Ask the Readers – What Would You Do?
March 7, 2012
Okie dokie guys, it’s time for you to weigh in and help another I Heart Publix reader! What suggestions would you have for someone who asks the following:
At my Publix, I am aware of two other “extreme couponers.” However, they are very competitive and take the whole shelf of products and coupon books and all the freebies. The only way I can get any of the coupons or a good deal is if I wake up early Wednesday morning and go, which is hard to do, since I am a single mom of a 10 month old son and am a dental administrator, which means that I work long hours. I’m constantly getting rainchecks and having to travel to a Publix miles away to save money. It’s so frustrating! Do you have any advice for me – is there anything I can do?
I would ask the manager if they will impose item restrictions. Some publix are doing that now. Explain to him that you know there are people clearing the entire shelf and that you are going to a different store because of it.
You can also ask when shipments come in. They may clear it out Wednesday afternoon, but they might restock on the weekend, so you could just come back then.
Unfortunately, you may just have to go to the different store. This is why I hate extreme couponers, they are just rude!
Ask your store to hold a few copies for you and maybe speak to the manager about them? It’s a situation no one should have to be put in, you and the store! It is very rude and I know people are just trying to save money, we all are but its despicable to take everything for yourself. People need a little more common courtesy I think!
I would ask the store manager if they ever considered implementing a limit on sale items. I go through the same thing here in Tampa.
I have no ideas, but greed is never pretty, is it? Have you spoken to the manager of the store? I suppose there are no “rules” against taking all of the coupons, but it really flies in the face of fair play. I hope you can find some solution.
I feel that extreme couponers do a lot of damage to those who coupon to save their families money. I also know people who will clear a shelf of something that is free or is a money maker, often at multiple stores, even if they have no use for the product. I caution people about that though because it creates an artificial demand for that product driving the prices higher in the long run. If coupons do that with numerous products it hurts grocery prices in the long run, and none of us can afford that! My way of couponing is buying what my family will use, donating to local charities and always leaving 2 of something on the shelf. Just my 2 cents.
Here in lies the problem with the “extreme couponsers” they are selfish! you know the type hooray for me the hell with you!
I don’t think that was the original intention of the clever minds that came up with the overall system! Speak to the managers some have put the coupon books behind the counter so that you have to ask for them yes inconvient but that way all can have some. My Publix allows the extreme to clear the shelves only on Tuedsay night (last night of the flyer for us)that way every one gets a chance to get some throughout the week. This is a BIG problem for all stores so VOICE your frusteration! 
Good Luck!
Hello –
I have a very small publix store in my community and many times items are sold out here also just do to their limited shelf space. I have found helpful to talk to my manager and find out their shipment days, they receive shipments on Tuesday and Friday’s and the manager will even tell you a good time of the day to come when all of the goods are unpacked and on the shelves. That way you can plan to be there the day they restock and have the best chance at getting your items. Shopping with a 10 month old is hard enough, so a plan can help you get the most out of your shopping trip. I fell your pain, me and my 12 month old shop together too
Good luck!
I have the same problem at my Publix as well. It’s very frustrating. The Kraft Freshtake is out of stock indefinitely right now and I was hoping to get some while they had the sale. I usually purchase 2-4 of a sale item that our family will use. I have also had the problem with having to get rainchecks and sometimes they get it in, and sometimes they don’t. It’s hard to keep renewing the rainchecks too because others have gotten rainchecks as well. I drive 20 minutes to our nearest Publix so it’s difficult to make multiple trips with the gas prices the way they are. I am thinking Publix at some point is going to put a limit of 4 or something in place to stop the madness. Couponers that want a large amount can order the item through customer service so that they do not clear the shelves and Publix is happy to do that for them. I ordered canned veggies during the Italian Days so as to leave the shelves alone for other shoppers. Shelf clearing is just plain rude!
There is only one store here that will still do special orders
Once again, an extreme couponer ruined it- she’d order so much that the warehouse would be out of stock. So the stores around here just axed it completely. Sigh.
Kathryn, I work at the service desk at Publix, and when there’s a special that involves a Publix coupon (we can’t do this for mq’s), we can write a rain check extending the date of the coupon. Be sure to ask for one of these for the Kraft Fresh Take sale — make sure they write that your rain check is good for the sale price AND will extend the date on the Publix coupon.
