I agree, from another Publix Cashier (Harbison Blvd)!!!

I'm sorry I meant Publix

Yes, there is no change to the doubling policy.

Basically saying that the differences for Florida still exist. They do not double coupons and you have to purchase two items on a B1G1 deal whether other areas can purchase just one item if they want.

According to this policy, you can use both as long as your total purchase is $70.

Soooo your upset that other people are finally recognizing the value of coupons? I too watch Extreme Couponing, not because I think I'll be able to shop like them; the store policies in FL make that impossible. but because it's interesting to watch how people can really make the system work for them. It's just like watching a really good gambler. They've learned how to make the most from a rigged game.

My Publix keeps the flyers behind customer service counter, so I only ever get one anyway.

It depends on your market. they double in the atlanta/TN market but not in FL.

It depends on your market. They double in the Atlanta/TN market but not in FL

They do in other states, just not FL.

There is no competition in Florida, at least in Central Florida. Publix doesn't HAVE to do that, nor do they have to do the penny item. The only standalone grocery store of the same level is Winn-Dixie. Albertson's stores have been closing like crazy. In my hometown in SC, there are plenty of stores on the same level, including Publix, Bi-Lo, Food Lion, Piggly Wiggley, and Kroger. Harris Teeter used to be there. They have Walmart but no SuperTarget and Aldi just opened a few stores there on the lower-price tier. There is also Save-a-Lot.

They dont in florida but surprising, Food World (if you have one nearby) DOES double coupons! I love them because they have ridiculously cheap food + breads.

I think you might be confused. When it says one manufacture coupon per item, it means if you buy two items (even if they are the same) then you can use a manufacture coupon for each item. Right?

From what I am reading we an still do 2 manuf coupons on a b1g1 deal in FL. I am in FL too

I agree. I “stock up” in the sense that I may buy a months worth of groceries at a time, but that certainly doesn't mean I need a whole shelf of something. People who do that are hoarders. And I don't blame grocery stores for not wanting people taking advantage of them. They are there to make a profit, not save you money. It is nice when a place like Publix can do both. I am shocked they still double coupons at all. I think it's great they do and will take a competitor coupon. Most of the stores near me won't take a competitor coupon, so I think Publix is going above and beyond. This free ride mentality some people have is getting old.

then hand each family member product, coupons and money and let them check out as a seperate transaction. I’ve done that at Walgreens with my daughter. Turned around and handed her my RR as the casier handed them to me. What can they say.. different customer!!

Is a family of five really that large these days? Please!

Wow. Your response is not only uncalled for, but it is downright arrogant. Publix has bent over backwards in their effort to take care of their customers. So many times, I have seen shoppers with three carts full and a couple hundred coupons and nothing is said to them. I know for a fact that my local Publix has stayed open for 2 hours after closing to accommodate these people. And it was only through the greed of the coupon queens that caused Publix's policy to be reiterated. Shame on you for growling at a business that has been so good to you. And what does having a large family have to do with it? Are you saying you want special treatment because of it?

My Target has a grocery section as well, but Publix says that because it is not considered a SuperTarget that I can’t use the Target coupons. You may want to check and make sure that your Publix is going to take the Target coupons.

My Publix has never limited me to one coupon from the Yellow and Green flyers. The first publix I started shopping at only takes Kroger and Ingles coupons. But my friend and I found a local Publix that takes Target, Walgreens, CVS, RiteAid, Ingles, Kroger, Food Lion. This has probably changed now.

That is how I feel too . I have one close to me but cant get there often once every other week sometimes If I am doing good I can get in 3 trips a month .

bring a cooler or an insulated bag and go back in a second or third time to get the deals you want!

Smartsource coupons from the aisle dispenser are manufacturer coupons so you should not be able to pair them with other manufacturer coupons.

are you using the price from your sale ad or the price for Southern Savers? I live in FL and sometimes the price at my store is as much as 40 or 50 cents higher for an item (sometimes it's a few pennies cheaper and sometimes it's within a dime higher). Add all those differences up (don't forget tax–FL doesn't have tax on food though :) )and you can end up with several dollars different. That might not be the issue, but just thought I'd mention it. I make a “meticulous list” as well (using prices from my ad–found online by entering your zip code) and am always fairly close–never seem to hit it right on, but am very close

Just called my Decatur, AL store and they are going to continue taking Target, Kroger, Food World and Save-A-Lot coupons. I'm happy they are going to keep taking Target!

Hi, Erkelly! I am from Decatur, AL as well. I tried a week ago to use some Target coupons, and they wouldn't take them until I asked to see a manager. It was for the Carefree 1 cent pantiliners. The cashier told me that changes were comings, so I bet our Publix's won't take Target coupons anymore… sorta sad about that, because I hate to go to Target because it is so unhandy from where I live.

I know what you mean, I'm in Hunstville and the only stores near my Publix and Target, Kroger, and Star Market. I don't know if Kroger or Star Market have coupons.

smartsource cpns ARE manufacturer's cpns.

I shop this store frequently as well and yes, the BOGO deals were a limit of 2, then a few months ago, I was told they increased to 5 deals (10 items), so you may want to check again the next time you go just to be sure.

You guys are killing me with the sarcastic comments…waste of time and energy.

Is Harris Teeter really that much better now?

I lived in GA until Dec. and shopped at a Publix with this EXACT coupon policy- I saved tons every week! Now I live in an area of SC with no Publix so I shop at Harris Teeter. With the exception of their special weeks (super double, triple) I don't save anywhere close to what I saved at Publix with this policy. Save the gas money and keep shopping at your Publix!

I can definitely relate. My son is about to go to work for one of the stores on this site. There are 2 things that I am worried about. The first one is checking ID's and the second one is dealing with coupons and couponers who are sometimes not so nice. This will be his first job.

