Avoid Deal Induced Stress: Rain check!

This week I am reminded of another great tool in the couponer's arsenal, the raincheck. Twice this week. I have attempted to buy a hot deal, only to find it is sold out: CVS Vitality toothbrush and Strawberry Shortcake Cruiser. In both instances I asked about rain checks and was answered with a reassuring, YES! A raincheck it a slip of paper that indicates the current sale price for a certain unavailable item. Once the item is back in stock you can redeem your raincheck slip at the sale price listed. At CVS, I was not only given a rain check with the sale price indicated, but it also states that I will be issued the Extra Care Bucks associated with the sale ad. With the Strawberry Shortcake deal, I was a little smarter and called first before making a special trip. Of course I was told they are out of stock and that they might come on the truck in the morning. So again, I asked about a rain check and she assured me that they do issue rain checks on sale items. So tomorrow morning, I will head over to TRU with the hope of bringing home two sweetly scented cruisers, but I'm not worried about it. Because I know I can fall back on a trusty tool to get my deal in the end!

What has been your experience with rain checks? Do you think they could alleviate some stress?