I had another great Publix trip today! I focused on a few sales items that I wanted to stock up on and I focused on the awesome $0.99/lb produce deals. I am wondering if I can cut up and freeze zucchini and yellow squash? Has anyone tried that before?
I had a great trip although I chose the wrong cashier. You all know what I mean… when I got in her line I knew right away I should have chosen a different line… But, I put on a smile and I organized my stack of my coupons to match the order of the items on the conveyor belt. My first problem was when she wouldn’t give me overage on the Combat even though I’ve received overage on that deal at her Publix numerous times before. No big deal to me. I didn’t want to raise a fuss and ruin it for any couponers who happened in her line after me. However, she told me she would use either the store Combat coupon or the manufacturer coupon. Not both. I reminded her that she had to adjust the value of the coupon down so that I received the item free without overage. She reluctantly did this. It was funny to me that she knew how to do this which showed me she just didn’t want to give me the item free and she was hoping I would let it slide. Then, towards the end of the transaction, her register wouldn’t allow her to accept any more coupons because I gave her so many store and manufacturer coupons. Not a bid deal right? Well, she tells me she can’t accept any more of my coupons and literally is about to hand my pile of unused coupons back. To which I tell her, no, all you need to do is have a manager override the system. Again, she reluctantly did this and called the manager over and the manager (who was awesome btw) punched in her code.
This was a reminder, though, of how important it is to know how couponing works. If I was a coupon newbie, I would have lost money on the Combat deal and I would have lost money on the stack of coupons the cashier tried to give me back! To my newbies reading this, always know that it is okay to question a cashier’s actions.
The items I purchased today coincide with this week’s Publix Weekly ad. To see this week’s ad & coupon matchups, goHERE.
If you are new to saving money at Publix, read my Intro to Publix post!
**NOTE** 1) My Publix allows us to use more than one of the same Publix store coupon and/or competitor coupon. Not all Publix locations allow this. You should ask customer service if they allow this before loading up your cart. 2) You should find out what stores your Publix considers competition so that you know what competitor coupons you can use. Some but not all Publix locations accept Target, Winn Dixie, Whole Foods, Sweet Bay, Walgreens, and many more. 3) Not all Publix locations allow overage. If your Publix does not allow overage, they will adjust the value of the coupon down so that you receive the item for free.
Here’s the rundown and how to do what I did for today’s Publix stop:
3 Packages of Green Beans, on sale $0.99/lb
2 Packages of Yellow Squash, on sale $0.99/lb
1 Package of Zucchini, on sale $0.99/lb
Minus four $1.00/1 Produce Item Target Store Coupon (print limit may be reached?)
Total Due: $2.86
2 Coles Bread on sale B1G1 $2.79 for two
Minus two $0.50/1 Coles Bread printables (print limit readed)
Total Due: $1.79 or $0.89 each
8 Starbucks Coffee Free Ice Cream on sale B1G1 $3.39 for two
Minus eight $1.50/1 Starbucks Coffee Free Ice Cream (1 pint) 8/8/2010 RP Insert (exp 9/5/2010)
Total Due: $1.56 or $0.19 each
6 Morningstar Veggie Burgers on sale B1G1 $3.89 for two
Minus six $1/1 Morningstar Farms Veggie Foods Product
Minus three $1/2 MorningStar Farms TARGET coupon 8/1/2010 RP Insert (exp 9/11/2010)
Total Due: $2.67 or $0.45 each
2 Combat Ant Bait, on sale $4.19 each
Minus two$3.00/1 Combat Publix Store Coupon Yellow Advantage Flyer
Minus two $2.00/1 Combat manufacturer coupon (adjusted down to $1.19 each)
Total Due: Free
12 Campbell’s Select Harvest Soup on sale B1G1 $2.39 for two
Minus twelve $1/1 Healthy Request Variety of Campbell’s Select Harvest Soup, can or microwavable bowl or HERE
Minus six $.50/1 Campbell’s Select Harvest Target Store Coupon
Total Due: FREE plus $0.66 overage
Total Due: $9.76 (including tax), Total Saved: $99.26, Percentage Saved: 91.1%
Thanks for coming to Addicted to Saving! Here’s a little bit about me so you can know who’s behind all these posts!
My name is Liza and I began my money-saving journey in the Spring of 2009 as a way to stretch a limited household income. I had lost my job and my hubby was self-employed. I launched Addicted to Saving in November of 2009 and it has grown by leaps and bounds. Since then, my hubby and I have struggled with the ups and downs of two failed adoptions and are now LOVING being parents to our little man Asher who we brought home from Ethiopia in August of 2013. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to help you save money. My goal is that you will have FUN and become empowered to save more and more money each week..
