We're not getting Red Plum inserts anymore!!??

[ellie1912]

The more I think about no more Red Plums the more depressed I get... I keep forgetting as I go about my day --- and then all of a sudden I remember again and have this sad sinking feeling... This is really horrible news, it still has not fully sunk in yet, I guess because it's only been two weeks since Red Plum was not in the Pilot--- It's hard because I can't complain to anyone about how depressed I am about this- I tell my husband what horrible news this is to me and he just looks at me like I'm crazy... Sigh.

[ritzeeINtx]

I don't mean to be the Devils Advocate here but if all these statements are true why is it not nationwide?

It might be called "Contracts", as the papers contracts run out. Then they will be converting over to direct mail.

[SavininFL]

I live in the D/FW area and: wind has it; it is coming to us too! The reasoning I get when calling the ValassisCo. is they are tired of the "Clipper sites illegally selling the coupons". They claim that these sites are walking a fine gray line. So to combat this they have had to change there distribution tactics. To stop questionable web sites from. “Selling there time and services”. So, unfortunately EVERY one has to suffer because of the few greedy people.

I couldn't agree with them more! They are selling it illegally and the "site" is walking a fine line. HOWEVER, THEY put out 1 million copies of newspapers so they should know there is a possibility that 1 million copies would be redeemed. Why does it matter if it comes from 1 person with 20 q's or 20 people with 1 q each? People who aren't dedicated to brands are just going to throw them away anyways AND NOW the couponers aren't going to waste there time with 1 q?! I sure hope it takes awhile to hit out area :sad:

[BabyBlissProducts]

the redplum here didnt have any of the catfood or dog food coupons in it, which is upsetting since i wanted them. Guess I will have to start buying the bigger papers to get the higher value coupons

[jodikay1]

As a test this weekend I bought one each of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Akron Beacon Journal and the Vindicator. (I live in Austintown/Youngstown)

Only Akron and Vindi had the proctor and Gamble.

Only Akron an Vindi had Red Plum but they were not identical - Vindi was horribly bare - Akrons was not much better (honestly I found no reason to go back and get any more --- not sure how the home delivery was)

All four had the other - The values were mostly the same except for the pizza coupon (don't remember what brand) but PPG had a value of $1.50/2 and all three other papers had $.75/1 (which is a whole lot better for me doubled!!!!!). There were definately more actually coupons in the PPG - but pretty compable to the PD - but the PPG is price marked up for me in Youngstown to $2.25 where the Plain Dealer is $1.50 at regular price.

Anyway - My judgement this week - I would of still wanted to buy the PPG or the PD because of the quantity of the coupons vs those of Akron and Vindi.

The RedPlum's that I did get - they were absolutely pathetic and worthless for me anyway.

On a different note: I contacted PPG and got the "it is RedPlum's decition". I contacted RedPlum and got the "direct mail allows everyone the opportunity for savings - and go to the website to print."

I'm just still disappointed by the whole thing and not knowing which papers to buy just wrecks my plans ALL UP..... (pout)

[neekyme]

I'm still going with the PPG, not just because my paper guy rocks - but because it really does have the best coupons in the inserts it still has LOL My mom gets the Trib (Greensburg...but I'm pretty sure they and the Pitts Trib get the same coupons) and most times her inserts are missing quite a few coupons compared to the PPG.

Kellogg's sent me two 50c/1 Morning Star Farms mqs and two 50c/1 Kellogg's cereal couopns. Quaker sent me 1$ off any Quaker product (includes Aunt Jemima and a bunch of other stuff I didn't realize they made).

I figured PPG didnt have anything to do with the RP being pulled out of it - I really hope RP just starts having smaller and smaller inserts and everyone goes with SS. The last few SS inserts have been massive - I hope it stays that way!

[neekyme]

I don't see how Valassis is blaming it on coupon clipping sites - heck, I don't know of one clipping site from the PA/OH area - and yet they pull it from our newspapers?

I've emailed several companies so far - Kellogg's and Quaker sent me coupons as an apology and are forwarding the complaint to the marketing dept. L'Oreal and Bayer are forwarding it to management. I havent heard back from Valassis at all.

I'm letting them know that I will simply stop buying their product if I am not able to find coupons in my area for them. If I can get Olay coupons buy not L'Oreal - guess whose product I'm buying...

I'm getting caught up on everything the next couple of days and then I'm starting to email again. I'm livid over the whole situation. I just can't believe they claim it's because of clipping sites and that 'coupon usage is down' - especially when there are countless articles and news stories about the economy and how more and more people are turning to coupons. They may gain a few new users who don't normally buy a sunday paper - but they will lose HUGE numbers of sales from those of us who buy 2+ newspapers a week just for the coupons!

[marrelam]

Glad to hear that there's someone else out there contacting these companies. We can get this reversed! Don't forget to contact your local paper that has stopped carrying RP.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer has really stepped up their marketing with regards to letting their subscribers know that coupons are still available in their paper after all the negative press it's received since the news stories have aired. They know us couponers are unhappy and subscribers have cancelled as it's being reported on various boards.

[mtltka]

Everyday, I email a few companies and let them know basically what neekyme said. If I can't get your coupons I will buy from the companies of those I can. RP finally responded to me with a canned response. I emailed back explaining they are not getting what I am saying. They have taken away our choice to get at the coupons and buy as many inserts as we choose. I am explaining this to the companies I email as well.

Sure the coupons coming in the mail are nice, but they will end. Some companies even email back stating they have no coupons to give. Many just are not getting it. It's sad.