Yeah they must be really hurting. That's why they built a whole brand new one a mile from the old one!! They get their $$ back from these manuf. coupons don't they??

It is to try to get all stores to do the same thing across the board instead of one store allowing something and another one not allowing it.

The only thing I would make sure to do next time during your purchase is separate your food items from your non food items and make two separate purchases. The reasoning is is due to the fact that the EBT system cannot distinguish the difference between a food coupon and a non-food coupon therefore money gets taken off the top of your food balance if you use a non-food coupon but still makes your remaining non-food balance what it would be before coupons. This also will help make sure you are getting the deals you want on non-food purchases. Using coupons with EBT is totally allowed, but getting money added back to your balance by using non-food coupons is not. Hope that made sense.

There is no reason why you wouldn't be able to use coupons with your EBT card. Publix system is very accomodating with an EBT, it even tells you if you only have a certain amount left on your balance instead of having to remember exactly how much to spend that day if you're running low. Publix system CAN determine the difference between food and non food coupons, I have seen this myself on my receipt. They also do not need to type in an amount when you use a partial tender, at least not at my store, I do it all on the key pad and the cashier does nothing. Unless you're store's system is way out of date, which I highly doubt, there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to use coupons with your SNAP or TANF money.

I'm new to it too Nathalie… I live in GA and I've found that usually for the meats WD is better and for everything else Publix is better. You kind of have to weigh out those factors. Each store like everyone has said is a little different, but using your coupons with your rewards card does help a ton if you can find a really good deal, but it has to be a REALLY good deal… and in my area Publix is can be a few dollars cheaper. WD and Publix will sometimes have the same deals going on which is kind of funny to me.

@c513d5f3e351adceb456aff6c817636c:disqus I was just at my Publix and was told that they will only be accepting coupons from grocery stores. Since Walgreens is a drugstore, they would no longer be accepting them. However, each Publix will be providing it's list of competitors, so your store may be different.

I agree with Atchmom5 but in my experience WD has been way better for meats.

My Publix doubles manufacturer's coupons up to $.50 so that coupon would save me $1/2.

If you print the Qs from the Publix website you’ll notice most of them now have a colored background (which shows up a little diff on plain b&w printers like mine). I guess they’re going to use that to tell if the Q was copied from a printout or something.

Everyone keeps talking about overage and I don’t see anything in this policy that says anything about overage – allowed or not. I’m guessing it will still be up to the individual store like what most of this policy refers to anyways.

For overage what I do is see how low I’m getting and if I see I still have more Qs than balance I go ahead and add a Publix gift card to my order so my remaining Qs eat that up and they don’t have an issue with the register. I’ve done that even with a manager standing right there and they had no issue with it.

you need to check into food stamps if your budget is $40 a month for food and diapers. There's no way that works… even with coupons!

I too have a budget of about 50.00 per month for groceries. I always tell my cashier that I coupon not because I like to but because I have to. For those of you out there who can't believe it, believe it. It can be done, you eat alot of ramen noodles, spagetti and hamburger helper. Couponing has allowed me and my child the opportunity to eat like other people do. And by the way, my income is 100 dollars above the limit for food stamp eligibility, but when you pay rent, car note, insurance, power bill, phone bill, gas, etc. there is nothing left. It is a treat just to buy my child a $3.00 happy meal. There are people in this world who make less than 30,000 but are independent of federal programs. This new policy will hurt my household.:-(

Try cloth diapers. You will save a ton and they are super easy. Check out Bum Genius

I also need to know about the yellow or green deals.

well I'll admit that a few months ago I bought 100 boxes of BOGO Muellers pasta with their $1/1 coupon. I made $40 in overages. I did it in 10 separate purchases of 10 boxes each time over a period of 5-6 days. So yes I bought 100lbs of pasta in one week. I haven't bought pasta since, and I have used some in donation boxes for church! A smart buy in my opinion, but not hoarding. My family is using them, and when I get down to 10-15 boxes I'll do the deal again!! Maybe without the overages this time though?!?

They have a green flyer and a yellow flyer that they have other sale items listed and they contain store coupons that u can stack with manufacturer q’s

was your total before coupons at least $70?

yeah I agree to an extent but.. at the same time, like I said on someone elses comment, my family is 13 people. I buy ALOT more than most people every week. so limiting me to 4 of something kinda blows (depending on what it is of course) I fix 6 cans of veggies when I cook them. I use 1 whole 5lb bag of fries when i cook them.. so..for me.. it sucks that a store can tell me how much to buy even though they aren't the ones feeding my family and don't know how much to do just that.

I'm with you. I am overjoyed.

I just shrug and get a raincheck. :)

CVS is more of a pain because sometimes one item of the three you need for an ECB deal will be wiped for like a month after the sale ends… just long enough for your coupons to expire lol.

You should be glad coupons are at service desk. That keeps some people from taking them all before everyone has a chance to get one.

I heard that Target coupons are allowed as long as it's a Super Target with a full grocery dept. Anyone know the word on this?

I typically agree. Baby food is a big exception for me since my son eats 5-6 jars per day. I hope they are more lax on 10 item limits for that.

help me with an answer! :)

I'm in southern South Carolina and they don't double here either. It has always bothered me that these sites say that all Publix stores except Florida double when it is not true!

I have 40 bottles of mustard. I didn't clear the shelves… I asked Publix to order it for me. What am I going to do with it all… I DONATE !

Personally, I have watched the show and I did my first extreme shopping this past wk… I had to call at the beginning of the wk and have Publix put in a special order for me… I don't believe everything that show actually puts on TV ! I do agree these folks are hoarders.. YES… but I don't think stores actually allow them to do this… i think they agree to let them do it FOR THE SHOW…. Then again… I could be wrong as my hubby tells me regularly !! LOL

I also hate that these people on that show don't tell how much MONEY they have invested into the coupons… !! I would love to know how much it cost to get 100 coupons for 100 boxes of cereal !

