What to do when the checkout goes awry

I am rarely nervous at checkout but I had an experience this weekend that set my heart racing.  After handing the cashier my stack of coupons, there were a few that wouldn't scan.  Normally this isn't a problem, and they'll set them aside to check at the end and/or call a manager over to override the system.  However, my cashier kept mixing up the piles of coupons that had been scanned and coupons that hadn't and I wasn't sure that all the coupons had gone through properly.  After looking through the coupons, I was able to determine which pile was which and all the coupons went through in the end.  To help your checkout go as smoothly as possible, follow these simple steps:

1. Have a detailed list when you go into the store.  I use the online circulars to add items to my list so I can see the sale price and then I write in any manufacturer or store coupons I have on the side along with the final price of each item.  This ensures I pick the right item for the right process off the shelf and also lets me make sure everything rings correctly at the register.  As you get familiar with your store's checkout process you'll notice which sale prices come up as an item is rung and which won't show up until the end of the transaction.

2. Organize your coupons before you get to the register.  If you have a get one free coupon where the cashier has to write in the value, I like to put that item at the end of my checkout and the coupon on top so it's easy for them to access and write in the price of the item to put the coupon through.  I also organize my coupons with the highest value on top so I can see when the price on the coupons changes and keep track of which ones have gone through.

4.  Keep an eye on them as they go through the register.  Listen for the beeps, watch the totals fall and make sure each one is going through properly including any doubling.

5. Know your store's coupon policy.  The more you know in advance about how they take coupons, the easier your checkout will be.  Many stores limit the number of like coupons you can use in a transaction along with how many coupons can double in a transaction.  There are also regulations on internet coupons.  Knowing how your coupons will scan and staying within the rules will make the checkout process smoother.

6. Check the receipt after you've left the store.  Double check that all coupons stored on your card came off properly and all the sale prices matched as well.  You can use your list to make sure your totals match.  Most stores will adjust your price if you bring back your receipt with proof that something did not ring correctly.

7. If something doesn't seem right, don't be afraid to speak up.  Coupons are a form of currency and the store will get reimbursed for every coupon you use.  It's in your best interest to make sure everything is accurate and you don't have to spend any more of your hard-earned money than you have to.