Complaint Review: Albertsons

I know I'm not alone. I'm a member of a couponing group here locally.

I had a run-in with a clerk back when albertson was issuing the $5/25 purchase cpns... which clearly stated that it was valid for ANY purchase of $25.... meaning I can use it BEFORE OR AFTER manufacturers cpns. I had over $25 worth of items in my cart. I checked out- advised the nasty acting cashier that we should use the $5/25 FIRST so it will ring thru- b/c it won't be over $25 AFTER manuf. cpns. But, I've clearly bought the required $25 worth of items.

He says 'don't worry I'll handle it' I'm used to clerks having a can do attitude since I'm super patient when really I shouldn't have to be- they should be trained!
He gets to the end starts ringing in my manuf. cpns- THEN hands me back my $5 cpn and tells me "you didn't BUY $25 worth of stuff- you can't use this" I wanted to beat my head into the wall as we had the whole debate. I left VERY angry & empty handed- refusing to pay for what I don't have to or more than I should.

I called corporate- who got to the bottom of it (the guy was a manager)- and I was 'allowed' to do it from thereafter... Problem is EVERY one of those cpns after that stated clearly MUST BE USED AFTER MANUF. CPNS... which would be all great- if it served as a true discount. It doesn't though- that means ONLY people who do not intend to heavily use cpns are entitled to use this discount. Basically, if you are a coupon user- chances are there's no way on gods green earth you'll spend this much- even on a regular visit in one trip.
I'm floored that they do this & get away with it. What purpose does it serve to offer discounts ONLY if it is to a customer with NO INTENTION of using them?
THEN to further my frustration- they picked & chose who got what... where some members of the same card got a $5/25 others got only $5/$30 or worse $5/50!!! Forcing those already tightening their budget to spend more just to use the cpns- but, only if they don't use other cpns... how is this fair to ALL customers?

After too many run-ins over silly things there- I've finally just given up shopping there. I always 'am allowed' if I come home call & run back up there. But, gas is expensive! I shouldn't HAVE to go in circles to do this. I'm paying just like a cash customer- only with cpns. I should be treated just as well!

My last run in was earlier this month- there was a promo when you buy 6 of a certain product- you get a cpn for $7 off of school supplies- gives a long list followed with 'and more' so... I was getting pudding- on sale for 1.00 ea. thinking surely those are great for lunchboxes- the silly clerk TRIED to debate with me that kids DO NOT use pudding in their lunchboxes therefore it is NOT a school supply... I pointed out to her manager this is the SAME clerk that stops me each & EVERY time I go in that shift- after he approved me of course. He didn't seem to care it takes me 30 minutes to stand at checkout AFTER they've rang everything up- just to be approved to pay my own bill legitimately. I never get apologized to for my personal embarrassment OR for my time wasted when I have a family I'm obviously trying to care for.
I'd LOVE to start a class-action for all of the crap it puts it's customers through- probably employees too- since they seem as clueless as we get judged to be as well!

Kd
Tallahassee, Florida
U.S.A.