Overage = Coupon Fraud?!?!?

[trudibeth77]

So-- at my FAVE Publix today in my FAVE cashier's line... and trying to buy some Schick razors for the overage. I've never had any issues with overage before there... but today the cashier looked at the coupon and said "excuse me just a minute" and asked a mgr?? (not sure what her role was) how to enter it. She said he could only give me what I was paying for them- they couldn't give me money back. And I said- but the mfr will reimburse you the full amt?? She said they would only reimburse what their price was (??!? how does the mfr even know that???). Anyway- I really like this cashier and this Publix- I didn't want to create a stir. The lady told me it's basically coupon fraud to give more than the cost of the item. Now- I've always thought overage was fine- etc, etc- I know there has been a of discussion. But I didn't want to argue since I have never worked in retail and don't REALLY know the process (other than what I've been told on these boards). I started thinking- maybe they are getting push back from the mfr's on these? I sure don't want to be known as trying to do fraudulant things. So I ended up with 9 razors and 3 $3 coupons (she told me to use 1 q/ 3 razors). I didn't really want the stinkin' razors- was just getting them for the overage so I could afford my expensive seltzer water! I'm tempted to return them, but since I would get cash back, I think THAT would also be coupon fraud?? (buying with q's and returning to get cash back). ARRGHHH!

Anyone here ever worked at Publix and know how the process works for real? Does it tarnish Publix's relationship with the mfr to give more than the pp and submit for reimbursement?

THX!

[bananafishfever]

I have never worked in a retail setting where they take coupons either. But as far as I know, coupons are a form of tender just like cash, credit, etc. I believe it is up to the Publix store manager's discretion as to whether they will give overage. But they should at least accept the coupon and price adjust it down to the cost of item, so you should get it free. Then, they should write that price on the coupon so they get reimbursed for that actual amount charged, not the full face value because otherwise they'd be committing coupon fraud in *their* favor.

I would double check with the store manager directly next time you're in and get the store's official policy. I find that 'store/corporate' policy varies widely from cashier to cashier. The one time I was frustrated enough to talk to the store manager at CVS (his cashiers were quoting 'corporate policy' which I knew to be completely inaccurate), he was very apologetic and said he would make sure his cashiers understood coupon policy. It doesn't hurt to ask.

[stressedoutmomma]

My Mom has worked for Publix for many years, and there is always a controversy over couponing. I ask her about the policies all of the time.. In most stores and districts overage on coupons is usually left up to the store managers discretion. But really, If the coupon was a legitimate coupon, and the product you were buying was correct, Publix should have taken the coupon.. There was a meeting held about coupons in my district several months ago. And it was stated in the meeting that as long as the coupon is legitimate, and for the correct product they are suppose to give the overage. Publix gets reimbursed for the full face value of the coupon, plus $0.8. I am in the Jacksonville division. It wouldn't hurt for you to call either your store manager, or your district office and find out for sure.

[Jessi]

I use to work for Publix here in Tennessee...Customer Service Counter to be exact and our managers never had a problem with the overage as long as your total wasn't a negative it was fine, so if people knew it was going to be a negative amount then they would get a filler or fillers to cover the negative.
It's all up to the manager. Sometimes new managers come in unexpectedly and change everything. If you ever have a question about what what your current store manager says about coupons call corp. HTH!

[trudibeth77]

Thank you for the responses! Like I said, I've never had trouble with overage there before- but normally the cashiers don't even ask. This guy (cashier) has been with Publix for years, so I'm sure he didn't want to do anything that might be questionable/ jeopardize his job... so that's why he asked. And since he IS always so friendly and nice when I hand over a stack of coupons, I didn't want to create any drama for him. I'm not sure if I've gotten overage with him before or not- I don't often have q's that give overage...
Anyway-- I was formulating an argument in my head with the mgr/ cs/ whatever she was... but I decided against it. For one thing, I would not take too kindly to someone who does not DO my job trying to tell me how I should DO my job. And what I know of the store's reimbursement process is NOT first-hand knowledge-- so who am I to argue?? I hate to create waves, but maybe a call to corp might be in order just to get clarification (not to try to "tattle" on anyone). They really are so kind there - I still love that Publix-- just may avoid overage coupons in the future! Too bad- I was sick when I walked out of there having paid close to $40 when I was expecting $20!!! (this wasn't even a grocery run-this was just to stock up on drinks- so I was really counting on the overage!).