Thanks Lisa! I did check into that, but our store will not do a raincheck/extend the yellow flyer ad coupons (which is the Publix Freshtake coupon)….they will write a rain check for the sale price…which I will get if they don’t have them back in soon.
Kate, I don’t know how a person could be allowed to order so much of an item as to put a warehouse out of stock? Something doesn’t sound right there. That’s a shame though because that would create more problems I’d imagine.
Kathryn, she would order 200+ of an item that isn’t normally stocked that much. And since the store(s) wanted that large order, they would do it without questioning it. And then there would be nothing in any of the other stores.
That’s crazy! I would think corporate would have to put some sort of limit on that in order to be able to service all of their stores.
Kathryn, if your Publix is writing a raincheck for the sale price, they should be honoring the Publix coupon (even if expired) with the raincheck at checkout. If they are not, you need to speak with your customer service manager or store manager and let them know that they are not honoring their coupon policy. If you cannot get through to them, ask for the number to contact corporate so that you can raise some hell with them.
Check out Publix Coupon Policy FAQs here: http://thecouponfaerie.blogspot.com/2011/05/publix-coupon-policy-faqs.html
Lisa, this is in the Publix Coupon Policy FAQs — I obtained a copy from the store manager at my location — You can use an expired coupon (manufacturer or store/competitor) WITH a raincheck.
“A customer presents a rain check and a coupon for the item. The coupon is now expired, but it was valid on the date the rain check was issued. Can the coupon still be accepted?
Yes.”
When my Publix runs out of fabulous deals, I ask for a raincheck. They have never said no. Last summer when the Lysol touchless systems were on sale, they would no sooner be on the shelves and they would disappear. PBX even honored their store coupon (which was expired by the time the shelves were restocked with the product). Just one more reason I love Publix!
I join you in your frustrations – there are a couple of shelf clear-ers here in Wesley Chapel, too.
I echo other’s sentiments about speaking with the manager about imposing limits – they used to have a limit of 4 deals/item. Now with the new policy – there are no stated limits.
Also, you might call ahead on Monday when the deal sheet is up here at I Heart Publix and ask the customer service to hold whatever item(s) you want back – like a call ahead order…
I’m in Wesley Chapel, too, and I’ve mostly stopped shopping at the nearby Publix stores because of the empty shelves. Sometimes I’m satisfied with a rain check but usually not. When I need frozen vegetables — something my family uses almost every day — I need frozen vegetables. I can’t serve a rain check with dinner!
I’ve started shopping more at Walmart Supercenter, Aldi, and Sweetbay. When I do want something from Publix I stop at a store near my workplace. There aren’t as many pigs there.
So, my strategy for shopping at Publix is to always assume the store is out of stock. If I need an item now (or this week) I buy it somewhere else. If I can wait to redeem a rain check, I stop in at Publix.
HARSH! And spot on! “I can’t serve a rain check with dinner” BWAAA HAAA HAAA HAAAAAAAAA!
D, talk to your local Publix’ store manager and let him know about your frustrations. They are normally very accommodating and they want to know how their shoppers feel. Also, before you go to that Publix, call ahead and ask them to hold xx amount of items for you. They will put your name on it and put it in the back. Like I said, Publix is pretty accommodating.
If you still have problems getting through to them, call corporate and let them know as a result of their constant shortages you’ve noticed at your local Publix, you have started to shop more frequently at their competitors. THEY REALLY HATE HEARING THAT!
Kate,
Believe me, I’ve piped up about this problem. The store manager knows my name.
It’s been my experience that Publix talks a good talk about customer service and listening to concerns, but fails to follow through. That applies to corporate, too. I’m not going to hound Publix week after week. If they doesn’t want my money, I’m not going to force it on them!
I’m a low-maintenance customer, and not just at Publix. Truly, I have low expectations. I don’t expect to be catered to. If a cashier is grouchy I don’t complain to the manager; I assume they are just having a bad day. I always leave a 20% tip even if the waiter isn’t Johnny-on-the-spot. If I encounter a detour sign on my well-planned route, oh well, I find another way. These things happen. And all I expect from a grocery store is food available for sale and employees who don’t snarl or laugh at me.
But despite my low expectations, Publix STILL falls short. I’m done talking to a brick wall and feeling frustrated. It’s far more efficient to just take my wallet elsewhere.
