Newbie Questions for Publix Shoppers

[nrpeace17]

Yes, you have to pick one if it is for the same item. A Competitor's coupon is in the same category as the Publix store coupon.

[TincyJean]

Question for anyone who can explain Publix policy to me. I went to Publix on Monday and hoped to buy the B1G1 Honey Bunches of Oats with Pecans since I had the $2 Q's for those. My store was out of the pecan, almond and a couple of others...but they still had some boxes of other varieties/flavors on the shelves.

I asked for a raincheck and the asst. mgr. asked, "Aren't there any on the shelf?" I said, "yes, but you don't have the pecan variety which is the one I want." She said, "We're not supposed to give out rainchecks for any specific item IF we have other items of that brand on the shelf."

I said, "Ok, no problem," and she said, "I'll do it for you this time."

Now, I'd like to know what's the deal on this? If Publix had a sale on B1G1 vitamins, and all they had left were kids' vitamins (or Vitamin E or whatever) which I don't need, would they also argue with me that I had to buy whatever was left or miss out on the deal?

[johnfdeluca]

I don't know that they have a documented store policy on this but here's my two cents: I often find they are out of just one variety of a sale item....the one I am interested in. Every time this has happened to me, they have never given me a problem and always have issued the rain check. If they gave me a hard time, I'd contact the store manager and tell them that if this is really their store policy, I'll happily shop at their competition who doesn't restrict rain checks like this. I'd then write corporate if they didn't resolve the situation to my satisfaction. While corporate does give each store a great deal of latitude on 'policy', it's important they know that this creates dissatisfied customers.

Originally Posted by TincyJean Question for anyone who can explain Publix policy to me. I went to Publix on Monday and hoped to buy the B1G1 Honey Bunches of Oats with Pecans since I had the $2 Q's for those. My store was out of the pecan, almond and a couple of others...but they still had some boxes of other varieties/flavors on the shelves. I asked for a raincheck and the asst. mgr. asked, "Aren't there any on the shelf?" I said, "yes, but you don't have the pecan variety which is the one I want." She said, "We're not supposed to give out rainchecks for any specific item IF we have other items of that brand on the shelf." I said, "Ok, no problem," and she said, "I'll do it for you this time." Now, I'd like to know what's the deal on this? If Publix had a sale on B1G1 vitamins, and all they had left were kids' vitamins (or Vitamin E or whatever) which I don't need, would they also argue with me that I had to buy whatever was left or miss out on the deal?

[TincyJean]

John, that's exactly what I'll do in the future. Oddly enough, there is a Bi-Lo almost right next door to the Publix. I almost said, "Ok, I'll just buy it at Bi-Lo," but since she was willing to give me the raincheck (this one time) I didn't want to make any waves.

Thanks for your response!

[johnfdeluca]

I just hate when they say "I'll do it this time but....". It's either their policy to give RCs on varieties sold out or it is not. I usually say...."No....if your policy prohibits it, I will talk with the general manager and corporate headquarters since your store seems the only one who seems to have such a policy."

And I follow thru on those....I think they use the "I'll allow it this once" when they just don't know the policy (understandable since Publix has almost no documented RC policy and very little coupon policy that I am aware of). I'd rather know for sure the policy than have them "let me slide". Then, if I don't like the policy, I shop elsewhere and let them know that.

Personally, I think it a ridiculous policy to not allow a RC on a variety that they carry and are out of just because they have a different variety. The point of a RC is to ensure customers will get the sale price on a product advertised in a sale even if the product is out of stock. My thought (based on my experience and common sense) is that the Cust Service Clerk was misinformed.

[kethry70]

Originally Posted by johnfdeluca I just hate when they say "I'll do it this time but....". It's either their policy to give RCs on varieties sold out or it is not... Personally, I think it a ridiculous policy to not allow a RC on a variety that they carry and are out of just because they have a different variety. The point of a RC is to ensure customers will get the sale price on a product advertised in a sale even if the product is out of stock. My thought (based on my experience and common sense) is that the Cust Service Clerk was misinformed.

I agree with John on all points. And, in my experience, the Publixes I shop at agree too. I have yet had one refuse- or even question- a RC because they had one variety but not the "flavor" I wanted. They sometimes specify the flavor they were out of (which I consider fair enough honestly) but noonee ever questions my right to have the RC

[freebee diva]

I was in a publix today and the Lady before me tried to use a coupon (IP) to get a free item 2 managers come over one stated no we do not take these (as read on this forum is Publix's Policy) the other stated I will allow however this item is $7.49 and I will only allow it for $5. The lady was like no that's alright I will just go else where and get it. My question is if they accepted this coupon would they have written $5 on it or the full price of the item if there was a place to write it?? Just made me wonder...... and a little concerned, 2 managers choosing 2 different things to do at the same time.

[johnfdeluca]

My guess is they would get the full $7.49 so they would make $2.50 on it if they marked it down to $5. That is just wrong in my opinion.

[freebee diva]

thanks,
thats what I was thinking.

[nrpeace17]

Originally Posted by freebee diva I was in a publix today and the Lady before me tried to use a coupon (IP) to get a free item 2 managers come over one stated no we do not take these (as read on this forum is Publix's Policy) the other stated I will allow however this item is $7.49 and I will only allow it for $5. The lady was like no that's alright I will just go else where and get it. My question is if they accepted this coupon would they have written $5 on it or the full price of the item if there was a place to write it?? Just made me wonder...... and a little concerned, 2 managers choosing 2 different things to do at the same time.

My understanding is that the policy on Free Ip's has been revised. I haven't updated the FAQ's since it is not reflected on the official Publix site as of yet.
They are supposed to accept all Ip's, even for frees, up to $5. Anything above that requires management approval if called into question.
My guess here is that they would have manually given a discount for $5, and received full redemption for face value.