Yes, I did the same thing and can not find their official policy on their website and I would like to copy it for myself and keep it handy

PERSONALLY… I would go to the customer service desk and ask for a copy ! just an idea.

They will have it posted at the store. From what I understand it is not in full-effect yet, and will be on the website soon.

@ Ana
My husband is the cust serv manager at JI and he says that when the policy becomes effective on May 23, competitors will be Harris Teeter, Piggly Wiggly, BiLo, Food Lion, Earth Fare, and Whole Foods.

I never knew that GC even took EarthFare Q's. What about the drug store Q's, right now GC Publix accepts the drug stores as competitor's too. Will that be out the window when this goes into effect?

That is what Jenny said. They are still taking 2 for the same item at my store currently, though as I said above, I don't think the new policy is in effect until 5/14.

I'm a Publix cashier. Please be patient with us during all these policy changes. It's all new to us too. I am also a customer of Publix and an avid couponer. As far as the new limits on the number of deals per customer, I really do like this idea. I think everyone else will too when they come in to get their own deals and there's actually some on the shelf for you too.

If you're buying 40 baby food jars at once, are you leaving some for others? Just asking…

I guess I'm a puffy Coach bag lady, lol. I got a steal of a deal on it at the outlet with a great Q and it was on clearance, lol! I store all my Q's in mine and all the money I save too by shopping Publix! The 2 Publix in my area are great. The cashiers and management are all so friendly and helpful. They love to tell me how much I saved. :) They also take the cart out and load all the groceries in the car which is a plus for me since I have three small kids. Walmart won't even put the item in your cart. The only time I shop Wallys now is if something is free, and even then I have to stand in line for way too long!

i agree almart has better prices. Winn dixie had bryers ice cream b1g1. At walmart if I bought 2 of same item…same ounces.. it came out id save 50 cents. That doesnt count savings if I had a coupon.

I love Publix, also. I was in there tonite, and there were coupons taped to all kinds of things, cookies, laundry detergent, even stuff that was b1g1. They are making money either way. The problem has been people buying up entire shelves full of stuff, and the fact that someone in the office has to count all of these coupons. THE SOLUTION, in my opinion, is that if you want to purchase more than like 10 of something that is on sale, just have the decency to call the store ahead of time and place a special order. Then everyone gets taken care of, and the store managers don't have to listen to complaints about empty shelves, etc.

Was that the store in Queensborough shopping center? I have a feeling the Park West store is more liberal.

Here in Gainesville, FL we frequently use the $5 off $25 or $10 off $75 coupons we find from Publix and competitors. We present these coupons BEFORE the product specific coupons. No problems.

I think that means that if you have, for example, a $5 off $30 store coupon, and a $5 off $20 competitor coupon that your total must be $50 or more to use both coupons. You couldn't buy $30 and use both coupons.

Where in jax? I'm hoping it's my Publix!

Ugh! I'm sorry you're having to deal with this issue. I had that same issue at Target when we started couponing there, but that was because the managers and staff were quite ignorant about coupon use in general. I would contact Publix corporate about that, because that is not what it means.

Each item you put in your cart is a purchase. A “TRANSACTION” and a “PURCHASE” are 2 completely different things. One per transaction… pretty obvious and self-explanatory. One per purchase means you should only use this one piece of paper (coupon) for this one item. Another paper coupon would be necessary for another item, and so forth.

I live in Franklin. Which location is having the issue, Fieldstone, Riverview, Moore's Lane?

you can just ask them to cash you out twice and then they are separate transactions. My store has always limited my yellow and green flyer coupons to one per tranactions so I just have 2 or 3 transactions. They don't mind and if they did, I could go to the car and put my groceries in and come back for another transaction.

And what they don’t show is how much those people spend to get that many coupons. There have been a couple of dumpster divers and one who gets her coupons “from God,” but the rest buy them on ebay. And good ones cost a lot.

That show itself is a fraud and is killing the coupon community. Everyone should read
jillcataldo(dot)com/node/16258
and contact the producers to voice their complaints.

you need to leave a message on the Publix website about this. the district manager will call you. If they didnt want you to use all 3 (my store has never allowed this) then all they had to do was politely say no! using foul language to a customer is not something that Publix corporate would approve of and they need to know.

I've never had issues using Target, Mfgr and Publix coupons for one item at my Publix. My Publix will not give the overage if you use all three, but hey, I'm already saving a bundle, and usually getting the item free anyway.

REPORT HER FANNY.
Gives Publix a bad name :(

@8ac595e85d39764f15c3bf8c11bea104:disqus I'm in a quandary about Acworth after reading your post. I live 1hr 15min from Kennesaw, but for the past 9 months I've shopped in Kennesaw b/c I was there 1 day/week. Loved that store, but as of 2 weeks ago, I'm no longer in Kennesaw. So I'm trying to decide if I will save enough money to cover gas cost by driving an hour to Cartersville (their sale starts on Wed) every other Wed and going on down to Acworth if there's something I need from the prior week (this week it's 8 Oclock coffee). Been trying to get Nivea for 2 weeks at Kroger in Calhoun/Dalton and figured I'd go to Target in Acworth to try there, so at least I won't waste my time on that. I guess I should call Acworth and make sure they have the coffee in stock and go there first.

I had stopped at Acworth once about 4 months ago and didn't encounter any issues, so can you please be more specific? Do they still accept Target coupons- albeit one per transaction per the new policy? Thanks in advance.

The Cashier is wrong,talk to the store manager, they still double coupons, only real change I see is one store coupon per customer

WHAT THE HECK? I go to this one all the time….or should I say DID go there.
Good grief!
Try the one on 92 and Baker Rd. They've been VERY Q-friendly in the past-even taking Whole Foods when that store is nowhere near them.