Now- if I return those razors since I can't really use them- to my other Publix by my house (much closer/ more convenient)... is that questionable ethics? In theory, they would refund the PP... which I guess would at least give me $9 or $10 of my expected overage (since I basically got them for free)... but of course I did not purchase the razors intending to return them and in essence "cash out" my coupons... I think that's kind of a gray area there. I'm sure there are some scammers that make a living out of doing that..
I would have cancelled them at the first Publix when they wouldn't give me the overage, but they'd already been rung and as mentioned, I really didn't want to create drama for the cashier... and there was a line forming behind me.

[anaj06]

I think overage will always be a YMMV thing depending on the whim of the cashier/manager. I don't think that particular subject is worth fighting or getting clarification on because I don't think it will help you the next time you want to use an overage coupon. I usually just ask for the items to be removed from my order (if I didn't want them and just wanted the overage) and then take my coupons somewhere else to get the overage. By going ahead and buying the razors you lost your opportunity to get the overage because you lost your coupons.

(((Hugs))) I know sometimes couponing can be so frustrating!

[tracysbeans]

I would have cancelled them at the first Publix when they wouldn't give me the overage, but they'd already been rung and as mentioned, I really didn't want to create drama for the cashier... and there was a line forming behind me.

What I would have done would be to nicely ask them to void them off. It wouldn't have taken that long to void them out. And to me telling them nicely I feel shouldn't cause a scene. Even non-couponers take stuff off their order for a variety of reasons.

[Slvrsweet42002]

I agree its a fine line to cross with overage. However, I was told by my manager here in TN that a cashier is NEVER allowed to adjust a manufacturer's coupon down in any circumstances. As long as you are going word by word on that coupon you are entitled to its full value. The manufacturer is going to pay Publix the entire value of that coupon whether you received it or not. The clearing house will NOT know if you only received $.99 of a $3 coupon. That would require some type of note or special situation and that would add WAY too much work on top of what they already do.

I understand that Publix cannot pay you to walk out with their groceries, but as long as you have items to soak up that overage you are entitled to it.

I'm not an expert, nor do I work at Publix- but I do have wonderful managers that know what they are talking about.

[katncaed]

The truth of the matter is that the store/clearing house that redeems the coupon with the manufacturer will get the full face value amount plus the $.08 handling fee...period.

Large supermarkets like Publix go through a third party clearing house, and get an average amount per pound of coupons sent to the clearing house. So...the manager was incorrect. Their clearing out will get the full $3 per coupon redeemed, plus that handling charge. However, Publix will not see the full $3 for that coupon since they get a set amount per pound...so they won't have to deal with the coupon redemption mess.

But regardless...the manager is committing coupon fraud by not redeeming the coupon from you for the full amount and then having their clearing house redeem it for the full amount.

It's a fine line...but that is the facts. The problem is that most managers have no idea how coupons really work.

[pelligroovy]

If you google "What happens to a coupon" and read about the clearing house, there are a few great articles out there.
They are not allowed to adjust down the coupon. There is no little coupon cops at the clearing houses looking for the odd chance that someone handwrote something. The store gets reimbursed no matter what the purchase price of the item was.

I have heard however, if you use a competitor coupon and a MF and the cashier realizes that it's causing some overage, they CAN adjust down the competitor coupon. In those cases, I put those items thru first. :)

If you feel froggy and it's worth it to you, I might take a copy of the clearing house articles to the mgr, and see if you can work together to understand the process, since clearly he/she doesn't.

Good Luck.