Will you honer the 30 % off coupon printed from CouponClipper.com on salt till the end of the month or is the end of the month honer just on the cards you mail out?
TFP 30% coupon
- Thread starter JDL
- Start date
Will you honer the 30 % off coupon printed from CouponClipper.com on salt till the end of the month or is the end of the month honer just on the cards you mail out?
TFP Marine Biologist
.Registered Member
Sorry, I had posted in response to the store flyer coupons, without thinking about others that may be out there. Yes we will honor the coupon clipper coupon as well, it beleive it has a marked expiration date of 1-31-2010. We will honor any of the coupons that went into print without the exclusions printed on them for the duration of their valid dates. All the coupons that get printed going forward, will revert back to our prior format, with exclusions printed on the coupon.
Again we are sorry for all of the problems and confusions that have been created by our recently mailed coupons.
Sincerely,
Dave
Again we are sorry for all of the problems and confusions that have been created by our recently mailed coupons.
Sincerely,
Dave
Sweet! Thanks. See you tonight and be sure to tell the helpful peeps at the register. :dance:
Please allow me a little time to make another comment on the 30% off on one item, so here goes: Dave (TFP Marine Biologist) posted that they have made a change in their policy to exclude salt from the 30% deal due to their margins are so low; we are left with the impression that we are causing the store to lose money. Now I am one of the biggest capitalist you will ever meet. Unlike our current president, I don't think it is bad to make profits, have wealth and show it off if you are successful in taking business risks. That is America and we don't have to apologize for being Americans, okay back to the point here.
Stores produce coupons to attract customers into their store knowing that once they are there they will more than likely purchase more, like last night I went for salt (with 30% off in hand) but yet left the store with a receipt for a $100.00 plus purchase. So once again the coupon worked and lets be honest TFP did not lose a dime on selling me the salt for 30 % off, they just didn't make as many dimes on the salt, but what about everything else I purchased? Margins in the pet industry at least 100% and in a lot of cases a lot more and I mean a lot more. Hey if TFP can buy stuffed dog toys for .79 cents and sell them to me for $5.99 and I am happy with the purchase then everybody wins. TFP has been very successful due to adjusting their margins to undersell their competition, everybody wins and that is the free market.
So back to last night, I stood in amazement looking at the new in store display tank. This is truly an indication of the success of TFP and the owner(s), management should be proud of their success. Congratulations! (Most likely despite the Obama administration attempt to destroy business in this country, Sorry back to the point) As I talked with the people about this 1,500 gallon, $35,000.00, 7 or 8 foot high acrylic show piece, I couldn't help but think, explain to me again why not including salt in the 30% off deal is going to cause the doors of the store to close if it is continued? This tank is the same as a coupon, it is there to bring people into the store so they will spend money. I will have to get out my pad and paper, but how long would it take or how many buckets of discounted salt would it take to cost the store $35,000.00? Let's see..... I saved $16.00 last night on my salt purchase.......WOW, that's a lot of salt buckets.
Stores produce coupons to attract customers into their store knowing that once they are there they will more than likely purchase more, like last night I went for salt (with 30% off in hand) but yet left the store with a receipt for a $100.00 plus purchase. So once again the coupon worked and lets be honest TFP did not lose a dime on selling me the salt for 30 % off, they just didn't make as many dimes on the salt, but what about everything else I purchased? Margins in the pet industry at least 100% and in a lot of cases a lot more and I mean a lot more. Hey if TFP can buy stuffed dog toys for .79 cents and sell them to me for $5.99 and I am happy with the purchase then everybody wins. TFP has been very successful due to adjusting their margins to undersell their competition, everybody wins and that is the free market.
So back to last night, I stood in amazement looking at the new in store display tank. This is truly an indication of the success of TFP and the owner(s), management should be proud of their success. Congratulations! (Most likely despite the Obama administration attempt to destroy business in this country, Sorry back to the point) As I talked with the people about this 1,500 gallon, $35,000.00, 7 or 8 foot high acrylic show piece, I couldn't help but think, explain to me again why not including salt in the 30% off deal is going to cause the doors of the store to close if it is continued? This tank is the same as a coupon, it is there to bring people into the store so they will spend money. I will have to get out my pad and paper, but how long would it take or how many buckets of discounted salt would it take to cost the store $35,000.00? Let's see..... I saved $16.00 last night on my salt purchase.......WOW, that's a lot of salt buckets.
TFP Marine Biologist
.Registered Member
2turtles,
Normally, we would not even respond to a comment such as this, but we feel that we need to address some of the claims that you have made to set the record straight. Your claims that the profit margins in the pet industry are at least 100%, and in a lot of cases a lot more, could not be farther from the truth. For the vast majority of our products that we offer, we would be lucky if our profit margins were half that, and in many cases, salt in particular, they are much less. Look at our prices and compare them to our mail order competition, this is an extremely competitive industry, and profit margins are at an all time low in an effort to generate sales against this competition.