I agree! I started couponing because of the high gas prices! I can't afford to cut my food bill so low. Since I started couponing I have saved so much more money! I'm still on a tight budget but I'm not cutting off my phone bill to buy food. I don't abuse the stores and I don't empty shelves either. I'm also very nice and I never give the cashiers a hard time. I use to be a cashier years ago. I have to do what I can though to put food on my table. I agree..I feel like I'm fighting for every dollar of my paycheck!!

This is the way it's always been here in the Acworth/Marietta/Kennesaw area of GA. This past week I've been using all my Publix $5/30 Q's I had. And I would plan trans that would just hit over $30. to get the biggest bang for my buck. Had no issues, even when I walked out of the store sith OOP's like $1.26! I was able to score BIG on more free Smart Balance milk and great overage on te 15 Temptations cat treats.
It is going to be quite an adjustment not to be able to use multiple ABF Q's with my man & IP's tho…

Publix prices is too HIGH not double coupons!!!! A lot people I know refuse to show there because it.

If the coupon stated to get only the fiber ones then clearly that is what you are supposed to get. You are supposed to follow the wording on the coupon.

its problems like this that has forced stores to recognize their existing coupon policy. The problem is, the coupon cheaters don't see a problem with cheating.

Sounds to me like you basically bullied the cashier. If the coupon specified the fiber variety ONLY, why on earth would you think you should be able to get ANY variety?! It is people like YOU that ruin it for HONEST couponers. SMH…

So you committed coupon fraud – a CRIME, and then got mad at the cashier about it.

Nice.

uh I think you should go back and get the FIber ones cause you need them . You are so full of crap!!

I'm curious- Is a couponer who uses 2-4 of the same Advantage Buy coupon still considered an honest couponer (in the opinion of a Publix employee)? I absolutely love my Publix. They've been so good to me. I'm a bit spoiled, really. Every time I shop elsewhere, I leave disappointed and reminded exactly why I love Publix so much.

at my Publix I have been able to do that. Twice now I have used a $5 off over $30 Publix coupon with a $2 off $25 from Bi-lo on the same transaction

I completely agree, Angie! That really upsets me when people cheat the system & then brag about it. They are going to end up ruining it for the rest of us who are careful to follow the rules.

I wasn't giving false info, this is what I was told by a cashier last night. She told me they were having a meeting today. She was probably wrong and probably is wrong since you called today. I was just giving out info from what I heard. I said I was going to check back and see if she was wrong later on after they had there meeting today. Thanks for calling and letting us know!!

Then do several transactions. Go in and make a purchase, put it in your car, then go in and do it again. It's not that hard. And it keeps people from clearing the shelves before others have a chance to purchase the items.

Quit trying to fool everyone.WalMart=Big advertising,little to no savings,poor service,and a boat-load of Chinese goods.You'll also notice Publix scrambling to open more registers when there's 2-3 customers in each line,while WalMart opens like 1 for every 8-10 registers they have and will let 10+ stand in line

I was told Walmart does not accept BOGO specials, it just matches prices. I like the double coupons and BOGO is what I do a lot of. That is why I shop Publix or BILO or Kroger.

Please let us know what you find out?

well… i may have more time on my hands than others, but i drive past publix every day, and a lot of times just stop multiple times throughout the week (i usually have to pick up something random anyway) and keep the coupons i need in my purse… my store is sometimes finicky about this already. i never buy more than 3-4 of an item anyway, unless it's something i really use a lot of

I don't think it's fair to the couponers who coupon correctly to be 'punished' for using coupons because other patrons do not use them? That's a strange reason if you ask me.

If a store (Publix) is getting reimbursed for the manufacturer coupons WHY does it matter if we use one or two or three? Seriously??

I've heard from several couponers that they will shop @ Walmart and/or Target because their policies are more friendly now.

I have a hunch that in a few weeks, or even a month or two, this policy will be revised or their $1.6 billion dollar profit will be far far lower.

If this is all in response to “couponers” clearing the shelf, then why not simply put a limit on items bought with coupons? Say, 6 or 10 like items per person per day? Instead of limiting the coupons used. Then, at least the people buying 40 bottles of mustard could only buy 10, leaving some for others & maybe then the store would have time to receive a new shipment to replenish stock? Makes sense to me.

Limiting how many coupons I can use (essentially telling me I am not allowed to save money) just makes me want to shop elsewhere. BUT, if you limit the quantity, it means I can still use my coupons, I just have to stretch it out over several days – which, if it's an item I REALLY want, I'll do. & it would give other shoppers an opportunity to buy & give the store a chance to keep up with demand.

Overage means if you purchase something for $1 but the coupon is for $1.50. There's 50 cents overage. However, I didn't see that stated in the coupon policy above. Wholefoods is a grocery store.

I think it is sad that because of the new show “EXTREME COUPONING” I think that retailers are becoming more aware of what some consumers were and are doing. Now for the real people out there that truly use coupons to help them live and not abuse by having a stockpile that would feed them for a year or toilet paper that they could not use in 4 years and toothpaste that will expire before it is used not to mention the endless supply of deodorant for the people to say, “we will never stink”. I have only seen one of those shows where they actually donated all to a shelter and I commend that. They are the ones that are screwing the average american who only buys what his/her family will use without hoarding the excess. Thank you to those who have abused and are ruining the savings for those who truly need and use the system appropirately.

There were some in the AJC a week or two ago. I bought 3 papers but used all of mine already.

I live in Florida and I have been getting them recently in my Publix ad.

This is NOT good at all. I'm in ATL too and hope these stores can get their act together. Surely they will have to do something prior to June 30th.

Why are you shouting?

