I see that there has been quite a bit of discussion on the Trades page regarding the use of coupons. So I thought I would take a moment to give my opinion and make a request.
I love a good discussion but let’s move it here to this post. The trades page is for trading…I don’t want to clutter it up (I really need to do a clean up there –so let me know if you have any trade request that need to be deleted) Feel free to leave you comment or opinion HERE in the comments section.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with a person using coupons! As long as the person is using them correctly it doesn’t matter if they use one coupon or two hundred coupons. Publix does not limit the number of coupons that you can use during a transaction. The register will beep if your coupon to item ratio is not equal and it will also beep once you have hit a savings threshold. At one point the threshold was $50–I have heard that it has increased to $100 but I am not positive. So once you have used $50 (or $100) worth of coupons you will need a manager to override the system.
Just because the register beeps and requires an override does not necessarily mean that the customer has done something wrong! Since Publix allows the use of a competitor coupon with a manufacturer coupon it is possible for you to have more coupons than items. If I am doing a big shopping trip I could easily use $100 worth of coupons–that is not at all difficult to achieve. So–a beeping register is not indicative of improper coupon usage! A beeping register is more likely the sign of a very smart shopper who has put much time and effort into clipping coupons and matching them to the weekly sale!
There was a comment about doubling coupons…Publix doubles coupons as an incentive to shoppers. There are lots of grocery store choices here in metro Atlanta. Most all of the competitor stores double coupons and some even offer eCoupons and Catalina promotions in addition to double coupons. Doubling coupons is in no way an abuse of the system! It is a courtesy given to encourage shoppers to walk in the door.
I think the bottom line is that there is a difference in coupon usage and coupon abuse! There will be honest people and there will be people who choose to cheat. It is unfair to assume EVERYONE who uses coupons is a cheater. Here on my site I highlight deals using coupons while abiding by the rules. I always tell people that there is no need to cheat when you can get a great deal honestly!
Feel free to leave your comments. I love a good discussion and would love to hear some opinions. I do ask that you keep it clean–I don’t have time to moderate foul mouthed comments 🙂
58 Comments
I agree wholeheartedly!!! I really appreciate everything you do to get us all the best deals, and would be missing Alot more money, if it weren’t for you!!! So here is a great big THANK YOU!!!
First, I just want to say that I am a huge fan of the “I Heart Publix” site. Thank you so much for the time and effort that you put into this site every day. I know that you have a very busy life with 2 very busy boys and so for you to spend such time taking care of this site to help make all of us aware of great deals is a huge treat.
I love being able to use my coupons to get amazing deals at Publix and other stores. I appreciate the work that you put in to matching up coupons each week with the weekly ad and agree that with all the legit deals that are to be found.. there is no need to try and do something dishonest. I also would hate to see a case of “a few bad eggs spoil the bunch” and to see stores start restricting their coupon allowances because of a few people who are being dishonest.
However, one thing I would encourage is to get to know the different stores in your area and what they allow for coupons because it can vary.. for example one Publix in my area gladly let me use a manufacturer and a competitor coupon while another Publix 5 minutes down the road told me that I could only use two if I was using a Manufacturer and a Publix Store coupon.. if not I had to choose either the Manufacturer coupon or the competitor coupon to use.
Corinne you bring up a great point–Every Publix can basically make their own rules–it is up to each of us to make sure we are aware of OUR store’s policy!!
All I can say is that coupons are an expected and accounted for part of the multi billion dollar grocery business. If Publix prints 10,000 $1/1 coupons, they know that they could have all of those redeemed. We clip from the newspaper or print from approved sites. And I say approved sites because if they weren’t we wouldn’t be allowed to redeem those IP’s. Have you ever gone to a vendor site and had the greaded “Sorry, that promo has ended” screen come up? That is because the vendor has decided and most likely reached an agreement with the grocery powers that be, that they will only release a certain number of coupons. These huge stores don’t just accept coupons… it is a valuable tool that affects the bottom line of a profit and loss statement.