Most every retailer that offers coupons for products will have exclusions to those coupons. Selling products for no profit, is just plain bad business, and especially in the present economy just does not make sense to expect us to do.
We are perfectly happy to address situations, and answer question that our customers have. Posting completely unfounded and uninformed opinions in a public forum as facts is irresponsible, and is a disservice to both us and your fellow club members.
Sincerely,
TFP
Normally, we would not even respond to a comment such as this, but we feel that we need to address some of the claims that you have made to set the record straight. Your claims that the profit margins in the pet industry are at least 100%, and in a lot of cases a lot more, could not be farther from the truth. For the vast majority of our products that we offer, we would be lucky if our profit margins were half that, and in many cases, salt in particular, they are much less. Look at our prices and compare them to our mail order competition, this is an extremely competitive industry, and profit margins are at an all time low in an effort to generate sales against this competition.
Most every retailer that offers coupons for products will have exclusions to those coupons. Selling products for no profit, is just plain bad business, and especially in the present economy just does not make sense to expect us to do.
We are perfectly happy to address situations, and answer question that our customers have. Posting completely unfounded and uninformed opinions in a public forum as facts is irresponsible, and is a disservice to both us and your fellow club members.
Sincerely,
TFP
TFP -
You missed the point or I was not clear enough. My point was that you offer a 30% discount on salt and have for a while. Now you no longer are going to sighting margins. I walked into your store and as I am looking at a very nice tank and am being told it cost $35,000.00, (maybe just more information I am incorrect on, I didn't make it up that is what your employee told me) I don't think you are having trouble with margins and/or sales, that is my point. (May I add good for you and you should be congratulated) I posted what is my opinion, what I was told in your store and referenced what you posted here. Sorry if I offended you on margins. Just to make nice the other 30% coupon I have has been torn up, I would hate to see you continue to lose money.
You missed the point or I was not clear enough. My point was that you offer a 30% discount on salt and have for a while. Now you no longer are going to sighting margins. I walked into your store and as I am looking at a very nice tank and am being told it cost $35,000.00, (maybe just more information I am incorrect on, I didn't make it up that is what your employee told me) I don't think you are having trouble with margins and/or sales, that is my point. (May I add good for you and you should be congratulated) I posted what is my opinion, what I was told in your store and referenced what you posted here. Sorry if I offended you on margins. Just to make nice the other 30% coupon I have has been torn up, I would hate to see you continue to lose money.
cakemanPA
New member
I appreciate that TFP bothers to respond to us on this topic and that they are honoring current coupons. That being said... I would make my trips (45+ min) in large part due to the coupons and my savings on salt. Without that, I will be buying more local and saving on my drive even if it costs me a little bit more. I have to believe that I am not the only one that feels this way. That is TFP's perogative. But I too never walk out of the store with just salt. Sometimes making a bit more money on 1 item is being penny smart...
TFP Marine Biologist
.Registered Member
The acrylic show tank that you saw in the store has been here for four years, it was purchased for a project that never came to fruition. We have been trying to sell it for the last three years for $30,000 dollars, it did not cost $35,000 dollars, if you were told that by one of our employees, I appologize, that is not accurate information. After trying to sell the tank for such a long period of time, without any serious offers, we decided that we would set it up as a display in the store.
JeffBoyRD
Member
I too thank Dave for posting. Hoping he and others from TFP continue to monitor and chime in.
I went down to TFP today over lunch to purchase my last 30% off of salt from TFP with a buddy. My purchase went fine, the cashier even started to explain to me what was happening. However, my friend's purchase was a little different. He was able to get the 30% off without too much hassle. But it was funny that one cashier away with a manager assisting and both said, "Sorry you can't use the coupon for salt." The other one at the register said, "However, you can next month." I had to correct him by telling him it expires the end of this month and doesn't begin next month. So there is still some confusion, but they aren't giving any real problem either. Unlike Turtles, I didn't purchase anything else, but have at other times. I was on a mission to just get my last container of salt from them.
I went down to TFP today over lunch to purchase my last 30% off of salt from TFP with a buddy. My purchase went fine, the cashier even started to explain to me what was happening. However, my friend's purchase was a little different. He was able to get the 30% off without too much hassle. But it was funny that one cashier away with a manager assisting and both said, "Sorry you can't use the coupon for salt." The other one at the register said, "However, you can next month." I had to correct him by telling him it expires the end of this month and doesn't begin next month. So there is still some confusion, but they aren't giving any real problem either. Unlike Turtles, I didn't purchase anything else, but have at other times. I was on a mission to just get my last container of salt from them.
