Jason and I firmly believe that a successful shop starts at the register. We have spent countless hours in Publix stores and have come up with what we believe is a decent approach to ensuring a smooth transaction at the register. Although this is not a foolproof method it may help some of you that are feeling frustrated during your transactions.
ORGANIZE YOUR COUPONS BEFORE YOU GET IN LINE
We organize our coupons in the following manner:
$/$$ coupon first
competitor coupons
Publix coupons
Manufacturer coupons
Why do we do this? Well, it really helps the cashier and it makes your transaction go smoothly. The cashier doesn’t have to switch modes every time you hand him/her a different kind of coupon (i.e. the manufacturer coupons scan but the competitor and the Publix coupons have to be input manually). We always hand the competitor coupons first after the $/$$ because they take the most time to input. The Publix coupons can be input more easily. Then the cashier can just scan all of the manufacturer coupons at the end and you leave your transaction on a positive note.
NOTE: Please make sure that you fill in the price of the item on the coupons that are for FREE products (just look for the blank line on the coupon and write in the price). This really helps the cashier; they won’t have to scan through your entire order looking for the price of the item.
PICKING A FRIENDLY CASHIER
I know that many of you are trying to figure out who the friendly cashiers are in your local stores. This is a tough nut to crack. I shop at 6 different Publix stores in the Nashville area and I know most of the cashiers by name now (even the unfriendly ones). The Cool Springs Moore’s Lane store is the exception; that store is gigantic and I still feel as though I’m lost in a sea of faces when I am there.
As many of you know the women cashiers that are over 50 are not the best choice (this is a generalization). For some reason, they often do not exercise healthy skepticism when scanning your coupons but instead opt for hostility especially when they don’t understand your coupons. I have my own theory as to why they act this way. If you meet me in a store then you can ask me about it.
SMILE AND CHAT WITH THE CASHIER WHEN YOU ARE UNLOADING YOUR ITEMS AND WHILE SHE/HE IS SCANNING YOUR ITEMS
I always ask the cashiers how their day is going and I try to remember something about their lives so that they know that I care about them and am not just the "greedy lady that gets her food for free." Remember that your cashiers are people too. They have family problems and difficult days and they sometimes deal with impatient and angry people. Make sure that their transactions with you are always pleasant and friendly. Don’t worry about checking the price of the items while they are being scanned. You can check your receipt after the transaction is over.
STOP CHATTING WHEN YOUR ITEMS HAVE BEEN SCANNED AND FOCUS ON YOUR COUPONS
As soon as my items scan I switch modes and start working on my communication with the cashier as it relates to my coupons. First of all, I never (and I mean never) hand my coupons to the cashier. There are several reasons for this:
1. Some of the coupons will not be scanned.
2. I don’t want the cashier to lay my coupons down and try to match them.
3. I want to control the pace/speed of the transaction.
4. I want to explain things as I go.
5. I don’t want the cashier to take the time to scrutinize every little detail of the coupon once he/she sees that I am getting something for free (getting stuff for free freaks some cashiers out). I know that I am being ethical and I don’t want to prolong the transaction unnecessarily.
When you walk up to the cashier just have your coupons organized and begin communicating with him/her.
"Here is my $5/50 competitor coupon."
"Here are my $3.00 charcoal competitor coupons…..I bought 6 bags so there's 6 coupons. It's $18.00 total (I tell them this so that they don't have to add them up; some of the cashiers like to input just the $18.00 instead of inputting the coupon 6 times).
- cashier tries to scan charcoal coupon
- "oh, those have to be input as competitor coupons."
"Here are the 6 Publix coupons for the 6 Revlon that I bought."
Watch the screen to ensure that the correct amount comes off of your bill when your coupons are being input. If the cashier makes a mistake then politely point out the error. I encounter errors all the time. Sometimes they are in the form of an "incorrect amount" that was input and sometimes they are in the form of a "miscount" of the number of coupons that you had for that item. For example, if I hand the cashier 6 coupons for an item then I take the time to listen for 6 beeps. Then I hand the cashier the next set of coupons.
APPLY YOUR COUPONS TO TAX
You can calculate your balance in such a way that your last few coupons can be applied to tax. Keep in mind that the manager or customer service rep. will have to come over to approve those last few coupons as the register needs approval to apply coupons to tax.