The rude cashiers I’m used to…how do you deal with the rude customers who get in line behind you and then complain about how long you take?
Jennifer – I always try to always look at the people behind me and give them a huge smile and then say apologetically that I gave the cashier a huge pile of coupons. Usually it works and the people behind me get into seeing how much money I ended up saving. That said, the few times I’ve had bad experiences I just remind myself that I saved $100 on twice the amount of food the people behind me ended up purchasing 🙂
i use the $5 off of $25 from save alot, my stores here in tampa let you use multiple at a time versus seperating your transactions, i always bring extra with me in case my husband calls asking for things. and since i always have extra i pass them to those behind me in line, most of the time they are really excited for the savings!!!
You are right about knowing your cashiers…:) Also about standing your ground and know how the coupons work. For the most part Publix is so great about the coupons..:) Honestly I normally do smaller trips so it doesn’t make everyone wait as long and so the cashier doesn’t get annoyed by the STACK. I know I enjoy it but still want to get to the finish line as fast as I can and with a happy experience!! Gotta love Publix they are the best!!
I try to do smaller trips as well.
One super long checkout can frustrate all parties involved & is less likely to help me receive my desired overage! LOL
However, I do warn all people that get behind me that I may a bit longer during checkout as I have many coupons, so usually if they stay behind me I don’t feel as bad.
I ALWAYS tell someone when they come in line behind me “I have a LOT of coupons, you might want to find another line” I also let the cashier know that this may take a little while and sometimes they turn off their light and close down their lane for me.
that said, I also hand the coupons over to them one stack per item, so we don’t miss anything. I usually will count the number of coupons and verify the number of items with the cashier. so they trust me. 100%.
Liza, I see you got away with the soup overage at least! You GO girl! I wonder how she let that slide?
like I said, PICK A GUY for your cashier. LOL. this has worked for me for the most part.
at target I have lucked out and gotten someone that used totallytarget.com and I always give them the addictedtosaving.com website when their eyes pop out of their head at “the great coupons I have”.
I know what you mean about the people behind you in line. I even had a young guy say “no, I am going to stay. I want to see how much you saved” LOL and once, someone followed me into the parking lot to see how I did it. it’s pretty funny.
LOL..on the guy part…when I was a newbie..I picked a guy at Publix – it was the WRONG choice! lol..he was almost mean!! He picked through and went over each coupon…I was so nervous b/c I was new…whew…!! I rarely pick guys now!
It must be something in the water this week. I also had one of those “experiences” when I was checking out at Publix this week. My cashier kept trying to tell me I couldn’t use certain coupons and running to her Customer Service desk to make sure she could accept others. I just tried to smile and be as patient as possible, because I knew I was right. I also try to let othes behind me know I have lots of coupons. Thanks for all you do.
I have run into the same thing that you guys have. I’m glad it’s not just me. I have learned to stand my ground. Although a few weeks ago I had a cashier that was so nasty and unaccommodating that I actually just asked for my coupons back and told her to cancel my order half way through. So I have found one cashier that is beyond awesome and found out when she usually works so I have an idea of when to shop when I have a larger order.
I also have started to tell people behind me that I have a lot of coupons and it might be awhile. Or if someone walks up when she’s started the coupons, I usually apologize after a few minutes. Usually I get a pretty good response (“It’s ok I’ll wait” or they find another line). A few times, I’ve had the people glare at me or not answer until they see how much I saved! Then they either tell me how amazing that was or asking me how I do it. To which I always direct them here.
I also usually try to shop early in the morning or after about 7p. I found the end of the night works pretty good too. The last time I went, I was checking out at 9:30-9:45 so the best cashier ever didn’t feel so bad about turning off her light and turning people away.
I too have had to stand my ground more than once with difficult cashiers. One time the cashier apoligized and said that it was her first day back to work after her father died and she just couldnt think straight! Oh I felt so bad for her. I’m so glad that I wasnt rude to her, I had just asked her if she could ask the manager. She was telling me that I couldnt use two coupons with BOGO items. Another time a cashier was so rude about the theremacare overage but didnt even notice all the other overages that I had. I guess we all need to give the cashiers a little break sometimes, we never know what they are going through.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. As someone fairly new, I get so nervous in picking a checkout line. I have a few favorite cashiers, but always worry when I don’t see one of them. I had a terrible experience a few weeks ago with a very seasoned cashier who first refused to take a Target coupon and then refused to take 2 manu on a BOGO. When I asked for a manager, she got really mad. So I just tried to smile and said I have a toddler and twin babies, so I try to save as much as I can for my family. At least the lady behind me in line was enjoying the babies and didn’t seem to mind waiting. If it wasn’t so hard for me to get to the store with all the kids, I would have just left. The next time in the store I saw the manager who is a great family guy and just casually mentioned that some cashiers didn’t appear to know the coupon policy and clarified it with him. But my goodness this lady acting like I was stealing from the store…. Thanks for all you do!!!!