I read on another thread that this is because there was a ring of people that were making copies of coupons and meeting to exchange them.

Of course!

Oh I was alway cutting out the amount of coupons per item when it came to store coupons. I didn't know they use to do single store coupon for several of the same item. I guess nothing will change for me. :)

I can not make more trips so am stuck in this way. It would be dificult to even do more than one transaction in one trip for me . but one item [deal] per coupon , per customer [per person] seems to me that it means, you have to have 1 coupon for each deal you do , so 2 deals 2 coupons. and i dont have kids family ect to drag along lol the only one is the one person I have gotten a ride from lol and i wouldnt impose more on them lol like too but I wouldnt

I've asked about this at my store, 1st time they called the manager and I pointed out that very fact– it doesn't say “one coupon per customer” but “one deal per coupon per customer” which is VERY different. I won that round, but it became such a battle (every cashier, every time) I gave it up. But, I agree if they mean “1 coupon per customer” than it needs to say THAT, not “1 deal per coupon.”

Yes it would bother me either way if a person intentionally took every single one of a product off of the shelf, coupons or not. You cannot give me an excuse good enough to warrant doing that. Yes we can get a rain check but I don't go to the store on my day off to get a rain check. I go to grocery shop and I expect when I get there to be able to buy a reasonable amount of the product that I need, like any normal person.

I understand that the bag lady was out of order, but why would you insist on having an expired coupon honored. They have expiration dates for a reason.

I so agree with you. I can travel a bit further and go to Walmart but I don't because I can do ok with Publix. BUT if my Publix gets stupid on couponing I will go to Walmart. I had one time lately that I had a coupon for $5.00 (Publix only) off for buying certain items purchased in a magazine that cost $2.50. He didn't take off the $5.00. I walked out to my car and realized it. I went back in and he knew what I was talking about in just a few words (meaning he did it on purpose.)

I usually put my stock up items in one trip and go back for stuff I need. What is wrong with stocking up on the items you use? I do get stuff for free or close to free and give it to the food bank. What is wrong with that? They get paid by the manufacturer with the coupons, just like I handed cash over. They also get a fee for the handling.

GRrrrrrrr!

This is not completely true. We do take a loss on competitor coupons but manufacturer coupons are reimbursed for face value plus a few cents extra for “handling”. Inventory bonuses are based on what we sold and collected money on. Over the last three years, during which there has been a huge rise in couponing, my bonus has only gone up. So whoever the cashier was, he is a jack ass.

He is an idiot. Our bonuses come from the inventory profits of hte store. We are reimbursed for Man. Qs, and if our coupon is for a certain name brand product, I suspect we are paid a amount for helping that product boost sales.

And if Idiot is a part time cashier, his bonus isnt
that big in the first place.

I would say talk to the manager. That person's job is to provide excellent service to the customer – that's what has always differentiated Publix from their competition. “Where Shopping is a Pleasure” has been their motto for forever and they have lived up to it for a long time but now they have some folks at certain stores that just look at it as a job and paycheck and they have no interest in helping anyone. Last time I made a complaint about someone the manager was very clear that it would never happen again, apologized, and assured me that they are more concerned about customer service (obviously within reason) than anything else.

i know, my store had 2 left, and they were for dry hair… i figure i'd hang onto my receipt and try to do an even exchange later for normal hair :)

That TV show is ruining it for us regular people. I hope it gets cancelled. The people on there are greedy hoarders.

Ours have been doing that for awhile and I stopped worrying about the penny item after that. Costs 51 cents now and it's not worth it!

THANK YOU SO MUCH for taking time to email them and to post this. I was going to do that myself, b/c the wording always indicated such to me, but different people interpret it differently. AND I have never found it CLEARLY addressed in ANY blog…….Thanks again!

I am getting the same thing. My nearest Pubix is over 40 mi away and by the time I get there, all the really great deals are wiped out. I have to get a RC and make another round trip. That show extreme couponing is going to ruin it for everyone. 1000 toothbrushes! Who has THAT many Q's. It's not “free” when you have to buy the Q's

sounds like an addiction, for them.:(

Hey as a Publix employee, I can tell you it is that it would have to be 75.00.  Your total grocery bill has to equal what those two coupons say combined, so in this case 75.00.  When the new policy goes into affect, you will only be able to use one Publix and one competitor 5 off 50 (or whatever it may be) even if your total bill is more than that.  For example only a Publix 5 off 25 and a competitor 5 off 25, even if your grocery bill is 100.

It is against the law to take more than one manufacturer coupon on an item….

Love the Lee Victory location!  Bummed that they're only going to accept Kroger competitor q's though going forward.  I went in today with a few Food Lion and Target q's.  They took them all without question but the cashier / customer service rep did give me a copy of the new policy.

Talk to the store manager. They have to request to corporate to get new competitors listed for their store…. that's what the manager of mine told me Tuesday when I called him.

Does anything have to be said? It's BS and should stop – those are free and put out for everyone. Why should I pay for one?

And I experienced the missing peelie issue the other day too – someone had gone through and taken all of the peelies off the products (the under film was still there). Total BS.

Thank you for that info. I didn't know that and last week I had a cashier argue about that very thing. She acted like I was stealing her paycheck!

Yes the coupon has a max value. That’s because if your item costs more than the max value of the coupon the cashier can take the max value off. Meaning that you are left to pay the leftover amount or sales tax. If the item is under the max value, then the entire price of the item is taken off.

They are happy to give you rain checks and also check when the next truck is coming in. I know mine is on Monday so if I need something and its out I go back in on Monday and 99% of the time they have it. I find it difficult to shop in Walmart because they will have something one week and then 2 weeks later they don't carry it.