TRY NOT TO GO INTO THE NEGATIVE
If you see that your balance is going to come up negative then hold back the coupons that would put you into the negative. Many cashiers don’t know what to do if your balance goes into the negative. They get very nervous. Better to avoid this scene altogether.
CHECK YOUR RECEIPT BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE STORE
If you encounter any problems with your receipt then just head to customer service after the transaction is over. If you have problems with your cashier not accepting certain coupons or you have an item ring up wrong then just go and talk to customer service. Their job is to help you solve your problem.
GET TO KNOW YOUR MANAGEMENT
Introduce yourself to your managers and tell them that you love shopping at Publix. Tell them that you are an extreme couponer and you love the savings that you receive at Publix. The more you know your management the better your transactions will go. Tell them that you reference them and their store by leaving comments on shopping blogs. This lets them know that you are an opinion leader and that others will be reading what you say about their store.
53 comments:
Hey....found this really really helpful......thanks for sharing...
I couldn't agree with you more! Especially the part about getting to know the management.
Prior to discovering your blog, I used to try to "fly under the radar". Since I've taken the time to get to know the staff, they are friendly and greet ME when I come in. Plus, if there are any issues or questions with my coupons when I'm checking out, they already know that I'm a legitimate & ethical couponer & it's not a problem.
Also, the order you give your coupons is critical to getting the best savings. I did have Mandi (CS Mgr at Concord Rd) tell me they appreciate when you give them matching coupons at the same time (like the Revlon Publix Q & Mfg Q). She said it makes it easier so they can see that you're using 2 different TYPES of coupons for the same item, instead of doubling up on coupons.
Thanks for posting this Kelly! I have finally found a great cashier at one of the publix stores and it makes a huge difference. I always call her by name and it immediately sets everything at ease.
However, I must kindly disagree with you Jennifer on putting the Publix Q and the MQ's together. I used to do this but then the stores in my area are cracking down on any type of overage. For me, it "red flags" my items and makes for a terrible transaction. I now try to spread them out (like placing my Revlon MQ's far away from the PQ's). This is just based on my experience. :) I wish that I had CS staff that seems to be as friendly as ya'll have in Nashville. ;)
Thank you for the excellent information.
I would love to hear tips from anyone on how to find free plus overage items. Do you carry your coupon binder with you on your shops? Do you check out the clearance section before you start your shop?
Also, has anyone in the Murfreesboro area found any recycle bins to get papers?
Jennifer and Bethany, I appreciate the feedback that both of you have provided. You both have just proven a point. Every person's experience/situation with their Publix is going to be different.
I have had cashiers appreciate that my coupons were put together (both MQ and PQ) and I have had cashiers appreciate that the competitor Q's, Publix Q's, and Manufacturer Q's were separated out (as it was easier to input them).
My final analysis on the subject is what I am presenting here for all of you to read. Keep in mind that this is going to probably change for me as I continue to coupon. You can take my advice or leave it; I am just offering it in case some of you are clueless as to "how to approach the register."
Again, these are just my opinions and you do not have to follow them (smiling).
That being said, I appreciate hearing different views so post away (thanks Jen and Bethany). I love to discuss openly what we all think as this helps us to either solidify our own positions or causes us to change our views.
----------
tshanina, I see that you have posted this question twice now on the blog. It looks to me as though you have already figured out what to do (smiling).
My answer.....I think that finding overage items becomes second nature as you gain experience with extreme couponing. For example, Brandy and I have been couponing this way for a long time now and when a coupon comes out we know if it will make an item FREE or close to FREE or if it will be a moneymaker.
You also have to be a visual person as you have to remember if you have a competitor Q for the same item. Usually the two (both MQ and competitor Q) makes an item FREE + overage. Sometimes the clearance aisle works but you need to clip coupons every week and take your binder/bin with you when you go to Publix (I don't do this anymore as I don't want to clip my coupons; I don't have the time for that anymore). I did clip when I was shopping at several different stores.....especially as I was building my stockpile but now that my stockpile is built I don't need to do this.
Make sense?