Good for you Liza standing your ground because you knew you weren’t doing anything wrong! I may have freaked out so you gave me a bit of inspiration this morning 🙂
Thanks for all you do….heading to Publix now 🙂
I had the same experience this week. My cashier would not accept a Target coupon because it said ” redeem only at Target”. I told her she could accept it as a competitor and said ” It says only redeem at Target for a reason”. I had her go get the manager and he said yes they do accept them as competitor, I knew that already. Then, I gave her 2 sets of stacked Q’s ( Wags with man.) and she said she could not take more than one coupon per order. I had her call the manager again, of course he said that stacking is allowed. Then, the register said more coupons than product and the cashier threw her hands up and said,” Sorry, I can’t take any more coupons because you have too many”. I said go get the manager to do and override and she said, “We don’t do that”. Of course she was wrong. She was too flustered to finish the order so the manager had to do the overrides and and finish the check out. He apologized for the cashier’s mistakes and said that he would review the coupon policy with her again. It was a dreadful experience but I got $306.22 for $ 34.96.
That’s an awesome shop!!!
That stinks that it was such a dreadful shop, but well worth the savings to deal with it, probably not while you were actually dealing with it then & there though! LOL
Great job . . . I’m curious to know what you bought.
I, too, have found that young men seem to just accept the coupons and go, never questioning (I never try to cheat the system anyway). I also have a few cashiers that I really like. Its when I have to go to a different Publix than usual that I usually experience the ones that act like I’m stealing their money.
Last night, I used a young teen girl and she made the comment that “she was going to save like that when she moved out on her own”. It is a good lesson to learn for them. I wish I had done this much earlier in life. Then I wouldn’t be so poor now 🙂
I am a “newbie” and had a dreadful experience at Target. I had several freebies and a few things that I only had one coupon for. When I gave the coupons to the cashier, she said- “so these are all going to be free?”(not nice voice)I said yes except for the three non freebies. She huffed and started the checkout. She told me that I could not use a coupon for a trial size item. I told her that none of the coupons I gave her said no trial size. She stated that was just “stealing” and was wrong very loud so that the two people behind me heard. She called over a manager who told her she was wrong and did the rest of the checkout, but the cashier kept saying that it was stealing very loudly and made a big deal by shutting off her light and directing the people behind me to another line. The manager helping did not tell her to stop, and I was so humiliated. Thankfully, when my husband saw that the cashier had an attitude, he took the kids to the car, so the kids didn’t have to hear her saying that it was “stealing”. I was so upset that I left and when I got home called and spoke to the assistant store manager to tell her what happened. She apologized and stated that the cashier and manager that assisted with the transaction would be spoken to about the coupon policy and how to treat customers. Needless to say, I won’t be shopping at the Target at Boot Ranch anymore.
Kris – wow. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I have shopped at Boot Ranch before and had a bad experience as well but this was with a male cashier. Don’t let this discourage you from couponing though. You will find that 90% of the time the cashiers are awesome, encouraging and helpful. Nonetheless, I’m glad you called the manager to complain. The behavior displayed by the cashier is ridiculous. And, I’m assuming you already know this, but if you don’t, remember that Target is reimbursed for manufacturer coupons so you can remind cashiers of this if they give you a hard time.
Thanks for the encouragement=:)Have you tried the one in Mitchel Plaza?
Kris,
I too have this one target that consistently does this kind of behavior. I had to apologize to my children who watch the whole thing. I have learned to do two things. One keep Target corporate’s phone number in my phone. I call them either standing there or in the parking lot. Second, I have printed out the coupon policy of Target to show to them. Usually that doesn’t work but a quick call to corporate explaining that i have been humiliated and have done nothing wrong works. I just did it this week. I went back to the store with a reference number prepared for a (skirmish)and this young man gave me nothing. Nada. I even double checked with him to make sure he did indeed take off the Q’s and didn’t give me any hassle. LOL I then called corporate back and gave a glowing report of his assistance. He was wonderful. So… Don’t be afraid to arm yourself when certainly you are a patron and these stores know they can not afford to lose your business. (Especially when you are not doing anything wrong.)
i wonder if any of you have worked at a grocery store. We have RULES to follow about coupons etc. Sometimes the computer will not let the cashier do it so YES we have to call a manger. It is not right for the cashier to be rude but sometime we get rude customer also.
