Periodically we share offers from sellers that just make you scratch your head or chuckle because of the contradictions in the advertising or surprises in the fine print.
| Example #1 |
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In an online promotion, Macy’s promised to take $11.99 off a box of a particular brand of chocolates when you made any purchase. But, when reader William-Andrew went to check out, the system did not take off the full $11.99.
*MOUSE PRINT:
The Macy’s online call center refused to fix the overcharge, but once stores reopened, the manager there gladly gave our consumer back the difference. Thanks for nothing (at least online), Macy’s.
| Example #2 |
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While we’re dumping on Macy’s, reader Gay R. sent in a coupon that promised a generous 25% off for their credit card holders. The back of the coupon, however, noted a list of exclusions in miniscule type that seemingly left little the coupon could be used for.
*MOUSE PRINT:
| Example #3 |
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Joe W. says he visited the Sears in Danbury, CT and had to send in a picture of a “blowout” deal he saw on some tools while getting his car repaired.
*MOUSE PRINT:
He said “at least they were brutally honest.” Thanks for nothing, Sears.
| Example #4 |
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And CVS was offering the same amount of savings on these masks that only looked like they were on sale.
*MOUSE PRINT:
Thanks for nothing, CVS.
| Example #5 |
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If you didn’t look carefully, you might have thought it was your lucky day to find a genuine bargain on parking downtown.
*MOUSE PRINT:
Credit:Reddit
If you find a funny or oddball offer that could be spotlighted here, please submit a copy to us.
Well with the way Sears is being run they will be fully closed down by the end of year. Less than 100 Sears / Kmart stores exist now in the USA and more are still closing up now.
As long as Mr. Consumer’s doing mouse print funny stuff this week, my comment pertains to Example #4, CVS Health Cone Face Masks. Would you really want to wear one of those at any price? If you did, wouldn’t that Cone Face Mask make you a cone head? And if you’re Jewish as I am, a Cohen head?
With a list of exclusions that large, it might simply be easier to go into the store and ask what that coupon does work on, but don’t be surprised when they point you in the direction of the gum/candy rack next to the register.
Also that Sears one screams of a “top-down” decision.
$4 each 10 minutes?
Is the parking in a golden castle?
I liked Wayne’s comment, above. As a former Californian, the parking may not have been in a golden castle, but I bet it was in the Golden State…
In Macy’s defense, if you have an online account with them or their app they will tell you which coupons apply to your purchase so you don’t have to get tripped up with all the disclaimers. And despite the lengthy list of disclaimers, they often have plenty of other coupons that will apply to your purchase. Big designer brands usually don’t qualify because the brands themselves refuse to honor any discounts. Brands like Levi’s, Coach, big cosmetic companies, etc. don’t want to let anyone offer extra discounts on their merchandise so they are the ones guilty of prohibiting Macy’s or any other retailer from offering an extra discount.
Just to clarify the above, any discounts on any of those designer brands have to be approved by the company that makes them or even originate with them, not with the store. They just don’t seem to like being involved in store coupon discounts.