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I have a confession.

Sometimes, when a store is having a really good sale, I actually hope to find bare shelves where the item should be, especially if my pantry shelves are already groaning or my freezer is packed to the max.

Why? Because if the store offers rain checks, I'll be able to take advantage of the sale price at a time that's convenient for me - and my tiny kitchen.

I think of it as my own private sale.

Most merchants will offer rain checks when advertised specials are out of stock as a way for interested customers to still get the sale price once the supply truck comes.

Rain checks are usually available at customer service desks or from a store manager.

Some merchants will go further than just offering the slip: A Target rain check includes a list of other Target stores in the area that have that item in stock in case you want to get it right away.

But like a good rainy day fund, a rain check can be there for you in a pinch. When I run out of frozen broccoli or shampoo, I appreciate the opportunity to restock my supply without having to pay the full sticker price.

But be sure you read the fine print. Some rain checks have expiration dates; others don't. Make sure you know what time frame you're working with so you don't miss out on savings.

Something else to note: Retailers sometimes deem sales so spectacular that quantities are limited and rain checks won't be offered. Be sure to check the circular to see if that restriction is in place.

A savvy shopping rule of thumb: If a store is out of an advertised sale item, ask for a rain check.

Always.

Clinton Press offers its own economic stimulus

Washington isn't the only place talking about economic stimulus.

The folks at Greensboro's Clinton Press have designed one of their own.

Though Dec. 21, the commercial print shop is offering to run 10 percent more of any order for free. If a client ordered 1,000 brochures, he'd get the 1,000 brochures, plus 100 more for no extra cost.

Clint Jackson IV, president of Clinton Press, said the idea was born from a desire to help his clients expand their reach.

"Anyone running a small business will tell you, if you own a business, its your responsibility," Jackson said. "I decided, you know, it's not that hard if you roll up your sleeves, get out there, make more calls, do more marketing."

The offer is a way to say "I will give you the tools you need to get more business," Jackson said.

"Take that extra 10 percent and go contact 10 percent more prospects, or hand out 10 percent more business cards or mail out 10 percent more prospecting letters."

Of course the promotion, offered since Veterans Day, is cutting into the bottom line, he said. But Jackson said he prefers to think of the offer as an investment in the community.

"If I can help my clients become successful, ultimately they're going to buy more," he said.

"If their business improves and increases, they may need to hire another person. It spreads out through the economy. It doesn't necessarily have to come back though Clinton Press. If Greensboro is expanding, we all benefit."

Clinton Press is located at 823 Battleground Ave.

Savvy Shoppers unite on the Web! Twitter with me at twitter.com/savvyshopper, network with me on Facebook or come talk shopping on the Bargain Blog at news-record.com.Do you have a retail news or shopping tips for Savvy Shopper? Contact Lanita Withers at 373-7071 or e-mail lanita.withers@news-record.com.