Yes Kaathy! We know that you have “RULES” to follow. The problem is that we couponers seem to know the “RULES” better than these rude cashiers!
There is definitely NO reason for a rude cashier. I’ve had multiple rude customers before, but the best thing to do in that case, is follow the saying, “Kill them with kindness.” It usually works like a charm.
Haha, Tina, you are usually completely right! I’m a part of the Customer Service Staff for Publix and have had to deal with this problem a lot over the years. Unfortunately, some stores do not have lists of accepted competitor coupons, etc. When I’ve moved to new areas, I’ve had to ask about multiple stores for the area and that store’s specific coupon policy. Our hardest thing to deal with now, at least in Florida, is the new WIC check policy. It’s not very clear and most people who are a part of that program have trouble with it and sometimes, just knowing which products qualify for the program in general.
Heather, I have a question about Publix’s new WIC check policy, because I have had problems a couple of times now. I do my absolute best to know what is allowed and not allowed on the WIC checks from the WIC website. But it seems that Publix’s new policy does not match what the WIC website says. Is there a reason for that?
Examples: WIC guidelines – Any brand canned beans. Publix cashier – “No, they have to be the cheapest.” “Actually, the Publix cans aren’t ringing up, they must have to be dry beans.” Talked to a customer service rep on another trip and he says “No red beans allowed”???
WIC guidelines – Cheapest brand of cheese. Polly-O on sale for cheaper than Publix. Customer service rep “Vinegar is an added ingredient so it’s not allowed”. Vinegar is used to make cheese….not an ‘added’ ingredient.
Sorry for the off topic post….I just thought you might have some insight. I am going to talk to the WIC office in the next couple of weeks. 🙂
The same thing happened to me with the cashier not accepting all the coupons because of the computer. She looked flustered, so I just took my coupons to customer service directly after check out and they made everything work 🙂
Ok, something is in the water!
The Publix that I rarely had an issue with just informed me that they have NEVER allowed overage, won’t take a competitor if you have other coupons and then when the store manager came over (& then subsequently hovered- which I actually prefer, it was just weird) he kept saying that they would take it “this time”, “this time”, “this time.”
I just was there on Wednesday and had NO ISSUES!
I have to admit I was already frustrated as the available cashier was the one who tells me often that when we save so much as couponers it must be coupon fraud. I guess there is an acceptable limit of savings in her mind, but sorry honey, I have Liza! LOL
So I was frustrated she kept clicking her tongue & sighing heavily & then “Oh, NO! We can’t do this!” over each coupon. “They’re already Buy One Get One!!!!!!” Like I was going to take back my coupons because I was already getting such a great deal! LOL
I think I am just frustrated because the “store” policy is always changing EVERY TIME!!!
Ok, thank for letting me vent!!! LOL
You are so right about it changing every time! I don’t normally have problems with the one I normally shop at and the one cashier I have found that is completely awesome! That said, whenever I throw them a curve ball with a different store coupons besides Target (even that one was iffy for a min) that’s when the stories start changing. This past Friday, I had read on Addicted’s website that there were Aldi coupons and Dollar General coupons for $5 off $25 purchase. Before I tried to use or even get these coupons, I called my normal store to ensure that they would take them. The girl that answered asked a manager and they said yes to both. Saturday when I was checking out, my cashier had to ask the manager that was standing close (apparently I have caught the attention of the managers because they too now stay close when I check out). She wasn’t sure about the Dollar General store coupon and went to ask. When she got back I got the standard “We don’t normally but we will THIS TIME.” My one mistake was not getting the name of the person I called and spoke with. Apparently as long as you have a name you are golden.
There must be something going on at Publix with coupons. I shop at a particular Publix that is very coupon friendly. But this week, I was there twice and each time they dissected my coupons; everyone one. It is very frustrating when they tell you something that not is true. It was annoying and the cashier had to call customer service several times. No coupon was turned down. On top of that, it was a small run. I never show how I am feeling inside or overreact. I have shopped with coupons for six months and saved some serious cash that my savings account has grown trifold. I am using coupons responsibly and I will not let anyone tell me otherwise. At the end of the day, it is your money your spending and saving. Thank you for sharing your story, Liza.
FYI: you can blanch these veggies and freeze.I do most of mine in microwave with small amt of water to cover about an inch in container .Steam on high 3-5 mins. set out for same time then put in ice water.DOn’t leave in too long as they may get too soft.On counter ,i place some paper towels on top of a cloth and air dry fo a few hrs., then bag.
