Publix Coupon Policy Updated 10/1

[Barb May]

Happy October! As I mentioned last month, Publix decided to update and
clarify their coupon policy starting today. The details can be found on
their website.

Like I said when I gave you guys a heads up�I really do feel like this
is a really good thing. The policy is very clear and I think will
actually help folks who may have dealt with inconsistencies in how
coupons were accepted from store to store (and even from cashier to
cashier.)

It seems like the biggest �issue� that some folks have with the change
is that Publix is limiting you to using one competitor total order
coupon per day. I understand that change can be hard but the fact that
they allow this type of coupon to be used at all is such a great
opportunity. Very few stores allow you to even use these types of
coupons and none of them (that I know) allow you to use more than one.
Remember, Publix is not reimbursed for these coupons so expecting them
to happily allow folks to take $10, $20, $30 or more off their
purchases is really asking a lot in my opinion.

There also seemed to be a lot of confusion about the redemption of 8
like coupons rule. This does not mean that you can only use 8 coupons
per transaction�it means that you can only use 8 identical coupons per
day. You can use as many coupons as you like in your transaction but
you can only use sets of 8 identical coupons. As an example, while you
can use 200 coupons � you can only use a max of 8 Yakisoba coupons from
the July SS insert. This is a great change as it will hopefully mean
that more product stays on the shelf so more folks can take advantage
of the sales.

I know there was some question about Publix allowing coupons to be used
with rain checks. You�ll be happy to see that Publix will continue to
allow you to use a coupon that was valid when the rain check was
issued.

Check out the details below and let me know what you think. I really do
think that this policy is extremely fair and very generous as compared
to the vast majority of other supermarkets.

The types of coupons we accept:

�Manufacturer�s coupons, Publix coupons, Internet coupons, and coupons
from nearby competitors (a list of which are posted at each Publix
store).
�Coupons from competing pharmacies for prescriptions only.
Our acceptance guidelines:

�Acceptance is subject to any restrictions on the coupon.
�We only accept coupons for identical items we sell.
�We only accept a manufacturer�s coupon and either a Publix or a
competitor�s coupon on the same item. Maximum of two coupons per item.
�Manufacturer�s digital offers cannot be combined with manufacturer�s
paper coupons on the purchase of the same item.
�We do not accept percent-off-items or percent-off-total-order coupons.
�We do not accept coupons that Publix determines to be printed
incorrectly. For example, a coupon missing a size requirement or other
standard coupon details.
�We do not accept coupons presented via a mobile phone or device.
�We do not accept coupons that appear to be copied. All coupons must be
originals.
�For a buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) offer, each item is considered a
separate purchase.
�We limit coupon redemption to eight of the same coupons per day, per
household.
�Manager�s approval is needed for individual coupons above $5.
�Dollars-off-total-order coupons will be limited to one Publix and one
competitor�s coupon per day, per household. The total order before
coupons must be equal to or greater than the combined purchase
requirements indicated on the coupon(s) presented. We consider
competitor�s coupons for dollars off groups of items to be a dollars-
off-total-order coupon and will only allow one per day, per household.
�Money due back to the customer at the end of a transaction involving
coupons will only be provided on a Publix gift card.
Our management teams will only issue rain checks for items which are
advertised outside the store at a reduced retail. For example, on radio
or TV, or in our weekly ad, co-op ad, mailer, or Internet site.

�We will only issue one rain check, per day, per household for an item.
�We will not issue rain checks for Publix, competitor�s, or
manufacturer�s coupons.
Also Publix, has made some changes to their FAQ section. Here are ones
that are new or ones that I think you�ll want to take note of. I am not
listing everything so be sure to check out their FAQ page if you have
other questions.

How does Publix define a household?

Publix defines a household as a single family. (Children can�t redeem
coupons if their parent already redeemed the maximum amount allowed for
their household that day.)

Publix won�t accept coupons that appear to be copied. What does a
copied coupon look like?

If a coupon is photocopied, some of its security features may be
missing, causing the coupon to be illegible or blurry. Copied coupons
may also be off-center or have copy machine lines running through them.

Do I have to have a physical coupon for every offer I want to redeem?

Yes. You must have a physical copy of the coupon that you want to
redeem.

Can I redeem more than eight coupons per day if I buy several flavors
or varieties of a product?

No. We�ll only accept eight of the same coupons per day, per household,
regardless of the flavors or varieties of a product you purchase.

Can a BOGO manufacturer�s coupon be used with another manufacturer�s
coupon?

No. When the manufacturer issues a BOGO coupon, it requires the
purchase of two items. So, because you have to purchase both items to
meet the coupon�s requirements, a manufacturer�s coupon has already
been applied to both items.

Can I use gas card coupons and dollars-off-total-order coupons in the
same transaction?

Yes. The purchase requirements for both coupons will be combined,
meaning if you must spend $50 to redeem the gas card coupon and $50 to
redeem the dollars-off-total-order coupon, you must spend $100 to
redeem both.

I have a rain check and a coupon for an item, but the coupon is now
expired, though it was valid on the date the rain check was issued. Can
I still use the coupon on the item?

Yes, Publix will accept the coupon that was valid on the date the rain
check was issued.

As always I love to hear what you guys think. Share your comments and
opinions. I know everyone has a different view as this policy means
different things to all of us. Are you happy or sad to see the changes?