[mtltka]

As a test this weekend I bought one each of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Akron Beacon Journal and the Vindicator. (I live in Austintown/Youngstown)

Only Akron and Vindi had the proctor and Gamble.

Only Akron an Vindi had Red Plum but they were not identical - Vindi was horribly bare - Akrons was not much better (honestly I found no reason to go back and get any more --- not sure how the home delivery was)

All four had the other - The values were mostly the same except for the pizza coupon (don't remember what brand) but PPG had a value of $1.50/2 and all three other papers had $.75/1 (which is a whole lot better for me doubled!!!!!). There were definately more actually coupons in the PPG - but pretty compable to the PD - but the PPG is price marked up for me in Youngstown to $2.25 where the Plain Dealer is $1.50 at regular price.

Anyway - My judgement this week - I would of still wanted to buy the PPG or the PD because of the quantity of the coupons vs those of Akron and Vindi.

The RedPlum's that I did get - they were absolutely pathetic and worthless for me anyway.

On a different note: I contacted PPG and got the "it is RedPlum's decition". I contacted RedPlum and got the "direct mail allows everyone the opportunity for savings - and go to the website to print."

I'm just still disappointed by the whole thing and not knowing which papers to buy just wrecks my plans ALL UP..... (pout)

IF the PD would have had the RP this is what you would have gotten:

Save 1.50 on one 15.5 lb or larger bag of Purina dog foods (lists a bunch of options)
Save 1.00 on one 3.5 lb or larger bag of Purina dog foods (lists a bunch of options)
Save 1.50 of two 3.15 lb or larger Purina Friskies any variety
Save 1.00 of fifteen pouches of Purina Friskies Seared Filets or Fine Cuts any variety or 2 12 ct or 1 24 ct variety pack
Save 1.00 on 15 5.5 oz cans any variety OR 2 12 ct or 1 24 ct or larger multi or variety pack of Purina Friskies any variety
Save 2.00 on one 3 lb or larger bag of Healthful Life from Purina Cat Chow or Naturals Plus Vitamins and Minerals from Purina Cat Chow
Buy 4 get 1 Free up to 89 cents Alpo (several varieties) there are 2 Qs, one is for different varieties.
Save 1.00 on 2 packages of Purina Whisker Lickins any size, any variety
Save 1.50 on two package of Purina busy dog snacks any size, any variety
Save 1.50 on one package of Purina Carvers any size, any variety
Free one 13oz can of Purina ONE dog food Wholesome Entrée any variety (up to 1.49)
Save 1.00 on one package of Purina ONE dog or cat food any size, any variety
BOGO up to 93cents 5.5 oz can of Purina Friskies Selects indoor, any size, any variety
Save 1.00 on Tidy Cats
Save 5.00 on Breeze litter system
Save 1.00 on 2 quaker oatmeal
Save 1.00 on New Quaker Fiber and Omega – 3 Chewy Oat Granola Bars
Save 1.00 on Garnier Nutritioniste Cleanser or Moisturizer
Save 2.00 on any Garnier Nutrisse Shade or Multi-Lights Kit
Save 1.00 on Fructis Shampoo or Cond.
Save 1.00 on Fructis Style Product
Save 1.00 on 12 Del Monte Fruits, Veg, Tomatoes or Fruit Cup snacks
Save .40 on ONE No salt added Tomatoes
Save 4.00 on any adult Zyrtec
Save 1.00 on any Eucerin
Save 1.00 on Tylenol Extra Strength Rapid Release Gels
Save 1.00 on Tylenol cold or sinus rapid release gels
Save 1.00 on Tylenol cold or sinus rapid release gels
Save 1.00 on Tylenol PM rapid release gels
Save 2.00 on Listerine Total care
Save .50 on Listerine Antiseptic or pocket packs
Save 1.00 on Listerine whitening pre-brush, agen cool blue or smart rinse or PLAX rinse
Save 3.00 on Listerine whitening pen, quick dissolving strips or Rembrant whitening kit
Save 1.00 on one REACH toothbrush or floss or efferdent
Save 1.00 on any pack of Promise Supershots for cholesterol
Save 1.00 on any pack of Promise Supershots for blood pressure
Save 1.40 on any ONE slim fast ready to drink multi pack or powder canister
Save 1.25 on any one slim fast bars or multi pack
Save 1.00 on any Maybelline Mascara
Save 1.00 on any Maybelline lip product
Save 2.00 on any Maybelline foundation
TARGET COUPON – 1.00 off 6 roll or larger Bounty paper towels
TARGET COUPON – 2.25 off with the purchase of 2 6 roll or larger Bounty paper towels
Save 1.00 on Crisco Olive Oil
Save .75 on 2 varieties of Rice mixes or pasta mixes (Zatarains)
Save 5.00 on any size or strength Ester-C product
Save 1.00 on any one L’Oreal Moisturizer or Treatment
Save 1.00 on any one L’Oreal Skincare Cleanser
Save 1.00 on any Nivea Lip Care Product
Save 1.00 on any Nivea Body Product
Save 2.00 on Centrum Cardio
Save 1.00 on any one Thermacare Heatwraps (no trial size)
Save 1.50 on any one Thermacare Arthritis Heatwraps (no trial size)
Auntie Anne’s – pretzel – BOGO
Auntie Anne’s – free pretzel with the purchase of any stix or pretzel dog
Baker’s Square – 5 off 20, free entrée with purchase of another and 2 drinks, 20% off check
Cold Stone – two prepacked quarts for 9, 3 off signature cake

This is what we are missing since I am not in the "targeted" mail area. It makes me sick to look at the coupons I have no chance to get. You are right the Akron (ABJ) coupons pale in comparision.