Keep sending in those questions because we love to answer them! As always a big thanks to my buddy Christy over at Haphazardly Hobbying who gives me so much help to get the questions answered. Right now our backlog of questions is about two to three weeks so if we didn’t get to your question this week, we will soon!
Remember–there is a tab at the top of the site called “Q & A” where I organize the questions and answers from this feature so that it can serve as a quick reference!
Here are this week’s questions:
- If it says “Manufacturer’s Coupon” on it but has an LU # rather than a barcode on it, is it really a manufacturer coupon or is it a store coupon?
- How do you do the coupon match-ups? A particular database/databases?
- Could you give those of us who haven’t traded before a crash course in how to trade coupons on the trading forums?
- Do Publix brand items ever go BOGO?
- Can I use coupons from a Florida Publix coupon booklet at my store in Alabama (or any other state)?
- Do you have any good tips for how to remember what great coupons you have so that you can definitely use them?
- Are the coupons in the paper inserts the same ones that they have online?
- Will Publix double competitor coupons?
- What are the basic things I need to know in order to save money in Georgia (I’m from Florida)?
- Wouldn’t it be nice if Publix added a coupon-only lane at our stores – kind of like the exact opposite of the express lane?
And here are the answers!
- Lauren wants to know: I saw a booklet recently at Publix where the coupons say “Manufacturer’s Coupon” at the top, but there is no bar code, only an LU#, on each. Does this mean that it counts like a STORE coupon when it comes to stacking?
- Mom23Lads wants to know: How do you do the coupon match-ups? A particular database/databases?
- Lynn wants to know: I’ve thought about trading coupons, but I have NO idea how the heck to do it! I can’t find any “instructions.” I think not being able to trade really hinders my couponing and buying power. Could you give those of us who haven’t traded before a crash course in how to trade coupons on the trading forums?
- Stephanie wants to know: Do Publix brand items ever go BOGO? I would love to see the Kids Deli meals go on sale!Christy: I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Publix brand item go BOGO, but I’m going to defer to Michelle on this one, since she’s been matching up those ads for so long!
Michelle: There are the occasional Publix brand BOGO’s. The tea and shrimp ring are BOGO this week. They also do the potato salad and other deli items, so there is a possibility that you may see the kids meals BOGO at some point?? I will keep my fingers crossed for it…my boys like the meals too!! - Veronica B. wants to know: I live in Birmingham, AL. On a recent trip to Florida I went to a Publix to look for coupons, and I picked up several booklets that I have not seen in circulation in Birmingham. Am I able to use those coupons in my Birmingham store?
- Christie wants to know: I print a lot of the printable coupons that you feature. I don’t keep a binder for my coupons; instead I use envelopes (I keep them in cosmetic bag). I always end up forgetting what coupons I have printed and they end up expiring! Any good tips on how to make sure they get used?
- Sarah wants to know: Are the coupons in the paper inserts the same ones that they have online? I currently don’t get the paper, and when you list coupons from Redplum or the other “usual” paper inserts, many can no longer be found to print online because they are from an earlier insert. Do you recommend printing all of the coupons from the online source at certain points and holding on to them (if so, how often should you print)?
- Stephanie wants to know: Will Publix double competitor coupons?
- Lisa wants to know: I live in Central Florida, but a couple of friends and I will be taking our annual girls trip in October. We are going to a large craft show in southwest Georgia. A couple of us are super couponers. We would love to know about doing double coupons and any other suggestions you have for us while we are there. We want to try out Kroger. We are super excited about being able to pick up the Atlanta paper on Sunday too. (Aren’t you able to get the Sunday paper on Saturday, too?) Anyhow…we would love to know the basics of saving in Georgia.
- April wants to know: I have had a few bad experiences couponing at Publix. I hate having to go to the service desk and try to prove, debate, and haggle over my coupons etc.) This wastes time – my frozen and refrigerated goods are just hanging out in the store while I have to scrutinize every detail of the transactions with the cashier and service desk. I am a responsible couponer and work hard at my savings and just get so frustrated when all my work is for naught. I work full time so the time I spend is valuable and worth every penny – and I don’t like getting cheated out of what I’ve worked for. I was wondering what you think about the idea of a (or have you heard of a) coupon lane – kind of like an express lane, but for those that use large numbers of coupons. This lane would be clearly marked and designated for couponers (and of course – could be used by those others who don’t coupon who dare go in that lane) and there would be a cashier that was very well versed on coupons and store coupon policies. What do you think? Too much to ask for?
Christy: We’ve actually had some debate about that on the site. My personal opinion is that an LU# equals a store coupon, but I know there are some that disagree with me. As per usual, ask your customer service desk for the final say!