Don’t feel bad for using the tools that the store is giving you! As long as you are being a fair consumer you are doing what they have set the system up for you to do! And Hooray IheartPublix for being our connection to the deals!
I am a huge fan of this website! It took me a while to learn the in’s and out’s, but I am very, very careful to do everything by the book. I can’t tell you how many times I have stopped and asked Customer Service, or the Store Manager about a particular coupon, promotion, etc. I am at the Publix a few times a week, so they know me, and I would like to think they trust me not to cheat them. I too worry that a few bad apples will spoil it for the rest of us honest couponer (which I’m sure is the majority). Thank you, thank you, thank you, Michelle for all you do for us!!
I just wanted to take a second and say THANK YOU to evereyone. I have learned a lot and am still learning tons. I was scared to death the first time I went to use more than the typical 10 Q’s I was use to using. I actually emailed corporate for a copy of the requirements, I called my store on the phone, and I asked my store manager just to make sure of the policy. Slowly got brave enough to use more and more coupons, then competitor coupons. If I ever have a questionable coupon, I just ask at customer service. They are always so nice and answer either yes or no. Yes at times, I get people who do not understand or are frustrated because of my stack of coupons, but when my receipt prints out and I see the savings at the bottom, I smile, THANK MY CASHIER and remind myself that I am able to do “this”, “this” and “this” because of the money I saved my family.
I agree – get to know your stores. If you don’t have a firm understanding of the store’s coupon policies, it only upsets you, the cashier, and the impatient person purchasing groceries without coupons behind you. I have a favorite Publix in my area and have several cashiers that I like and they always accept all my coupons without scrutinizing each and every one because they know me and know that I am honest and am not doing anything that is not allowed. Most of them are usually impressed by my savings and my large coupon organizer. However, we have all had to deal with the cashier who feels as if you are robbing the store when your total goes from $50 to $5. If you know that you are doing everything by the book, then you have nothing to do but smile sweetly as the front store manager is called. And to those of you who feel as if we couponers are doing something illegal – grow up, get a life, find something better to do with your time – like couponing 🙂
haha, it only FEELS like cheating!
I have been really glad to find your site because Publix is my favorite store to use coupons at. I happen to shop at a very good location and the cashiers have all been amazing to me. They see me coming with coupons and smile and make small-talk about my savings. This fosters a lot of good will and makes me loyal to the store. Plus, 90% of the coupons I use are manufacturer ones, the store gets back every penny of that discount (and then some!)
I don’t think it can be said enough- get to know the stores near you.
I went to a different store today- I was told I can only buy 2 of any item that is BOGO, because they have shoppers that come in a clear the shelves, use coupons, and resell the items. I was shocked… not by the story, but by the policy. I don’t know what’s worse, that they want to be the BOGO Police or that they obviously didn’t care for me as a binder-toting couponer.
I have always kept my couponing legit, I am very careful about reading coupons and matching them up correctly. However, the store closest to me watches me like a criminal while I’m in there. I’ve been grilled about the coupons I’ve used even though there has never been even ONE that I’ve attempted to use incorrectly. The only time it takes less than 30 minutes to check-out is if I’m only running in for firewood. I’ve been harassed by the managers, even told by one “if (he) had it (his) way, you all (couponers) wouldn’t have any of those (coupons) to begin with.” Needless to say, that store will not be seeing anymore of my hard earned money. Shopping is NEVER a pleasure at that store.
Too many of us work too long, and too hard, at couponing to be treated the way we are.
I understand that some people make copies of coupons they are not supposed to, use coupons for items they didn’t buy, and various other things. I believe in karma. It will come back to those few.
It’s one thing to play “the game,” it’s something completely different to steal.
I know most of us are honest, but at some stores, they treat us like theives- not law-abiding citizens who are giving their businesses money during a recession.
