I normally don't like to badmouth a freebie, but this promo is a dud.

I went to the local store. There was a printed sheet saying "Show your coupon before order".

I pulled out the coupon.

Man behind the counter says: "We do not take the coupon".

Me: "Oh?"

Man: "We are a franchise. We don't participate in that."

Me: "Where can I go then? Do you know another Quizno's that will take the coupon?"

Man: "OK, I will give you a free drink and chips if you buy a sandwich. Or buy a sandwich and get one free."

Me: "I will buy a sandwich and get one free."

I figured that was my intent anyway, as I was going to get the small freebie and buy a sandwich for Mr. CTM.

With tax the total came to almost $7. I don't quibble with that, but I really didn't like what this storeowner had to do to get his business, and I didn't like the way I was made to feel just to use a legitimate coupon issued by Quizno's. And, certainly, Quizno's made its point across that it did not trust its customers by making such a "secured" method of printing a uniquely numbered coupon with a warning that ID must be shown.

Why didn't Quizno's just issue a buy-1-get-1-free coupon then? That would have guaranteed a purchase of a sandwich. Denny's recent free breakfast was definitely a success as it brought in long lines of customers, gave customers a free breakfast and a coupon book, and customers came back with more family members and friends to use the coupons.

I mentioned the total ticket was nearly $7.00. As I looked at the size of the 2 sandwiches, I realized I could have gone to Subway's and got the foot-long for $5 without a coupon.

Mr. CTM and I both liked the Quizno sandwiches, but this promotion really did not achieve success if it was meant to foster good will and increase sales. They would have done better with a Buy-1-Get-1 coupon, or $1 off of a sandwich combo.

Quizno's, I hope you are paying attention to our critiques.