Keep sending in those questions – we love to answer them! Just remember if we didn’t get to your question this week…we will do our best to cover it another week!! As always a big thanks to my buddy Christy over at Haphazardly Hobbying who gives me so much help to get the questions answered.
Remember–there is a tab at the top of the site called “Q & A” where I organize the questions and answers from this feature so that it can serve as a quick reference!
Here are this week’s questions:
- How would you recommend I find coupons for items that aren’t on sale?
- Do you have any tips on where to find coupons for or how to save on organic products?
- Is it okay to take a hang tag off an item in one store and then go to another store that has the item on sale to use the coupon there instead?
- How do you prevent your receipts from fading?
- Why do coupons have a cash value listed on them?
- Why doesn’t Publix ever have double coupon days like some other stores do?
- At which store do you think you save more money – Kroger or Publix?
- How do you deal with the customers in line behind you getting upset over your coupon usage?
- Can I use 1 coupon for each BOGO product that I purchase?
- Do you have a list or some other reference guide to the sales cycles?
And here are the answers!
- Stephanie wants to know: How would you recommend I find coupons for items that aren’t on sale?
- Kelli wants to know: Do you have any tips on where to find coupons for or how to save on organic products?
- Sherry wants to know: You’ve probably answered this question before, but I just can’t remember. Is it okay to take a hang tag off an item in one store and then go to another store that has the item on sale to use the coupon there instead?
- Kristi wants to know: How do you prevent your receipts from fading? I wanted to submit a receipt for a rebate and it was so faded (it was stored safely in my binder folder) that I was not able to submit it.
- Rich wants to know: Why do coupons have a cash value listed on them? 1/100 cent, $0.002 etc…what’s the point?
- Phyllis wants to know: Why doesn’t Publix ever have double coupon days like some other stores do?
- Kelly wants to know: At which store do you think you save more money – Kroger or Publix?
- Nicole wants to know: How do you deal with the customers in line behind you getting upset over your coupon usage? I had a man today make me feel awful for using so many and holding up the line. I normally don’t make eye contact to avoid confrontation but he was huffing and puffing saying “man, there’s more??” every few seconds. I looked at him and told him that I have 7 kids and every bit saved helps. But he still kept making comments. What do you guys do? And yes…I do have 7 kids ☺.
- Emily wants to know: I had my first VERY frustrating experience with Publix today. I have been couponing for about 6 months and have never had a bad experience. This morning I tried to use (2) manufacturer coupons for All detergent and (1) Publix coupon. The manager stated that you cannot use a manufacturer (or any) coupon on a “free product-BOGO product.” I even added 2 filler items to my order so that I would have more items that coupons. The manager was actually rude and said that Publix loses money on BOGO products. I tried to explain that Publix gets reimbursed by the manufacturer for these BOGO products. He was SO rude and actually said that he was not going to get into the technicality of reimbursements for coupons, but that all the cashiers who have been accepting coupons on BOGO items were wrong! I am SO upset!!!
Okay, sorry I am rambling, I am just still so upset. My question is: can you use (1) coupon for each BOGO product (by the way, I live in FL)? - Angela wants to know: I know the sales go in cycles – for example, I’ve noticed for the month of September it seems laundry detergent has been on sale. Do you have a list of what items go the lowest during which months? Is there any sort of noticeable pattern?
Use the coupon database (click the tab at the top of the site) to search for coupons for any item – either by brand, product name, or anything else, really! I’d also recommend checking company websites for items you buy frequently – they may have a newsletter you can sign up for so you’ll be first to know when a new coupon comes out.
There are actually several great coupon resources–here are my favorites: Mambo Sprouts, Organic Valley, Delicious Living, Whole Foods. Make a list of your favorite organic items–head over to those brand websites as you will often find coupons!
There are also many blogs devoted to Organic deals–try Organic Deals & Coupons and The Thrifty Mama.
