it at the Magic Coupon Machine, and it also displayed $8.24.
When it was rung up, it showed full price! The cashier checked the shelf tag, said it was wrong (?) but changed the price to $8.24.
I paid with a $5.00 ECB that I had from a previous transaction, so total OOP was $3.24 + tax. AND, I got a $5 ECB! 
On the bottom of the receipt it did not say "offer limit reached" so it appears that I could do it again!
But, I only needed one! I left it for another frugal lovely to score :)

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Practical Couponing in Southern California = 58% Extreme Savings!

Total Product:  $60.55      Total OOP: $25.92   Total Savings: 58%!

One of my husband's favorite ways to tease me is to say, "You know, I don't think the couponing thing is working....we're out of _____."

Yesterday I was told we were out of "Liquid Eggs" (yeah, he has his own language) So off to the store I went. 

I started at CVS. I bought: 

(1) box of CVS Band Aids $2.29

(1) Carmello Candy Bar (not pictured, recovering from heat in refrigerator) $1.19

(4) Gatorade G series Protein Bars $1.50 x 4 = $6.00

(2) Register Candies ).33 x 2 = $0.66

--------------------------------------------

Total Product $10.14

I used FREE CVS Band Aid Coupon

I used FREE CVS Carmello Bar Coupon

I used $1.50/$5.00 CVS Nutrition Bar Coupon

Subtotal $5.16

I used $5.00 in previously earned ECBs

Total OOP $0.16!

Then I stopped at Von's

(2) Gain Dishwashing Liquid 24 oz $1.99 x 2 = $3.98

(1) Gain HE Laundry Detergent $6.99

----------------------------------------------

Total Product $10.97

I got an additional $3.00 off for buying 3 Gain Products

I used (1) $1.00/1 Gain Detergent Coupon

I used (2) ) $0.50 off Gain Dishwashing Liquid Coupons 

(One was doubled to $1.00)

Total OOP $5.47 and I received a $3.00 Catalina!

Next Transaction 

(8) Friskies Tasty Treasures Cat Food $0.55 x 8 = $4.40

(1) "Liquid Eggs" (i.e. Generic Egg Beaters) $4.99

--------------------------------------------------

Total Product $9.39

I used (4) B1G1F Friskies Coupons from a tearpad

I used $3.00 Catalina received in previous transaction

Total OOP $4.19!

Next was a quick in-n-out trip at Ralph's

(2) Hillshire Farms Lunch Meat $4.78 x 2 = $9.56

(2) Athenos Feta Cheese $3.99 x 2 = $7.98

---------------------------------------------------

Total Product $17.54

Hillshire Farms was on 50% off sale = $4.78

I used (2) $1.00 off Hillshire Farms coupon from Facebook

I used (1) B1G1F Athenos Feta Coupon from Facebook

Total OOP $6.77

(I actually paid with a Ralph's Gift Card I dug up, so $0.00 OOP!)

Finally Sprouts...

(3) Packages of Chicken Sausages $9.33

(2) Hubert's Lemonade $1.59 x 2 = $3.18

---------------------------------------------------

Total Product $12.51

I used (2) FREE Hubert's Coupons

Total OOP $9.33!

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CVS Cares. Rollin' the ECBs! 8/16 99% Savings!

I stopped by CVS today, because I had a $5 in ExtraCare Bucks that were set to expire. 

I wanted to roll it into the Gatorade "G" Series promo (Buy $5, Get $5 in ECBs), but they only had the nutrition bars left. (And to get to the $5 mark, I'd have to spend $1.50 x 4 = $6.00. It would actually $1.00 OOP, since I had the $5 ECB to roll)

I scanned my card at the Magic Coupon Machine, and look what I got! 

"$1.50 off any nutrition bars $5 or more"

I bought (4) bars at $1.50 each = $6.00. 

I used the $1.50 off of nutrition bars coupon. 

Subtotal was $4.50. 

I added (2) $0.33 candies, paid with $5.00 ECBs and $0.16 OOP, and got $5.00 in ECBs!

