I’m receiving at least 5 – 10 emails a day from all of you regarding Publix policy changes. I wanted to post really quick about it because I know I haven’t responded to many of your emails. You are correct – Publix is in the midst of changing their couponing policy. I don’t have specifics yet, but I do know they will be cracking down on competitor coupons (which stores they allow as competitors). For me, my Publix has only allowed me to use Winn Dixie and Sweet Bay coupons. But, there are many locations that allow Target, Walgreens, CVS, etc etc.
I also wonder if they will change how they accept Publix store coupons… Many Publix let us use more than one of the same Publix store coupon – regardless of the verbiage on the store coupons. I’m wondering if they will discontinue this practice… Or if they will discontinue overage.. As of right now, no official new policy has been released. So, while I have a lot of thoughts about their upcoming changes, I’m not going to speculate on what they actually are. In the meantime, hold tight and don’t worry about the changes. If you are finding that your store is making a new policy every week, then right before you start shopping, ask customer service if they have changed their policies. Once we know for sure (i.e. in writing from Publix), I will make an official post and we will work within the new rules.
I am not worried about the changes. Even if Publix went off the deep end and said we could only buy two like items per transaction. We will still get awesome deals and we will adjust our couponing to work within the rules. If I have to give new Addicted to Saving 101 classes to specifically go over the new policy, I’ll do that. I promise, we will all be fine in the end.
Also – many of you ask me if Extreme Couponing is to blame. I think there are two people/entities to blame:
1) People who misuse coupons fraudulently.
2) The hype from Extreme Couponing. I think Extreme Couponing is a fun reality show to watch. I don’t get inspired by the people on Extreme Couponing and I also don’t watch the show to learn couponing tips. That said, many people do. The show is endorsing wiping shelves clean (there is no way any store appreciates that), it is endorsing hoarding and it is also not explaining how people are using their coupons. So, coupon novices will watch and have no idea how to use coupons and yet try to copy what they see. This makes for a disaster.
What do you all think? Please feel free to leave a comment on this post with the policy changes your store has implemented. I know you all have a lot of thoughts on this! And again, I will update you all as soon as an official policy has been created.
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..
I usually shop at Mitchell Ranch Publix and the other day I was embarrassed because they told me I could only use one gaf coupon per transaction. On the coupon it states that “limit one deal, per coupon, per customer.” Not “limit one deal per customer” or “limit one coupon per customer.” The wording is tricky. I always responsible with my coupons. I was so embarrassed that I canceled my order. The next day, I went to the publix at river crossing and asked the Customer Service manager and she said it was fine to use more than one. I also asked her if Publix was coming out with a coupon policy and she said they were and to expect in the 1st of may or the 1st of june. But who knows, we have been hearing about this for awhile.
sorry, what is GAF?
I think the extreme show has something to do with it, at first I was impressed with the people but now I think they are downright greedy, I bet alot of what they take home gets wasted or expires. What about the next person coming in the store looking for certain products and they are gone, nobody wants to have to drive around looking for things.
I totally agree with you – the show doesn’t inspire me personally, because I know the right way to coupon. Most of these “Extreme Couponers” should really be called Couponing Hoarders, since a few of them were cast in that light anyway on the show. But I hope there aren’t many people who will go out and try to mimick that behavior (like clearing shelves) since common sense would tell most people that’s not the way anyone should conduct themselves.
I will admit that watching the show inspired me to start couponing, but not in the extreme way that they do it. I have no reason to clear a shelf unless of course there are only a few left. As we know though reality tv is not always real. I was reading on one star of the shows page that they portrayed her as someone she really isn’t with editing. She said that they had set it up for her to clear the shelves with the store ahead of time at the producers request. I am learning so much from websites like this and I am so greatful because being a stay at home mom now has been very difficult on our finances.
I think that is ironic that (last night excluded due to the royal wedding extreme collecting), that extreme couponing is follwed by Hoarders. I get so aggrevated watching that show, who could ever use 93 bags of croutons before they expire! We bought a bag at Sam’s last year, and we still have at least half for a family of 5!
When I was in Publix when I was on vacation in FL they did have a sign on the door stating that on 4/12 (I think) they would stop accepting percent off coupons. We don’t have Publix where I am so it doesn’t affect me, just thought I’d share.
I agree that Extreme Couponing probably has something to do with the coupon policy changes at a few of the stores I shop at. I have to admit the show does inspire me. Not to go to the extent that they do. But to reasonably stock up on items that we use anyway when they are on sale. I would never go to that extent, but having a few extra items on hand is never a bad thing in this economy with 6 people in our family.
I am with you Trisha! With a family of 5 I need to have certain items stocked up in my house at all times.
I agree I am a family of 5 also. I am going to school and staying at home with my 2 year old. My husband has a job (We thank GOD everyday for the job and a place to live.) Addicting to savings is great. I am able to get things I need and some special things for my kids that they didn’t get before. Thanks everyone for sharring and for Lisa for the best website ever for helping families in this tight economy. (I can actually afford to shave everyday. lol)
I agree that some people stockpile things just because they can. I have 9 boxes of cereal right now and with 2 girls (13 and 9) that love to snack on cereal and will eat 2-3 bowls a day when they are home all day it doesnt last, same with shampoo and conditioner, I havent been able to get a stockpile of more than a few bottle of each because we go through so much. I would never stockpile excessively like they do on the show, I have NO desire to have 1000 tubes or toothpaste.