From working in a Publix store I can tell you that in most cases we do not know when a coupon is going to be offered by a manufacturer and how many weeks it will run for. The manufacturer's keep this information confidential to limit a competing brand from trying to run an offsetting promotion.Grocery store sales are planned months in advance and the buying departments have to place orders with the manufactures approx 10 to 12 weeks in advance to build inventory for a sale. Just think of cherrios, If the 300 Publix stores in Ga are expected to sell 250 each the buyers would need to order 75,000 boxes to be delivered approx one week ahead of the sale. Then a manufacture runs a coupon for four weeks leading up to a sale pretty much doubling the demand and there is not enough time for the buying departments to adjust to the increased demand that the coupon creates.  That is the best explanation of why you see empty shelves on BOGO items that have that great coupon you want to use.

I agree – I don't grab any more than 10 flyers at a time and that's ONLY because they have two really big deep bins at the front of the store I go to most frequently. And I'm almost never there on the first day of a sale anyways. But aside from that my store keeps it filled so if you see it is getting low when you go back it is full again. I'm glad they keep them held back like that – lets you just grab the few you need for that trip and grab more later.

Where do you live?

It may vary from store to store but mine double anything up to .50 with the exception being competitor coupons they never double them only manufacturer Q's.

At my store in Lawrenceville, Ga they only need manager approval if my number of coupons exceeds my number of items. In fact today I had a few deals with a SQ and MQ combined and ended up with 13 coupons and 12 items, the cashier didn't need an override until the end when my number of coupons exceeded my total number of items. No problem using SQ and MQ stacked.

If you only had the one item, you would need an override to use two coupons for one item.  The system will not allow you to use more coupons than items that you have.

I work at a Publix in Tampa (off n. dale mabry) that has a Super Target near by and when the policy changes Target, GFS, Fresh Market will all be accepted.  The only thing with Fresh Market is all they really issue are percent off coupons, which the new policy overall at every store, will not accept  My store does not accept drugstores coupons like CVS or Walgreens, nor will any Publix when the policy changes, because they are drugstores, not grocery stores, and therefore not a competitor.

As far as the Albertson's coupons no being accepted, it depends on your store and what they consider a competitor.  For example the store I work at will accept Albertsons, because there is one right up the road, so it is a competitior for our store!  The policy does roll out the 23rd officially!

Hey there, I work at a Publix store and while this is true that they will all eventually get the registers, it won't be happening for a while.  It is still in the trial phase at select stores!  But he is right it's to ensure less coupon fraud.

That's right, I work at Publix and they've been telling us this for a year now, so we'll see…

They are not handling your coupons correctly. They are allowed to take 1 manu. coupon and 1 store (publix OR competitor – not both) for each item. If it is a BOGO, they ARE allowed to use coupons for each. Meaning one manu. coupon and 1 store coupon for each item.

ask for the new policy. the one i go to on old milton/kimball bridge gave out flyers yesterday with the policy….in the middle it says “competitors accepted” and only listed Kroger :( so i am thinking it is up to each store manager….

Agreed.  I think too many people are blowing this way out of proportion.

Take a deep breath folks.  If you are concerned stop and ask a Manager the next time you're in that store.  Like I've said previously – be nice to them, explain yourself, and work with the store's management and they will bend over backwards to try and be as helpful and cooperative as possible.  If you need more than a few of something then tell them that and they can check to see if they have more in the back or they could special order you what you're looking for so you don't wipe their shelves but still get the deal AND still get to use your Qs.

And yes cashiers are only doing their jobs at the direction of their bosses.  Be nice to them and they'll be an advocate for you with management.  Ask them what's easiest for them when it comes to Qs – they will appreciate you for it.  I personally prefer to hold my Qs to the end, hand them a few at a time, and then help them identify the items merely because when I have handed a stack, either up-front or at the end, I have been shorted too many times.  If you explain this they will be more conscientious.

Be courteous to the staff and the store and they will do almost anything you ask. I've had more than one occasion where they could have just said “You're out of luck” or no but have not and only because I was pleasant and nice to deal with so they have done everything they could to make my request happen.  And I'll use a quick example: Wednesday night I was in one of the two stores I frequent closest to me and was going to get one more of the BP gas cards with a Q.  They were out completely (they even checked inside the display to see if they had more there).  They still had Shell, Exxon, and Chevron all of which are incredibly expensive.  The manager on duty at the time, with the grocery manager, told me to just hang on to my Q and my receipt and bring them back when they get some more BP cards in and they would take care of it – he even stated he sees me in the store all of the time so it was not an issue for him.  We joked that we both wished they had QT (QuikTrip – another gas brand here) cards because he would buy them too.  So there you go folks – BE NICE, cooperate, explain yourself if necessary (like I told them BP was cheaper than the others), and just be genial in general and you'll get a hell of a lot further.

I agree with you…there nothing more frustrating than getting my list together and my coupons, going in the store, only to find the shelf has been cleaned out!  This should stop that problem.  The only reason I called corporate was to get clear answers from the source.  I was hearing conflicting information from the news and different websites and just wanted to be clear on the policy so I can follow it.  I was told the reason the policy was being “changed” is because some people were abusing it.  I think it’s a good change for all of us.  No crazy coupon lady here either :-)

i HATE when couponers come into our Walgreens and DESTROY the shelf dividers or displays.  it is soooo unnecessary – someone has to clean up their messes. ATTN COUPONERS:  be considerate, just saying…..

You know what, I would rather pay a little more for clean, bright stores with a good product selection and employees that actually  give a crap about helping people.  Kroger is far worse and their prices aren't all that great to trade any of the above.  Unfortunately there aren't a lot of choices in certain areas (like here in Smyrna, GA) so I'll stick with Publix.

Publix is overpriced compared to who? They are the same prices as the other grocery stores in my area (Win Dixie and Alberstons) but when you take into consideration BOGOs and coupons, they are much cheaper. Stores in my area dont double coupons either.