If you are a “cashier” and you work for a store that has a POLICY to take coupons (manufacture, competitor and store), then it is your JOB to comply with their policy as part of your job description. Of course they’re people who will be rude and try to abuse it, and it is your job to make sure the customer is obeying the rules that the store has in place and weed out any coupons that are not acceptable. Most couponing customers will abide by the rules because they do not want to loose the PRIVILEGE of using coupons. I think that is very unprofessional for someone to come on a public forum and bash their companies customers just because they do not like having to take coupons. They are blaming the customer that helps them have a paycheck (yes my $10.00 totals help because I submit $35.00 in manufacture coupons that the store gets back). If you don’t like that your employer has a great coupon policy, GET A DIFFERENT JOB. I have been a cashier before and wished that it would of been for a store like Publix. I personally have only had one problem with a cashier at my store and just choose to avoid her line when she is working. I think most Publix employees have been told what “good customer service” is.
Can I use two manufactures coupons for one item? Is that doubling? Or stacking?
I usually shop early (8 a.m.) on Sunday so the store is not crowded and I am not holding anybody up. I know that’s not an option for everybody, but it goes smoother for me that way.
Those cashiers are just “precious” with their horrible attitudes and rebellion-you gotta love em’. I am sure they will have a long and prosperous career at Publix. Meanwhile my grocery bill continues to go down and savings up!!! But, I find no matter what,”Honesty is the best policy”.
Cheri
NO–you can never use two manufacturer coupons on one item!! You can use a manuf.Q plus a Publix coupon on one item OR a MQ plus a competitor coupon on one item.
Double coupons is where coupons .50¢ and under double (50¢ will become worth $1; .35¢ becomes .70¢, etc…) This is offered in Georgia and other states but not in Florida.
The only cheating I see in couponing is when couponers take whole pads of tear off coupons and aren’t buying the products, or take the inserts out of papers they don’t purchase, etc. That’s not cool.
It’s all about being smart with your money. We are not just folks that clip coupons–we are very savvy shoppers who strategically shop sales with coupons! Some people just take a glance and think–too good to be true they must be cheating the system. No, they have it all wrong. Sometimes even grocery personnel do not have a full grasp on coupons–I have taught several who have admitted to assuming someone was doing something wrong when they got too good of a deal because they simply did not understand their own coupon policy and where the coupons came from. I gave a store director at another store a crash course yesterday.
Michelle thanks for all that you do. It’s tough dealing with negative people while you are trying to run a blog to help people. 🙂
By the way-I HEART PUBLIX and OUR LOCAL PUBLIX STAFF!!!
Here is my “Couponers are Criminals” story. I was at the Customer Service desk waiting to get a raincheck. While waiting, I see a fellow couponer checking out and she has a coupon for $2.00 off a gallon of milk. The cashier says to her, we can’t take this since the milk is only $1.99, we will be losing money and I will get fired. The customer said, then I don’t want the milk and I certainly don’t want you to get fired. The cashier said, you just want everything for free, we don’t need customers like you. The customer walked out, without taking the groceries or saying a word. I was amazed.
So, still waiting for the Customer Service Rep to find his raincheck pad, another victim approaches this same cashier. He writes a check for a couple of cases of beer and the register rejects it. The cashier tells him it was because the system shows he has written other bad checks. He said, I know I have, but not at this store!!! She apologizes to him and says how bad she feels. Then tells him to not be embarrassed and not to worry, she will put all of his unpaid groceries back and to have a good night! So, the moral of the story is that the couponer was treated like a criminal and the actual criminal is treated like gold. What’s wrong with this picture???
Well said … and now I feel the need to visit the trade section … I have yet to go there as I always get sidetracked on the main page!! PS … thanks for the great updates and encouragement!
Thanks!
I live in Florida. Just alittle confused.
I also have to compliment the helpfulness of this site! I have saved so much money!
And I also get annoyed by people who steal inserts out of the paper. I have gotten screwed out of several paper inserts, and now I am always careful to check that the inserts are there before I purchase the papers – this is such a waste of my time, but unfortunately necessary. Also, (unrelated to publix) I was trying to do the famous glade candle deal at target and not only were all of the coupons removed from the candle holder tins, but the glass holders (in the plastic) had been all ripped open to remove the coupons. Honestly, that is just wrong–not only are you defacing property that is not yours, but you are just being rude by taking all of the coupons away from other couponers to likely sell on ebay.