There’s a whole group of people in my neighborhood who no longer shop at our nearby Publix.
This is such a difficult issue. It has gotten to the point where I feel guilty taking the last two of something, even if that is all I wanted. At my Publix, they have started putting all the coupons right up front by the Customer Service counter, which does seem to have done some good. I guess the obnoxious people feel a little more self conscious about taking all the coupons when there is someone watching. I have to get a lot of rain checks myself. I would talk to the manager and ask what he/she would suggest. They may be willing to set coupons aside for you.
I agree with everything I have read so far in the comments.
If you are aware of the rude and inconsiderate chronic shelf-clearing couponers and coupon booklet hoarders (some say thieves), then somone in management or customer service at the store must be aware too. It’s hard for these people to go under the radar for too long. But, in the event the manager is not aware, you can consider stepping up and discussing it with her/him. You might say something along the lines of – Publix sales and specials are meant for everyone, not just 2 or 4 people that ravage your shelves of products with the best sale or deal of the week. So if the customer service distributed the booklets (like they do in 3 of the 5 nearest stores to me), his/her Publix could offer a more fair and enjoyable shopping experience opportunity to the thousands of other shoppers that pass through that store each week. They could simply hand a booklet to a person when they ask. I haven’t ever seen anyone complain that system at my local stores.
Sorry for the long post, but it really bothers me that fellow savers and shoppers can be so SELFISH and piggish that they would want to have the entire stock of some items just for themselves. And, that they would wipe out the store of whole tear pads, piles an and piles of booklet and coupon sheets, is just mind-numbing to me. It is downright in decent. It is of no relevance that they “may” be donating to a food bank, because there are massive numbers of people that use coupons so that they can avoid the food bank. But if a few people steal all the coupons and leave no products for them, then they may indeed suffer or have to go to food banks.
If you ask me, the chronic shelf-clearers and coupon thieves are exhibiting extremely anti-social behavior and probably need to see a counselor or psychologist.
I agree with Jena. It’s to bad that some of us have to deal with shameless shelf-clearers. The manager probably doesn’t like it either. (I know shelf-clearers will say, “who cares!!) Perhaps you could talk to the manager and have him put away a couple of flyers for you or impose limits for the hoarders. Good luck, I’m always having to deal with this issue!!
I agree with those who say to speak to the manager. Being as it’s Publix, I’m sure they would find a way to help you out. I have noticed that they keep the coupons on the counter at the Customer Service desk now, no longer at the kiosk by the doors.
I’m curious, though – what do those extreme couponers do with all that extra stuff? Hoard it? Sell it? Why do they need all of one item?
Believe it or not, some people are selling the Publix coupons from the Yellow Flyer on ebay?!? I was appalled by it especially when those are circulating for free! I guess some people just have to swallow their moral ethics to try to make a buck.
As long as people continue to buy coupons on ebay, there will be a market for them and the theft of free coupons will continue.
My store has the coupons in full view of customer service and at times has held back the supply so that those piggy customers dont take the whole thing. They are also very good with limits too.
Same with products – they keep a reserve in the back. I know because when the shelf is cleared, they check the back and usually come out with something.
Finally they need to enforce the limits on bogo and sale items.
Otherwise you need to find another publix or go to another store. Tell em that.
And if you see a pad grabber, confront them. Loudly. And report to management.
Theres no way a real extreme couponer does this. Many of us here are extreme couponers. Our stores know us well. We are the ones who save 75-100% on our orders routinely, shop regularly, and are courteous even when we have a dispute with cashiers and managers. The reason is we keep drawing water from the well – and we dont want it dried up because of bad behavior and rude abusiveness.
These people are not extreme couponers. They are extreme pigs, and extreme fraudsters.
I agree with you completely! I try to get my total down as low as possible. Always get asked “are you one of those extreme couponers”? But I don’t clear the shelves and I am courteous (sometimes, I even leave extra coupons for others!). This type of behavior clearing the shelves is a reflection of that person and shouldn’t be a generalization about couponers who coupon well. Just my 2 cents!
We have a notorious shelf-clearer here who buys JUST to sell and it is SO annoying! Thank goodness our stores implemented a limit of 10 per item and have started keep more of the coupons right near CS (though I saw this girl once and she has enough balls to still take of all the coupons even with people watching).
