I also hate it when supermarkets advertise in flyers that something is on sale and when you go to the store to get said item, they don't have any....on the FIRST day of the sale!!

I noticed this happening many, many times at one store I frequent and spoke to the manager about it. I used terms like "false advertising" and "bait and switch" and made sure I said them in a louder tone of voice. That got his attention and he gave me 15% off my total for that visit.

Of course a few weeks later nothing had changed so I told him that I wouldn't be coming to his store anymore and would be frequenting their #1 rival down the street. He asked me why as it is a smaller store. I told him #1- they always have what they advertise on sale in stock and #2- they always have what I want. I can't say how many times I went to the first store and they were out of things like milk and other basic staples. The manager asked me to write to the company about my issues (apparently things were out of his hands ). So I did and they sent me a $50 gift cert for the store. I used it but I still shop at the rival just down the street a bit.

Basically what I'm saying is, make a fuss. If they don't program the sale items into a computer before a sale starts, talk to the manager and use terms like "false advertising" and "bait and switch." Both are illegal in the US and can get the store into trouble, even if only by reputation. If the manager doesn't change anything or blows you off, send a letter to the headquarters of the company and tell them the same thing you told the manager. Be sure to tell them what store and which manager you are talking about. Threaten to report them to the Better Business Bureau or your local news station (most news station have consumer activist segments).

Remember, it is the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.