How do rainchecks with limited quantities work in your area?

[robinb]

A local grocery store had a special on frozen brown rice about 3 weeks ago, 10 for $10, with a limit of 10. I use the frozen brown rice as a convenience food a lot because brown rice is healthier than white rice but it takes twice as long to cook. I got to the store late in the sale and there wasn't any rice so I got a rain check that expires one month after it's issued. I was in the store last night and I remembered the rain check but there were only 2 bags of rice on the shelf. I grabbed the two bags and at the check out asked if I could get my rain check extended for the 8 other bags. This was, of course, after the customer service window closed and the supervisor (acting manager) told me that they couldn't do it because I had a whole month to use the rain check and that it would turn into a never ending rain check. I pointed out that the rain check said I had to surrender it when I used it so I would have been in the same boat if I tried to use it 2 weeks earlier and there were only 2 bags and that I didn't want her to extend it for all 10 bags, but only 8. I finally said, "OK. I'll call and talk to a manager in the morning." and then she relented and gave me an extended rain check. Given that the supervisor did not work the customer service window I am not really sure if that is the real policy of the store or just how she interpreted it.

I know there are a lot of people who stockpile on this board. So, how does it work with your grocery store? Is it "tough noogies" if there are not enough items to fill your maximum quantity or do they give you an extended rain check? FTR, the store's rain check is only for a one time use and it has a bar code on it.

 

[kellia]

I've always just waited until they had the full amount I wanted to buy. I've never asked for a partial amount, you need to surrender it when you buy some so the cashier can show why they marked it down, I thought. If it's something I really want that rarely goes on sale, I'll just get more than one raincheck the week it's on sale and unavailable. Otherwise, I'll just wait.

 

[kellyg403]

It is my company's policy, once the raincheck is redeemed, regardless of the quanity purchased, it is a done deal.

HOWEVER, good customer service means finding out if there is a reason the item is not coming in the store. If we are unable, as a store, to get the product in because the warehouse has been out. If it is an issue on our end, whether manufacturer or our warehouse, I would certainly write a new raincheck for the 8.

That being said, I would not write another raincheck for a customer who only has a few dollars and wants to purchase within their budget and get the rest later. I also will not write a raincheck when I have the product and the customer wants to wait til payday to purchase the item on sale price.

In your case, its a no brainer. The product has not been there when you have shopped, your are a returning customer. If it continues to be a problem, I would find the product at another store and make sure you get the quanities you are looking for to satisfy the raincheck since my store can not.

Customer Service should always win.

Kelly

 

[whoopsiedoodle]

Most of our stores issue rain checks good for 3 months or so. So I always wait until they have the amount I want in stock and get them all at once. I have always assumed that the rain check is a "good only once" kind of thing so I just wait. If your month is almost up and they STILL didn't have any then i would ask for another one.