Honestly, talk to the manager and see what he says. If one person is ruining it for you, that person is ruining it for other non-couponers too! It should be addressed because this persons actions can negatively affect a store (“oh well, x store is always out, I won’t go there anymore)
I am very lucky to not deal with that often. I have 4 Publix’s in my town and often times coupon sheets, flyers and booklets will stay in my store for week’s even after their coupons have expired. If my smaller Publix’s have had their shelves cleared often times all I have to do is ask if they have more in the back. I have found that some of my Publix’s won’t always restock “hot couponing” items during the sales. Kinda of frustrating but I guess it is to keep people from taking it all. Many times if I just ask they will be happy to bring me some from the back.
If there is a certain coupon booklet or sheet that I know is coming out and I really want it I may make a special trip to a Publix a little out of my way so I know that I can get that booklet or coupons.
I’m sorry this is happening in your area. I agree, those people are not extreme couponers. They are shelfish and rude couponers who ruin it for everyone else. I agree, stores need to put limits on items. My Publix does not but I don’t have anyone clearing shelves. I work full time and have a 2 year old son at home. The only time I have to shop is a night. Everything is still pretty stocked when I come in. The max I have ever taken is 10 items and that’s when there is so much stock left for everyone else. Even 5 as a limit is good to me. If I need more, I just come back another day.
I know you meant to say selfish, but I imagined crabs and shrimp walking around the store with coupons and it did so much to lighten my mood today! Thanks
My publix has a strict policy of 10 sale or bogo items. Also, they keep the coupon books behind the counter at customer service and will only let you have 2 per person. But even with all that, if I don’t make it to publix on the first day of the sale, often I will not be able to get the free or nearly free items any other time of the week. I do ask for a raincheck though and usually will be able to get those raincheck items the next week. It really sucks though when people clear shelves. I don’t like it so I don’t do it to anyone else. Our Walgreens and CVS has that problem too.
I think everyone has given some great advice about talking to the store manager and maybe finding some other couponers like yourself to back you up on this problem in your store. I too am a single mother with very limited time and I can relate to your frustration. I’m really interested in the outcome of this situation so please keep us all posted on what the manager says or does. Good luck and happy couponing!
My publix has the policy of 10 sale or bogo items. Also they keep the coupon booklets behind the customer service counter (I am sure they had a problem with some shoppers taking all the coupon booklets so implemented this). My publix is good about keeping shelves stocked and if shelves are empty they are always willing the have stock boys check in back. I also have no problem with rainchecks. I would suggest you discuss your concerns with the assistant manager or even manager—I have found that Publix wants all their customers to be happy– you might even mention that other Publixs are putting coupon booklets behind the service counter as a result of hoggish customers.
I would talk to the store manager and asks that he tell the cashiers to enforce limit of 10 items Publix has at every store. You can also special order.
With only 2 BOGO items available on a shelf, I have “cleared” it once. Then I found an employee and let them know that I took the last two BOGOs and they should restock. The least I could do.
I am AMAZED that corporate hasn’t read these comments and had great concern to think I thought it was just my area. I hear the horror stories on the Managers side as well since I live with one
Some of this is coupon fraud and its going to come back and bite all. You think the girl that cleared the coupons while being watched had balls? Do you know some wait till the item is off sale and return it and some get the “money makers” and then return the product? Because of Publix Satisfaction Guarantee policy there hands are tied especially when they are lied to and told “lost receipt” or the receipt just states “coupon” not on what item the coupon was used. Shelf clearers are hoarders plain and simple…giving the “extra” to a food bank BS otherwise our foodbanks would be overflowing not begging! Those in Florida consider yourself lucky you generally have another Publix right around the corner out of state not so much!! I wonder just how much business this cost them? Okay I’m off my soap box! 
I don’t even coupon…lol
With the food bank thing…I think many DO donate, but the need far exceeds what it being donated. At least at the food bank I donate to. I remember taking 20 boxes of cereal (from 5 different stores) and they told me they would all be gone by the end of the day!
I agree that many people are donating but I also believe that there are many people who claim to donate that do not. Most of my donations go to my church and people I know who are in need. I am married to a server/landscaper and that is our only income…not exactly high paying jobs. So we tend to know many people who really can’t afford the cost of living; especially those who are single mothers working of a serving salary. If I didn’t coupon my family would have to depend on the food bank and I would have work while I’m completing my college degree.
