Publix: Coupons Got Shot Down

[LakelandLady]

Well I have to say, I now remember the constant state of going back and forth with a cashier about the usage of coupons at Publix. I went to one of those un-coupon friendly stores tonight and unlike the last trip to this Publix I had a few "exceptions".

First I had a bag of Dog food that had a publix coupon for the Family Style magazine. When we picked up the dog food it had a peelie on it that said Redeem at Publix. I let the cashier peel off the coupon because I wanted to pay for the dog food separatedly and had two coupons and 1 item. It beeped. She said I could not use two coupons. I said well one is a Publix coupon (which by the way says nothing on it about not combining) and the other one is a MANU. she disagreed.I just stood there restating very politely the same setiment. She went over to the CS person who then came and told me both were Publix coupons. I then disagreed because if it was a Publix coupon why then does Publix turn them in when it says redeem at.....She said it is a publix coupon because you can only use it at Publix- I agreed that the one from the magazine was a Publix coupon but the other coupon even if it says redeem at publix it was a peelie that I could take and use where ever I want (or I might have said at Walmart). Needless to say she said we will not accept it. We can accept one or the other. I don't feel this is true. The CS person has always been very matter of fact with me when she isn't presenting the facts. The cashier was nice but of course did what she was told- which I understand.

Second I had a Revlon tool coupon with the little clippers that I asked to be manually adjusted to the correct amount. Cashier said she COULD NOT manually adjust it.

So I left without the Revlon product nor the dog food.
Is it worth a letter or email to someone?

[Wiggum]

Well I have to say, I now remember the constant state of going back and forth with a cashier about the usage of coupons at Publix. I went to one of those un-coupon friendly stores tonight and unlike the last trip to this Publix I had a few "exceptions".

First I had a bag of Dog food that had a publix coupon for the Family Style magazine. When we picked up the dog food it had a peelie on it that said Redeem at Publix. I let the cashier peel off the coupon because I wanted to pay for the dog food separatedly and had two coupons and 1 item. It beeped. She said I could not use two coupons. I said well one is a Publix coupon (which by the way says nothing on it about not combining) and the other one is a MANU. she disagreed.I just stood there restating very politely the same setiment. She went over to the CS person who then came and told me both were Publix coupons. I then disagreed because if it was a Publix coupon why then does Publix turn them in when it says redeem at.....She said it is a publix coupon because you can only use it at Publix- I agreed that the one from the magazine was a Publix coupon but the other coupon even if it says redeem at publix it was a peelie that I could take and use where ever I want (or I might have said at Walmart). Needless to say she said we will not accept it. We can accept one or the other. I don't feel this is true. The CS person has always been very matter of fact with me when she isn't presenting the facts. The cashier was nice but of course did what she was told- which I understand.

Second I had a Revlon tool coupon with the little clippers that I asked to be manually adjusted to the correct amount. Cashier said she COULD NOT manually adjust it.

So I left without the Revlon product nor the dog food.
Is it worth a letter or email to someone?

Considering what the staff corporate meetings have been consisting of about the coupon policies I'd definately send an e-mail to corporate. What area was this in?

EDIT: I just looked at your name. I'm shocked if this happened in Lakeland!

[ham76]

Well I have to say, I now remember the constant state of going back and forth with a cashier about the usage of coupons at Publix. I went to one of those un-coupon friendly stores tonight and unlike the last trip to this Publix I had a few "exceptions".

First I had a bag of Dog food that had a publix coupon for the Family Style magazine. When we picked up the dog food it had a peelie on it that said Redeem at Publix. I let the cashier peel off the coupon because I wanted to pay for the dog food separatedly and had two coupons and 1 item. It beeped. She said I could not use two coupons. I said well one is a Publix coupon (which by the way says nothing on it about not combining) and the other one is a MANU. she disagreed.I just stood there restating very politely the same setiment. She went over to the CS person who then came and told me both were Publix coupons. I then disagreed because if it was a Publix coupon why then does Publix turn them in when it says redeem at.....She said it is a publix coupon because you can only use it at Publix- I agreed that the one from the magazine was a Publix coupon but the other coupon even if it says redeem at publix it was a peelie that I could take and use where ever I want (or I might have said at Walmart). Needless to say she said we will not accept it. We can accept one or the other. I don't feel this is true. The CS person has always been very matter of fact with me when she isn't presenting the facts. The cashier was nice but of course did what she was told- which I understand.