Sorry – thank you for letting me rant!
thanks for all the hardwork you do keeping your site updated and enouraging everyone to be legit with their couponing. i love my publix and wouldnt dream of doing something that would encourage them to stop accepting some coupons. I have never knowingly used a coupon incorrectly, but maybe you could be more specific with the term coupon abuse? that way those of us who are new to this will be sure we arent doing anything wrong.
I will tell you that my publix is now scrutinizing my coupons and it is taking at least 10 minutes extra per trip, sometimes more based on how many I have. It is very frustrating and I didnt know why they were doing it. Guess I do now-
Of course I have to add my 2 cents in here :).
I firmly believe in honest couponing. While I know that many of us feel this way, I also know that there are some you will never be able to convert to using coupons properly. But I also know that there are many who don’t even realize they are doing something wrong. If you are not sure how a coupon should be used and have doubts in your head- just ask. Just because you CAN do something doesn’t mean you SHOULD. I STILL get flustered sometimes- Tostitos coupons still sometimes make me dizzy- but if I am in doubt I ask the manager.
As far as harsh treatment by cashiers/manager and other Publix employees- I always get so upset reading these stories. I think if you are doing nothing wrong, following the rules and being polite- there is NO EXCUSE for this kind of treatment by a Publix employee. But what saddens me further is that I never hear at the end of the story- “so I called corporate and…..”. To sit back and take this kind of treatment seems so strange to me. Yes, there is a good chance that you can call and nothing will happen, but there is also a good chance that you will end up speaking to a district manager who can clarify the rules for you and give you answers. You may not like all of them, but at least you will have some answers. I know some of you might think that it will make it worse for you if you call- I don’t know how much worse it can get than being made to feel like a cheating, stealing nuisance while shopping for groceries.
I know I am lucky in that my local stores treat me with respect and kindness and are always willing to help me with whatever I need, but in return I try and show just as much courtesy, respect and kindness and helpfulness. If I know I will be buying a lot of something- I order it ahead of time- If I know I am going to be a long time at the checkout, I inform the people behind me, I have my coupons organized and ready to go, and whatever else I can do to help.
1st-I love the site!! I have learned tons! In regards to Michelle’s statement-very well put. 🙂 Keep up the great job! There are MANY of us who appreciate your hard work!
If a website (either a manufacturer’s or a coupon website) only allows you to print two coupons, isn’t that the manufacturer’s way of limiting the online coupons they want each person to have. If you go to other computers to print more, isn’t that unfair to other people who want to print the coupons but can’t because the manufacturer’s limit has been reached? I love saving money, but I think rules should be followed so that everyone can benefit from a great deal.
I just wanted to say thank you so much for the straightforward information on your site. I have been able to save so much – and now I have introduced my retired mother to it too!
I want to also thank my local Publix at Post Rd in Brevard County FL, as they have been nothing but gracious and helpful as I learned to shop the sales. If I have a question, I go to a manager or customer service, and the are always helpful, and always generous. I even had the incorrect type of cookie at the last BOGO/coupon matchup, and the (young)cashier not only caught it, she got me the correct ones herself. All the while being very gracious. THAT is a pleasure. I am very grateful to the store management for attitude and knowledge of their staff.
I have only been following your website for a few weeks. I have already saved about $300.00. I would normally buy only store brands to keep within my budget. It’s nice to actually be able to buy some of the better brands. I have great respect for you and all the time that you put into your website. I think people make remarks and get frustrated while in line behind a (coupon clipper) because they are wishing they could have saved 75%.
Like many others I love this site. What a blessing you are. I’ve never shopped at Publix until this year and I can’t believe I’ve missed out in the past. EVERY cashier I’ve ever had has been over and above respectful and friendly. I’ve never had a coupon problem and one cashier even pointed out a Publix q I had missed! Now that is service.
