No more rainchecks at Publix???!!!

[munchie81]

I was at publix to get rainchecks for the Muellers pasta due to the fact that they were out. And the customer service rep. told me that in the future that they won't be giving out any more rainchecks if they are out of the item. They will just match it with another item which sucks, because I might not have any coupons for the match item. Did anyone else here about this.

[RockerShopperGirl]

At my local Publix they will issue a raincheck but first they verify with someone that the item is really out of stock. If I say a certain flavor I wanted is they have written on the top of my raincheck that particular flavor. They still issue rainchecks at my store but are a little more strict about it than in the past. HTH

[thickbluebug]

I have been having trouble with rain checks in my area all year. One store wants to ck the stockroom, one manager wants me to wait for a truck to be unloaded, the district manager wants no rc's written and applauds their tactics.

It's to the point of blatant discrimination in my area at one store. A direct result of that show.
A customer that uses a coupon has a lower "buy" limit than a non couponer. Yeah, Jane - a non couponer user can buy 4, 6 or 20, but me or any couponer can buy 2 or 4. What ever the manager or cs worker deems is ok on that shopping trip.
Normally 6 is the limit at most stores around here and I am ok with that. I rarely buy more than 4 to 6 unless it's a 10/10 or deal like that.
I just go to 4 stores to buy what I want. I live in the boonies and make a multi store run when I shop.

Anyway, I verified these stupid rules with the state/regional manager.

Publix is def dropping the ball lately.

[lbveggie]

Oh my, say it isn't so!!!!!

My Publix has more empty shelves nowadays than ever before...not the best public relations move to stop issuing rainchecks now for legitimate requests. The last 3 months or so, a CSM will limit me to (4) on a rain-check. That's ok with me, I like to fly under the radar anyway, and there are 6 stores between home and work.

I think the problem lies in their inability/unwillingness to have enough stock on hand for their BOGO and sale items. They all seem to comment on the increased number of couponners since "that show", so re-stock the shelves or issue rainchecks!!!! Seems like a no brainer to me.
I get that we "strategically" use rainchecks to improve the savings (won't go into the details here) but y'all KWIM, certainly one would not go asking for a raincheck for an item/flavor/size etc that was fully stocked. Hey, we keep their doors open and the workers employed. I think that an outcry from us humble shoppers might just be enough to get them to re-think this misguided idea. Should Publix go forward with this policy; I propose that every time we encounter a picked over or empty shelf we respectfully notify the manager, and let him/her know we are contacting corporate, in an attempt to have rainchecks reinstated.

Well...that's my 2 pennies...... Thanks OP for posting. I will keep my eyes open to see if they are bringing this nonsense to my neighborhood too.
Ok getting off my

[queenofthehivemomof5]

Actually it may very well be against the law for a store to not either issue a raincheck or substitute for a similar product. The laws vary by state but in most states if a store has an item advertised and there is no verbiage that quantities are limited or while supplies last then they usually have to either issue a raincheck or substitute for a similar item. These laws usually fall into consumer laws to protect us the consumer from bait and switch tactics.

[rdot]

I haven't had a problem yet. If I do, I will just politely inform them that I will go to Walmart and price match their ad. Then I will inform corporate that I took my money and coupons to Walmart.

[sdasilva27]

I have a feeling that if they do stop them, they'll just put a quantity limited verbage on the entire ad.

[disabledvetswife]

Actually it may very well be against the law for a store to not either issue a raincheck or substitute for a similar product. The laws vary by state but in most states if a store has an item advertised and there is no verbiage that quantities are limited or while supplies last then they usually have to either issue a raincheck or substitute for a similar item. These laws usually fall into consumer laws to protect us the consumer from bait and switch tactics.

While this information is correct - and as far as I know, every state is included, the OP's store stated they were going to offer substitutions, which is within the law.

I found this as published for the Florida State Attorney General's office. It lists a place to write, which is in Washington, DC - so it would appear this policy would cover all 50 states.

Rainchecks

[queenofthehivemomof5]

While this information is correct - and as far as I know, every state is included, the OP's store stated they were going to offer substitutions, which is within the law.

I found this as published for the Florida State Attorney General's office. It lists a place to write, which is in Washington, DC - so it would appear this policy would cover all 50 states.

Rainchecks

Thanks for the link. Yes substituting a product for the one on sale as was mentioned in the OP is within the law. However someone else said that their store was not issuing them at all.

[mathairnatri]

I haven't had a problem yet. If I do, I will just politely inform them that I will go to Walmart and price match their ad. Then I will inform corporate that I took my money and coupons to Walmart.

Great idea. I have not used their price match yet but I should. Here in CA Walgreens and CVS do not give rainchecks and after about 11 on Sunday all the stock for the great coupon deals are gone. I don't even bother, I shop Rite Aid because they will give a raincheck no problem and if it had a +up they just take it off since it is a raincheck.

Like mentioned it is a whole bait and switch and very frustrating.