How much would you argue over $1?

[BarkingGhostar]

So, the general theme is that 10% means nothing if every business does it to you? Hmm, someone alert Trump as I think we've come up with a way to pay for his southern border.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

Arguing for 5 minutes isn't worth it.

Most I'm willing to do is go into my grocery store app and select some coupons that are applied digitally. Over the last couple year or so it says it's saved me over $500. Basically a dollar here and a dollar there.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

It's a PITA though - why don't they just lower their prices and save everyone the extra work and save all the time wasted at check-outs as some people search through wallets full of coupons? I don't really get why retailers bother with the stupid things.

Because there are people like you that don't understand that 30 seconds is worth investing for $40 in instant savings. That's precisely why.

 

[shortylickens]

Same reason they love selling gift cards: They know most people will never spend every last dollar. Besides which its a quick inflow of cash. the loss of the inventory comes much later.

 

[pmv]

Because there are people like you that don't understand that 30 seconds is worth investing for $40 in instant savings. That's precisely why.

That doesn't actually answer the point _at all_.

Again, why do the retailers bother with the things? What's the benefit for _them_, to offset the loss of business from the delays caused at checkouts by people fussing with coupons (which are rarely for more than small amounts). The retailer does not get "$40 of instant savings" (nor do the customers in most cases as the vast majority of coupons are for far smaller amounts).

My best guess would be they get some sort of useful data, as the coupons let them know which kinds of media their customers are consuming and where they are hearing about the store or product from. But still hardly seems worth it. I sometimes use those from my supermarket, but I kind of resent my own compulsion to do so - not at all sure it's worth the bother, I'd rather they just lowered their prices a bit and saved me the effort.

 

[pmv]

Same reason they love selling gift cards: They know most people will never spend every last dollar. Besides which its a quick inflow of cash. the loss of the inventory comes much later.

But gift cards are different - you _buy_ them and they do indeed have exactly those benefits for the retailer. But coupons are usually free in cash terms.