Tina, thank you for letting me know that this was helpful to you. The feedback is appreciated.
Thanks so much for this post. I have been catagorizing my coupons just as you suggested. On my last shopping trip, my cashier expressed her appreciation. This week I cut my balance down to $25 and change so I think I'm getting better at this! :)
tshanina,
MTSU has an open recycling center off of Greenland Drive, near the Ag center. You will need a step ladder or something like that. Most of the schools have newspaper recycling bins, but you may want to wait until after school hours since there may be security issues.
Tricia
Thanks for the great information. I have a question unrelated but I encountered a problem at Publix using a Register Reward from Walgreens the other day. I have never questioned using it myself as it states manufacturers coupon and has never even beeped when scanned but the manager would not allow it. What are your thoughts?
I live in Smyrna and visit Murfreesboro all the time, especially for coupons. The best bin is in the Sam's parking lot. It's over there by the car service area and is almost always full! It's awesome. Just be prepared to spend some time digging as it's so full. And if you ever see someone else there digging, introduce yourself! I love meeting fellow couponers.
Dixieclip, I would email corporate about the problem that you had and just explain to them that it is a Catalina coupon and it can be used anywhere.
See who calls you back and talk to them about it. Explain that it is just like any other Catalina that spits out at Kroger or any other store. They are transferable to any store.
If you still have problems and you want to use them then just go to Maryland Farms (they are used to them).
Hey girl! This information really helped. I did organize my coupons the way you recommended and gosh it made all the difference in the world! My transaction went much quicker and my cashier thanked me!!! Plan to pass the info on. :)
Please post if you all run across any other good money makers. I am working the Revlon. :)
Wow this is great info all in one place. Ill be sharing this with all my couponing friends!
On another note, Kelly what baby formula coupons were you looking for? Enfamil? There is a $5 one here, http://www.enfamil.com/app/iwp/enfamil/certificate.do?id=/Consumer_Home2/Enf_Tools_Resources/Enf_Programs_Offers/PremiumCoupon and I guess the will be on sale at Walgreens next week for $22.49. I have no idea if that is a good deal or not but thought of you when I read it.
Excellent post, Kelly.
I was so happy the first time I separated out my Q's into the 3 groups after one of our discussions. So many LESS hassles and problems - like them all getting laid out on the belt while the cashier tried to sort them (remember a particular older female cashier at Nipper's Corner...) and missed 5 or so Q's in the process.
Carrie, I am always in need of formula checks (not manufacturer coupons). I can trade the formula checks in for cash or for Similac coupons. I can't use the manufacturer Q's unless they are for Similac. Thanks for thinking of me though.
------
SCG, you work that Revlon girl.
------
Melissa, thanks for the encouragement. I can't wait to see you tomorrow! Tell Maggie that Savannah will be wearing her sparkly sandals tomorrow and that she'll memorize her new cubbie verse with her at mom's group!
I organize mine similarly- and since I always shop at the same two places, I know the cashiers, and how they like the coupons to be organized. Most of my fave cashiers are very careful, and I just hand over the stack, with the x/xx, competitors, Publix, then mq's. :) I hand it over and say, there are $18 in competitor coupons (or whatever), you can just enter it as 10 and 8 instead of all individually, makes it faster.
They love me for this (I even helped one of the managers by showing her how to do that. LOL).
There are a few cashiers that I won't hand the stack to. I will give a section at a time. Otherwise they get confused.
I guess it's just finding a Publix that is coupon-friendly and getting to know them. They get to know you and then you can work together to make it the best shopping experience possible.
That's what has worked for me anyway.
:)
Brandy
Thanks for the suggestions, Kelly! I'll be sorting mine that way next time I shop. Last time I shopped, I wrote down the prices on the free coupons, and the young male cashier told me thank you about 6 times!
Our transactions are a little more difficult than one without coupons, so it just makes to do what we can to help our cashiers.
Sherry and Jennifer, it was so nice meeting you guys this week. I hope we can all get together soon. Thanks for stopping by!
Kelly, thank YOU for the Mt. Olive coupons. And my pickle-loving husband thanks you too!