All I can say is I posted this AM after what an employee told me, He clearly stated it just arrived and they are working to come up with a plan for stocking it and it cost $35,000.00 because of how the edges are sealed. Which is why I posted as I did. Being in the store trying to be sold is completely different. I too appreciate your responses, I was not in any way trying to upset you or demean TFP. It was truly motivated by you can't give 30% off salt but you can place a $35,000.00 tank in the store for display. That is it plan and simple. Although it looks like the information being spoken by TFP employee's is.. lets see how did you put it "completely unfounded and uninformed opinions in a public forum (in this case - your store) as facts is irresponsible, and is a disservice"
Greg, democratic bashing aside, I think I understand what you were trying to say. You guys buy fancier salt than I do, I guess, because I always get my salt when its buy 3 get 1 free (and then you can't use a coupon... but it is like having a 25% off coupon for each one.)
I'm glad that TFP is going back to printing the exclusions on the actual coupon itself. While I understand that restrictions are standard on coupons, hopefully the restrictions on the physical size of the coupon will result in a limitation on the total number of restrictions that can ever be made. That said, it isn't as though I will not be going to TFP come Feburary.
I also appreciate that this forum has been checked out by TFP, which I consider to be one of my Local Fish Stores (as well as one of my local herp stores) and can attest to their competitive pricing versus a national chain such as PetSmart and Petco -- stores that should have the buying power to deliver lower prices to consumers.
There are stores that I will not buy from because I disagree with their practices, but TFP has never done any of those things (like, for example, sell dogs and cats.) And, all in all, the staff at the store is extremely nice and the managers are helpful. The only time I cut back on my trips was when petrol was over $4.00/gallon -- hopefully that doesn't happen again.
I'm glad that TFP is going back to printing the exclusions on the actual coupon itself. While I understand that restrictions are standard on coupons, hopefully the restrictions on the physical size of the coupon will result in a limitation on the total number of restrictions that can ever be made. That said, it isn't as though I will not be going to TFP come Feburary.
I also appreciate that this forum has been checked out by TFP, which I consider to be one of my Local Fish Stores (as well as one of my local herp stores) and can attest to their competitive pricing versus a national chain such as PetSmart and Petco -- stores that should have the buying power to deliver lower prices to consumers.
There are stores that I will not buy from because I disagree with their practices, but TFP has never done any of those things (like, for example, sell dogs and cats.) And, all in all, the staff at the store is extremely nice and the managers are helpful. The only time I cut back on my trips was when petrol was over $4.00/gallon -- hopefully that doesn't happen again.
03LightningSVT
New member
Tell me more about the new display! About 2 years ago or more, I saw that big empty acrylic tank sitting back in the corner of the pond room chuck full of fake coral. I hope they didn't stock it with the fake stuff
All very good points Elysia. The bottom line is TFP is instituting a new policy with their coupons, that's whats plain and simple. It is their decision and theirs alone.
I have been a customer for a long time and am just thankful for the 30% off salt for as long as it lasted. There is nothing inexpensive in this hobby, and I'm up for saving a buck as much as the next reefer. It's not like they are no longer going to have it for other items, including livestock and other expensive items, so lets be thankful for that.
As far as the BIG display tank in the front of the store, why not showcase it if you cant sell it. What better way to look and see what can be done to a reef tank. You don't walk into a Mercedes Benz dealer and see a KIA in the showroom!
I too thank Dave for chiming in here, which he did not have to do
I have been a customer for a long time and am just thankful for the 30% off salt for as long as it lasted. There is nothing inexpensive in this hobby, and I'm up for saving a buck as much as the next reefer. It's not like they are no longer going to have it for other items, including livestock and other expensive items, so lets be thankful for that.
As far as the BIG display tank in the front of the store, why not showcase it if you cant sell it. What better way to look and see what can be done to a reef tank. You don't walk into a Mercedes Benz dealer and see a KIA in the showroom!
I too thank Dave for chiming in here, which he did not have to do
JeffBoyRD
Member
+1 Well stated.
I too have purchased my salt from them at the buy 3 get one free. Actually, that was the last time I had purchased salt until now. Good reminder.
It really does not hurt my feelings in the least bit that they are not including salt for the coupon. I am just thankful that they are giving us SOMETHING. Remember they do not have to provide these coupons but they sure come in handy when you need to make a major purchase like a $400 pump or a $600+ lighting system.
I for one simply say THANK YOU for the coupon TFP!
I for one simply say THANK YOU for the coupon TFP!
JDL
New member
yes the coupons are fantastic, especially when buying a larger item (sadly they had crappy skimmers when i bought mine so i used it for salt that month).
But one good point (ignoring the political tangent) is that my cart would normally contain more then just salt with the coupon. For example, i went the other day to use a coupon for salt, and ended up with a cleaner shrimp and a hood/light for a 20g long tank (that i really didnt need) but was in the store so i bought it. Now without the coupon, i wont even goto the store because it is 30mins away and i dont really need anything. The 30% off coupon gets me there atleast 1/month.
