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There's a movie called GREED, filmed in 1924. via IMDBI've had a number of booths in my career here at the News. I try to have a freebie or a token of appreciation for guests who stop by and visit with me.
It varies.
Candy
Pens
Treasure box for the kids
Scissors with cute sayings for clipping coupons
Coupon organizers etc.
Well this past weekend one lady who stopped by my booth started grabbing everything on the table, even items that were my personal belongings.
She didn't listen to anything I said until I stopped her and said that's not a freebie.
Freebie snatching has become a sport and there are rule breakers everywhere.
It's frustrating that select members of the deal hunting society have this attitude that I'm going to get all I can and who cares if I get more than my fair share.
That same attitude the booth visitor had is the same attitude demonstrated by folks who abused the $5 off $5 coupon from
I spoke with several Babies R Us and Toys R Us associates and they all had the same story.
Customers were coming in with 6 copies of the coupon and trying to do 6 different transactions to score 6 items free.
THE TERMS OF THE COUPON STATED LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER.
So why did so many shoppers think it was OK to print multiple copies?
The abuse led to RUS corporate pulling the coupon from their site and preventing any further redemption of the coupon which would have expired today.
Do you think they will release a similar coupon again? Probably not.
In reality the ones who abused the coupon told the world that r
ules don't apply to them, they know how to game the system and they deserve to use multiple copies of this coupon to get what they want for free.
The couponing community doesn't need another negative review in our file.
We have to deal with coupon fraud and abuse in the grocery store, online and other avenues.
We have to deal with negative looks, policy changes, deal limits and countless other
repercussions that have resulted from folks who don't want to follow the rules.
If you want to see the end of all freebies, tokens of customer appreciation, high value coupons and other great deals keep it up scammers. (I have a feeling though they don't care.)
There's a simple rule I teach my children and they can recite it for you when asked:
When someone gives you a gift, you say thank-you and you do not ask for more. If they want you to have more they will give it to you.
I know I sound like I'm ranting, maybe I am. What bothers me is the unfailing ability of the few to demonstrate their greed which hurts the rest of us who like to play by the rules.
Do you disagree? Do you agree? Let me hear from you in the comments or
.