I’ve seen cases where a manager will override the system if you’re persistent enough, but maybe that’s just rare.
Honestly, persistence has worked for me once or twice. I usually just ask nicely at the register, and if they say no, I’ll try customer service. Sometimes they’ll let you use points and a coupon if you split the transaction or do a return-rebuy thing. It’s a bit of a dance, but not impossible. Just gotta be patient and maybe bring snacks for the wait...
Persistence really does seem to be the key sometimes, even if it feels a bit awkward standing there while they call over a manager or try to figure out the register. I’ve had similar experiences—sometimes you get someone who’s willing to work with you, other times it’s just “sorry, system won’t let me.” I get why they have those restrictions in place, but it can be frustrating when you know there’s technically a way around it if someone’s willing to help.
Splitting transactions or doing that return-and-rebuy trick can work, but yeah, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit at customer service counters trying to stack discounts. It’s a bit of a gamble every time. Patience (and maybe a podcast in your earbuds) helps a lot. At least when it works out, it feels like you’ve won a small victory...
- It’s wild how inconsistent it can be. I’ve had times where the cashier just shrugs and says “the system won’t let me,” but other times, if you get a manager, suddenly it’s possible.
- From what I’ve seen, it really does come down to how the store’s POS is set up. Some places literally lock out the combo at checkout, no matter what.
- The return-and-rebuy trick works, but man, it’s a hassle. I tried it once at an auto parts store—took almost half an hour and three receipts. Not sure I’d bother again unless it’s a big discount.
- My advice: always check the fine print on coupons and rewards. Sometimes there’s a hidden clause about “cannot be combined.”
- If you’re determined, patience is your best tool. I usually bring a book or just scroll my phone while they figure it out... makes the wait less painful.
Honestly, I thought I was the only one who got stuck in that weird limbo at checkout. Last month, I tried to use my points and a coupon on a new bike helmet—figured it’d be a quick win. Nope. The cashier looked at me like I was trying to hack the Pentagon. Ended up just using the points because I didn’t have the energy to argue. Maybe one day they’ll make it less of a puzzle... but I’m not holding my breath.
I’ve run into this too, and it’s honestly baffling. Last year, I tried to stack a coupon with my rewards points on some car cleaning supplies—figured it’d be straightforward, right? Nope. The cashier had to call over a manager, and even then, they just shrugged and said “store policy.” Is it really that complicated for their system, or do they just not want us getting too good of a deal? Makes me wonder if anyone actually reads those fine print rules before we get to the register...
