Should I feel guilty getting all these free veggies?

**Daydream Believer** · 10-14-2006, 11:25 PM

This past week, our 2 local grocery stores had a rare but exciting coupon in their flyer. First of all, they had Green Giant can vegetables on sale 10 / $5.00. In the flier, they had a store coupon which was for $5. off if you purchased at least 10 General Mills products on their list. The GG vegetables were amongst the items that qualified. So basically, when I purchased 10 cans of vegetables @ 10 / $5., I got $5. off with the coupon and the vegetables were free. There was not a limit of one coupon per person on this and the store always has a ton of flyers for customers. So, do you think it was wrong of me to stop in the stores a few times this week and stock up on these? I ended up with 80 cans of vegetables for free because I made 4 trips to each of the 2 stores over the course of the week. I did make other purchases when I was there and did not just go for the free veggies.

So - should I feel guilty? (My DH kind of made it sound like I was so totally unfair to the store and now I question if this was ethical.)

**Sari** · 10-14-2006, 11:41 PM

I don't think so. How is that any different from combining a manufacturer's coupon with a good sale? The store knew what they were doing, and the majority of the people who shop there are not going to be taking advantage of it. The store is not going to go out of business. You followed their rules and you got a really good deal out of it. Feel proud for getting free veggies for your family.

**Neeley** · 10-14-2006, 11:59 PM

I would not feel guilty at all. I get lots of items for free by combining sales and coupons. I would not have even bought other itmes either. You should feel nothing but pride for finding a great deal!! Good fro you!!

**Lori Biever-Launder** · 10-15-2006, 03:37 AM

Nope--they hoped you would buy the expensive stuff. You just beat them at their own game!

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 10-15-2006, 07:54 AM

No! You should feel proud that you found such a great deal for your family.
Way to go!!!

Laurie in BRadenton

**seadream** · 10-15-2006, 07:59 AM

Never feel guilty over great deal like that, especially since they were free. I would be bragging to everyone in my family.

**Darlene** · 10-15-2006, 08:02 AM

I wouldn't feel guilty but if you want you can donate some to a food pantry.

**dwallyfam** · 10-15-2006, 10:25 AM

Ditto everyone else. The store knows that this is a possibility to happen. If no one said anything to you at the store I wouldn't let it bother you

**staceyy** · 10-15-2006, 11:04 AM

No, I wouldn't feel guilty.

**fernykins** · 10-15-2006, 11:32 AM

Hey the stores do know what coupons and stuff is out there......... So you did nothing wrong........You did a good thing. And in the long run you were taking care of your family.
Fern

**lottaLove** · 10-15-2006, 12:10 PM

Don't feel guilty!! It's a store, they're in it for profit. You bought other items while you were in the store, and I'm sure that was exactly what they were hoping for.

**katmattus** · 10-15-2006, 12:33 PM

No, absolutely not. If you were not breaking any policies..ie only one special per family etc...then I would just be thankful the Lord provided such a blessing.

**Katybird** · 10-15-2006, 12:47 PM

Absolutely not

. You found a great deal and took advantage of it, there is nothing wrong with that. It is the supermarkets way of getting you into their store and you did your part by coming to their store and they did their part by providing the initative to get you there.

**PrairieRose** · 10-15-2006, 01:52 PM

They're called "loss leaders" for a reason. It's to get you in to buy the things they'll lose money on and hopefully you'll spend on the higher end stuff while there. It works most of the time for the stores or they wouldn't be doing it

**Daydream Believer** · 10-15-2006, 02:35 PM

Thanks for the replies everybody - I guess my guilt is going away now!

Just got the flyer for this next week - wow! This time they have Kraft items - buy 10 and get $10. off and have 2 of the coupons in each flyer. So basically I will get $1. off of each item that i buy and they have quite a list! Plus they have a bunch of Kraft items on sale from the list - like the pudding cups for $1.00 each (free after coupon), Capri Sun, Fraft Deluxe mac & cheese, Velvetta shells & cheese (.67 after coupon), plus just a whole lot more. Looks like I will definitely be stocking up this week on these items......

This is going to help our budget lots because we are in the process of moving (brand new house) and I am pinching every penny that I can right now!!!

ETA: again this week it is not limited to one per person!