Local Discounts: It Never Hurts to Ask

Something interesting happened today after I dropped my preschooler at the ice cream parlor for his class trip. A woman walked up to the counter and asked the manager if he had any discounts this week. “Sure,” he said and handed her a fist full of coupons “That was easy” I remarked as we walked out of the shop.

The woman then explained to me that every now and then she visits area shops and restaurants and asks if there are any discounts to be had. Usually someone is having a weekly special and most have coupons under the counter. While most shop owners might not advertise discounts, they’re happy to hand out coupons for those who ask. She also advised me of the best places to get coupons in our area including a bagel shop, a pizzeria, the ice cream parlor and a Chinese restaurant. She said she doesn’t ask often enough to make a pest of herself, but that the shop owners know she’ll bring her family in to eat with the coupons. Sounds like everyone wins.