Ways My Wife Saves Us Money: Expired Coupon Edition
The blinking light on our phone base signaled there was a message waiting in our voice mail system. The message was from Oriental Trader, stating their records indicated we made a large order about this time year, and if we were planning on placing an order soon they would give us a code for 5% off and free shipping. I jotted the code down, as my wife was indeed preparing to send in an order for some decorations for a party we have coming up soon.
Some things came up, we got busy, and it was over a week before my wife got back to the order. Unfortunately, when she tried to use the code, a message in bright red told my wife that the offer had expired.
When she requested I bring her a phone, I knew exactly what was coming.
She dialed up Oriental Trader, and explained what had happened. They transferred her to the customer relations department, where she repeated the story. Within a few minutes, she had a new code re-instating the offer of 5% off and free shipping.
The 5% off saved us $10 off her $200 order, but the biggest savings came with the free shipping. Normally the order would have cost $23 to ship to our home, but because of a simple phone call it was free.
A short phone call saved us $33 off a purchase my wife was going to make anyway.
When it comes to saving money, my wife sincerely believes that no coupon ever expires, sales really don’t end, and it never hurts to try to attempt negotiating the price.
The worst they can say is, “No.â€
Oriental Trader magazines usually get a quick look through, and then tossed in the garbage. But because of their great customer service and their willingness to treat repeat customers right, they’ve earned my respect, and my future business.
Have you ever asked for a new coupon after the one you had expired? Did you get it?
Brock is a software engineer by day and personal finance blogger at night. He is a fitness junkie and enjoys grilling and smoking meat. Married with two children, Brock strives to improve his skills as a husband and father, and is always on the lookout to stretch his family’s budget as far as he can.
You are so fortunate to have a wife that tries to save money. You have a real jewel in her. Too many marriage have gone to divorce court because of wives who shopped until their family was buried in debt. I always look for a way, not to pay full price. Like you said, you need to ask. All they can say is no.
Way to go, Brock’s wife! (Clever dudette?) It’s always worth asking. Like you said, at worst they’ll say no.
I once went to Fry’s the day after a sale ended. It was something that we used a lot (though I can’t remember what), and the savings would have been significant. So I went to the customer service desk, and I explained that I have health problems. I meant to come in the day before but wasn’t able to leave the house.
The lady told me to bring the items directly to her, and she’d make an exception.
@PMoney – She definitely is a Gem. 🙂 Of course, there is some motivation….if we save money, then we have more to spend on other things, right? Haha!
@Abigail – Nice! That was great of her to let you have them for the sale price…..no sale is ever over!! 🙂