I use my database here on the site! Click HERE to check it out (or just click the Coupon Database tab at the top of the site)
Christy: It’s pretty simple, actually! Just go HERE to create an account on the I Heart Publix forum. Once you’re logged in, click on “Trades” and read through the few “sticky” posts the moderators have put up. From there, just start browsing the trade posts! Most posts will specify the coupon the person is looking for or wanting to trade. The lingo can be a little daunting, but it’s pretty simple, really – ISO means “In Search Of” (or that poster is looking for people who are have that coupon), “H” means “Have” (means that poster is willing to trade the coupon), and “PM” means “private message”; one great function of the forum is that it gives you a message account that allows you to privately discuss trade details and swap addresses without the entire forum being able to see it – and without clogging up your email inbox. Once you’ve found someone who has what you need, it’s up to the two of you to work out your trade terms – often I just try to trade 1 coupon for 1 coupon, but some coupons may be worth more or less depending on a number of factors.
There are a few things that you should remember about trading. First, you should never agree to a trade that you’re uncomfortable with. You can always say “thanks, but I’ve changed my mind” and walk away (as long as the other person hasn’t already sent out their end of the deal). Second, you should always try to be honest, ethical, and QUICK with your trades (you wouldn’t want to wait two weeks for the coupons you’re trading for, so don’t make your partner wait that long, either!). The more positive trades you have, the more people will want to trade with you. Third, if you have a question, post it HERE or ask a moderator (or anyone on the forum, really!) Everyone over there is super nice and friendly over there and ALL of us have been where you are now, so you have nothing to worry about.
Lastly, remember that trading gets MUCH easier with time. You will probably have to respond to or create a number of posts before you make your first successful trade, but once you’ve done one or two, you’ll be an old pro in no time! I’ve been trading for about a year and I’ve now formed relationships with a number of other traders, so I often will PM or email my ‘trading buddies’ before going to the forum because they often have what I need!
Michelle: Trading is how I get many of my coupons since I have no luck at my stores 🙂 Don’t be afraid to give it a try! Everybody needs/wants different things so this is a great way to get what you need and even get rid of things you won’t use! There are some fabulous traders over on the forum. If you get confused or need help just ask–the folks on the forum are super friendly and will be glad to help you learn the ropes!!
Christy: Yes, you can absolutely use those coupons at your store as long as they’re still valid (or longer if your store accepts expired Publix coupons!) – to the best of my knowledge any Publix will accept any coupon with an LU# on it. The only exception here is if the coupon specifically states that it’s valid only at a particular store (but most of them don’t say that).
Christy: I’ve been struggling with the same thing for a while now, and finally I just started to keep a separate envelope marked “Really Good Coupons.” Yes, it’s one more envelope I have to look through as I get ready for my shop, but it’s helped a lot so far! Commenters, do you have any other tips you’d like to share?
Michelle: I also have a pouch of coupons that I keep at the front of my binder with any coupon that I like. It can be high value coupons or coupons that I want to use before they expire. Each week when I am making my list I go through that pouch to see if there are any that I want to add to my list for that week. I would also love to hear any good tips that you guys have to share!!
Christy: In my experience, the online sources never have all the coupons in the print inserts, so you will probably miss out on some deals if you don’t get the Sunday papers. However, clipping services or ebay sellers often have the “hot” coupons for sale if something you’re looking for isn’t available to print online.
Michelle: There is some overlap but generally the printables seem to be a bit higher value than the insert coupons. There are the occasional hot insert coupon and like Christy said you can usually get them from the clipping sites.
Unfortunately, no. Competitor coupons are entered at face value and Publix does not double them.
Yes you can get an early edition of the Atlanta Journal on Saturday. Then, on Sunday you can get a Sunday double which is the early edition and regular edition bundled together at a slight discount.
Double coupons are pretty simple. Any coupon that is a value of 50¢ or less is automatically doubled at the register. This is done all day every day at Publix (at Kroger you need a loyalty card for the coupons to double) You just present your coupons like normal and the register automatically doubles the qualifying coupons. Another difference you will find is that here in Georgia our BOGO deals ring up at half price. So you can only buy one BOGO item and just pay half price rather than being required to buy two items to get the sale price! This comes in handy if you only have one coupon or just need one item!
Really other than that there are not any other difference that I know of. I think you might find our prices are slightly lower (or at least that is what my Florida buddies tell me 🙂 ) Have fun!!
Christy: I think all of us have had an experience like you describe at one point or another and we never want to go through it again. If I were you, I would make a point of talking to the store manager on duty on your visit immediately following every bad experience you have – it never does much good to complain when you’re already upset and frustrated but if you are a calm, cool, and collected ‘squeaky wheel’ I bet you will get some results with your store! As for a ‘couponers’ lane – well, I’ve never heard of such a thing, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen! If nothing else, you might ask your store to identify for you the cashiers that are the most comfortable with coupons, so that you can search them out when you check out.
Michelle: I think that is a fabulous idea 🙂 I would love to see that at my store!! You might actually talk to your store and let them know that you will be using a large amount of coupons –you never know they might actually open a lane for you when it is time to check out!!
I hope our answers to these questions were helpful! Make sure you ‘tune in’ next week for even more Q&A with I Heart Publix. If you have a question you’d like to see answered, email me at contactiheartpublix@gmail.com.
