How often do you place Special Orders?

[tivaclare]

How do special orders work? Can they order things the store doesn't already carry? My store is kind of small, so they either have low supply or limited selection. I don't want to be "that guy" that wipes the shelves clean when I've got good coupons.

Also, how long does an order usually take to come in? How do I pick it up?

I'm also wondering, how often do you make special orders? I thinking of doing it twice a month, but don't want to get in trouble for so much coupon use!!

I'm thinking of ordering:
KY (stores carries but last time I bought 25 it cleared the shelf)
Clean Team wipes (doesn't carry)
Monistat Wipes (doesn't carry)
Excedrin Trial (doesn't carry)

Thanks in advance. You guys/gals (?) have been awesome with the advice and tips. I appreciate it SO much!! This forum has been a God send.

[Curlybwc]

There is a thread on this I just found - but I just did it for the first time a couple of days ago. I called the commissary, (we live an hour away) gave them my name, phone number, the product name and UPC # (there is an excel sheet on here w/ the info) and the amount that I wanted to buy. If you know how many are in a case it helps but is not always necessary according to my commissary. They said they wrote it down and asked when I would be in to pick it up - My comm needed 24-48 hours notice, but these were items they normally stock. Also, when my q's didn't come in the mail, I was able to call and say I couldn't make it for another few days and they were fine with that - just told me to call before I came in so they could have it ready for me. Easier than I thought it would be! Now to go in and see if it all works out right...

P.S. Also, they didn't sound like they batted an eye at the order for 72 KY jelly. No questions at all!

[PMFan]

i'm surprised others have not replied here.

they should call you when it comes in. one commissary i SO a while back and it only took a few days. i placed an SO a different store nearly 4 weeks ago and still have not gotten a call.

i would think 2x a month is ok and i do not believe you'd get in trouble for coupon usage.

i've gone to the CS window to p/u the SO. not sure if that's the procedure at every store.

Curlybwc - i've tried ordering over the phone which they did tell me they prefer i SO order in person so it may be YMMV. Faxing might be an option also.

[tivaclare]

Thanks everyone! I'm SO items my store never stocks, so I need to make sure I have enough Qs per case. The lady at CS didn't seem to have much information, or willingness to help.

I'm going to try to do some research online and if all else fails, call and see what they can do for me. My store is only 15 miles away, but it's such a pain to go. I had planned on faxing in my order.