If more people would donate then the food banks wouldn’t be in such dire need. I believe that everyone in this forum can afford to donate something every week. I see people post that its “not a good week” for them. Those products that you don’t use would be useful to someone. So take $5 of your money and go spend it for food for someone else. God will bless you twofold for your kindness. If you can afford more than $5 then all the better…I promise there is someone out there that needs that money far more than you do.
We have the same problem…I had a couponer clear all the Mrs. Paul’s fish from right under my nose! All 20+ of them. I was going to ask her if I could have 2 but she didn’t look like she was interested in sharing.
I understand your pain, because I too, can only shop around work hours. Your best bet, like everyone else has said is to let the customer service manager know, and failing that, write corporate a note about enforcing limits and stocking shelves. You can actually request that your customer service keep the booklets by the desk so that people can’t run off with all of them.
I know my store has a 10 item limit, but to my observation, it’s not always enforced.
You are not alone!Hopefully Publix will wise up about the rule-breakers so that we can all benefit from their awesome deals. =)
I feel lucky. I haven’t had that problem in Pensacola. If the shelf is empty they usually will have some in the back. I like the idea of a quota. The managers should also be ready when they have such a good sale like the Kraft items that are free after coupons. Even people who usually don’t use coupons will notice these deals and want to participate. The chocolate cream cheese was delicious with apples. Thanks Publix and Kraft! I will be getting this product again.
You could suggest to your Publix that they place all coupon booklets behind the counter and only give 2 per person. Also, if you see someone shopping and clearing the shelf you could politely confront them. If people want more than 10 of an item they really should just special order…it is super easy. So maybe you could have management put up a sign that they are happy to place a special order for those wishing to purchase more than x number of products.
I totally feel your pain! I work full time and I am NOT an extreme couponer at all, just a person that tries to save money where I can. I have never had a savings higher than my total even. BUT, I get very mad when I go to Publix and the shelf is bare! I understand they try but it is couponers that take total advantage of it. I never buy things my family does not eat unless it is a new product we want to try. When I watched the show Extreme Coupon I got so mad i refuse to watch it again. I could have went through the TV and clobbered that woman. Keep your head up! Publix will eventually fix the problem. They are a truly upstanding store.
Like those that have posted, I like saving money. But I also like being fair. I have no issues with Publix enforcing the 10 item limit on a BOGO item. BTW, my Publix limits us to six of the same coupons per purchase, whether the item is on sale or not. I think that that policy is very reasonable and fair.
Bryan, as I’ve been reading this thread, I’ve had mixed feelings. I work at Publix (at the Service Desk!), so I can see both sides of the coin. As a shopper, I detest other RUDE shoppers who clear shelves. Yet I do know that I (or a manager) will be sure to take care of a customer who approaches the Service Desk, who wants an item that’s a good deal and that we’re out of. We’ll find a way, either through rain checks or checking the back room, or even offering a similar deal on a comparable product. I can definitely see where a handful of shelf-clearers can make a LOT of other shoppers unhappy. On the other hand, I can see where Publix would be glad to sell an item, regardless of who buys it, kwim?
So I really, really like that your store limits the number of identical coupons a customer can use. That seems to me to be a good happy medium between limiting the number of items a customer can buy vs. no limits at all.
Fortunately, this isn’t a huge issue for our store, so we haven’t had to impose limits. Yet.
I would make the store that is a little further away my new favorite store, if they have the items and the coupon booklets regularly. I have to do that with a Walgreen’s around me. I would get together with the store manager on a slow day/ time and see if you bring your concerns to them if you could come to some conclusion to have the products in stock. Special order, or if all else fails befriend the enemy!!!LOL
I don’t feel the frustration that most of you do about the shelves being empty on a specific item I wanted. Too much has happened in my life the past 2 years and I don’t let little frustrations like this get the best of me. If it is on the shelf, then great I got to get something I wanted. If I get a raincheck & my Publix gets the item in before my raincheck expires, then great I got to get something I wanted. If the shelf is empty, then oh well – I will either try another store (if I have time as I work full time & have 2 school age kids as well). If I have time to check back before the sale ends, then great. But really when it comes down to it, I just ask myself am I really going to go hungry or be miserable if I don’t get that sale item so I can use my coupon & get a great deal. My answer is always “NO” – life is too short to worry about the small things. I try to save my worries for the important things!! I hope I have not offended anyone, as that was not my intention. I just thought I would put my comment out there. You can’t change other people!!