Did you speak to a manager about her attitude? I have had that problem before at Walmart… I was told by a cashier that she was closed and i would have to find another line… to bad for her because a floor manager heard her. The manager told her to ring me up:)

Publix posted a profit of $1.6 billion dollars in 2010.   Unfortunately I think greed has more to do with the coupon policy than anything else.  When stores forget WHY they are in business and WHO helps them reach that nice profit, then they will see a major decleine in business.  Why wouldn't I shop at Walmart or Target if I can use competitor coupons with them??

my publix already started…i went yeaterday only 5 deals for the b1g1. also no coupons from competitors except food lion ond kroger…. walgreens shares a corner with my store too!

If you are talking about the Publix @ 5885 Cumming Hwy in Sugar Hill, GA that is not true! I talked to the Jim (Publix Manager for that store) and YES they will ALSO be changing their policy as posted by Southern Savers! Go ask him directly, he is really nice and will take the time to explain. He told me no more Target coupons FOR NOW! I was sad with that! BUT he said that he is trying to convinced Coorporate to let his store (5885 Cumming Hwy) use them and apparently we could start using them again starting July. He told me that the new coupon policy starts MAY 23rd. So go ahead and use all you have before you can't!!!

 The confusion lies in the coping of Qs. Some people print off one copy of manufacturers Q  from a website and then scan and make many more. This is what we are supposed to look for! What people do not realize is that it is ILLEGAL to do this and that is printed at the bottom of the Q. Your server (all your little secret computer codes (: ) is printed about 40 times on a coupon and they can come after you! Usually there is a $10,000 reward for turning someone in for doing that, and I am not even kidding!! The bar codes have different numbers and THAT is what they are supposed to be looking for, not Publix coupons from the website!

I agree with EB – if you need more than a couple of something why not go to the manager and order it or ask for a case quantity?  They will usually work with you to make sure you get the same price and get to use your Qs but don't clear a shelf.  I was in my Publix Saturday night and the shelves for the Welch's were already clear – I was lucky to get the few I could.

Which Publix do you go to Colleen? I live in Pembroke Pines and the one I go to is no longer accepting Target.

Not sure if you're asking where the closest Publix is in Saint Cloud (there are 3) or where the closest Target is. The Publix locations are 192, Canoe Creek Road, and Narcoossee Road. The closest Target is on 192 in Kissimmee. Which Publix do you prefer? And what other competitors do they allow? I've been dying to know what they'll consider a competitor. I'm in Saint Cloud too, and I shop the Publix on 192.

Publix is still the best place to shop when couponing. The only real change I see is they no longer accept drug store coupons and have put a limit on items. That helps in some cases as there are those that clean the shelves and leave the rest of us to get a raincheck. Love my Publix! Casselberry Florida!!

Well yes – one Q per item depending on what the Q says (sometimes they state $$ off 2 so you have to buy two of that item to use that store Q – just like manuf Qs if they have that wording on them).  Now as to whether you can only get one “deal” per transaction is really up to your store – some are putting that limit in place so you have to separate your transactions and some are not (my closest stores do not have that limit – obviously within reason of course).  I have heard of other stores requiring separate transactions if you want to use multiples of the same store Q.  I would check with your store(s) and ask what they prefer or intend to do so they can clarify what their specific store policy is/will be.

Well apparently they are not I went in Sunday and spent over $50. 2 x's and got nothing.

The $5off $55 catalina coupons are very sporadic.  There are some times when I will go weeks without getting one at all and then other times where I can just buy a gallon of milk and it will print one, even if I got one just a few days before.  It's frustrating.

I have had multiple problems with that particular Publix, which is why I have switched to the Publix in Hickory Flat or the new one at Lower Birmingham Road and Hwy 372.  I have had the one in Woodstock hand me back coupons that clearly state “one coupon per purchase” and tell me that “a purchase is considered to be the same as one receipt on the register.”  Upon asking for a manager, the Assistant Manager who came out not only upheld the cashier's statement, but wanted to know if I was so poor that I had to cheat on coupons to buy my groceries.  I would suggest that anyone using coupons just stay away from the Woodstock store altogether.

I know the Publix coupons you can only use one per deal, per item, per customer. Was it a publix coupon. Other wise they will take 2 manufacturer. But either way I'd ask to speak to a manger to make sure.

They do not have to take competitor coupons, they CHOOSE to take them. They do it as a courtesy and it's a loss they allow, and encourage to keep us as customers.

Your assumptions that couponers don't work is not only wrong, but also highly offensive.

Publix did not loose any money last year as a matter of fact they have made money the last few years and have even had there stocks split. Most people who use coupons at publix do it to save money and not to get everything for free. Besides Publix gets all of there money back from the manufacture coupons. Most of the grocerys are sold at up to 60% above there cost so they are not hurting for money. Not everyone is an extreme couponer.

I am so sorry that you have had to deal with someone who is trying to save money.  Myself I had to quit my job due to illness and Publix and coupons have really help my family. What I will do to help and others might want to try this, is if I notice someone behind me and I have alot of coupons I will let them go ahead of me.  I truly hope that you do not go thru hard times because you are going to feel like a fool for cutting the rest of us down.

you know publix has a store on every corner and if theres not one there, there is one being built. i highly doubt they are “struggling” as much as the people shopping there. if your a woman, you shouldnt wright something and sound like a fool if you are having pms, and if you are a man, go get laid. you are so shallow for looking down on people for trying to save money on food and whatever else they need for their families.

I do not believe any stores in Florida double, period.

No Doubling, due to a lack of “real” competition.  Publix has so many stores here that they basically corner the market for grocery stores.  Whereas in other states, they are in direct competition with a lot of other quality grocery stores.