Signs up all over my Publix today that the only competitor coupon they will take after 12/1 is Kroger since that is their only grocery competitor in my area. They said changes are company wide 🙁
Im a new coupon user and I really like your site, thank you!…this was the first week I was disappointed in my shopping experience! Two days into the sale…pizza was wiped out…gortons shrimp was wiped out…nestle choc chips wiped out! and much more I understand that everyone can use as many coupons as they like…but it was a very wasted trip for me ( i know rainchecks,…but when you have three kids and your trying to go during your one day off…I don’t want to wait and come back) I was truly frustrated! by the way my publix is a great store and I have a wonderful experience (hermitage, tn)
Stephanie!!! get rainchecks – I DEFINITELY understand your frustration – i have two babies (My oldest just turned 2!!!) and i’m a single mom – I live in Mount Juliet!! If you ever happen to read this thread again please come visit my site and email me at nosunshyne@gmail.com maybe we can shop together sometime or I can check the mj publix for you since i live here 🙂 – it’s much nicer to shop WITH someone than to have to shop alone always 🙁
Michelle – Your site is incredibly well designed, a pleasure to use and a life saver. I find myself on it night and day!!!
Seriously, last year I never gave a thought to what I spent weekly/monthly at my local Publix (Post Commons, Brevard County, FL is the ONLY place to shop!). But times have changed and I now have a budget for groceries. I struggled until a neighbor referred me to your site. After a month, I spend 70% less per week and get groceries that I store! Kudos all of you industrial ladies & gentleman that also contribute input to Michelle, you provide the icing on the cake.
I have had mostly great experiences at Publix. Many of my cashiers will ask me how they can save and I always point them to “iheartpublix”.
One thing that you can do to help out your cashiers is to try to have your coupons in the same order that you put the items on the conveyor belt. I always separate my groceries in the same way: boxes, bags, bottles, cold items, meat, produce, eggs, and bread. This makes thing easier for my bagger and my time in line is much shorter.
I shop at a new Publix–year old–County line, Madison, AL and the manager here says he loves couponers. He is always extremely helpful and all the couponers that I know from our town come to this Publix even though there are two other Publix’s in town. The manager is happy to increase his volume of sales with couponers. I try and have the same courtesy back for my store by always asking at the customer service desk if I have the slightest worry about if I am doing the coupons right or what they accept. I try and have all the coupons organized for the cashier and go shopping early in the day on weekdays. I have only been doing the couponing thing for two months, but I feel lucky to be able to support my neighborhood store and feel that they appreciate my business.
Thanks for all the great information! I always carefully read my coupons to make sure I am matching up the correct items and would not ever do something with them I am should not. I enjoy my coupon shopping trips and would hate to lose those privleges because people were dishonest about it. I also get frustrated when items are completely wiped out that I specifically went for, but I try to understand that others want the same deals I am getting. So, I just get my rainchecks, knowing I will be back in the store every week anyway.
I would have to agree that the only thing that truly makes me angry is people who steal the inserts out of the papers. I have watched people go thru the papers and take the inserts out of several of them, put them inside one paper, and proceed to purchase only one paper while getting 10 sets of inserts. This is wrong!! It is stealing from the next person who buys that paper!!! Please don’t do this!!
Kerry: I wrote an email to Publix corporate a few months ago after having a bad experience with a Manager in my store. I was using a 5$ off $20 CVS Q (CVS is across my Publix)and he said that he would no longer approve Q like this again and continues to tell me that as a matter of fact, stores do not get reimbursed for competitor’s Q they only accepted this to get people in the door (yes, he said this to me in front of a line). I felt horrible when I was leaving the store, he made me feel like I was scamming them. So, i wrote corporate told them exactly what had happened and asked what the extent and limitations of their competitors Q acceptance was. I also mentioned that the manager should not have said those things to customers because now it feels like we are given the burden to decide if we should use a competitor’s Q or not… I was promptly responded by the district manager of Publix North Florida with a mailed letter of apology and an assurance that competitor’s Q are indeed acceptable. They do take money off a purchase amount as long as the purchase amount has been met. They will take up to $10 off, Especially if these were from stores within a close radius of the store you are shopping in. The managers do however, have the discretion to decide to accept competitor’s Q if the store is located in quite a distance. So, now I always have my letter in my coupon binder as a back-up that I am just going by the Q policies.
