I keep a large, plastic coupon organizer in my car specifically for restaurants, retail, entertainment, etc. When I was headed to the mall today, I pulled it out to see what I had in my “Mall” tabbed section. I discovered a highly coveted $10 off a $10 purchase coupon for JC Penney, that expired in August! Gasp! How on earth could I let that pass me up, when I could easily pop in for socks, undies, hair pretties for my daughters, or whatever other $10 find I could get for free.
My purpose in heading to Penney’s in the first place was to exchange a Disney Fairies placemat I had bought for my daughter. When I bought it and got it home, I pulled off the plastic tab that is used to hang the placemat on a display rack, and it was so sticky it pulled off the foam on the backside. I found the replacement (pulled off the plastic tab to be sure it would come off clear), and took it to the register to exchange. I asked the clerk if, by chance, they would accept an expired $10 off $10 purchase coupon. She said no, unfortunately. Ok, didn’t hurt to ask. I was not upset or offended, it was my fault anyway that I had let it expire.
Standing nearby was (I’m assuming) a manager, who overheard my request. He told the cashier he would authorize for her to accept my expired coupon! Yippee! I said great, let me do some shopping! I picked out a cute velour hoodie for my 6 year old daughter, on sale for $12.99. There were matching velour pants, but I decided I’d wait until I had a 15% off coupon before buying those. Who knows, maybe in the meantime I’ll get another $10 off $10 and have the brand new set for under $7!
Of course, it most likely depends on the store, the store’s policy, the manager who happens to be within earshot and if they’re having a nice day or not!!
Bottom line … it never hurts to ask!
Have you had luck saving money with an expired coupon? Bed, Bath & Beyond permit expired coupons. Do you know of any other stores?
After a career in advertising and marketing, Ann-Marie is now a SAHM of three fun-loving children. Always a deal seeker, she slowly took her basic couponing skills to the next level and began sharing tips with her friends.
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Chick-Fil-A does!
I’ve used coupons that expired like two years ago there!!!!