FAQ: Publix Policy, Clubs, and Programs: Updated With Expanded Coupon Policy 3/27/12!

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Publix operates differently in Florida than in other states. Exceptions to Publix policies and programs are noted below. This information has been assembled by HCW members and is an accurate representation of Publix corporate policy to the best of our knowledge.

General:

Q: Is a store card needed?
A: No, the sales prices ring up automatically. However, Publix does offer a UPromise card (more information on UPromise below).

Q: How do I get the ad?
A: You can generally find the ad in a local newspaper or in the turnstyle in the lobby at the store. You can view a copy online at the Publix site by entering your zip code.

Q: What is an Advantage Buy?
A: In addition to their weekly ad, Publix also publishes fliers of Advantage Buy items. These fliers are generally four-page, green or yellow glossy fliers which contains sale items, manufacturer's coupons, and Publix coupons. These sales last four weeks and overlap.

Q: Does Publix issue Rain Checks for out of stock sale items?
A: Yes. Publix issues rainchecks for advertised sale items. Rain checks are valid within 30 days from issue date.

Q: What if a product scans incorrectly at checkout?
A: The Publix checkout promise states that if during checkout, the scanned price of an item (excluding alcohol and tobacco products) is more than the shelf price or advertised price, the customer is entitled to one of that item free. Additional items are charged at the adjusted price. This also applies to clearance items.

Q: What is the Publix guarantee?
A: If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, the full purchase price will be refunded at your request.

Q: What is the Publix Penny Item/Mystery Item?
A: Publix offers a different mystery item for a penny Wednesday or Thursday of each week. The mystery item is offered the first day of the new ad. Only in certain states: Alabama, most of Georgia and Tennessee, and South Carolina, but not in Florida. Some examples of previous penny items are oatmeal, bleach, crackers, milk, hot dogs, 2-liter soda, juice, cereal, chips, paper towels, and toilet paper. Sometimes Publix brand, sometimes name brand.

To claim the item, you need have the penny item coupon from the local paper found in the paper the first day your ad begins. Spend a minimum of $10 on your shopping order (excluding alcohol, money orders, postage stamps, gift cards, and prescriptions). The $10 figure is calculated before your other coupons. The item rings up at regular price then the coupon subtracts all but a penny of the price. The coupon usually states "Limit one deal per coupon per customer".

The coupon is in the paper the day your ad starts and not always in the same location in the newspaper. Be sure to check your newspaper thoroughly. The actual items are generally either in a bin near the front of the store or a sign is posted on the door/registers. The item for a given week is usually the same in all areas so members post the penny item in this thread. If a store runs out of the particular item, they will make a substitution.

Coupons:

Q: Does Publix double coupons?
A: Only in select areas. Most of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee, but not in Florida. Doubling only applies to manufacturer's coupons, not store or competitor coupons. They double coupons valued at $0.50 and below. Publix does not limit the number of like coupons that you can double, although the individual store can place limits as they deem necessary. Publix will not double manufacturer coupons that state, "do not double."

Q: Does Publix take printable coupons?
A: Yes.

Q: Does Publix issue store coupons?
A: Publix issues a large number of store coupons. Every two weeks a new Advantage Buy flier is published. These fliers contain store coupons, manufacturer's coupons, and advertisements for month-long sales. Publix also publishes other coupon booklets throughout the year. You may use one Publix coupon and one manufacturer's coupon per item, unless either coupon explicitly prohibits it.

Q: Does Publix take competitor coupons?
A: Yes they do. Check with your store's customer service desk to find out their policy, ask who they consider to be competitors. Competitor's coupons are treated like store coupons. They will not double and can be used in conjunction with a manufacturer's coupon, but not in conjunction with a store coupon.

Q: Does Publix take expired manufacturer's coupons?
A: No, with the exception of taking expired coupons that go along with a Raincheck and were valid at the time the RC was written.

