how do you remind yourself to check your recipets before you leave a store?

**sahm2boys** · 03-10-2010, 10:00 PM

HI

i started couponing a while back
and lately i have been stocking up on clearance items at Target and using my coupons to get things free or extremely cheap..but each time they ring things up incorrectly or the sticker has fallen off and they dont get the discounted price

but i cant get my self in a habit of checking the reciept i always have both kids and it never fails every time im in check out..my husband calls and the kids decided it crazy time..LOL so last time i checked it while i was in the truck and went back in but they only gave me a gift card because i had just done the transaction so tonight im looking and my receipt and i got 3 makeup foundation for under 2.00 with 2.00 coupons each and one of the foundation was rung up as 9.00 so now i gotta go back to target and get my money back..i never get to see my actual correct total because i keep having to go back in..i would have only spent like $5.00 for $82.00 worth of stuff

anyone else have this problem..or have ways to remind them to look and check before they leave?

**frugalfranny** · 03-11-2010, 12:01 AM

During check out I do these things:

I talk to NO ONE. (and my friends that shop with me know it)

I WATCH every item that is rung up and if I don't think it is correct I stop them.

I don't let them put the receipt in the bag. I take it in my hand. This is the time to go over it again if something wasn't right.

I am not always successful with catching errors but have caught more than I have missed.....so that is good.

The MAIN THING----avoid distractions during check out!! Pay attention!

**mauimagic** · 03-11-2010, 12:05 AM

I follow the same procedures that FF does. Shopping with children is a big challenge - like you didn't know that already!!

Please let us know what you work out!!

**ladytoysdream** · 03-11-2010, 06:58 AM

As I put the items on the belt, I am rough adding in my head. If the final total is less than a $ 1, on a bigger order, then I am happy. If not, I check over the register slip right then to find the mistake. I also watch the items as they are rung up. And when they take the coupons off, I am watching. If I buy 10 items with coupons, I want to see 10 minus things on the total.

**Sassyclass** · 03-11-2010, 07:12 AM

I have a calculator and keep a running total as I put things in the cart. Once I'm done I make sure I have all the coupons I'll need to use and I total them up and subtract from grocery total. If their total and mine are miles apart, that's a red flag someone is wrong and I take care of it then and there. I also watch everything that is rung up, even the coupons. I have eyes like a hawk when it comes to grocery totals and coupons. It's my money and I earned it. Don't be afraid to tell them it isn't right.

Cat

**frugalwarrior2** · 03-11-2010, 08:08 AM

I have had a prob. w/ cashiers coming to gab w/ other cashiers while they ring my order. (usually kids) I say alright guy you can yack later she has to concentrate. I usually try and say it in a "funny" way. But it TICKS ME OFF. I went to a lot of trouble to find those deals. Were talking MONEY.
I never shop w/ friends or kids. I think I look rather strange w/ my claculator ,talking to myself w/ my giant binder. I have a cart full of odd multiples too. I check the reciept as she's rung but I have recently started to get a subtotal of the coupons before they ring. They get distracted too.

**Josephhgoins** · 03-11-2010, 08:17 AM

as usual I am the odd one out here.

I pick a long line to get into, usually that means the casher is slower. YOU WANT THAT. I place each item in an orderly fashion on the belt. no piles of stuff for me. Everything is neat and in order. By doing this you are sending a message to the cashier that you are paying attention and you care about your stuff. next I push the cart forward and make sure the cashier sees me adjusting the register read out so that I can read it easily. I then watch it and the cashier like a hawk.

There is a reason the Cashiers try to start a conversation with you. Its to distract you, while they store over charges you on anything they can.

**Contrary Housewife** · 03-11-2010, 10:44 AM

I shop alone so I can concentrate on the task.

I keep an eye on the display when ringing up sale/ markdown items because sometimes they don't go in properly and this way I can correct it immediately.

Sometimes I will even tell the cashier... "this is a markdown" or "this is supposed to ring up at 2 for 1" . I have a feel for what will ring up incorrectly.

