Today, I was speaking to a friend and 24/7 reader.  Eventually, our conversation turned to shopping, and I mentioned that I really needed to purchase something today; the problem was that I couldn't think of anything to buy (bring out the violins now).  My friend had mentioned that she had recently purchased some items at Drugstore.com because Amazon.com had sent her a $10 off coupon.  I believe that she had purchased some diapers.  A lightening bolt went off in my head.  I received a 25% off online code/coupon from DrugEmporium.com.  I nearly threw it out as I wasn't sure I could use it.  Diapers are rarely discounted at 25% and Sam still wears them, so off to DrugEmporium.com I went to buy some Pampers.

When I arrived at the website, I noticed that a free shipping promotion was also in effect.  The part of the free shipping promotion that caught my eye was free next day delivery for orders over $75; and that is based on a before discount price.  My thoughts were "no problem."  Spending at least $75 should be easy, I figured.  A few packages of diapers here, some shampoo there, etc., should add up.  Pampers -- the preferred brand of the Weinberg household (hey, I wonder if P&G will ever read this and want to hype themselves and get free publicity by sending me a free one year supply of diapers for our newborn expected in June? smile) -- was regularly priced at $7.99; the 25% off discount price was $5.99.  That's Costco pricing territory.

Suddenly, I shifted to a Costco buying mentality -- buy in bulk and buy staples that will be needed over the next two to three months.  This was great.  I partly felt that I was shopping at Costco because of the discounted pricing on the products (again, only because I had a 25% off coupon); and I do miss Costco so much.  I purchased 240 diapers, 640 wipes, 3 tubes of Balmex cream, 3 different types of Scotch tape, 16 Energizer batteries of various sizes, Finesse shampoo for added body (if you saw the top of my head, you would understand), 4 bars of soap, and 2 boxes of an item that is of a personal nature.

My checkout total before discount was $173.40; the after discount price was $130.05.  The cost of next day shipping was $0.00.  My final total cost was $130.05.  At first, I was just running out to buy a few items at my friendly neighborhood drugstore.  With a 25% off coupon burning a hole in my pocket and the excitement associated with free next delivery, I couldn't resist putting a few extra goodies in my basket.

Is the diary entry over?  Of course not as I have a few more details to share.  Some of the items that I purchased were on sale (e.g., Energizer size C batteries 4-pack at $2.99, regularly $4.89).  When checking out, the sale price did not ring up at the register.  Not quite worthy of a Noosie, just slightly annoying.  With one more click to go in order to finalize the order, I contacted customer service.

I interacted with Tammy H., a DrugEmporium.com Customer Care Specialist; she took care of me.  Tammy mentioned that there had been a problem with getting the sale prices to ring up at checkout.  She told me that she would take care of everything once I placed the order.  I placed the order, and within 20 minutes, Tammy had emailed me proof of her personally ringing in the sale prices for the items on sale.  This is an example of what a customer service employee should do.  The sale was not over until it was over.  Tammy kept the order alive with her honesty and ability to make everything right.  A Brucie to Tammy H. of DrugEmporium.com for taking care of me.  Thank you  Tammy.

Incidentally, the order is unlikely to arrive on Thursday (Jan. 20), which is, technically, the next day, because the order will unlikely be prepared completely for shipping until tomorrow.  Once shipped, the order will arrive on the next day.  I can hardly wait to change some more diapers.