I have 2 sons that are customer service managers at Publix. This is what I know that I can share:
Stores received the new policy 4/26, it will be posted on the Publix website by 5/9 and will go into effect on June 1st. Each DM will determine the competitors for each store. It will vary by location. This is subject to change.
Thank you for these facts:)
I have watched the show a few times and am not impressed with how they try to beat the system. The one good thing I have found with the show is that they generally have 1 or 2 storage ideas that I like.
I watched Extreme Couponing twice and was appelled. So many wrong things going on. I don’t think hoarding is biblical. Most items – including toiletries have expiration dates, so it is foolish to stock up enormous amounts of these items. The inconsideration of wiping out store inventory is nothing to brag about, not to mention the huge investment of time and space to accomplish these savings and stockpiling. It seems like an unhealthy obsession for these people – no different from any other addiction, or idol. I don’t see anything positive about what these extremists are doing, and I don’t encourage anyone to watch the show – nothing to gain from it except what not to do if you want to be a caring, sharing, fiscally responsible person.
I’m from Florida and I would be very disappointed if they would discontinue accepting competitor coupons. Here in FL Publix does not match coupons at all and cutting on competitor coupons too…..
That’s why I go there because I can use my win dixie coupons and target coupons too.
I’m a “normal” couponer I dont need 96 bag of croutons or 70 mustard just normal stuff for my family of 4.
Extreme couponing is really extreme for me :))))
I am with you!! I live in Fl too and it we definitely have a disadvantage to the Publix deals…no penny change, food is more expensive (than say GA…family live there) and we have to do B1G1, we can’t just buy one item and get 50%off. Frustrating but I am happy that my store currently takes Grocery Store coupons. They have recently stopped taking Walgreens which I understand (they were losing a ton of money). Hopefully they won’t take Target away! That is were I makeout huge.
Since I started couponing at the end of January, my Publix has only accepted competitors who have a diary & meat section. So no Wags, Rite*Aid, or CVS…but they do take Q’s from Target, Kroger, Food Lion and so on. I think that is completely fair. Why should they match everyone’s prices? Also, as far as limiting us on the number of deals we can get…I kinda like that idea too. Then more of us can take advantage of the deals without having to worry that the person/people ahead of us cleared the shelves. I have a stockpile (although it is small compared to the extremists) and there’s only 3 of us in my household. But we are on 1 income and the items I have are things we use on an everyday basis that I get really cheap or sometimes free.
My opinion is, everyone I’ve ever come across on these types of blogs are couponing to save their families money. I’ve never seen anyone talk about clearing a shelf or hoarding 93 bags of croutons (that still gets me). Seems to me we are all kind, considerate people and hopefully with places like this for the newbies to turn to, we can teach them the CORRECT way to coupon. Afterall, this is where I learned what I know 🙂
I’m in S. Tampa and I go to the Publix on Gandy. They told me they do not accept Target coupons. And once I had manufacturer’s coupons, an Publix $5 off coupon, and a Sweetbay $10 off coupon. I had only purchased about $50 worth of products and I was originally told that I could not use all of the coupons because they would have to apply the competitor’s coupon FIRST, making the Publix in-store coupon invalid as the total dropped. I talked to a maanger and they went ahead and did the transaction in my favor. But be aware that they may have policies on which order they apply the coupons.
I have used Target coupons at the Gandy location. The Target is right next door and they carry groceries now. It is a mini Super Target. I guess I better get prepared for the worst. I have had problems at this store with Publix store coupons.
It’ll be a shame if they change the policy to much.My Publix basically accepts any coupon that is not glued down. I think that they do need to limit the amount of one type of product someone can get though.
Even before I started couponing, some couponers at my Tampa Publix would wipe out shelves, and I would not have the chance to get the things I need for my household.
For example the Pedigree Dog Food deal which was a few weeks ago. They were 3.99, and there was a 3.00 coupon therefore making each bag .99. I had to get a raincheck because a couponer apparently bought the whole display (about 97 bags or so). Who needs that much dog food?
I found several vendors at Webster Fleamarket selling things solely based on couponing deals like the one you mentioned above. Makes it tough for us normal folk to get in.
My publix has been changing their store policy over the last few weeks. Its frustrating that they wait until they come up to a coupon to tell me that they will no longer take that coupon. I know I should be proactive but at the same time they know I have a stack so it would be nice to tell me the new policy. I think it would be beneficial to Publix to print the new policy in a weekly ad so everyone is aware.
I definitely think the show has something to do with it. If people would just buy what they need instead of stock piling for a year we would all be fine. I was in the store a few days ago (second day of the new sale) and two things I need that were BIGI were wiped clean. They weren’t even food products. It is very frustrating especially since I actually needed that product right now. And unfortunately the shelf will be clean until the end of the sale. I actually saw the woman who bought 16 boxes of tampons. Come on…you aren’t going through all those right now.
