Originally Posted by Olivia's Gramy
Not to mention have you noticed what Michael's Craft store is doing now? You can't get the 40% off coupon unless you spend a min of $5.00 and fill out the coupon to be on their mailing list. Granted I spend at least that, but I just think this is going a little too far in the restrictions.
Did you know Michaels will not let you use coupons on books now? They started that several months ago. I found out the hard way, but I didn't buy the book either.[/quote]
I work at M's. The book thing has been for over a year; they don't make much money on the books even at full price/it is also up to the publisher to put 'rules' on that...
(one reason I think J has started to almost 'always' have magazines on sale at 10% is to prevent coupon usage without having to spell it out...)
As to the email/coupon...you are NOT required to give it. NOT REQUIRED, do you hear me??? Each cashier is told to ASK, because you DO get more coupons/specials via email. (ie... did you know that yesterday morning all Christmas went to 90% off?? corp can email you this reminder!!!) But you are NOT required. If you must, involve (politely please) a manager...
As to the $5.00 minimum, your coupon must be a TEST MARKET coupon.
Corporate has the ability to design various test programs. Stores in my area were handing out 50% AORPI coupons at the register while mine was still printing 40%....and a customer brought in a coupon from a M in another state that was for 60% AOPRI....
This is, as I stated about 4 pages ago, all about marketing. They (royal they, any and ALL companies do this) test the waters, see what customers will tolerate/accept/ what doesn't work
If you don't believe me, do you think that in general, the price of ice cream hasn't gone up in years? Yes, 3 or 4 years back they ran 3 1/2 gallons for $10.... they may still run the same 3/$10, but have you noticed that the containers went from 1/2 gallon, to 1.75 quarts and are now hovering around 1.5 quarts?
At what point will they have to stop?? pretty soon, since they already sell ice cream in quart containers....