The occasional empty shelf doesn’t bother me. It happens. But too often I go in with a list of 20 items I need and fully HALF are unavailable. Half! I’m not exaggerating.
It’s hard to keep a well-stocked kitchen and plan for meals when grocery shopping is a crap shoot. And if I’m going to end up with an alternate brand that’s not on sale, I may as well save myself a trip and just start at Walmart.
Nice post!!
I agree with most of the comments, BUT we are forgeting that the store also knows that when there is a great sale, product is going to move. Why not stock up better? I worked in the grocery business for a long time as a buyer… if I didn’t prepare for a big sale on stock… it was my fault, not the customer that was buying the item. I think Publix did an excellent job on the big kellogg sale recently… there was plenty of stock. However, there have been plenty of times that no matter how many times I come back that week… the item is never stocked (like during baby food sales). So, yes couponers get a bad rep, but remember that the store needs to have a better hold on supply/demand also.
My store only allows only 10 sale items per person and this does cut down on shelf clearning .. also what days are you going I have found that if you go the day before the sale ends nothing will be in stock but if you go the day the sale starts they usually still have everything in stock. Find out what days their trucks run and shop those days and later in the afternoon like around 7 or 8 usually everything is stocked by then if it was delievered on a truck =)
I have noticed a lot lately at my publix that the regular space in the store where a sale item is will be empty…but an aisle or two over on an endcap there is plenty of extra stock of that item. I wonder if people just don’t think to check the endcaps.
When there is just a manuf coupon & not a publix or target to stack I will just go price match the publix ad item at target or walmart (which are both within a few blocks of publix in my town).
Coupon books & green & yellow flyers are no longer an issue at both of my nearby stores, they are all kept at customer service and only given on request, limit of 2 per customer.
For the Green and Yellow flyers, Publix needs to go to a scan it once book that is good for the entire length of time the yellow or green book is valid that counts the number of items you bought(kind of like what Walgreens does). This eliminates the need for multiple books needed for just ONE coupon. We are killing trees over and over because ONE coupon in the ad we need or want.
My closest Publix has a limit of 10 on any item, but 10 for 20 people will clear a shelf pretty quickly.
Make friends with the customer service manager and the grocery manager to determine when a truck comes in AND it will be stocked (as many times the truck comes in on Friday, but stocking doesn’t happen for another day).
Good Luck!
The dilemma you are experiencing is not limited to Publix and I am sure there might be people who clear the shelves on occasion but you shouldn’t dismiss the possibility that couponing has become very popular and the pure volume of people couponing has created many of these problems.
However to address your problem; On occasion if Publix is out of something, I take my ad right on over to Wal-Mart or Target and exercise their price matching policy.
You also indicated that your window of opportunity is limited. This was a problem early on when I first started couponing a few months back. And yes, the solution to the problem is getting to the store early and on the first day if a particular item is important.
Strangely enough, part of the thrill of couponing is the hunt. Knowing when the trucks deliver, knowing when the stock is out, and yes being able to utilize all the coupons I have collected with my six newspapers.
Would you call providing coupon items to your adult child donating?
Hello all!
I just have to say that I agree with the frustrations of finding empty shelves. I just two weeks ago took my coupons to Walmart and price matched an item in order to get it for free. I will also say, however, that I purchased 19 similar items this morning because I got an amazing deal on them! As I was taking them from the shelf, the gentleman was restocking them! Then I took the rest of what I needed from him and not from the shelf. I would not consider myself to be an extreme couponer. I only saved $3 more than I spent. My reasons for purchasing several of the same item have to do with giving to individauls I know. I have a friend that has recently fallen very ill. She has four children and a husband that she is unable to care for at all. She is currently in a nursing home facility. When I purchase more items than others think I should for my family of four it is because I can take those items to this family that is very much in need. I have no business having 19 of those items in my pantry! I totally agree!!! I guess for me, a mother of two that is always running around with no time to spare, it is worth the early Wednesday morning trip. I am able to set that morning time aside for that purpose. I do my grocery shopping, as well as picking up whatever I can for others. I do not resell or try to make a profit off of anything. I do like to go when the new sales start so that I can get the items I want.
I am not trying to be greedy. Just trying to economize in order to help others.
I hope everyone gets what the need and want this week!
