Frugal & Fabulous: Checking ads

Are you ready for the latest installment of frugal and fabulous?I'm sure I'm not the only one who likes to look at Sunday ads in the paper. It's a fun Sunday ritual for me to check them out. 

We have found a way to save a little extra dough. Check out those ads for items you have ALREADY BOUGHT. 

For example, in the Menards ad last Sunday (which I was perusing in the car on they way home from lunch), I noticed that gutters were on sale for $4.99. Unfortunately for us, Ryan just bought the same gutters yesterday for $8.99. That's $24.00 that we could have saved. Luckily for us, we know the policies at Menards allow us a little wiggle room. 

So, we zipped there after lunch. We didn't even have the receipt with us, but we can look it up at the kiosk (Thank you, Menards!). The customer service staff is fabulous there and quickly got us a store credit for $24.00. We needed a few things, so the difference paid for our purchase. Total savings: $24.00. Completely worth the time and effort!

Note: I do this often (probably once a month or more). It does not bother me in the slightest. One thing I have learned is to be really nice. This is the FABULOUS part of being Frugal & Fabulous. You could be short with the folks if they give you a hassle, but that wouldn't be fabulous, would it?

The truth is - They can turn you down. But, most likely, if you approach them with a smile and explain the situation, they will return the difference if the purchase has been within two weeks. This is ideal, because most likely, you have already used the item (or put the gutters up) and cannot feasibly bring them in. 

However, if they are being adamant, ask them (nicely) if you can bring the items in to return them and then re-purchase them at the sale price. In my experience, this gives them the idea that I mean business. And, it usually gives them the extra push to return the difference. Why bother with me again if they can take care of it now?

Note #2: This also implies that you save most of your receipts, which I think you should do. It will behoove you. I promise. I bought an envelope-sized expanding file that that I keep in my car.  All receipts go in there, organized by month. You will be SO HAPPY that you keep those receipts, I promise.

I have done this on a multitude of items - from Thinsulate gloves, to building materials (ALL.THE.TIME) to clothing that goes 25% off at Target. Moral: It doesn't hurt to ask.

What do you think? Is it worth your time? Have you ever done this before?