Under the Median: SIX Strategies and Tips for Using Rainchecks

Nothing is more frustrating than heading to the local grocery store to snag a great deal on a super sale priced item and finding the sales sticker sitting right next to a totally empty shelf. Although most stores try to anticipate customer demand and stock up on huge quantities of items which are offered at a bargain price, sometimes mistakes happen. It may be as simple as your local store being shorted on cases of merchandise from the warehouse. Regardless of the reason, what you really care about is that your dream of scooping up a serious bargain has been thwarted.

However, in most cases you need not worry. Major grocery store chains are generally happy to issue you a raincheck.

What is a raincheck?

When a store runs out of a product, a raincheck allows you to purchase that item for the lower, advertised price, for up to 30 days after the sale ends.

Yep! You read that right! A raincheck basically extends the sale for another 30 days.

You are not inconveniencing the store by asking for a raincheck!

I hate to cause people more work. It's in my nature. So, I used to think, "Oh, I don't want to bother the employees." So, I would leave the store without a raincheck in hand.

No!!!

If the store offers rainchecks, then it is the job of the employees to insure that they cheerfully retrieve one and fill it out for you when you ask. You are not doing anything even slightly immoral or outside the bounds of their stated store policy. Remember, they want you to return to their store on a regular basis. So, be polite, but firm if any employee indicates that you are asking "too much" when you request a raincheck.

Before we begin:

This is the second post in a series dedicated to grocery-savings strategies. In case you missed the first post in the series, be sure to read: "Ten Strategies for Scoring Supermarket Markdowns."

Rain check tips.

1. Not all stores offer rainchecks.

It is not mandatory for stores to give customers the perk of rainchecks. it is certainly good customer relations, but it is strictly up to the individual business. Because of this, however, you should always ask for a copy of the written raincheck policy. Keep the policy in your coupon or raincheck file, in case you need to refer to it in the future

2. Some items don't qualify for a raincheck.

Despite the fact that we all enjoy a bargain and (for the most part) stores enjoy giving them to us, not all item prices will be eligible for a raincheck.

Always remember: If it is not spelled out in the ad that a raincheck will not be given for certain products, it never hurts to ask. The worst thing they can say, is, "No". But, they may just say, "Yes."

Here are some words to watch for, which might indicate a product, for which a raincheck will not be issued:

while supplies last

limited to quantities on hand

limited quantities

no "rainchecks" issued (This one is certainly clear).

3. Ask where to go in the store to get the raincheck.

You may ask any store employee, the checkout clerk in your lane, or someone at the courtesy desk. I have had the checkout personnel issue the raincheck directly at the lane. However, more often than not, I've had to go to the courtesy desk to request a raincheck.

4. There may be limits on quantity.

The clerk who is issuing the raincheck may need you to declare how many of the item you want to purchase at the sale price. Although this is not necessarily customary, I've had it happen more than once.

Here's what you need to do. Ask if there is a maximum. If there is, always have them write that amount on the rain check. You are not required to purchase this many, but it gives you the greatest flexibility in using the rain check when you return to the store.

5. Make note of the expiration date of the raincheck.

Generally they are good for 30 days. Be sure you know the limitations on rainchecks from your local stores.

Here are two tips for insuring that you don't miss your savings opportunity.

1. Highlight it!

Use a yellow highlighter and go over that date in a bright color. This is a sure fire way to see the expiration date at a glance.

2. Use your phone!

Make note of the sale item and expiration date on your phone. You can do this by simply leaving yourself a memo on your phone calendar. You can also leave yourself a voice memo or set an alarm as a reminder.

6. Don't lose your rainchecks!

If you get to the store and can't find those precious scraps of paper, known as a rainchecks, then you will not receive a discounted price.

You can organize your raincheck stash in a couple of different ways.

1. Keep your rainchecks filed with your coupons.

If you have a coupon organizer, then just label and reserve a portion of it for your store rainchecks.

2. Keep them filed in your purse or wallet.

If you have a wallet with a separate section for bills or a nice-sized zippered document or change container, then one of these might be the perfect size and location for storing your rainchecks.

3. Keep them in the car.

As long as you consistently drive the same vehicle to the grocery store, then it's a good bet to store your rainchecks in your automobile. At least that way, you won't forget them at home.

Happy shopping!

What has your experience been with rainchecks? Have they been effective in helping you get extra savings on your grocery bills or have they been more hassle than they were worth? I'd love to know! Leave your thoughts in the comments section.