Wow! I think the couponers lane is an awesome idea!
I second that all the way!
For Christie, each month I set aside coupons which will expire within the coming month. I put them in a ziploc in my purse. I’ve found that I’m letting very few of the really good Qs expire.
As for question #4- I have seen the Publix Pizza Bites BOGO one time in probebly a year!! This is the only brand my son will eat. I think I bought 10 bags then. But I have not seen too many Publix brand Items BOGO.
The Publix Frozen Pizzas will be BOGO this week at the new store in Jax on Atlantic Blvd near University Blvd. And whole chickens 99 cents/pound! Woo hoo!
For #6, I keep one of those small file folder things and have it separated into sections like “household” or “frozen”. That helps keep my coupons organized. I also downloaded an app on my phone where I can make a list of the coupons that I have. I haven’t had the time to sit down and put all of them in there but it’ll definitely be worth it when I’m in a hurry in the store and want to know what coupons I have and when the expire. The app is called coupon manager. It’s 2.99 in the app store.
SO true re: making sure you communicate your experiences to your store manager. Often, the bad experience is the result of a training need and they can’t be aware of that unless they are told. My store’s management team knows several of us on a first name basis and will walk away from what they are doing to come over and say hello when they see us. Conversely, I will take as long as needed to speak with them if there’s something I’m concerned about and it ALWAYS gets resolved and followed up on. They’ve even gone as far as to write up their store’s formal coupon policy (killed off a few good things, but an overall positive move) so that their employees have a consistent point of reference.
Might be worth it to go through the self check out lane (time/effort/kid dependent). You can type in LU# if you have issues at your store. I don’t think you can key an amount for a free item though or competitor Q, but I haven’t tried.
would love to self check – but not an option at any of my area locations – i’ve also found w/ self-check at other stores – that coupons are virtually impossible without a store clerk.
Hi, I actually work at Publix & was just letting you know that if a coupon says Manufacturer but actually has a LU# then that’s a store coupon. We type in that 4 digigit LU# as a Publix coupon!
& as for the coupon lane… a few of us have run this by the manager as our Publix is the #1 couponing store. We were told that it probably would not happen due to discrimination against those without coupons.
I know I am biased – but I hardly see that as discrimination – if anything – those who don’t use coupons should be cheering that they don’t have to wait in line behind me ;o) and further more – coupons are everywhere – even when you walk in the front door – easily accessible – so it would be their choice not to partake – that is kind of like saying the express lane discriminates against those who want to buy more than 10 or 20 items. I don’t buy the discrimination line but do appreciate you sharing what has already been discussed. Thank you – please pass this along to your manager ;o) Love you Publix (even though I do get frustrated ;o)
My publix opens another lane for me!! After several times of getting fustrated, all of us!! the cashiers, customer service, managers, and myself. I spoke directly to the manager and explained what I was doing! Where I got the information! And I actually showed the manager on my iPhone iheartpublix website! Which he had no idea it exhisted! Which totally amazed me!!! If every cashier looked at the website before the weeks ad, they would know exactally what coupons are available which would only help keep people honest couponers!!!! When I’m ready to checkout, I ask the head cashier which lane to go into normally she checks me out. Keeping the lines short and me out of the store faster!
Lucky woman – will try – but don’t see my Publix doing this.
@B – I’ve never seen self-checkouts at a Publix (I live in the metro Atlanta area).
April…
I would suggest going later at night when the store is not so busy that you will not feel like you are rushed. After 8 is a great time to go shopping. I work in CS and I would not mind opening up just for someone as a bunch of coupons so that you would not feel rushed. Some people just don’t have patience for saving money the same. It doesn’t hurt to ask CS if they would mind doing that for you. I hope this helps.
Appreciate the advice – I have done this and found that the cashier was tired – ready to go and other staff too – wish I was at your store (I will keep working on this) And be persistent – that’s one thing I am good at doing ;o)
Hi, I have not seen or maybe just missed my question..But can you use the target brand coupons on Publix brand .. like 50 cents on archer bread could that be used on Publix brand bread ?
Thank you
Phyllis
I shop at two different Publix stores, both in different districts, and neither one will accept those coupons. They do not look at it as a competion/competitor coupon, it is more like a sale/promo to lure in the customer. It still doesn’t hurt to ask customer service. Maybe you will have better luck that I have had in the past 🙂 Good Luck!
I used to work at Publix while I was going to college. My guess on the coupon lane is that they wouldn’t do it. They don’t want to imply that any of their cashiers are not trained properly. Each cashier has their own system that works. One gal looks through my coupons first and scans them as the items go by. Always group bogo coupons (not sale, but manufacturer coupons like the Old Spice coupon) together so the prices are either at the beginning or end of the list.
Another thing to watch for is their name tag. Office Staff and Office Cashiers definitely know more about coupons and my store schedules them on the line all the time. Find a few cashiers who do well and remember them. If they get to know you and know that you aren’t trying to trick them on the coupons, things go smoother.
Good Luck!