I know it’s terribly disappointing to go to the store and find the shelf empty of that one thing you really really wanted (or needed to make your deal work out right).
And there is no replacement for that product, but RAIN CHECKS are a couponer’s friend.
Rain Checks are basically a promise from the store to honor the current sale price after the sale ends for everyone else.
Stores each have different policies but almost all will allow you to combine a current (unexpired) coupon when you redeem the raincheck.
In fact, sometimes a raincheck can make a BETTER deal than the one you were originally after. For example-today I used a Buy 1 Get 1 Free raincheck on Sorrento Cheese Sticks at Harris Teeter. They are normally $4.99 each. I had $3/2 coupons I wanted to use then that would make them each about $1 each. I was disappointed but got rainchecks.
This week it is Super Doubles and they are now on sale for $2.99. My rainchecks allowed me to get (2) Cheese sticks for $2.99 and my $3/2 coupon gave me both for free! I was able to get (6) FREE packages of string cheese!
Now, it is true that during coupon events (like the Current Harris Teeter Super Doubles) that they raincheck doesn’t give you the “doubled” amount but hold onto that raincheck- the shelves may be refilled during Super Doubles week and you can still get it PLUS you will have the raincheck.
Then the next time Super Doubles rolls around, or another super deal, you will have that raincheck and no one else will be looking for that Simply Pure milk (or at least ALOT less than who have been looking this week!)
Harris Teeter’s rainchecks NEVER expire and can be used at any Harris Teeter. Lowe’s Foods rainchecks expire in 30 days. Food Lion raincheck policy is not written or available online but my local stores do not have an expiration date.
Do you have any raincheck tips?
I got rainchecks for the crystal light BOGO last week because they were out of the one flavor I love. I have $1/2 coupons now also!
Thanks for posting this. I didnt know these were on sale this week. I too have the rain check for them. I always make my list and if the store is out of something I put a star next to it after I check out I go to cs desk and get rain checks for everything with a star next to it. This morning I use rain checks for hefty bags, met rx bars and All laundry soap. All were on sale last super doubles and I wasnt able to get any.
Hope I let this sink in! I keep reminding myself to get rainchecks and then forget. I was even asked as I checked out the other day if I needed a raincheck… said yes… and both I and the cashier forgot, so no free cheese for me this week! 🙁
I was able to get 4 of the cheese sticks for free, after the raincheck and coupons. I did a dance! But bummer was not all my zvr’s come off, but was still happy with my under $30 total 🙂
i also got my 6 sorrento cheese for free, smart balance, and many ohter items that i had a rainchecks for….it works great and sometime better!!!