**I also received coupons from the Magic Coupon Machine for a FREE box of CVS Bandages and a FREE Carmello Bar!**

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Living Social: A Big Shout out for OUTSTANDING Customer Service!

I just have to post about this because I really want everyone to know how awesome Living Social's customer service is. Last September (!) I purchased a pretty expensive package to the Andretti Racing School from Living Social as a Christmas gift for my husband. As things happen, we forgot about it.

This morning, I received an email from Living Social to remind me to use the deal. I checked the Andretti website and found that there were no locations close to us (the School is held at race tracks the same weekend when an Indycar race is scheduled)

Hoping I was not out the $254, I emailed their customer service. I was thrilled to see the following response:

We're sorry you're having trouble with your deal. The good news? We're happy to refund you! We can either issue the refund in the form of LivingSocial Deal Bucks, or process your refund electronically.
If you'd like Deal Bucks, simply respond to this e-mail and we'll immediately add them to your account. (What are Deal Bucks? Deal Bucks work just like "store credit" on any LivingSocial purchase, except for gift cards.) Alternatively, we can process your refund electronically. Since this purchase was made more than 90 days ago, you'll need to re-enter your credit card information within your account on our site. Please complete the following steps so that we can process a refund to the card of your choice.

Now, the smart thing would be to just get a refund to my credit card, but since I am so impressed with Living Social, I'm thinking I might just take the credit!

THIS BLOG HAS MOVED! Please update your bookmark to AllThoseThingsILove.com for the most recent deals and matchups like this! :)

Target: 7/14 Practical Couponing - 90% Extreme Savings!

Total Product $47.56    Total OOP  $4.45  + I received a $5.00 Gift Card!  

90% Savings!

(3) Neutrogena Natural Lip Balms $2.99 x 3 = $8.97

I used (3) $1.00 off mfr IP coupons

I used (3) $1.00 off Target coupons

-----------------------------------------------

Total paid $2.97 and I received a $5.00 Target Gift Card!

(1) Room Essential Plush Pillow $4.04
I used (1) $2.00 off Target coupon
Total paid $2.04

(2) Dove Men+ care Deodorants (Bonus Pack) clearance $3.38 x 2 = $6.76
I used (1) $2.00 off Target coupon and (2) $2.00 off mfr coupon
Total paid $0.76 or $0.38 each!

(1) Up 'n' Up Aluminum Foil 25 sq ft $1.24 (not pictured)
I used $0.50 off Target coupon
Total paid $0.74!

(4) Benedryl Anti Itch Sticks $2.29 x 4 = $9.16
I used (4) $2.00 off mfr coupons
Total paid $1.16 or $0.29 each!

(2) 2pk Sharpies Fine Point $1.00 x 2 = $2.00
I used (2) $1.00 off Target coupons
Total paid FREE!

(2) Scotch Tape 3pk with bonus Double Sided Tape $2.39 x 2 = $4.78
I used (2) $1.00 mfr coupon
I used (2) $0.50 Target coupon
Total paid $1.78 or $0.22 a roll!

(2) Revlon Nail Files $1.47 x 2 = $2.94
I used $5/2 Target coupon from newspaper
Total paid FREE! (No overage, drats!)

(2) Revlon Nail Clippers $1.59 x 2 = $3.18

I used $5/2 Target coupon from newspaper

Total paid FREE! (No overage, drats!)

(2) Revlon Nail Clippers $2.24 x 2 = $4.48

I used $5/2 Target coupon from newspaper

Total paid FREE! (No overage, drats!)

----------------------------------------

Total Product $38.58

I used $18.10 in Target coupons

I used $14.00 in mfr coupons

After Coupon Total $6.48

I paid with $5.00 Gift Card from 1st transaction

Total OOP $1.48 and I received 2 Catlinas for Revlon Beauty Tools! 

THIS BLOG HAS MOVED! Please update your bookmark to AllThoseThingsILove.com for the most recent deals and matchups like this! :)