Rainchecks 101

[Flash]

What are Rainchecks?
Rainchecks are an IOU from the store for advertised sales.

Rainchecks are also a great way to save even more by "reserving" the sales price until you have better coupons, rebates, storage space, or even just a "need".

So, what are the rules?
In 1971, the Federal Trade Commission issued the Retail Food Store Advertising and Marketing Practices rule; also know as the “Unavailability Rule”. Amended in 1989, the Unavailability Rule protects consumers against grocery stores that advertise bargains to attract customers but fail to have adequate stock available. Unless an advertised sale states clearly and adequately that “quantities are limited” or “not available at all locations”, the store must offer customers a comparable offer, either:

• A "rain check" that allows customers to buy the item later at the advertised price
• A substitute item of comparable value to the sale item
• Some kind of compensation that is at least equal in value to the advertised item

Most stores offer customers a “rain check”. These paper vouchers are a valuable “I.O.U.” guaranteeing consumers receive the same sale price at a later date of the customers choosing. Consumers are not required to check back during the advertised sales period. Rain check vouchers are available immediately at any time during an advertised sale, whether or not the store receives, or plans to receive, an additional supply. And to ensure the product is available in the future, rain checks are typically valid for at least four weeks, and often up to one year from date of issuance.

What are the Advantages?
Getting an even lower rock bottoms prices:

Rain checks are sales, not coupons, and can be combined with other manufacturer offers. New coupons or additional special offers and rebates may be issued during the rain check period, providing an even lower overall cost.


Rain checks are not required to be redeemed. They can be used during another promotion on the same item; if the “current sale” price is higher, use the rain check to receive the lower sale price. If the “current sale” prices are lower, save the rain check and purchase at the current sale price. Or, if the store is out of stock once again, pick up another rain check for the better price.


If storage, refrigerator, or freezer space is an issue, “capture the savings” on the rain check, and wait until space is available before purchasing the items.


If items are not needed immediately, or a stockpile has already been purchased, save the rain check until it’s needed. Purchasing items later generally provides fresher product with a later expiration date. This is especially true on perishable items such as milk, eggs, or produce.


If you know income or finances will be limited in an upcoming month, stockpile rain check sale prices along with your coupons to stretch your grocery dollars during that period.

There are several techniques to augment the value of rain checks:

• Some consumers check back to see if the items have been restocked during the sale, and receive an additional rain check with every inquiry.
• They may also check with different store locations within the same grocery chain: rain checks can be received at each store where the product is unavailable.
• Also, if a store is out of only one specific product or flavor, e.g., the store is out of Kraft Fat Free Ranch salad dressing, but other flavors are in stock, a rain check can be received for the Kraft salad dressing sale price. However, the rain check might be written for only the variety that is out of stock, so double check the writing before you redeem it.
• Some shoppers save the flyer with the advertised price along with the rain check

So, next time you find the perfect sale, you might not need to rush out to the store. Just remember to walk up to the customer service desk and get a rain check.

[zansammommy]

Do you know if Super Walmart takes/gives rain checks? I like Horizon milk and wish I could always buy it when it is on sale (2/6.00) but my budget or fridge could handle it.

Anyone has any ideas or suggestions?

thanks

Kate

[jujubee]

Originally Posted by zansammommy

Do you know if Super Walmart takes/gives rain checks? I like Horizon milk and wish I could always buy it when it is on sale (2/6.00) but my budget or fridge could handle it.

Anyone has any ideas or suggestions?

thanks

Kate

Yes, Walmart gives RCs. Ask at the CS desk. HTH!