Second I had a Revlon tool coupon with the little clippers that I asked to be manually adjusted to the correct amount. Cashier said she COULD NOT manually adjust it.

So I left without the Revlon product nor the dog food.
Is it worth a letter or email to someone?

I wanted to let you know I am also in Lakeland and when I ran into problems I called corporate and spoke directly with the district manager for the stores I shop at. She was very nice but explained the policy to me so I would not have any problems. So now when I run into a reluctant cashier I just tell her the name of the district manager said this was allowed and then they ask a higher up and they not only allow the coupon but I have had the store manager appologize and give me more coupons in front of the cashier. When they know you know the policy and that you won't hesitate to speak to the district manager they are very eager to make sure they follow the policy.

[trus4me]

I have a question about a dog food coupon too. I was in Publix a few weeks ago and ran into a Purina sales rep. We got to talking about the Beneful dog food and he gave me several Purina $2 coupons. They were large peelies that he was putting on large bags of Beneful. They were clearly marked "manufacturer's coupon." But they also had the words "redeem only at Publix." Target was having a great deal on Beneful this week and I wanted to use my Qs there, but I figured Target, being not so coupon friendly, wouldn't allow it, so I didn't even try. What do y'all think?

[nrpeace17]

If they state "redeemable only at Publix," then you can't use them anywhere else, with the possible exception of another store accepting them as a competitors' coupon.

[johnfdeluca]

If they state "redeemable only at Publix," then you can't use them anywhere else, with the possible exception of another store accepting them as a competitors' coupon.

I'd agree that "redeemable only at Publix" means it cannot be used elsewhere (vs. the less restrictive "available at Publix") but I'd still think it's not a store Q if it says manufacturer coupon.

Either way, in these cases, I try not to argue too much with the store....I usually just ask for my coupons back and have them void out the transaction and I shop elsewhere (and let corp know of the situation and that I ended up shopping elsewhere.

[nrpeace17]

I'd agree that "redeemable only at Publix" means it cannot be used elsewhere (vs. the less restrictive "available at Publix") but I'd still think it's not a store Q if it says manufacturer coupon.

Either way, in these cases, I try not to argue too much with the store....I usually just ask for my coupons back and have them void out the transaction and I shop elsewhere (and let corp know of the situation and that I ended up shopping elsewhere.

Yes, it is a mfr coupon, but the acceptance at another store would be with the understanding that they would not be reimbursed by the mfr since it is redeemable only at Publix. Thus, it would have to be accepted as a competitors' coupon.

[justlucy06]

Definitely I'd contact corporate about the dog food. When I've emailed corporate I get a phone call from the store manager. I like the idea of getting to speak with the district manager by calling.....

On the Revlon. What I've started doing is buy 10 products that equal approx. $20 and use 10 of the $2 coupons. Never had a problem. I have also had them tell me many times they can't adjust down the coupon. So it would be nice to have a definite answer about that question too.

Which store? Feel free to pm me - nice to see you last week at the C/S counter

[johnfdeluca]

Yes, it is a mfr coupon, but the acceptance at another store would be with the understanding that they would not be reimbursed by the mfr since it is redeemable only at Publix. Thus, it would have to be accepted as a competitors' coupon.

I understand....I was thinking of it from the using at Publix perspective than using elsewhere....if it's a MQ, then should be able to combine with a store Q and Publix was wrong to prohibit it being stacked with a store Q.

[nrpeace17]

I understand....I was thinking of it from the using at Publix perspective than using elsewhere....if it's a MQ, then should be able to combine with a store Q and Publix was wrong to prohibit it being stacked with a store Q.

Oh yes, I totally agree. She should have been able to use both for sure. One is a store specific mfr which gets sent out for redemption to the mfr. The other is a Publix store coupon.