I just did a deal that I think is pretty awesome! I use the Swiffer wet mopping cloth things to mop my bathrooms & laundry room. Just a few days ago, I thought to myself that I was getting low and needed to start looking for a deal on them. Here's what I did:
Publix Swiffer Refill Offer
6 - Swiffer Wet Mopping Cloth Refills $3.89 each
2 – Single rolls of Bounty Paper Towels $1.99 each
6 - $1 Store Coupon off any Swiffer product from Put Clean In Your Cart booklet at Publix
6 – 50 cents off Swiffer refills manufacturer coupon from 8/30 P&G insert (doubles to $1)
2 – Free Bounty Paper Towels when you buy 3 participating products (Swiffer is a participating product) from Put Clean In Your Cart booklet at Publix
2 – 25 cents off Bounty manufacturer coupon from 8/30 P&G insert (doubles to 50 cents)
6 Swiffer @ $3.89
2 Bounty @ $1.99
Total = $27.32
minus $6 Swiffer store coupons
minus $6 Swiffer manufacturer coupons
minus $3.98 free Bounty coupons
minus $1 Bounty manufacturer coupons
Total Discount = $16.98
Total Out of Pocket = $10.34
Since you’ve purchased $20 worth of refills, you can submit your receipt and UPCs for a $10 Rewards Card which is “accepted at over 100,000 towards a purchase of your choice”.
Here’s the link to the rebate information and form:
http://www.swiffer.com/en_US/refillrebate.do?utm_source=swiffer_promopage&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=RefillRebate
So, 6 Swiffer refills and 2 rolls of paper towels for 34 cents!!
If you don’t want to spend as much out of pocket, you can get a $5 card for buying $10 worth of refills. You’ll get 3 refills and one roll of paper towels for 17 cents!
You have to hurry though! The rebate offer is good until 9/15.
Hope everyone has a good weekend!
Sherry, awesome scenario. You are a pretty sharp cookie. I think I may hand the blog off to you if I ever retire (wink).
Kelly, another great and informative post. I introduced myself to the manager at the store in McKays Mill last week, and was excited to find out they are accepting HG Hill's $5/50 coupon (but not Target). I am going to reorganize my coupons, thanks for all of the suggestions!
extremely helpful! Thank you so much!
I know this isn't an entry about a shop, but I just wanted to let anyone reading know that the Publix on Hwy 70 in Bellevue has Glass Plus as the penny item. Use it with a $.50 off coupon that was recently in the Tennessean (I don't know if it was RP or SS, or what week it was) for $.99 overage. Thanks!
Awesome post Sherry. Thanks!!! I just got a Swiffer (with my free plus overage items)a few weeks ago. :O) It says that you have to use the Swiffer cleaner. Is that true? If not, what do you use?
I actually use the plain ole Swiffer "sweeper" with their wet cloths rather than the one where the liquid squirts out. But, my mom used to use the squirt kind, and she put other kinds of solutions in the empty bottle. I think it just depends on what you're willing to have on your floor.
I just had to chime in and share what's been going on...You know I have been following awhile now--saving my family a LOT of $$$!!! I started my own local blog and have found that local folks are really interested. My focus is not to compete with the BIG blogs out there...nope simply to help/encourage people just as you are doing. So I just wanted you to know that you have inspire me to help people in my community during these tough times. I'm in the process of setting up classes at local shelters for women in transition. Just giving back. All of us have a skill here in this couponing thing...and what a wonderful gift to share with others. So THANK YOU. ;) Shannon
Shannon, what a sweet post. Thank you for encouraging me. You are an awesome girl!
LA Girl, sorry for the delayed comment, but I also wanted to say these were some great info/tips!!
I just saw that there is going to be two Knox coupons in this Sunday's RP.
Knox Powder, 5.5oz or Nutramix for Strong Nails $4
Knox Powders or Caplets, 11oz+ $6
Do you think either of these work on the geletin?
Also, any money maker tips this week? Thanks!
Has anyone noticed any free plus overage items lately? The revlon deal ends this week and I'm planning ahead for next week. :O)
Carrie, sorry but neither one of those can be used on the $1.39 packets of gelatin.
Tina, thank you so much for the coupons that you sent to me. That was so generous of you; you are a sweet girl! I'm lovin' the Maranatha coupons! I found $1/1 hangtags this week on the Maranatha Peanut Butter that I am going to use in conjunction with the coupons that you sent me. Thank you again.