Christy: This is going to have to be a call that you make for yourself. I personally don’t think that there’s anything wrong with taking a hangtag or two off a product especially if you know that you’re going to use it right away. In my mind, the manufacturer puts that coupon on its product in hopes that the product will be purchased – and if I’m purchasing the product with the coupon, then that’s good enough for me! However, I know there are plenty of people who would disagree with my point of view, and that’s fine…to each their own!
Michelle: This is one of the grey areas of couponing where everyone will have an opinion. I always recommend you go with what feels right to you! You could also talk to your store and get their opinion.
Christy: From what I’ve read, the chemicals in the receipts can react to different elements- in this case, plastic – which can make them fade more quickly than normal. You might want to store your receipts in a paper envelope or folder and see if that makes a difference. Another thing that can react with the receipts is heat – so make sure that you keep your binder cool if you’re going to keep your receipts in there!
Michelle: Christy is right. I keep my receipts in an accordion folder that stays beside my desk. I don’t have many issues with fading…but a receipt left in my car will be quick to fade. Also, if you know you will be sumbitting a receipt for a rebate –make a copy so that you can submit it with your original receipt. I usually make a copy and store a copy as a file on my computer in case there are any issues with the rebate.
Christy: This is one that I really don’t have an answer for, so I googled around and it seems that some states may have e a law requiring that all coupons have a stated cash value. Though I ran across this info on a few different sites, I’m not 100% sure that it is correct – if anyone out there knows more about this, please tell us in the comments!
Michelle: I found the following info on AskYahoo:
To protect consumers, several U.S. states passed laws that required trading stamps and coupons to be printed with a common value. These laws are still on the books in a number of states, so it’s simpler for manufacturers to include a cash value on all nationally distributed coupons.
Christy: Phyllis, I assume you’re writing in from Florida since the stores in all the other states (to the best of my knowledge, that is) all double coupons up to $.50 every day. I’m with you – I wish we could get some double coupons every once in a while too – but at least we get true BOGO!
Michelle: Yes, Phyllis many of us do get to double coupons each day. This is an store incentive and used as a way for stores to compete. Since Publix is top dog in Florida there really is not much need to compete and offer the doubling incentive.
Christy: This one is all Michelle, since there are no Krogers in my area!
Michelle: By far Publix!!! There will always be stores that have some things cheaper than another store. It will be very hard for any store to compete with Publix BOGO deals…especially BOGO deals with a coupon!! Since Publix usually has 30+ BOGO items each week you can always grab a great deal. As you can see by the very long list of Super Deals that I post each week the deals do not stop at the BOGO items!!
Kroger may have a few good deals each week –especially when they offer their Mega sales but if you look at the overall savings…based on my experience Publix wins with best overall savings! Publix is also a better place to shop. The stores are maintained and the employees are great. That alone is a big plus for me! You will rarely ever find me at a Walmart because I can’t stand the disorder and let’s just say their employees are not know to be the most friendly people on earth –especially if you happen to have a coupon 🙂
Top that off with the fact that their products are a much better quality than any other store out there. I love to pass by the meat department to find them cutting the steaks for the day. The produce is fresh and do I even need comment on their bakery 🙂 YUM!!
When you add it all up…Publix wins– hands down!
Christy: I make sure to smile and make eye contact with whoever is in line behind me right away, and if at all possible, I tell them BEFORE they start to unload their stuff on the belt that I have a number of coupons so it may be a few minutes. In many cases, people actually thank me for telling them and go to another line. If they stay and wait, though, I always thank them for their patience after my order is done (for the record, I always thank my cashier for their help as well – it’s got to be a little daunting to face a pile of coupons like the one I’m usually carrying!). However, in a case like you’re describing, there probably wasn’t anything you could do – it sounds like that guy really just wanted to be a jerk. I think you handled it as well as you could!
Michelle: I do the exact same thing as Christy…I give people a forewarning and let them decide if they want to wait. Often my store will open a lane just for me to make everyone’s life a little easier! There will always be the occasional person who acts like those five minutes of watiting is sheer agony. For each of those rotten eggs there are five others who will cheer and congratulate you for your savings!
