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Momma Bear Goes Postal  
by Cheryl Gochnauer, Homebodies.org

I needed milk and stamps. Since Uncle Sam doesn't sell 2 percent at the post office, I decided to mail my packages from the grocery store when I went in for milk. No need to make two trips, burning up gas money!

I placed four identical packages on the counter and asked the grocery clerk at the customer service desk to stamp them for me. "That's two packages at $2.02 and two packages at $1.81," she said. Since I regularly mail copies of my book to readers, I knew all four packages should ring up at $1.81 each.

The clerk scanned the packages again. Same result. "But they're exactly the same," I protested.

A defiant look entered the clerk's eyes, right about the same moment my back went up. "The post office regulates the machines. I don't have any control over it."

No "I'm sorry, Ma'am. May I call the manager for you?" Just pay up and get out.

So I paid up. But I didn't get out. (But you already knew that, didn't you!) "Would you call the manager, please?" Unfortunately, the manager wasn't any better. And when I complained about the clerk's attitude, he responded, "I'm going to talk to her, but this isn't the place to discuss it." Since she was still shooting me dirty looks, I had a hard time imagining a better time to talk to her.

"Look," I said, "I'm trying to do you a favor here. I'm telling you, your postage machine isn't operating correctly." Hello - still no luck getting through. The manager tried to hand me two dollars, but I didn't take it. All they owed me was 42 cents. I decided they could keep it. And their business. I'd be patronizing the brand new super-center grocery store from now on.

Were they scamming customers? Nah. Most likely, the postal machine just needed to be adjusted. And after a dozen more customers complain, perhaps they'll do something about it.

Interesting story, Cheryl. But what does it have to do with being a stay-at-home mom?

Since my ability to stay home with my kids hinges on my financial status, I guard my money like a bear. That means I watch register totals very carefully and point out discrepancies when I see them. You'd be amazed how many times the totals are wrong, whether you're at the grocery store, the gas pumps, or your favorite discount center. Here are some common shopping pitfalls to watch for: 

• Sale items ringing up at regular price. 
• "New and improved" packaging that charges the same price for less product. 
• Clerks forgetting to subtract coupons. 
• Items being rung up twice. 
• "We just ran out" excuses, when you're shopping on the first day of the sale. 
• Perishables being sold past their expiration date. 
• Substitutions that don't match the quality of the advertised product. 
• Damaged product (dented cans, slit boxes, broken seals, etc.) sold at full price.

It's also important that, as the customer, I understand any special deals being offered. For instance, sometimes I have to buy more than one of the advertised item to get the discount. Or I might have to make a minimum purchase or have a special coupon before the discount kicks in.

Another thing to keep in mind? These hard-saved dollars are too precious to be spent at stores that don't respond positively to customers' concerns. Smart managers understand they attract a lot more Momma Bears with honey than vinegar. So let both price and service be our guide as we shop for our families.

Comments?  E-mail Cheryl@homebodies.org, or visit her website at www.homebodies.org.  Her book, "So You Want to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom," is available at The Light Keeper Bookstore..  

copyright 2003 Cheryl Gochnauer - All rights reserved.

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