I think the District Mgr. may have had a talk with my Publix staff because I haven’t had any problems since…
First…thank YOU so much for the time and effort you put into this website..it is a great help. Secondly..I have been couponing for months now and have had relatively few unpleasant experience. I can tell couponing has grown dramatically because I’ve noticed so many things being wiped out so soon after the sale starts. My only complaint is “greedy” couponers like another person mentioned. I never take more than a couple booklets, blinkies,etc. when they are available..I KNOW that is just wrong. I was shocked one day when a lady in my publix stood..with no shame even, and proceeded to peel off every coupon on every box of Kashi cereal in front of me..as if it was no big deal. That is GREED pure and simple.
Thanks Michelle for posting this on the front page of your site. I don’t frequent the trades section of your site, but I am glad to know what was going on behind the scenes. I am so surprised that cashiers were posting such negative things. While my overall couponing and Publix experience has been wonderful, I am still taken aback at some of the cashiers and one female manager in particular (Lenox- Buckhead- Atlanta). I was sure that I had used a Target coupon before at this store, but this manager really let me have it when I tried to use a Target coupon. I had done the same transaction at a different Publix before and the cashier was happy to put it through. This manager really gave it to me as she said that Target isn’t a grocery store and that nobody went there to get food. I told her that I had used the same coupon at a different Publix. She told me that maybe I should use the coupon at the other Publix. I looked her straight in the eye, put my groceries down and told her that I would be shopping elsewhere. Well, later I realized that the Target that is closest to her isn’t a super Target just a normal Target, but up the road is a Super Target that I shop at all the time. So in my mind, Target really is a grocery store. I thought she handled it poorly and was abrasive.
Of course, other times that I have shopped at that very same Publix, there has been a wonderful Manager. When I asked him about which Birds Eye veggies were on sale, (sometimes it is confusing when they say “assorted varieties”) he walked over with me and got the guy who is in charge of the section and we went through the whole area one product at a time. He was a huge help and was quite impressed with what I had found. Later, when I was checking out, he came up to my cashier’s line and asked me if I had gotten everything that I needed and if there was anything else he could do for me. What a great manager. I need to figure out what days he works.
I think the competitor coupon is where the cashiers and managers get really defensive. It really ticks me off that they advertise that they accept Competitor Qs, but they really don’t act like it. Sometimes you are made to feel like it really isn’t worth it, just for 50 cents, but we all know how 50 cents adds up! Either they take the Q or not! But don’t make me decide which one is worth it and which one isn’t. That’s not my job. As long as I am couponing according to THEIR rules of THEIR game, they should be thrilled to have me as a loyal customer.
Becca
http://www.nexttopmom.com
I am kind of new to couponing. If I used a dole fruit sugar-free coupon and purchased the dole fruit that wasn’t sugar free would that be coupon abuse. Just wondering what you thought.
Has anyone ever used 2 $5.00 off of 25.00 coupons (from different drug stores) together?
Yes, Chris, it would NOT be ok to use a coupon, even if it is the same brand and type if the coupon is restricting it to sugar-free. BUT if it just says dole fruit then you can buy sugar free OR regular.
good qustion, though. keep at it and soon you’ll get a real good understanding. I recommend the book Shop, Save and Share by Ellie Kay. Its an old book but really helped me understand basic couponing.Plus she is hilarious!
If you read the fine print of the coupon, you’ll see that the store get reimbursed PLUS a handling fee. There must also be some sort of reimbursement when they double them because I’ve seen certain coupons that have ‘do not double’ written on them.
I used to work at a consumer goods company and coupons are around for two reasons:
-only about 2% of coupons are actually ever redeemed
-despite that, they are very effective advertising
It’s true that competitor coupons don’t get reimbursed but doing the math, they figure that it’s cheaper to keep an existing customer than it is to find a new one. That’s Business 101.