I have to admit I have a little devilish side. When someone behind me starts up with comments and huffing and puffing. I make a point to make a comment…Wow, $65 in savings! Then when they huff again…Wow–over $100 in savings–boy my savings account is looking good!
Christy: I’m a little confused – was the manager telling you that you couldn’t use ANY coupons on BOGO items, or just on the “Free” item? As you know (and, apparently, he doesn’t), the store actually makes MORE money if it accepts a coupon for each item because it is actually being reimbursed by the manufacturer for an item that would have otherwise been a freebie. In any case, I can only tell you that I’ve always been able to use 1 coupon per item for BOGO deals at all the stores in my area. I would STRONGLY recommend that you go over this person’s head – to a store manager or to the district manager, whichever applies – and complain about your experience, explain your position, and hopefully get some clarification on the policy at your store. Publix is so focused on customer service that I’m SURE you’ll meet with better treatment if you go up the line – and you should, because the person that you spoke too clearly needs some retraining not just on coupon policies, but also on customer service!
Michelle: I have heard from other readers that they have had similar issues. Often I find it is easier to part ways when someone is getting grumpy about coupons 🙂 We all know that each store can make their own policy. You might consider requesting to speak to the manager/district manager (when tempers aren’t flared) so that you can understand their complete coupon policy so you will not have issues at the register. Personally, I think the store should accept the coupon as they will get reimbursed. Generally Publix allows you to use one manufacturer’s coupon per item purchased. Both items purchased as a BOGO promotion are considered a purchase.
Christy: I have to admit I’ve never paid enough attention to what goes on sale when but your question has me really intrigued. Is there a crazy stats person among our readers that would want to go back through the data for past sales, I wonder? I’d love to know if there is actually a discernable pattern!
Michelle: There are definite patterns but most I notice pertain to the seasons/holidays. I honestly don’t know if all items follow a pattern…but I’d love any insider scoop too!
I hope our answers to these questions were helpful! Make sure you ‘tune in’ next week for even more Q&A with I Heart Publix. If you have a question you’d like to see answered, email me at contactiheartpublix@gmail.com.
I’ve been trying to keep track of the sales cycles for the items I use and there is definitely a pattern. I too, wish I had some sort of chart that spelled that out clearly… I can tell you this much vanilla and flour always go on sale (BOGO for vanilla) sometime around Thanksgiving and again at Easter. Since I bake a lot I try to buy as many bottles and bags as I can to last for the year.
To Emily…I also live in Florida and have never had a problem using manufacturer/publix/competitor coupons with BOGO items. As a matter of fact, that’s how I end up getting a lot of items totally free. Last week when Aethnos feta cheese was BOGO, I had two BOGO manufacturers coupons which I used to get 4 packages of feta cheese absolutely free. I shop at four different Publix and I’ve never had a problem using any combination of coupons at any of them. I don’t know why that particular store manager gave you such a hard time.
I have never had a problem at Publix (Im by Brandon, Fl) with a BOGO and coupons but I went to a Winn Dixie once and they told me you cant use a coupon on a BOGO (That Winn Dixie is very un-coupon friendly). So I just went to another Winn Dixie thats 10 minutes further away that is very good about coupons.
Just read an article on yahoo! this morning that said more coupons for food items are issued in November and December than any other time of the year. (Imagine that!) Seems that would be the best time to stock up on nonperishables for the pantry.