From what I understand, no where in Florida offers double coupons.  Ocassionally Kmart will do a promo and double coupons, but there is a sever limit and their prices are so high that you will end up better off shopping somwhere else anyway.  I have been told that Florida is considered a tourist state, and that is why no double coupon deals.  Grocery stores already operate on a very tiny profit margin, so they are able to make a profit this way.

I have shopped at Publix since I moved to Florida in 1979.  It is the cleanest, nicest store to shop in.  The employees are friendly and wear their badges with their names so I have gotten to know some of them.  You people who can't accept their policies — shop elsewhere.  I don't want this to be another Walmart or Winn Dixie.

Lets see if taking my business elsewhere is going to give Publix more profits than accepting my coupons.  Sorry you can't see the big picture.

I will take some of the heat off, as I stopped by because my email said I had a good flaming waiting here for me. You will hear all about your lack of knowledge of economics, and how Publix is doing just fine. You will probably be told that your store must be the exception, because to make $1.2 Billion in profit last year, they are doing great; that all these hard working, struggling Americans are just trying to save a buck and get by in utilizing these unethical and sneaky practices that you discuss above that broke the system - but most certainly no one here is involved in those kinds of things. I previously worked as a consultant a small amount for Publix for several years, and they are a good company, they are good people. They are also savvy, which is why it took me 30 minutes to realize they would not allow this to continue – and others will follow. Just because they are “big business” doesn't make stealing from them by using shady couponing practices any different than the old “dine and dash” or just petty shopplifting. Since other people are doing it to extremes, it functions as a mechanism of enabling. I will gladly open myself up for all the criticisms you were about to get, the references for books I should read and instructions on how to use spellcheck, when I say this is not a sustainable practice. All the problems and struggles people use to validate this behavior (larges debt, personal situations, etc), and rising food costs are the problem that we should be addressing to make a better future for each other. It continues to come across as being a jerk (and my apoligies to Chris, but coming into every discussion stating “you don't know nuthin' about nuthin' boy” with everyone that isn't a fan of the practice of overzealous couponing really doesn't merit a particularly polite response or further attention), but the point is this: If it doesn't feel right, and it requires a whole bunch of explaining and rationalizing…it probably ain't right to begin with. From those of us who coupon reasonably, and those who are on the other ends of the coupons, I just hope that all those in the growing number outside the box of acceptable and ethical practices will ask themselves before they put their plans of attack together “If I get finagle a sneaky way to get this stuff for free, how exactly are all those people working for the manufacturer and retailer getting paid and feeding their families again?” I don't claim to know much about a lot of things, finance not being one of my stronger suits. I do know this: I Wikipedia'd Publix's “enormous” earinings I have seen preached about so much on here. Yup, they made the repeatedly quoted $1.2B last year. What I never saw was that it was on $25B in sales. That is a margin of less than 5%. That is a mediocre to weak margin at best, and one that any good company simply cannot and will not allow to continue, no matter how big the raw profit number may seem.

It should have only been competing store coupons when they list one per transaction (like Target's) that changed, and rightly so, if that is what is printed on the coupon. The use of Manufacturer coupons should not have changed to one per transaction, as that is not what is in the policy.  The policy clearly states one per item, with the right to limit quantities (not coupons).

Thanks Sherry!!  Trust me, I had a very long conversation with the manager and all he could repeat over and over was that this was the new policy.  I have contacted Publix telephonically to get clarification.  Will post their response.

Really, you just walked out?!?! Very mature. How old are you, 6?? GROW UP!
I DO NOT CARE if you were right! What you did is NOT acceptable, period. Pay the bill then go back when you've have time to cool off. Then calmly talk to the manager with a copy of the policies. You'll get money back. I have witnessed the hoarding coupons (it's easy to spot you all) getting in a manager's face. Really? Over a $1 off? If this walking out is going to end up screwing everyone. I hope someone is going to get thrown in jail and Publix will have the right to press charges….I can't WAIT to see this on WESH news! Haha

Thank you for responding to this posting.  I was glad to see an “insider”  making valid points.  On the spot about limiting items is a good thing.  As a shopper I hate when the shelf is totally empty because a hoarder shopper has bought 28 sticks of deodorant or 42 tubes of Crest in one visit.  Yes, savings on coupons is very valuable and a few can abuse their own neighbors and fellow shoppers and savers.  Thanks!

I started to shop only at Publix since I started couponing and it`s now 2 months since.
I can`t have enough words to say how much I love Publix! The staff is amazing and nobody made me feel bad because I coupon.

Thank you Publix for saving me from Walmart!

in the end, these grocery stores get their money back from the manufacturer, so they're not loosing or giving anything away, If people are finding way to feed their family for $10 a week, more power too them, thats more money for necessities like paying bills, providing a roof over your child's head etc. I agree to an earlier post that the attitudes of couponers is unnecessary, and should be stopped ( you should be grateful the clerk doesn't have an attitude about scanning all your coupons) but as far as the grocery store being a food bank, they're not! They are still getting paid… That's like saying the grocery store shouldn't accept food stamps, they still get paid for groceries bought with an EBT card just like they still get paid for groceries purchased with coupons. The only person coming out of pocket when coupons are used is the manufacturer. You people who work for these grocery stores are up here complaining like it comes out of your pocket.

Why did you come to this site to bash couponers? You are stereotyping all of us in an insulting manor like someone might stereotype an African American and say he must live in the ghetto. Either comment is totally wrong. We put lots of time and energy into our shopping trips, it's like a second full time job. What Publix puts the coupons in the trash? what?! I have never heard of this.  Any how, I shop at Publix for courteous cashiers you have all the C.S. skills nessisary to work at Walmart

You now can only use one like 'Publix' coupon.  I am bummed about this.  wish they would reword the coupon to say something like 'limit 4 deals per coupon, per shopping trip'