Q: May I use two Manufacturer's coupons on a BOGO sale?
A: No in Florida, yes in stores that ring a bogo half price. (i.e. Widget $2.40 bogo, register rings it as $1.20 and $1.20, you can use 2 coupons)

Q: May I use a BOGO coupon on a BOGO sale?
A: YMMV, this varies by store. Some stores will ring up items for half price during a BOGO sale; others will ring up the items as full price for the first item and $0 for the second item. If the items are normally $4 and your store rings each item as $2, your BOGO coupon will get you two items for $2. If your store rings the first item at full price and the second at $0, your BOGO coupon will get you two free items.

Q: Are there limits on the number of coupons I can use?
A: Publix does not have a specific policy limiting coupons. The register is programmed to require a manager's approval when the coupons total over $50. The register is also programmed to accept no more coupons (store and manufacturer together) than items. If you are using a store and a manufacturer coupon for every item in your cart, you will need manager intervention. As with any store, individual store managers may refuse to accept any coupons they deem suspicious.

Q: I forgot to use one of my coupons. Can I get an adjustment?
A: There is no official policy on this, but if you ask at the Customer Service desk, they are likely to make the adjustment.


Clubs, Programs, and Magazines:

Publix Apron's Simple Meals Recipes: Recipes and other information are available on-line.

Publix Baby Club: The Baby Club sends you special coupons and promotions from the time you're expecting until the child is two years old. Not all of the coupons are for baby items (e.g. $1 any produce item, $1 any deli item). You can sign-up on-line.

Publix Family Style: Publix Family Style is a free magazine of recipes and articles. You can subscribe on-line or via a postcard found in the store lobby/CS desk. Issues of this magazine can often be found in the store lobby.

Publix GreenWise Market: Publix GreenWise Market is a free magazine of recipes and articles geared toward natural and organic living. Often there are a few manufacturer's coupons in the magazine. You can subscribe on-line or via a postcard found in the store lobby/CS desk. Issues of this magazine can often be found in the store lobby or in the health foods aisle.

Public Partners: This program is available in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. You can obtain a shopping card from the school of your choice. For every $75,000 spent by Publix shoppers scanning a particular school's card, the school will receive $500 from Publix.

Publix Pet Program
From the Publix website:
"The pet aisle is just the beginning. You can shop for every member of the family at Publix, including the furry ones. But Publix has even more treats for you and your pet. Register now to receive tips, valuable coupons and advance notice of special events.
"We're giving away prizes to three lucky pets (and their owners). Will you be one? Register by March 31, 2011, and you'll be entered into our sweepstakes for a chance to win free food for you and your pet. Prize information and official sweepstakes rules."

Publix cares about your privacy. For more information, please read our Privacy Policy. You cannot sign up for Publix Pet Program if you do not agree to our Terms of Use or if you live outside Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and Tennesse

Publix Preschool Pals: This program is for children two to four years old. It includes a newsletter, access to a special website, prizes, etc. You can sign up on-line. The newsletter can often be found in the store lobby.

Publix "The Best Meals Happen At Home" : Sign up for exclusive weekly store coupons by email and recipes.

Publix UPromise: Information about saving for college using the UPromise program can be found on their website. You can sign up for a Publix UPromise card in the store. Just scan your card when you shop to receive credit to your UPromise account.

Publix Wine Guide: Read all about wine on-line. You can subscribe to the free Publix Grape magazine on-line or via a postcard found in the store lobby/CS desk. Issues of this magazine can often be found in the store lobby or in the wine aisle.

Updated Publix Coupon Policy 5/11:





Be sure to check the store lobby and just inside the second set of doors for individual coupons or coupon booklets. The carousel with the weekly sales flyer will often contain the Advantage Buy four-week sales flyers, coupons left over from in-store promotions, and other coupon booklets. There may also be a cardboard display holding other coupon books put out by Publix.