As far as grumps behind me in line… I’ve been very lucky not to have any real butts yet, that I KNOW of. I’m pretty shy, and REALLY unconfrontational, so I just make sure people behind me SEE my large stack of coupons, and my coupon binder. LOL And hope they’ll go to another line. I LOVE to get another couponer behind me, ’cause they understand! 😀 I have had one nice older gentleman get behind me with just a few things. That one turned into a cheerleader, along with the cashier. That was a FUN Publix experience 😀
Two of my girlfriends and I always hit up the Publix sales on Thursday nights at our particular store. They are so wonderful to us and know that we come in on Thursday nights. They actually have a dedicated cashier that checks us all out and we compare our savings right in the sale. The cashier even gets in on it with us and is generally great spirited about how much we save. She makes comments like “I can’t believe you saved that much” and “You’ve gotta show me how you do that!” She’s great! We always let the person that gets in line behind us know it will take about 45 mins for all three of us to get through the line (she turns her light off for us so the line doesn’t back up) and we have never had a problem. There was only one problem once when a new manager was working and didn’t know to set us aside. We held up the entire store, and that was not fun! The only thing our cashier asks is that we give her the coupons first as she scans them as she rings in the products so that she can keep track of whether or not we bought the product that is stated on the coupon. I figure, fair is fair, right? So that might help to get you through the line quicker!
So what does she do to make sure your total gets high enough for any $X/$XX coupons???
might possibly be a store that doesn’t accept those. I know the Ooltewah TN currently does not. Now they may change that but her store may not:)
I’m confused about Emily’s question (#9) – so I’ll just explain the way it is for me, in FL.
If I have a BOGO Manufacturer’s coupon (MQ), Publixes (where I shop) will let me use ONE cents-off MQ on the item I pay for. (For example: If I have an El Monterey BOGO Q – from the manufacturer (El Monterey) – I can hand the cashier the BOGO Q and ONE more MQ (say $1/1) for the two items in that deal.
If I also have a Store Coupon (SQ) for El Monterey, I can use that with the other two Qs in the same deal.
If the STORE is having a promotion (where I get the deal, even without coupons) and items are BOGO, I can use ONE manufacturer’s cents-off for EACH of the items in that deal (2 MQs). If there is a store coupon that match the items in that deal, I can use it/them too. If using these coupons gives me overage, some store allow overage, some don’t.
If I have a BOGO MQ for an item that Publix has on promotion BOGO, I can use the BOGO MQ and get two items (one deal) FREE. (The manufacturer will reimburse Publix for that free item they offered in the coupon, so Publix loses nothing. The free item from the store’s promotion is a “discount” (or loss) Publix has already decided to give you and can afford take. So, they should not be upset with you if you take advantage of their promotion.)
Hope this helps — and is easy to understand. (I don’t always explain things well.) 😉
To be clearer — maybe — if I give a BOGO manufacturer’s coupon (MQ) to a cashier, I can NOT use a MQ or SQ (store coupon) on that FREE item. I can, however, use both a MQ and/or SQ on the item that I actually pay for.
Publix, Winn Dixie, and Walmart have a general rule of thumb, I noticed, lately: A customer can use ONE MQ and one SQ for EACH item purchased. (Keeping this in mind helps me pre-determine how they are going to process my coupons when I am checking out.) Keep in mind the BOGO MQ counts as “one coupon”.
On the Kroger vs. Publix question #7, I was a long-time Kroger shopper. My husband is a former Kroger manager and for years we only shopped there. Since I have been serious couponing (about 1 year now) I have noticed the difference in savings. Originally I found Publix prices higher on my regular items and would drive past to the Kroger (I am 1 mile from Publix and about 2 miles from Kroger so I could easily go to either store). I have found that the majority of my shopping is now done at Publix. I am in the store a few times each week catching all of the deals. The big Mega sales that Kroger run are great sales but for the most part the Publix BOGO prices are much better.
I compared prices on a few non-sale, name brand items today at the two stores, and found Publix had better prices on every one. And on a couple items I wanted to compare, Kroger didn’t even carry them!
