Coupon Question and Answer: Best of Ask I Heart Publix 4/18

We’ve been answering questions for Ask I Heart Publix for two years now, and we’ve definitely found that some questions keep popping up as new couponers write in. So once a month we’re going to feature a “Best Of” Ask I Heart Publix, where we post some of our favorite questions and answers from past weeks, months, and years.

Don’t worry….we’ll still be answering the new questions you guys send in, too, so keep sending in those questions! Just remember if we didn’t get to your question this week…we will do our best to cover it another week!! As always a big thanks to my buddy Christy over at Winn Dixie on a Dime who gives me so much help to get the questions answered.

Don’t forget that there is a tab at the top of the site called “Q & A” where you can find the questions and answers from past weeks!

Here are this week’s “Best of” questions:

1. Can I stack manufacturer’s coupons with a Publix coupon that reads “may not be used in conjunction with any other coupon”?
2. How does a manufacturer’s Buy One Get One coupon work for an item that is under $.50 if your store doubles?
3. What do you do when you have several rebate items on the same receipt, and the rebate you to send in an “original” receipt?
4. Are you supposed to tip the folks who take your groceries to you car?
5. How can I figure out what percentage I’ve saved?

And here are the answers!

1.Jennifer wants to know: Can I stack manufacturer’s coupons with a Publix coupon that reads “may not be used in conjunction with any other coupon”?

Michelle: Most stores will allow you to use both coupons as the wording is understood to mean that you can’t combine that Publix coupon with another Publix coupon. The majority of manufacturer coupons have similar wording. This verbiage is necessary to prevent people from stacking multiple coupons to get an item for free. Since Publix allows you to use a manufacturer coupon with a store coupon you should be able to use one of each per item purchased.

Christy: As Michelle says, you should be able to stack the two coupons without a problem. I’ve asked about this at my store and that’s what they told me – that it prevents you from using more than one Publix coupon on a single item.

2. Masa wants to know: How does a manufacturer’s Buy One Get One coupon work for an item that is under $.50 if your store doubles? I purchased an item that was .45¢ and sIhe used a BOGO coupon. When the cashier typed in the discount I received a savings of .90¢ (the .45/1 coupon doubled). Is this how it should work?

Christy: I’m going to leave this one to Michelle since I’m in Florida and (sadly) have no experience with double coupons!

Michelle: I’d say this is a pretty rare scenario since most BOGO items are usually over .50¢ but just in case…the register is programmed to double any coupon amount .50¢ and under when the coupon begins with the number 5.

3. Deborah wants to know: What do you do when you have several rebate items on the same receipt, and the rebate you to send in an “original” receipt?

Michelle: This is a good question. I never like to go against what the rebate form says because I’m always afraid that they’ll refuse the rebate and I’ll lose out on that “free money.” Usually, though, I know what items have rebates on them when I buy them, and I make sure to do separate transactions if I’m going to need more than one “original” receipt. Better to be safe than sorry!

Christy: I’ve talked to a number of people about this and many have told me that they are able to get ‘duplicate’ receipts when they checkout and use those receipts for rebates. However, it makes me nervous…like Michelle, I don’t want to miss out on that rebate amount! So I usually split my rebate items into separate transactions.

4. Kristy wants to know: Publix is so nice to have people help you out to your car with your groceries and load them for you, are you supposed to tip them?

Michelle:Here is the answer from the Publix website: We pride ourselves in providing outstanding customer service. That service includes taking your groceries to your vehicle. Tipping is not required. Several of you have emailed to let me know that the baggers are instructed not to accept tips.–thanks everyone!!

If you receive outstanding service from an employee at Publix you might consider sending an email or making a call to tell the manager about your experience.  So many people are quick to report when things don’t go as they wish –it is just as important to share the positive experience as well!!

5. Keyonda wants to know: How do I figure out my percentage saved?

Michelle: I am lazy so I use an online calculator like the one here. But you can also do it manually: First, add the total amount spent out of pocket with your amount saved – this is the total value of your purchase. Then, divide your amount saved by the total value, and multiply the answer by 100.

I hope our answers to these questions were helpful! Make sure you ‘tune in’ next week for even more Q&A with I Heart Publix. If you have a question you’d like to see answered, email me at contactiheartpublix@gmail.com.