Happy Publix shopping!
I have a similar problem at my Publix. There are a few ladies that take everything! It’s so rude, because I never take all of the products or all of the yellow or green flyers. Besides saving tons of money, coupons are like a game to me and if you take all of the pieces, no one else can play. As for your question, you just have to get there super early before the other ladies. It’s tough, I know, I have a SUPER hyper four year old, who sometimes makes shopping an ordeal. Best of luck to you!!!
Email corporate if your store shelves are constantly cleared. They will reach out to fix it asap.
We had a similar situation here in Murfreesboro, TN. I don’t know if they had enough complaints, or what the situation was, but the manager now keeps all the coupon books behind the customer service counter. If you want something you have to ask for it. That doesn’t stop the “extreme couponers”, but, It does slow them down. I’m sure Publix realizes these folks are not spending a lot of money, and could and the store possibly lose money from the people that are their loyal shoppers. Talk to management, voice your concerns. If nothing is done, complain to corporate. The Squeeky Wheel Gets The Oil!!!
“I’m sure Publix realizes these folks are not spending a lot of money…”
Maybe not cash out of their pocket, but they are “spending” manufacturer coupons for which the store is reimbursed full value plus an extra 8 cents for handling. Manufacturer coupons = money. Suggesting otherwise perpetuates some of the bad attitudes you occasionally see from ill-informed cashiers or others who don’t “get it.”
Murfreesboro is a half-priced BOGO town with doubles up to 50¢. Not all coupons are fully reimbursed, as part of the Publix promotion of doubles, Publix eats the double part.
I know this isnt the same thing. But recently a sister duo has been shopping at my publix in alabama. (well not just mine) and they seem to think couponing is a game as well, while there not clearing the shelves they are buying things they dont need just to see the savings and i unfortunately feel they may be coping coupons since they will have like 8 of one kind.( now they may have 8 computers) I highly doubt that. I have tried to help them but they jsut seem to keep on going. I know once or twice I listened to someone who was coping and copied probabaly about 2.00 in coupons only to feel guilty and never ever ever did it again. I was 20 and nieve. How would you address the problem would you let the manager know just so his cashiers could look at the coupons and make sure the codes are different?
Ok, first of all, the cashiers already know to look for unique codes on multiple prints of the same coupon — I’ve seen them do it.
Second, you are way out of line to suggest that these two women are copying coupons simply because they have eight of the same coupon. I routinely have eight of the same coupon, just from the four computers in my house. Between my home and the small office in which I work, I have access to seven computers from which I could print two each of a coupon if I wanted to, for a total of 14 of the same coupon. And I am just one person.
Unless you KNOW something is amiss, you should mind your own business about other people’s coupons.
Wow! This lady asked for help not ridicule. I have the same problem as she does. I have a guy that contends everyone in his family is out of work and this is the only source of income he has. He walks in with at least 50 of each. He cleans out the vitamins, and $2 coupon items every time because of the overage. He recently had the seafood dept wrap scallops in seperate pkgs that totaled no more than 1.72 so he could get the overage. I asked the mgr and cashier about it and because of the before amt of coupon sales, he gets away with it. He hits four stores (all Publix) in the area and no one stands a chance. He has already got the stock days, so you literally have to be standing outside the doors when they open to get anything. Extreme shoppers are making it difficult for all. I even asked him for two of the items (he had 20) and was given a look that would have put me six feet under.
Hang in there, speaqk to the mgr. The more they get in complaints, the more they might think of restrictions.
Sometimes I have to laugh at people questioning the amount of coupons someone has. I have access to 6 computers, 4 wireless devices, and I purchase 4-6 Sunday papers (from my local Publix). I might have 12-18 of one coupon. Although, I have respect for all of the Publix shoppers I do not feel bad for saving my family hundreds of dollars a month by using coupons. I work full-time, am married, have 2 teenagers, and am on the booster club for my daughters cheerleading team. I take my coupons very seriously and spend a great deal of time every week getting ready to shop. I do not purchase 100 of an item however I will purchase 8-12 of an item if my family needs it or uses it. I do not agree with limiting how many items I can purchase. If Dole fruit cups are one sale and I have enough coupons to purchase 14 packs then I will purchase 14 packs. My kids will take those for lunch everyday for a month. At the same time, I do not agree with clearing a shelf to purchase 100 items, selling Publix coupons on ebay, or taking every single coupon book in Publix. I am lucky that I do not have to deal with any of the above at my local Publix (Harvest Al). They keep the shelves stocked (even on the last day of the sale), they keep the coupon books at customer service, and I have a great relationship with the staff and managers. Bottom line is Publix has the best customer service, they will do as much as they can to make the customer happy (like taking competitor coupons that they do not get reimbursed for) but they are in business to make money. They get money back for coupons and because employees hours are based on the number of items sold in a store- how are they going to turn someone away for buying 20 of one item? I am sad to say that people do abuse the system however if we complain about every single thing we might see the coupon policy get so restricted that it’s hard for any of use to save money.
