Dollar general
Consumer beware of deceptive trade practices and fallout

In the small town I work in, DOLLAR GENERAL is the only store [other than conveinence stores] to shop. I was stopping in to DG at least 3x a week. I work in a nursing home. I pick up items for residents who are unable to get out and pick up needed items for themselves.

On Nov 25 I went into the DG store in Avilla, IN. I made several purchases. I had been given three $5 dollar off coupons that DG had sent to people living in the area for their grand opening of their new location. I do not live in the area so I did NOT get these coupons.

I am an extreme couponer. I also worked retail in the past. For a coupon to expire there has to be an expiration date ON THE COUPON itself. There was no EXP date on any of the coupons. I used one of the coupons the day the person gave them to me [he said since i put my own money out for the residents, he wanted to give these to me.] I used another one in FT WAYNE, IN on Nov 16 with no problem. I attempted to use the last one on Nov 25. At that time i was told the coupons had expired on 11/4. When I stated that the coupon had no EXP _ON THE COUPON_ per federal guidelines, they still refused to take the coupon. I paid for my items [using my debit card] and then asked to speak to the manager. The manager refused to honor the coupon. When I stated my displeasure the manager said if i didn't like it i could return my items. I decided to leave and contact the home office on Monday.

While driving home, I changed my mind and decided to return the items that day. So I returned the items.

The next day I stopped and got gas. When I attempted to pay for the gas my debit card was declined. Even tho I had just been paid the day before and had checked my balance before shopping at DG. I had to call my DIL to bring me money to pay for gas. I then called my debit card company to find out what was going on.

Seems DG has placed a hold on funds [why not just the amount of the items i do not know] for the full amount [over $1000]. I was told I would have to fax the debit card company proof of the purchases and then proof of the return. After that I was told it would take up to 90 days to release the hold on my money.

So I have no money to buy food for my children, no money to pay my light and gas bill, and no money to buy my son's medication that runs out in 2 days for a life threatening medical condition. And because of all of this, I now have to stop future direct deposits to this card which will result in delays in my next check... All at christmas time [which there will be no christmas this year for my family, as my next check, when i get it, will go to pay bills and penalities for late payments].

And DG response to all of this?

SO WHAT. Don't like it, I don't have to be a customer!

So customers beware! DO not use a debit/credit card at this store and then make a return. It will be a nightmare to beat all nightmares!

Company: Dollar general
Country: USA
State: Tennessee
City: Goodlettsville
Address: 538 E Albion St, avilla, in 46710
Phone: 6158554000
Site: dollargeneral.com

  <     >