Couponers are not Criminals

So today I had one of the WORST shopping experiences of my life.  It was at Safeway, Pleasant Grove/East Roseville Parkway.  I had shopped there when I first start to coupon and I loved it.  I grew to know a certain cashier and bagger, it was great.  They enjoyed watching my totals come way down and things were great.  Then, it seemed like in one weeks time all of a sudden the "rules" had changed.  So, knowing that they were being picky about coupons, I stopped shopping at Safeway for a while.  A friend had told me of another location close by and said that they were always friendly about coupons.  So, I thought I would give it another try.  I LOVE the Safeway on Woodcreek Blvd.  They are so nice, enjoy watching you "score" and I have even made friends with several of the checkers.  I have tried several times to give the Pleasant Grove Safeway a chance to win me back.  Several times they have failed.  Today was the nail in my coffin.

We were out and about and going to pass right by the store and I figured it was more logical to just stop by and do a quick couple transactions.  Well, due to the deal I wound up putting together 4 transactions of 6 items each.  No big deal, I have done this a couple times already-in and out not a problem.  Mike sat in the car with both girls, that's how easy this was suppose to be.  I put my things on the belt and the lady behind was curious as to why I had so much Scrubbing Bubbles.  I told her of the great deal and why I was getting so many and she was pretty excited about it all.  She stayed behind me, I am sure to see all of this in action (she should have changed lanes when she had the chance).  When it was my turn, the cashier told me that he didn't think I was allowed to do separate transactions.  The bagger (also a cashier) told him that I could.  I said that I have done this several times and had never had a problem.  He then proceeded to tell me that he needed "manager approval" for that.  Whatever!  He finally got his "approval" and continued with the order(s).  After ringing up the order, one of the coupons wouldn't take.  He said (snidely), "This one is not taking".  I told him "Funny because I just pulled it off of one of the products on Your shelf".  I had to take the product out of the cart and show him that I in fact had purchased it.  Good, #1 down-only 3 to go!
The next one produced a couple of problems.  I had an internet printable coupon for $1 off Clorox wipes.  It wouldn't take, I told him I haven't had a problem with the other printables.  So, he had to get another "manager approval".  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?????  What is with this!  The store manager had to come over and scan the product to make sure I was still paying at least 50% of the price and then they could override the coupon.  Is this a new rule?  What is going on?  So, the manager said to let it go and make it work.  Needless to say the cashier was not happy about this.  I asked the manager if I was going to have further problems because I had 2 more orders with those same coupons, he said no!  Huffing and puffing the whole time, the cashier was frustrated so he would tap, hard taps, the computer buttons.  So he gave me my total, $10.24.  I told him that I wanted to use my catalinas (which he hadn't given me from my first order) and he looked at me and said, "Aren't you suppose to use those on future orders?"  "Yes, my first order is in the cart.  You never gave them to me after that and more, this is my 2nd order".  He ripped them out of the machine and handed them to me.  He told me my final total in disgust--$.82!!!!
So, after much frustration and not wanting me to get these great deals--I finally made it out of Safeway.  I was so mad when I got to the car.  Mike asked what had taken so long and it took me the whole ride home to explain the terrible experience.  He was so mad that I had been treated that way that he turned around and went to talk with the store director.  Needless to say, the director was VERY apologetic.  Mike also told him that I am the area rep for Grocery Smarts and that I teach coupon classes.  He said the look on the directors face was that of "oh crap, she does know what she is talking about". 
My hope is that this cashier will be made aware of his "role" in taking coupons and how to deal with "us".  I will not shop there again.  I love my new store and will continue to a little further away to get treated with respect.
WE ARE NOT CHEATERS OR CRIMINALS!!!!  We just know how to play and win the game.