The lady the showed at the second half of the program on extreme hoarders shocked me. She is stealing papers. Foreclosed homes don’t get papers. That poor newpaper guy now will get called at yelled at and docked that money. Second, I don’t know if anyone else saw it but in the first 5 minutes of her set you see her put something in the copier. I can’t believe this woman. Bragging about how people losing their homes in this economy is her silver lining. No wonder all the kids go to her house. I’m the mean old mom that makes my kids eat veggies and protein. Most of the stuff she bought was candy, liquid sugar, and pizza. Maybe I’m just projecting but her “me” mentally really rubbed me the wrong way. We are all in this economy together we should help each other out.
I have always wondered why grocery stores in other states have double/triple coupon policies but the stores in Florida do not. Can someone explain this to me?
I also live in florida and I hope our local Publix doesn’t restrict us too much, that show has really messed things up for those that need to save, last night one of those twins stocked up on diapers and bragged she didn’t have kids, what a waste, they should donate alot of that stuff to shelters to people who can use it now, people are hurting out there.
I love my Publix and get some great deals there. I ALWAYS use my coupons correctly and feel that anyone who does not is stealing….no nicer way of putting it. Yesterday, I got the B1G1 powerade deal with my B1G1 coupons and got a bit distracted and confused when I paid for my groceries. I got all the way to the car and thought I UNDERpaid so marched myself back into the store and went to customer service to check. She said “I have NEVER seen anyone come back to see if they needed to give US more money”.
I am able to use my learned (Thanks to our beautiful Liza)couponing skills to save a small fortune for my family and am able to donate and give away more than I could have imagined. For this I am so thankful 🙂
p.s. I refuse to watch the extreme couponing show because I know it will just get me angry!
I am a Customer Service Manager at a Publix in Florida. Yes, the policy is changing. But they have been in the process of changing this policy for about a year now. The show is not to blame, although may be partially responsible for hurrying the implementation of the policy.
The main thing that will be changing is the acceptance of competitor coupons. We will only accept coupons within a 3 miles radius of our store. My store is near a Target, Winn-Dixie, and Native Sun(health food store), and those are the only ones we will accept.
We have never allowed overages (being paid to shop), but sometimes the cashier doesn’t notice. Doubling coupons in Florida is not allowed, which is why we don’t do it.
Most customers are responsibly using coupons, and those are the ones we are sometimes willing to bend rules on (slightly out of date store coupon). Those that regularly take advantage are to blame for the changes being made… not just the recent popularity of the Extreme Couponing show.
Thank you Michelle for the info.
I am a Customer Service Manager at a Publix in Florida. While the coupon policy is changing (my understanding is that we will be getting some information in the next few weeks), it is not due to the Extreme Couponing tv show. They have been in the process of coming up with a corporate wide policy for about 8 months now. The show may have hurried along the implementation, but is not responsible for it.
We have never allowed “overages” or getting paid to shop. Sometimes a cashier doesn’t notice, but the policy is to only deduct the amount spent on an item.
Doubling coupons in Florida is not allowed, which is why we don’t do it. Sometimes there are other retailers in Florida that are willing to do it. But they are then losing money because they consider that part a store coupon (how they get around the rule).
Most customers are very responsible with their use of coupons. Those are the ones we are willing to sometimes bend the rules on, such as taking a slightly out of date store coupon. Those that regularly take advantage are the ones that have ruined our lenient policy. It is not simply the popularity of the new show.
Just wanted to add…
The main thing that will be changing is the acceptance of competitor coupons. We will only accept coupons within a 3 miles radius of our store. My store is near a Target, Winn-Dixie, and Native Sun(health food store), and those are the only ones we will accept.
I definitely think the show has impacted the economy. I went to purchase my papers at my usual place at my usual time and the shelf was cleared. I sucked it up and purchased a subscription.
That being said, I think the ‘craze’ will be fairly temporary. Sure there will be a permanent increase in coupon use but let’s face it, couponing takes a LOT of work and I think many will fall short of the commitment it requires. Everyone is still seeing it with rose colored glasses. 🙂
I am not new to couponing, but I am new to having a “notebook” filled with coupons! I do agree with everyone else that the Extreme Coupon people are a little bit “out there”. I am only looking for a good deal for what my family needs and maybe a little bit for the future. NOT 1,000 tubes of toothpaste, diapers, etc. The girls at work and I share our coupons and also collect Expired ones to send to the servicemen/women. I am curious to see if my Publix changes anything; especially since a newer store is opening very soon!
i think the show is hurting. I love shopping at Publix but today was disappointed. A friend of mine was buying a product (10 of them) and the manager had to approve it (more coupons than items). She was very rude and told my friend in not a nice tone that they were going to stop allowing competitor coupons and that they can’t have people wiping the self clean. Well, there was PLENTY of stock left when she bought 10 but she made my friend and me feel horrible. I’m sure “clearing the self” comment comes from what she hears on Extreme Couponing. I likve the show but it is making many people skeptical about couponers.