The most important thing is to follow the rules. They all know me at my Publix–I am known as the King of Coupons. If I cheat, they’d know it–and I’d be known as the guy who tries to get away with something every time he comes in.
Oh yeah-one other thing regarding competitor’s coupons. Unless I’ve used one from the store before, I always go to the customer service desk and ask before I even shop. That way, if there’s an issue, i can always point to the asst. manager that OK’ed it.
Peelie stealers are also people who are in the wrong and make a bad name for couponers even among couponers. Here is Orlando there is a well known couponer with a site such as your own who brags about deals and paying pennies for massive amounts of groceries, when she steals peelies and nearly whole pads of tear offs. This is extremely unfair especially to families who are large and really need those items in quantity especially during these hard economic times. It we see it amongst ourselves then you know the stores have to be seeing it and are concerned and leery. I am not making excuses for the cashiers, there are some who just hate life and you are an ant in the grand scale of things, but we need to be aware of cheaters out there and speak out when we know things are wrong to put pressure on others who are making it hard for the honest and upright.
Michelle K and Becca- I have had similar instances with my Publix store and competitor’s coupons. Just last week I was told that Publix would no longer accept ANY competitor coupon that was not from a grocery store- not Target, CVS, Rite Aid, etc. And I was told that this is a new corporate policy! I have sent a letter to corporate, but have not yet received a reply. I’ll post if I get a reply…
Hi Jennifer- Please post if you do get a response from corporate. One thing that bothers me about the store specific policies is that they seem to be arbitrary and depends on who happens to be the manager on duty. Coupons are a very effective form of advertising for the manufacturers, but it seems that the couponers are often made to feel like they are incorrect to believe and act on the claims and deals offered by the manufacturers and stores.
Of course, I rarely get a problem person at Publix or any store for that matter, but it is odd how one rude comment can stick with you.
Becca
http://www.nexttopmom.com
To Heather: I know exactly who you’re talking about! Everytime I see her featured on the local news it makes me sick b/c those are horrible couponing habits!
Jennifer, please post comments if you do get a response from Publix Corporate. I had the same problem, my Publix (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) is no longer accepting Target, CVS or Walgreen Qs. I was told this is a new Corporate policy. I read other Publix blogs daily and it appears that some Publix stores are still accepting Target and drugstore coupons. My Publix stop accepting these coupons about about a month ago. I immediately sent an e-mail to the Corporate office to inquire about this new corporate policy and never got a response.
I shop at our local Publix and have had conflicting information from several different cashiers. I finally talked to a manager and was informed that the store policy was 3 coupons maximum (1 competitor, 1 Publix, and 1 manuf.) could be used together. I also was told by a chashier that I couldn’t use combination coupons (ie .50/1 box cereal & 1.50/2 boxes – getting only 2 boxes) but the manager again backed me up and said that was fine since on coupon was for one box and the other coupon was on the 2 boxes together. I would suggest to retailers that they offer more concise training and information to their employees to avoid any confusion at the register–not to mention the stares from the customers waiting in line. I try to make it as quick a process with my lists and coupons in order, putting in about 3 total hours a week cutting and organizing before I get to the store, but it still makes it a little frustrating when the store clerks can’t agree week to week what is allowed and what isn’t.
Good thing I’m a regular and can point out the manager by name to the ones who give me grief about all my coupons.
I would suggest getting the information from the highest person in charge at the particular store, introducing yourself in person, and get on a first name basis so as to avoid any cashier conflict later on.
My thoughts are that anyone who has a problem with couponers is most likely jealous. They would LOVE to get groceries for less but they “don’t have the time”. Frankly, couponing is about like being paid $80 for the hour or so it takes to get my coupons together and ready to shop. I’d rather keep that money in my bank account!
As far as peelie/tearpad stealing – shame shame shame. Nothing worse than seeing people sell what they STOLE from the grocery stores. Just plain greedy.
