It's not about the cheese!

Dear Cashier,

I am a couponer.  I use coupons in your store at least once a week, sometimes two or three times.  I am loyal to your store.  Whatever my grocery store needs, I head directly to your store bypassing several other chains on my way.  Sometimes your regular prices are a bit higher but I return there because of your stores promise of exceptional customer service.

I follow your stores policies on coupons and discounts.  I do not break the rules, or try to get around them.  Just because I use a coupon doesn't give you the right to roll your eyes at me. I'm not stealing from you or your store. I expect you to verify the coupon is valid and that I bought the product.  But sometimes the item pictured is an example of one of the many items the coupon is good for.  READ the coupon.

For example, Kraft offers MANY different varities of 8 oz shredded cheese.  They could only fit a picture of 2 of them on the offer.  Just because Sharp Cheddar is what was pictured doesn't mean I have to only buy the cheddar, the Mexican Blend is covered too.  That is what I was TRYING to explain to you when you pitched an attitude telling me in THAT tone "We'll see" and giving that little smirk.  You CLEARLY demonstrated that you thought you had caught me attempting to "cheat" you.  I wasn't.

Your attitude towards me was completely offensive.  YES some people try to fraud your store and the manufacturer by buying things that the coupon might work for, but isn't intended for.  But profiling every person who uses a coupon as a thief and a fraud is BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE.  I was trying to tell you, fine, I want that cheese anyway- not the one you insisted was the only one being offered at that price.  You didn't respond and just starting voiding my coupons off.   I was so offended I left my items at the register and walked out. 

Yes, your store manager tried to assuage my offense by offering me the free cheese.  He wouldn't take no for an answer. I don't think he understood it wasn't about the cheese.  How would he like it if I called him a thief by my actions, implications and little remarks?  I doubt I will go back to your store.  I will feel like I am under the microscope each time I enter the doors, even if I am going it coupon-less (which I admit is rare). 

My point is I was a loyal customer at your store,  I follow your rules and your polices.  But I don't have to take your attitude.  I don't have to spend my money at your store and I doubt I will any more.  I'd rather drive 20 miles out of my way to deal with a store who appreciates its customers and doesn't profile them based on their coupon use.