I put my Q on top of each item as I pull it out of the cart…most cashiers deduct them as the item rolls to them. This helps me know I have used what I want and the cashier can compare each coupon with the item immediately…this works really well with coupons that tie items together or have size/quantity requirements. Furthermore…anyone behind me can see up front what I have and can either move on or watch…most usually just watch. I figure we all have to wait on someone either in traffic or at a restaurant…works great for me and the store… 🙂
I used to do the same thing, & thought the same way you do about it as well. But after the cashiers just picking them up & collecting them all into a pile again, I just stopped. Although I still think that is the more efficent way for it all to work.
Regarding difficult people behind you:
I generally tell people I may be a few extra minutes. A few times I have had people make that “and that makes you special how?” face & stare at me while getting in behind me & then of course making snarky comments the entire visit.
The absolute worst/ best time: This couple got behind me even after being warned. Once the coupons came out the show began. The lady (in her 30’s) kept grabbing her chest saying “I can’t hold on much longer” and “it might be time for 911” acting like she was having a heart attack. To the point that a manager came over and asked if she wanted an ambulance, which of course she said she would try to hold on. LMAO! Of course her husband was encouraging her the whole time.
Once I was completely done with coupons, the cashier said my total & I said very loudly “Out of two” meaning $2. The woman went crazy & said “All of that (5 minutes) and she still paid $200?!?!?!?” The cashier said “No, she paid less than $2” And I said “I wish that you had been feeling better as we have almost the exact same order & I have so many extra coupons! You could have checked out paying within a few dollars of what I paid.” Which she really did have the same items, but no coupons at all!
I think she may have had a mini-heart attack at that point! hahhahahaahaaaaaaa Her husband looked like he was going to kick her butt!
Normally I just do the “$125.” “Just over $80.” “Now down to $30….” That usually stops the noises as they get too focused on what my total may actually end up being.
I say all that to say, sometimes the crazies are a fun couponing story for later.
http://embracingbeauty.com/2010/10/04/the-best-time-to-buy-everything/ has compiled a list of the best time to buy everything.
My hubsand works for corporate Publix, if you have any problems with employee’s you should always go to the next in command. If it is the head store manager, call corporate and report it. Publix’s committment is the customers, and every once in a while you do run into a rude employee, but corporate does want to hear about that and of course any good comments also.
Christy/Michellle – I’d love to compile a master list of the sale cycles at Publix but can’t access previous weekly ad information on this site. Any way i could get this info from you to get started?
You can see all of the ads I have ever done !! Just look in the sidebar at the Categories dropdown. Choose Weekly Ads and EVERY ad I have ever done is there 🙂
actually, i live in hilton head, south carolina and none of publix’s anywhere near me (in beaufort county) double coupons and, i think, coastal georgia pulix’s don’t double coupons either(may be wrong about that though)…
South Alabama – no doubling of coupons at Publix. Our only store that doubles coupons (only up to 0.50 face value) is Brunos.
In response to Question 8—I turn to the person behind me and tell them to jump in front of me. Today at CVS this mother and her teenage son were buying meds. Hello how rude would I be to not let that poor sick boy go home and rest. They are usually shocked and say thanks. I just point at my coupons and say you never know how long it will take I don’t want you to have to wait:) I’m lucky to have no children so it actually doesn’t take me long usually but its still my happy deed for the day.
In response to Question 10—I have been keeping the weekly ads for Bi-Lo, Publix, CVS, Rite Aid, and Wags. I have them in a binder by date so I can look back. I also run my own website so maybe I’m being to thorough but its an idea for others out there:)
And thanks for that Embracing Beauty link that’s to cool:)
In with #9 question, I went to my usual Publix store on my way home from work and was notified that they are under a new manager that is only accepting Publix coupons, no competitor coupons, and no printable coupons. I very nicely told the cashier that relayed this information to me that they will start losing business at their store from couponers since the other Publix stores in this county (there are 2 more other ones) are still taking everything else. It is so frustrating that this has happened and I haven’t been back to that Publix since.
In regards to Publix FL not doubling – it’s not because they are top dog and don’t have to. NONE of the grocery stores here double – except for a very select few in a few special markets (usually closer to the state line where that state does double).