Anyone who consistently uses coupons knows exactly who I am talking about....they're the people who get in line with you and start sighing extra-loud when they see your stack of coupons.
They are the ones who assume that you are a Welfare Queen who is somehow scamming the store out of product just because you have figured out how to use coupons to your maximum benefit.
They are the ones who "don't have time" to clip coupons...I assume because they are off finding the cure for cancer.
They are the ones who "can't be bothered" to use coupons...because you know, once you make a certain amount of money you are more than happy to pay too much for your groceries!
I used to let them bother me or make me feel rushed....but no more. I now have a new approach to dealing with them and warding off any potential "huffers & puffers".
Whenever I am in line and anyone gets behind them, I turn to them with a BIG smile and say "Just so you know - I have coupons for every item in my cart, so my transaction may take a few extra minutes". Sometimes they switch lines and sometimes they tell me that it isn't a problem. Either way, I have fufilled MY responsibility etiquette-wise and if they are annoyed at being delayed, it is their fault for staying in line behind me (note: I rarely shop when there is only 1 line open, so they always have an alternative).
Sometimes all the other lines are longer and they stay....and since there is always a coupon that beeps or forces the cashier to scroll back to check a price, I usually turn to the person behind me and say (once again, with a BIG smile) "I'm sorry to hold you up, but this is a matter of saving about $50". Giving them an amount of your total savings usually takes all the wind out of their sails. Many of them just don't realize how quickly those coupons add up!
I have to say - since I started approaching the other customers in this way - my shopping trips have been MUCH more pleasant. AND I have had some of those huffers and puffers track me down in the parking lot and want to see my coupon binder and get tips on how they can save money.
How do you deal with the Huffers & Puffers?
Laeigh
This was hilarious. I read it out loud to my husband. I, too deal with the huffers and puffers. In the past when I have had an extra coupon that I couldn't use, I would offer it to them if they could use it and usually this shuts them up. Thanks for the laughs! Your perspective is great!
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