ABUSE the system!

So last night we decided to go use and abuse the system. The Target system! We needed to start stocking up on baby food so Courtney discovered the wonders of money saving through "coupons". These said coupons are a wonder. We had hoped to save over 80% of our money. I love the internet. We printed 56 coupons and they look fantastic. Worth the ink and paper I say.

As we left for Target we couldn't help but feel like bandits, about to get away with a bank robbery. We cautiously entered the store, keeping our eyes open for a manager. To secure the deal I found customer service center and asked if we could use more than one coupon on multiple products. He said yes, in turn this made us feel better about stealing from a large corporation. Truly, this felt very illegal and immoral.

Once we found the glorious baby food jars (and tubs) we started loading up. We had only gotten about half way done and felt like we couldn't possibly get more, thus we were only half way there. You can't help but feel nervous when you know you're stocking up on food with a long shelf life for only pennies a product. Each jar cost $0.52. Our coupons vouched that we can get 2 jars, then get $1 off. This means we spend $1.04, get a dollar off, then spend $0.04 for two jars! We keep loading up.

Cart, Half-way full...

After about 35 minutes of filling our cart we finally make it to the cashier. We made sure to choose someone that looked nice. We went for an older lady with out anybody in line. Fortunately the particular Target we went to was quiet. Upon presenting the amount of food we had filled our cart with (which didn't entirely fit on the entire length of the conveyor belt) we asked if she can take coupons. She asks "How many?". Out of my pocket I pull out a pile 56 coupons all nice and organized in the order which she should scan them. Our total at this point was about $90. By the time we got rang up for the initial total Courtney had left because she found the situation to be funny! I was left standing there with someone behind me in line, patiently waiting for the cashier to scan through 56 pieces of paper that didn't exactly scan with ease. Meanwhile Courtney is off giggling in an aisle just out of eye-site. I do forgive her, as we were in fact robbing the store with little pieces of paper. We left with spending $15 for all things Gerber. 150 jars of baby food, 2 boxes of baby rice, 2 boxes of finger foods and a 44 pack of Huggies. We did not have a coupon for the $10 pack of diapers. Our receipt was a mile long. Well, at least 10ft, actually.

We had done it! We got away with it! Now we have to carry these up 3 flights of stairs to our apartment and then blog about it :(

Just kidding, I don't mind blogging. Admittedly, we did not do as well as some of Courtney's online mommy cohorts. I have heard stories about people that make a plan of attack, and wind up being owed money by Target. $12 to be specific. We go again this weekend to a different location (preferably a Super-Target) to try this tactic again. Only this time, we are to formulate a plan and buy precisely what we mean to. No longer are we amateurs. We will rise and conquer the free baby food! Some of these vouchers do end this weekend, so we must be swift, quick to the punch.