I take the receipt in my hand and look it over before I leave the store. I stop someplace in the front of the store, out of he way of other people, and go over it quickly.

**Contrary Housewife** · 03-11-2010, 10:44 AM

I shop alone so I can concentrate on the task.

I keep an eye on the display when ringing up sale/ markdown items because sometimes they don't go in properly and this way I can correct it immediately.

Sometimes I will even tell the cashier... "this is a markdown" or "this is supposed to ring up at 2 for 1" . I have a feel for what will ring up incorrectly.

I take the receipt in my hand and look it over before I leave the store. I stop someplace in the front of the store, out of he way of other people, and go over it quickly.

**Libby** · 03-11-2010, 12:32 PM

I usually keep a running total of how much is in my cart and when I do have coupons I subtract them from the total....I too use the calculator on my cell to help.....I tend to pullover in an aisle to pre-calculate then watch the items being scanned at the checkout. Then I pull over at the end of the cash by the display/window etc to review my bill. Also, I am not afraid to ask the cashier to double check the price when she scans something too fast - it not only forces her to lose her momentum in stupid quick scanning but she has to go back and look it up for me which is her cue to slow down b/c I am hawking over everything on that screen.

**WV_mom_of2** · 03-11-2010, 12:40 PM

If at all possible try to shop without the kids. However I know that's easier said then done most of the time.

I try to watch each item being rung up but sometimes I just can't keep up. So I check my receipts in the car. I load everything in, put the buggy away and then sit in the peace and quiet of my vehicle and go over it. I make a list of all my coupons before I go in, what they are for and how much off. That way I can be sure they really did take them off when I look over the receipt. If I need to go back in then I'm right there and can do it right then.

**Neeley** · 03-11-2010, 12:52 PM

I make it a point to shop with my husband and kids. DH and the kids gather everything and place in the cart. I keep a running total in my head as we shop. Once we are in the check-out, DH and the kids unload the cart. I step to the front, watch the items as they scan. If something is not right I make a mental note and go to customer service and get it straightened out. I count the coupons before I give them to the cashier and count them as they are scanned. There is one cashier at Publix I love to go to. She scans each coupon as she rings that particular item up.

I also take my receipt in my hand, not in a bag. I look over it as we exit the store. DH and the kids handle the shopping cart to car then they load the truck.

**frugalfriend** · 03-11-2010, 12:58 PM

Originally Posted by WV_mom_of2

If at all possible try to shop without the kids. However I know that's easier said then done most of the time.

I try to watch each item being rung up but sometimes I just can't keep up. So I check my receipts in the car. I load everything in, put the buggy away and then sit in the peace and quiet of my vehicle and go over it. I make a list of all my coupons before I go in, what they are for and how much off. That way I can be sure they really did take them off when I look over the receipt. If I need to go back in then I'm right there and can do it right then.

This is exactly what I do IF I'm not able to keep up with the cashier while checking out. By the time you get home and notice the mistake it is easier to just let it go (if not that big of an amount) but if right outside the store, it's easier to go back in and also the cashier remembers you.

As a mom of three, I agree ~ try to go at a time when you don't have to bring the kids, maybe on the weekend? SO much quicker and easier!

**shoiji** · 03-11-2010, 05:25 PM

I write the prices after coupons next to the item on my grocery list. Then tally up the amount so I know atleast how much the grocery purchase should be. Sometimes a little off especially when buying produce. This way I know how much the total should be. I also try to look at my receipt before I walk out the door.

If your husband is calling when you are at the check out let it ring and call him back when you are sitting in the car. Can't help you with the children though. When it is crazy time, hey it is crazy time! lol

**Siebrie** · 03-12-2010, 04:14 PM

Try to go shopping without the kids. I even prefer to go shopping without dh. He likes to go quickly in/quickly out, while I prefer to have a good look in all the aisles for unexpected offers. I make a point of looking at the price of the item before I put it in the cart, and I will keep a close look on the register when the cashier is ringing it all up. I may not ´know´ all the prices if you ask me, but I will get uncomfortable if I see the wrong price ring up. I usually find that I am right if I question the cashier about this.