I just came back from the publix on Baker Rd ( the one with the blockbuster closing, and was told that they will no longer double 50 cents and under if the coupon “STATES” do not double. I think I am going to another store. Everytime I turn around it is something. I was trying to give them chances to work all this out and they are still changing every time I go in to the store. (It was sooo much closer then the other stores). I will be happy to drive now.
I get the peelie stealing but if I see a tearpad and I take 2 (one for each item) is that considered tp stealing or is it stealing when you take a bunch or the whole pad? And ok, people seriously sell coupons they got from the grocery store???
Manda – yep – check ebay. There are tons of tearpad coupons on there.
I’m in Central Florida and no doubles. I called one day to ask why and our district manager stated that our stores choose to spend their promotional/advertising dollars on other things. I def aggree that it doesn’t matter how many coupons you use it is the way you use them! If a few people start to abuse the system (like those that pushed the doubles coupons that stated do not double but started with a 5) they are the reason it was brought to the attention of the stores and the stores in turn put an end to it… If you’re going to take extra peelies or TP it’s not that big a deal, it becomes a big deal when people think they can make money by stealing them ALL and selling them (I think all the publicity on the couponing has people trying to make money off it, and it brought their attention to taking all those “great” coupons and selling them so they can make money… I’ld rather shop smart with coupons and get the free stuff I dont need and sell the STUFF!!!)
Marie, I did not know I was doing something wrong because the store was telling me it was ok untill last night. I even made it a point to ask EVERY TIME I was using coupons if they all went through and if it was all ok. They told me yes I was doing everything right. I have called an aunt of mine that works at Publix and I am going to try to get a written policy to take with me. I feel like they are targeting me when I talked to them and asked to tell me if I am doing it wrong. They did not have to cut me off completly.
If they keep it up it is going to be cheaper for EVERYONE to go to another named store and they will lose even more business. This store even just had a makeover last week so they must still be making money to be able to do all that.
Marie, This rant was not againt you by any means. I just dont want people thinking I am intentionally doing something wrong. I WANT TO DO THIS RIGHT.
I thought that Publix doubled the coupons for customer service.
I’m near Pensacola and our Publix does not double coupons at all. I had a major question awhile back so I contacted home office which in turn had the assistant store manager call me. She informed there is NO SUCH THING as a written coupon policy because there would be no way they could keep it up-to-date. I explained to them that if they change policy that they need to post it in writing at every store. I felt like she was brushing me off. So, everytime I go in the store I immediately go to the service desk and ask if there is any change in their policy.
Michelle, you are awesome and so is this blog!
Until recently, I never had issue with shopping at my local Publix (Lake City, FL). It’s a total different shopping experience these days. The friendly customer service is no more. Even if I am stopping at the customer service desk for a rain check, the staff is RUDE. Yesterday, my mother stopped at the cs counter to ask for a rain check. The girl sighed, and stated her hand is so tired of writing rain checks. My mom and I where shocked. She proceded to change hands to write with her “non tired hand” when she stated “I can’t even read this, they probably won’t accept it.” Are you kidding me? This is one of many poor cs stories experienced or witnessed lately.
I have been using coupons for one year this month. I have saved so much money this year. I am an organized couponer. Like most of you, I never take more than two of any flier, booklet, or tearpad. I am friendly to the cashiers even when they are nasty to me. When I put my items up on the counter I lay the matching cp with the item.
I hate it that some ruin a good thing for everyone. It is a shame that Publix has come to dislike couponers. Our local store now keeps all coupons or advantage flyers behind the customer service desk (and I told you what a nightmare that is). You are allowed ONE period. If you come back the next day and ask for another one (if its the same person, forget it). They currently have so many expired booklets back there because they wouldn’t give them out. A few months back, I asked about one of the summer booklets. A nice staff person went to the office and came out with a stack of expired booklets still wrapped in the shipping plastic. They do not want us having those coupons, for whatever reason. Those folks that take the entire stack of something are ruining it for themselves and the rest of us.
Sorry to take up so much space. I think my store is one of the first to go on coupon lock down. Sorry ladies (and gent.) lock down coming to a Publix near you. :o(