Couponing Primer (part 4)

It doesn't do you much good to a have an organizer full of coupons if you don't know what to do with them!  Before you head out to the store with your coupons, it's helpful to know your store's coupon policy.  Don't try to master every store at once.  Learn the ropes at one store and then try another.  The grocery stores are easier than the drugstores.  If you live in the Franklin area, I recommend mastering Kroger and Publix first, as these will net you the largest savings.

Kroger:  Our local Kroger stores double coupons up to .50 every day.  They do not accept expired coupons.  Beyond that, I have had a difficult time getting more of a coupon policy.  I have never been denied the use of any type of coupon (free item, internet printable, or regular coupons) at my favorite Kroger.  I have also never had a limit imposed on the number of like coupons that they were willing to accept.  Great tip:  They will usually let me use a coupon on clearance merchandise.  

Publix: 

1. You do not have to buy 2 of the B1G1 items to get the sale price --In other words, if you only buy one it will ring at half price.
2. If you do buy 2 items that are B1G1 make sure you use 2 coupons to get the best deal --Example, Ragu is B1G1 regular price 1.99.  Buy 2 jars and use 2 .30 off coupons.  The coupons double .60 each.  Your new total is .79 for two jars.
3. Publix accepts competitors coupons (you can stack with a manufacturers coupon and a Publix coupon too) I have only experimented with Food Lion coupons at my Publix.  It is up to the individual store to determine who is a competitor.  Remember that Publix is not reimbursed for competitor's coupons, so use them judiciously. 
4. You can use a store coupon and a manufacturer’s coupon on the same item --Publix often has store coupons (they are the ones that have and LU# on them).  You can use a store coupon and a manufacturer's coupon on the same item.  Example:  Bird's Eye Steamer's are on sale for $1.  You have a Publix Q for .25 off and a manufacturer's Q for .50 off (doubles to $1.00).  You make .25 on each bag your purchase (you must have a set of Q's for each bag).
5. Most Publix locations double manufacturer coupons that are .50¢ or less

 

H. G. Hill:  My experience at Hills is the same as at Kroger.   They double up to .50 every day.  They do not accept expired coupons, and I have never had a valid coupon turned down.

Harris Teeter has the policy that seems to change the most often.  You can view their current policy here.

• We accept coupons that have not passed their expiration date for use; we can not accept any expired coupons.
• We accept only one manufacturer coupon per purchased item.
• We do not accept coupons on items not purchased.
• Coupons must be presented at time of purchase; we can not return money for coupons not used.
• Coupons presented and items purchased must match exactly; size, variety, flavor, etc.
• We uphold any purchase stipulations set forth by product manufacturer.
• We accept only one coupon for Buy One Get One Free items.
• We accept coupons for items only of equal or more value; we do not give cash back.
• Sales tax is paid by customer at full retail.

Doubling

• We accept 20 double coupons per day per customer/household with VIC card; all others redeemed at face value. No orders may be separated that would allow the 20 coupon limit to be exceeded.
• We double manufacturer’s coupons up to face value of $0.99; with total amount not to exceed $1.98 or entire retail of item; whichever is less.
• We double up to three identical items with manufacturer coupon; additional coupons for like item will be honored at face value.
• No competitor coupons will be doubled or tripled.
• In the event of triple coupons, up to 20 will be tripled and all others will be redeemed at face value.

Internet Coupons

• We gladly accept internet manufacturer’s coupons for product; however no “free” product internet coupons are accepted.
• With the purchase of two like manufacturer’s products, we accept two internet coupons, per store, per day.
• We do not accept internet coupons that do not appear to be originals or that won’t scan.

Competitor’s Coupons

• We gladly accept local competitors’ circular or direct-mail coupons for MONEY OFF THE TOTAL ORDER; we do not take competitor’s coupons for money off specific items.
• We do not accept any internet coupons from other retailers.

 

It is best to inquire at the customer service desk at each store.  Better yet, talk to a manager.  If a policy seems to contradict something you have heard from other couponers, go home and check the company's website.  Some stores, like Wal-mart, are notorious for having employees (even manager's) who don't understand the company's coupon policy.  Don't be rude, and don't get discouraged.  If you are sure the employee was wrong, contact their corporate headquarters. 

Remember that the key to maintaining good couponing relationships for everyone is to be polite and positive whenever possible.  Using manufacturer and store coupons (for the store you are shopping at) is a win/win for everyone.  Read Jenny's great post about this here.  You should not feel like a criminal for using coupons.  And if you are using your savings to provide for your family and share with others, you should feel great about it.