News-Record.com

One of the things I routinely hear complaints about from friends concerns presenting that coupon to the sales clerk, only to be told, nope, sorry, it's only valid for such and such. But not just such and such. A whole lot of things. So what's the point if it's not good for anything you want?

So I had to chuckle at one of today's inserts in today's News & Record newspaper from Belk. Yes, a fine department store, and I don't mean to pick on Belk because lots of retailers are just as guilty in pitching these tons-of-fine-strings-attached coupons.

But there was one line in the ad regarding taking $10 off your first $25 or more purchase that unintentionally comes across as sarcastic after you read the fine print. It reads: "with very limited exclusions."

What does that mean? Here's the fine print: "Coupon can only be used once and must be presented to your sales associate at the time of purchase. Qualifying purchase must be before tax.* Only excludes Red Dot, Earlybirds, Night Owls, Doorbusters, Bonus Buys, Special Buys, Brighton, Cosmetics/Fragrances, Coach, Lacoste, St. John, Stuart Weitzman, Citizens of Humanity, Cole Haan, Columbia Crocs, Donald J Pliner, Ferragamo, Furla, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, Vineyard Vines, Levi's & Dockers, Lilly Pulitzer, Mattel, Merrell, Munro, Seven for all Mankind, Theory, Trina Turk, Ugg, Ladies', kids' and men's designer shoes, Fine Jewelry watches and gifts, trunk shows, service plans, non-merchandise depts., Maternity, Lease depts. and Belk gift cards. Not valid on prior purchases, mail, phone, or special orders. Cannot be redeemed for cash, credit or refund, used in combination with any other discount or coupon offer or on belk.com. Valid June 4-5 2008.

I'd hate to see a Belk coupon "with many exclusions."