New From the official Publix website:

Publix Coupon Policy Q & A

Publix accepts manufacturers' coupons (limit one per item), Publix coupons (originals only—no copies), valid Internet coupons, and coupons from nearby competitors identified by each Publix store. (Competitor names are posted at each Publix store.) We will accept coupons from competing pharmacies for prescriptions only. We will not accept percent-off-items or percent-off-total-order coupons. We will only accept coupons for identical merchandise we sell. Acceptance is subject to any restrictions on the coupon, and we reserve the right to limit quantities. Manager approval is needed for individual coupons above $5.00. For a buy-one-get-one free (BOGO) offer, each item is considered a separate sale. We will accept a manufacturer’s coupon and either a Publix or a competitor coupon on the same item. Dollars-off-total-order coupons will be limited to one Publix and one competitor coupon per order. The order total must be equal to or greater than the total purchase requirements indicated on the coupon(s) presented.

Buy One Get One Coupons

Q: A competitor has a "buy one get two free" coupon. Will Publix accept it?
A: Publix accepts BOGO and buy one get two free coupons if they're for identical merchandise Publix sells.

Dollars-Off-Total-Order Coupons

Q: What should the acceptance criteria be for a coupon that states $40.00 purchase must be met after all other coupons/discounts have been applied. Not valid on purchases of stamps, gift cards, alcohol or tobacco products.?
A: Our policy states that coupon acceptance is subject to any restrictions on the coupon, so in this case we'd use the more restrictive limitations printed on the coupon.

Q: A competitor on a store's approved list is offering a $5.00 off a $25.00 order coupon when a customer signs up to receive communications from them. Will Publix take this coupon?
A: Yes. Since they have already signed up with the competitor to receive this coupon, the only requirement left to comply with is purchasing $25 worth of groceries.

Q: Will Publix accept a competitor's coupon that indicates the customer must present their retailer rewards card to use the coupon?
A: Yes. Publix does not have a reward card but would honor this coupon if they meet the other purchase requirements.

Coupon Stacking

Q: Can a store coupon, competitor coupon, and manufacturer’s coupon all be used for one item?
A: No, a manufacturer's and a Publix or competitor coupon, but not both, may be used.

Q: If an item already has a manufacturer's coupon attached to it, will Publix still take an additional manufacturer's coupon on the item?
A: No. Publix will take an additional Publix or competitor coupon but will only take one manufacturer's coupon for an item, regardless of where the coupon came from.

Q: A customer has a "save $1 off the purchase of two items" manufacturer's coupon. Can another manufacturer's coupon be used for either of these items?
A: No. When the manufacturer issues a "$1 off the purchase of two items" coupon, it requires the purchase of two items. Therefore, a coupon has already been applied to both items. This is because the customer had to purchase both items to meet the coupon's requirements.

Q: A customer has a BOGO manufacturer's coupon. Can another manufacturer's coupon be used for either of these items?
A: No. When the manufacturer issues a BOGO coupon, it requires the purchase of two items. Therefore, a coupon has already been applied to both items. This is because the customer had to purchase both items to meet the coupon's requirements.

Gift Card Coupons

Q: Will Publix accept a competitor coupon for a free $5 gift card with the purchase of an item or items? (For example, a coupon for "buy both Raid Max Bug Barriers 1 gallon starter kit and refill" and receive a $5 store gift card.)
A: Yes, the customer will receive a $5 Publix gift card if we carry the identical items.

Pharmacy Coupons

Q: Does Publix accept prescription coupons from all pharmacies or only from our listed competitors?
A: Publix accepts coupons for prescriptions from all local retail pharmacies.

Rain Checks and Coupons

Q: A customer presents a rain check and a coupon for an item. The coupon is now expired, but was valid on the date the rain check was issued. Can the coupon still be accepted?
A: Yes.

Private Label

Q: Will Publix accept a competitor's coupon for a private label item?
A: Yes, this is an opportunity for us to introduce our customer to Publix brand products.