Dear Customer......Just a lil FYI

I'm not calling anyone dumb or stupid, but fine print is there for a reason, read it!!!!!
This is my first blog of customer mishaps that I run into on a daily basis. Now this one is a frequent one and happens I am sure to all my server friends. When you receive a coupon or receive an email with a coupon in it, take the time to read it and see what restrictions may apply. Don't get upset when the coupon is denied because of your negligence.
A few days ago I ran into this problem with one of my tables. They had a coupon for free chips and salsa and handed it off to me as I brought them their check. Not only is the restaurant I work for a franchise of a big restaurant chain but our name is a bit different. Common sense is that you should probably ask if we accept the coupon prior to just popping it in front of my face, thanks! Anywho, so I nicely explained to the man that we don't accept those coupons because we are a franchise of the company. Of course, they wanted to dispute saying does it say that it's only corporate. I hate having to one up my customers but at this point I had two things to back me up. One:::: if he had read the fine print he would've seen that it said "at participating stores only! As I said we are not a participating store (thank you). Two:::: it stated the only way you were able to get FREE chips and salsa is if you purchased an entree. Not one person at that table purchased not one entree. BOOM!!!!!! And his response couldn't have been better "you got us there". Yes, I sure did! It doesn't surprise me that my tip wasn't a good one after saying that to them, and my tip shouldn't have been affected just because someone can't read and was schooled on how to.
So just a lil heads up I'm not trying to make fun of anyone or embarrass anyone either, but just give you some advice prior to going out somewhere to eat and making a fool out of yourself. I'm not one to like to prove someone wrong but just to help educate you. These type of situations happen all the time, but also if the restaurant name isn't exactly the same, maybe you should ask first. It doesn't hurt to ask a question when you are not sure about something.
Thanks for reading and hope that you continue to follow my customer mishaps postings. I'm out!!!!!!!! :)