Great for those squash casseroles.I forgot to add some salt.You can review technique in you MW cookbook .I’ve done all my fresh veggies this way for yrs with great success.
Listerine deal is only 1.00 on site and i can’t get this one to print .It keeps sending me to register. Which i have done ,them it says it doesn’t recognize address so send “forget password.It just sends me right back to Home.
Also, A deal :the Morning starFarms cpns were on our Hunts Ketchup for 1.00 off ,if anyone needs them.
I used to work for Publix (as a customer service manager). Publix did at one time have a regional set corp coupon policy, I really wish at this time that I would find the e-mail stating what it is. When I was retiring last year Publix as a company had just started allowing overage. My recommendation to each of you is too, email Publix corp office, and make sure that you put in the store number for address to the store you shop at the most. In the e-mail specifically ask for an e-mail reply for the store that you asking about’s coupon policy. This policy will come back to you, from one or two people. It will come back from the District Manager of that area (the DM that I used to work for, had a district wide, coupon policy, and if we didn’t kept to his policy, he would let us know about it) or it could come from the store manager. Either way, you would have a typed copy of their policy, and the policy will be seen by the DM, the regional director in your area, and also by the CEO, and you will have hard copy to print out. The store manager or DM will call you, but I recommend if you talk to them, tell them that you want an e-mailed copy for your records, or if you don’t answer your phone after a day or two, they will have to reply via e-mail, because Publix really puts the heat on them when get an e-mail.
I am a “newbie” at couponing, and I have a question regarding coupon printing. I made a Publix trip this week to buy the Select Harvest soup, but I could only purchase 4 cans because of the limit on printing coupons. How did you get around the limit and print 12 of the coupons?
Thanks!
Hi Candace! Great question. I have three computers. So, I was able to print four coupons per computer using the two links available.
FREEZING ZUCCHINI AND SQUASH. These veggies freeze amazingly well, and hold up almost forever in the freezer. There are a few ways I do it when I get a large batch:
1. I cut up into smaller chunks, put on a baking sheet and freeze…then put them, frozen individually into quart sized freezer cups. This is great to add to soups and sauces, straight frozen, just shake out how much you want.
2. Cut the squash into quarters, lengthwise, then slice. Bring salted water to a boil and blanch the squash for 3 minutes. (I use a timer) Remove and plunge into ice water. Pack and freeze.
3. I pre-make a little casserole in foil pans. 1/4 cup pasta sauce, top with the squash, top with breadcrumbs. I make these, freeze, then cook at 350 for about 15 or 20 minutes…it is a quick and easy side dish! (my fam loves it)
Your casserole dish sounds Yummy! what pasta sauce do you use?
Hey y’all, I am a newbie too. I am glad to see that Publix is a store that y’all use. I had to stop shopping there a year or so ago because of my rising grocery bill! Do you find that you are able to shop primarily at Publix or do you have to go week by week to choose the best stores? I really miss my Publix!C
I can’t speak for anyone else but I have found that I definitely mainly shop at Publix. In my area, with the exception of Aldi and Walmart, Publix is generally cheaper anyway. There may be an occasional sale for meat or something random like toothbrushes or detergent or something that will make me go to another store but I normally only buy a few things from these other stores. Otherwise it’s mainly Publix for me. They are WAY more coupon friendly than an other store in the area. Good luck! 🙂
Until I began couponing again after many years of not (what was I thinking???,) I hadn’t been inside a Publix in many years other than the VERY occasional special deal.
Now that I coupon, I go to the Publix weekly ad, copy & paste what I will be getting for the week onto a word document, print the page out, pull my coupons & then wait until Thursday to come around to go shopping!
I hit the occasional deal at other stores, like the I-motion compact air fresheners this past week at Walgreen’s. And, I buy almost all my produce at the Farmers Market, it’s cheaper for things like green peppers & tomatoes & it generally lasts a lot longer.
Otherwise, I am about 90% a Publix shopper.
HTH!
I just went and tried the cole’s breadstick coupon again and it was up and running! YAY! Thought you would like to know 🙂
yes you can freeze zucchini
I even shred it and put it in 2 cup increments in a ziplock freezer bag and if I get a yearning for zucchini bread I have it all shredded – premeasured and ready to go
You can freeze zucchini or yellow squash by slicing it, place it in boiling water for just a couple of minutes, remove, drain, and run under cold water, then freeze in ziploc bags. As stated by others above, you can also shred it and freeze it in ziploc bags for bread, etc.