Random act of kindness in the store
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 Hand-posted by Jennifer
I’m sure you’ve noticed the blinking Smart Source coupon dispensers in the store, right? And I’m sure you’ve noticed coupons sometimes lying on or around a product, right? The ones left by a “Coupon Fairy” which is destined to either be a)thrown away by a non-couponing careless store employee or b)used by someone shopping to help save them money. Well, it sure is nice to know when the latter is what happens.
I have a reader who would like to share her recent shopping experience where she encountered the random act of kindness left by a Coupon Fairy. Enjoy!
Thanks Julie! It’s nice to know that the “coupon fairies” are appreciated!This has been on my mind and wanted to share:
The last time I was at the store I encountered a random act of coupon kindness. I was wheeling around the aisles at my Kroger and passed the pet aisle; we have 3 kitties and while Petsmart is my normal best bet for sizes I need (vs price) I check my grocery b/c sometimes I luck out on smaller boxes/bags being on sale.
There on the top shelf tucked under a box of Tidy Cats was a stack of $1 off coupons (printables). I didn't think much of it except, "How nice/convenient!" We needed litter, the box was a good price with the coupon, so I snagged one. I tucked the remaining coupons back under another box; I'm not greedy.
What's funny is that over the rest of my trip, I found at least 7-8 more items like this (who knows how many more that I didn't find them)! Just the item on the shelf as normal, but with a small stack of coupons clearly cut out by someone and precisely placed beneath a front package, slightly sticking out.
Now, doing such a thing is potentially pointless. You never know if a store clerk will come by and just trash them or if one greedy person will take the lot. But how genuinely NICE of someone to take the time to put all those coupons there just in case someone else could use them, whether they were a couponer or not...
Julie
Knoxville, TN
May 13, 2009 at 3:41 PM
Jennifer I am a regular reader of your blog. You have taught me to be a coupon fairy. I try to pay it forward with coupons by leaving the ones I would never use. You have mentioned this in a prior post. So thanks.
May 13, 2009 at 6:02 PM
I too am a coupon fairy! Especially when coupons are getting ready to expire! I keep all coupons and if some are going to expire within a week or so I go through out the store as I am shopping placing them by the items!
I have also been on the receiving end!
One of my most favorite things to do is to be a "live" coupon fairy! I often share my coupons with cashiers and managers when I check out for them to use at the end of their shift!
My most touching story is when I saw an elderly woman looking at some lysol neutra air at Kroger. I overheard her make a comment to her husband that they didn't have enough money for "that one" and that they needed to look for a cheaper brand. I stepped in with my BOGO coupon and even though she had to buy 2 it was still cheaper than if she purchased just one of the other brand! She thanked me graciously and it felt good to know that by sharing that coupon she was able to stock up on not just 1 but 4 bottles (bonus can in each pack). She wouldn't have to worry about buying it for at least a month or two!
I get so excited about coupons anyways and love to share that enthusiasm with anyone around!
Share the wealth!
Lissa
May 13, 2009 at 8:27 PM
I'm a firm believer in Coupon Karma. I've been on both ends, giving & receiving, and honestly, one is no better than the other. I do wonder though how many of the coupons I leave actually get used or if a store employee comes around & trashes them before another coupon lover find them. Guess that's a chance I'll continue to take.
May 14, 2009 at 2:13 PM
I have been on both sides of this and say
"Hooray! For Coupon Fairies!!!!!!"
Nice blog topic:)