Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Couponning 101 - part one!

Probably the most frustrating part of couponning is getting to the register and being told "You can't do that deal because we don't ...." so getting to know your local store is key to a successful shopping trip - at our class we discovered that within a few miles of each other there were definitive differences between local store policies... so forewarned is forearmed.

The two best sources for coupon policies are your cashiers and your customer service staff... check with them about what their coupon policy is and also check with your friends about how they coupon at your stores...

A quick reference guide is provided here to get you started :)  With thanks to Casie & Melinda for providing the James Island info :)

Publix

1. You do not have to buy 2 of the B1G1 items to get the sale price **

2. If you do buy 2 items that are B1G1 make sure you use 2 coupons to get the best deal

3. Publix accepts competitors coupons (you can stack with a manufacturers coupon and a Publix coupon)

4. You can use a store coupon and a manufacturer’s coupon on the same item

5. Most Publix locations double manufacturer coupons that are.50¢ or less **


*The Publix at Main Rd will take ALL competitor coupons including competitors that do not have stores in  SC (like Meijer, Harvey's etc), but the Folly Road store will only accept LOCAL competitors

** The Publix at Folly Road will accept recently expired coupons (within 1-2 weeks) but Main Rd will not.

*** Both Publix consider DRUG STORES as competitors so will accept $ off $$ coupons from CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid.  They will also accept World Market, Family Dollar coupons as well!


Bi-Lo
1. Most Bi-Lo store double coupons that are .60¢ or less
2. You can “stack” a store coupon with a manufacturer’s coupon
3. You do not have to buy 2 of the B1G1 items to get the sale price
4. If you do buy two B1G1 items use 2 coupons if you have them
5. Some stores take competitor coupons; please check with your store before shopping to see if a coupon will be accepted.

*both the Bi-Lo at Bee's Ferry and Folly Road accept competitor LOCAL grocery store coupons

Food Lion
1. Check with your local store about B1G1 items. Ask “Are you required to buy 2, or will they each ring up at half price?”
2. Most Food Lion stores do not double coupons.
3. If you do a B1G1 deal, use 2 coupons if they will let you.
4.  There are regional variations in all ads, so check your ad for any small price changes.

Harris Teeter
1. You do not have to buy 2 of the B1G1 items, each item will ring up half price.
2. Coupons are doubled that are .99¢ or less.
3. They will double 20 coupons per day/transaction.
4. You must have a VIC card to get sale prices and for your coupons to double.
5. Most stores only allow one coupon per B1G1 deal, so only buy one per transaction if possible
** Harris Teeter will occasionally offer Triple coupons week (99¢ or less) or Super Doubles (Doubles coupons up to $1.98)

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