Couponing 101 – Part 4: You won't take my coupon why?!

Good to see you again! Now that we’re organized and we’ve checked the website to match up the good deals, it’s off to the store! Now I know at first it can be a little nerve-racking and intimidating, but hold your ground. You will, I promise, be OK. You will get to know the respective coupon policies at your most frequented stores, but that doesn’t always mean it will be smooth sailing. Below you’ll find the basics of the coupon policies of the stores that usually cause for the most question.

Publix

- Will take Competitor Coupons. It is up to your store manager as to who they consider a competitor. Some competitors with good coupons include Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens (RR), Food Lion and Target

- Will take Internet coupons, but will not take internet coupons that just say "FREE" They will take BOGO coupons or Buy X, Get X coupons as long as there is a "up to" dollar amount on the coupon.

- Publix stores outside of Florida will double up to $0.50. They do not limit the number of doubles you can use. Florida stores do not double coupons.

- Expired coupons are not accepted.

- You may use one store / competitor coupon and one manufacturer coupon per item unless the coupon prohibits it. This is called stacking.

Walgreens

- You may not use more manufacturer coupons than items. If you are purchasing an item with a coupon and want to use a RR as well, you will need a small filler item.

- Most Walgreens will not adjust down coupons or give overage.

- Walgreens will accept Internet coupons

- Expired coupons are not accepted.

Also be prepared to know more about the coupon policies than the cashiers. It’s unfortunate, but I’ve come across a lot of cashiers and even supervisors that are unaware of store policies. It’s taken many a call to corporate to get things straightened out. Now I don’t like to call corporate but when I call or send an email I never “remember” the cashier’s name, because I don’t want them called out (unless they were outrageously rude) and I want ALL the cashiers to learn a lesson on their store’s policy.

Now if you do get a cashier that is adamant on their stand and you are unsure if they are correct or not, don’t fight it. Just complete your transaction as to not hold up the line and go to customer service for clarification. Sometimes though, cashiers like to make up their own rules. I’ve found this particularly true at certain Walgreen’s stores as excuses of why the Register Reward wouldn’t print out. You used a coupon to buy the item, you looked at me funny, I don’t like your hair, the machine will only print something out if you give it a candy bar…. No, not really, but some of the excuses are pretty outrageous. lol. In those cases, I just return the item and say thank you, I’ll just go to another Walgreen’s.

This information should give you a good head start on your new found love of couponing. If you have any questions or think there is something I missed, feel free to send me an email at couponcrazi@gmail.com.

Happy Couponing!!