Angela, you sound like a self-entitled bitch. Maybe next time your store is out of stock because of a stupid mom like you, you’ll realize what a pain in the ass it is to deal with people like you.
most printable manufacturer coupons now either have dot-scan barcodes on them or PINs. I don’t know what part of Alabama you’re from (Lower Alabama HOLLA!).. but our local Publix (GS) has trained its cashiers to look at those barcodes/PINs and if they are the exact same they will call a manager over to refuse the coupons. They have also been trained that if a coupon looks copied to call a manager over to decline use of the coupon. I wish they would stamp them or something because you don’t know that the same person isn’t going to use them later or on a different day.
I used to have to get rainchecks every time I shopped. Now, I rarely do even when I go expecting it because something is such a great deal. I can’t imagine the behavior of the shoppers at my store has changed (since it seems like every other one has a coupon binder these days).
I really think my Publix store is just doing a GREAT job anticipating the need and stocking for their sales. For example, I picked up 2 of the Kraft Fresh Taste just this evening after seeing the comments about them being out of stock in the warehouse. All kinds were available and fully stocked.
If I do run across empty shelves, I really usually just assume that it is due to volume rather than specific shelf clearers.
I live in an area with a lot of affluent retirees who think they’re too good for coupons so I don’t have this problem frequently. On occasion, by Friday, stuff is wiped out. I had a talk with the CSM about the booklet, tearpad and peelie thieves. I told her about wanting to run down a woman in the parking lot who had at least a foot tall stack of the yellow flyers in her arms, walking out of the store. I told her many of these types sell the coupons on ebay. I’ve noticed that they don’t put out the whole stack of tearpads or yellow flyers at one time now. Your best bet is to talk to management and even be a tattle tale if you see someone committing the crimes…pointing them out.
Talk to the Customer Service Manager about keeping some or all of the store coupons behind the service counter. Most stores are doing this now and limiting the booklets to two per customer. I would also talk to the grocery manager to find out when the trucks come in for the items you want. Additionally, i would take the time to speak to the store manager and let them know that you desire to shop that store but the couponer shelf clearers are making that very difficult and that you would appreciate sale items restricted to 10 or less per customer to give you a chance.
If you know who they are and you see them, go up to a manager and have them speak to them…maybe explain that the store could do a special order, or impose limits. We have an extreme shopper here, too, and she clears an entire shelf except for 2 items. I’ve seen her approached by angry customers before and she always gets in a huff bc she feels that leaving 2 behind while taking every single other item is good enough. Management is aware of her and placates the rest of us by offering rain checks, but still…she boils my blood. Luckily for me, we are over-run by Publii
and I can always go an extra mile in three different directions and hit another Publix. But you know how it is, you have your favorite store where you know all the cashiers and the layout, and I hate having to change it up or make a repeat run bc that lady already cleared us out. 
I wanted to add that I understand the thrill of the hunt and the joy of getting an extreme deal. I also understand the gratification you feel when you know a needy family will use your extra items, or a family member who doesn’t have much money and truly appreciates the extra niceness. But….I’ve also felt the unintended negative consequences of those people with the noblest of intentions…namely, empty shelves for those of us that maybe only needed one bogo deal and have small children where coming back with rain checks is inconvenient or supremely annoying. I have a hard enough time staying organized for this weeks sale, much less remember my stuff from last week’s sale. So, whenever I see a great deal and want to help out someone in need, I -only- do it if it won’t clear the shelves (or come close to it) and it’s at the end of the sale when all the other families have had a chance to get a good deal. I don’t want my couponing to generate bad karma for me if by helping one family hurts the next couponing family who finds the empty shelf I left behind.