Kohl's $10 off $10 Coupon - Expired? No problem! (AND a Wrap-Up with a 96% Savings!)

Did you get the $10 off $10 coupon from Kohl's in the mail?  I got one yesterday and they're one of my favorite things to find in the mailbox!  =)

I've mentioned before how much I love Kohl's and how they allow the use of expired Kohl's Cash (for us forgetful people, lol)!  A few weeks ago I went into Kohl's to use a $10/$10 card, but I also had a couple expired $10/$10 coupons that I couldn't let go of....just hoping that I could still use them.

Since I had such a good experience with the expired Kohl's Cash, I decided to ask if I could use the expired $10/$10 coupons....the cashier said no problem!!  AND she let me use all three on one purchase!

I was able to get my daughter a pair of shorts, 4 undergarments, and 2 tanks for me (that are "regular", but will work great for my maternity belly too!)...all for $2.79!!

Retail Price: $77.61
Sale Price: $32.79
- Three $10/$10 Q's: $30
Final Price = $2.79!!  Saved 96%!

Obviously, this policy may be vary from store to store, but it is definitely worth asking about!!  There was something that rang up wrong and a manager helped me to get it straightened out -- even after voiding and re-ringing it 4 times because of computer trouble, he never mentioned that there was any problem with using multiple $10/$10 cards either!  That makes me think it's probably a chain-wide policy.  This makes the procrastinator in me really happy!  =)

Save Money by Contacting Companies About Their Products!

A friend of mine just reminded me of a GREAT money-saving tip: Contact companies when a product does not meet your expectations!  They want to make customers happy and want to know that they're providing a good product.....if something's wrong they will often make it right with a free product coupon.  With a simple phone call or email you give them valuable feedback and are usually rewarded for it.  An 800 number is often printed on the package, but you could also easily look up contact info online.

Here are just a few examples of companies that I've contacted with good results:

• VanKamp's - there were only 9 fillets in a 10ct box, so I called and they sent a free product coupon
• Pampers and Huggies - I have gotten quite a few free diaper packages when diapers are defective (tabs that come off, too many that leak, hard and scratchy liners....etc.)
• Clairol and L'Oreal - when the hair dye hasn't covered well or the bottle cracked, I've called and they've been kind enough to send replacement coupons

A couple tips to get the best results:
~ Be friendly.....even if you're unhappy with a product, be kind and courteous.
~ Remember that they'll want to know some information (like the expiration date, numbers stamped on the package, etc.), so if possible, keep the package to be the most helpful. 
~ I think this goes without saying, but honesty is key - it's perfectly ok to expect companies to stand behind their products, but don't call or email just to get free stuff.

AND, don't just call to complain -- I've gotten good response from companies when I've emailed/called about how much I LIKE their product too - sometimes they'll send cents off coupons, sometimes free product coupons, and I love to just let them know when they're doing a good job too.

Awesome Customer Service Paper Coterie!

Did you get the $40 credit from Paper Coterie I posted about last week?  It originally was offered until Friday, May 6th, but since it was an awesome deal they had a lot of traffic that overwhelmed their systems a bit, so they extended it to May 8th.  Then, there were still so many people trying to get in on it, they said that if you signed up before the code expired Sunday night, that they would be sending out an email with a code to be able to use the $40 credit in the next few days.

WOW - I am so impressed!  A super generous offer to start with, then to extend it, and extend it again - talk about going above and beyond - what amazing customer service!  Their products are awesome and I can't wait to order something from them!  I love supporting real people with great customer service!
*And remember, if you did sign up by Sunday night, but weren't able to create your own project, then check your email for a code!

If you did sign up and order something - how did you possibly choose??  =)

A public thank you to Menards for a great rebate service!

I want to give a huge shout out and thank you to Menards for being a great company to do rebates with!  I recently had lots of rebates that I had put aside and forgotten to mail in.......when I say lots, I mean lots!  Like some were 5 months old and all together were worth almost $300!  We're working on our first house and remodeling purchases add up quickly!  (Here's an example of a recent purchase - all FREE after rebate.....as long as I send it in!)

When I discovered the old rebate forms and receipts, I checked out their rebate fulfillment centers FAQ section and found this:
"I forgot to send in for my rebate and now it has expired. If I send it in late, will I be able to get my rebate?
Rebates are not open indefinitely. There are no guaranties that a late submission will be honored by any clearinghouse. Mail in your request and we will do our best." 

I thought I'd give it a shot and send the rebates in and hope they'd fulfill them........less than a month later I had a mailbox full of credit checks!  I was so impressed and appreciative!  Many companies won't honor a rebate if you're a day late - here's Menards still honoring them months later!  I wouldn't count on that happening again and I plan to send them in on time, but I so appreciate their willingness to honor the rebates even though they didn't have to!  So, thank you Menards!    =)
If you're new to using Menards rebates or have some questions, check out the Menards 101 post for details.