Amen, Christi!  It is out of control!  I usually have to wait until about half way through the week I have a little more luck then.  Good luck, don't give up!

I've been a savvy shopper since before Amy even started and I would have to say that my biggest complaint along this subject is the fact that all of you receive multiple copies of the paper and thus multiple copies of the coupons.  Honestly I think that is unfair to everyone else.  No wonder the stores can't keep anything in stock.  I have always gotten just one copy of the paper because I have found it a pain to keep track of so many coupons.  But over the last year since the recession happened, there are so many people doing this, I am hardly ever able to find any of the good deals.  I think it's more important to share the wealth instead of trying to hog all the good deals.  I am happy if I am able to get one or two free items every once in awhile.  Nothing is more frustrating than seeing someone at the store with 10 copies of coupons for an item and their cart completely full with none left for anyone else.  I especially feel sorry for these moms who really need to save money and are time starved because they are trying to work and go to school all while raising a family.  Let's learn to share everyone!!

Albertson's has done a great job at making sure plenty of sale items are in stock.  I wish all stores did that.  Target stocks so few items that it is almost impossible to get anything on sale there.  One time I went at 8:00 on a Monday morning, right when they opened to try to get electrosol on sale.  They were completely out.  I think that is because I don't shop on Sunday, all of the Sunday shoppers get an advantage.  There was only room for probably five boxes in their little sale slot on the shelf anyway.  I have just learned to be happy with the things I can find.  I LOVE living in Utah County because there are so many stores to choose from and we are close to everything. There are a lot more couponing ladies (and old men) out there and if we all just take what we really need then there will be enough for everyone.  It may not be this particular sale, but another sale will come around soon. 

I've been doing this for almost 18 years now - believe it or not  - so I understand the frustrations of stores being out of product. However, it is rare that I can't get the product I need with a rain check or stores restocking. I actually think several stores in Utah County re-stock more that other areas in efforts to meet the demands for all shoppers.  I hate to say it, but the SLC stores run out as well.  They may not run as fast, but that's because it's a larger market area with a lot more stores available.  (I'm hoping Smith's will step up and either order more product to stock quicker or issue rainchecks for promo items at the end of the sale.)  I agree that there has been a MASSIVE increase in the amount of couponers due to the economy, but I also believe that every couponer is doing what they can for their families in the time and with the money available to them. They are time crunched and wallet strapped like everyone else - they've just figured out what works for them to help their family.  There will always be those who miss out on sales regardless of couponers.  So while I totally agree that you don't need to hoard (It wastes money if you buy products you can't use before they expire), I would say the majority of couponers don't. We live in a unique market for sure.  With larger than average family size and food storage/self reliance incorporated into many homes, you'd expect people to buy more, but only to meet family needs.

I LOVE UTAH COUNTY!!!

I agree with asking for help - even at Rite Aid, there has been times where the manager has gone in the back and found a box of items.  It never hurts to ask!   

Been there & done that SEVERAL times! I agree that it is VERY frustrating when you go to a store for a certain product and they are out of stock. I also think some people are inconsiderate in what they take. Sometimes I wish stores would put a limit on the number of sale items you can get. However, some things that help me are:
1. Knowing when your store re-stocks (I usually go early that morning and haven't had problems getting what I wanted).
2. Calling the store ahead of time to see if they are out of an item I really want, then I don't waste a trip and have added frustration.
3. Knowing I can always price match it at Wal-Mart (they typically have the item & usually it's already marked down). The only bad thing is the deals where stores give you the automatic $ amount off (ex: Smith's Mega event $5). You also have to know the exact price, can't be listed buy one get one or 50% off items.
4. Realizing that the sale will come around again and sometimes for a better deal.
5. Once you get stocked up on items, you won't have to hit every sale. HTH

I totally a agree its like having a bunch of friends I sporadically. Remember there are always tons of deals out there.