Hey..glad u got the coupons ...sorry they were a little late...been busy with kids and work....am always willing to share my finds,glad u can use them....take care.
I wanted to thank you for your blog. I had a problem with the Publix on Sam Ridley. They said that they were not allowed to give overages. I called Ken, the district manager, and clarified it for me(even though I knew the answer). He was very kind and righted the situation.
Without your blog and encouragement, I would not have had the courage or knowledge to stand up to them. Thank you for enabling us to do things for ourselves.
Ken actually thanked me for calling and asking for clarification. I had called him once before regarding the target coupon situaton. He's a very kind. That made it easier for me to call this time.
You rock!!!
Tshanina, so glad that you are communicating with your District Manager. Feels good right?
Tina, where did you get those $10/50 Whole Foods Q's? Those were awesome!
Those came from orlando area ...my sis in law gave them to me(10 of them)she wasnt going to use them...my publix has been taking them,depends on ur publix though...havent had any issues so far( knock on wood)....they are awesome ,arent they??...i love them....enjoy...
$3/2 JNJ product blinkie found at Publix is a moneymaker when you buy the travel size bandaids...no size restrictions. Share your overage tips too please! :)
Missing you LA! :)
SCG, how much are the bandaids? Thanks for providing an overage tip!
Miss you too SCG.
The bandaids are .99 cents and are in the travel section. Ours are all dusty. LOL
.79 in travel section.
Hey everyone! Just wanted to share a funny story because I really feel this blog has become the community you were after. I go to the same Publix off Concord every week and have gotten to know several of the store employees. When I was checking out tonight, my checkout person of choice is a very sweet lady (wish I could remember her name) who is very coupon friendly. She said two girls came in using coupons the other day and asked her if she knew who "DixieClip" is and she guessed it was me! How fun! If you were these girls, hello! My savings tonight: $100 and paid $80 Out of pocket. Not the best, not the worst :) Hope you had a good shop!!
Dixie, I was the one that mentioned you. I asked if they knew who you were because you often come in late when they are closing and they knew exactly who you were. I described you because I had a picture of you (thanks for posting your pic).
---------
NOTE TO EVERYONE: please post your picture so that we know what you look like. Thanks!
Hey Kelly!! Just wanted to let you know that I am going through withdrawals!! :) We miss you!!!!!!
Hi Bethany, thanks for the shout out girl! I miss you too.
Kelly,
Thanks for asking about me. You are too funny. I was so shocked when she knew me by my screen name. HA!! Yes, we all miss your posts. I do shop late, and bless them, they are so patient with me. Great way to get to know the staff though (unless they secretly all resent me) :)BTW- had a great trip a couple of weeks ago. Saved $160, spent $12. Wow, it was great! Thanks for all of your great advice!!
DixieClip (love that name) - they actually did know who you were as soon as I mentioned that you shopped late at night.
Just an FYI....they didn't say anything negative outright, however, they did say, "oh yeah, we know her" (sort of in a slighty exasperated tone). You may want to consider that they might have to keep a register open for you until you have finished (not sure what time you are actually checking out). The gal that said this is the older woman in her late 50's...early 60's (she doesn't seem to be thrilled with couponers; she was exasperated when I showed up at her register at 9:55pm the other night with a handful of coupons).
If I were you I would just be careful to get there in plenty of time to check out well before they close. You don't want to leave a negative impression (i.e. they may be smiling on the outside but secretly dreading your presence when you walk into the store late at night).
Any thoughts?
DixieClip - awesome shop BTW.
A (That Further Ham) - I wondered if you were still reading the blog. Nice to see that you're still alive.
Kelly,
Looking forward to your return! Really miss your posts. In case anyone wants a good deal on Boost drinks for kids...
Boost Nutritional Energy Drink 6pk is $5.99 ea this week. You can print a BOGO Q at http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=qiiodio97025362&bt=vi&o=58795&c=NB&p=zXbjRWSM
and there are $5/1 MF Q which can be found in Dr's Office (Local - Cool Springs Pediatrics - Dr. Albertson and Dr. Fiscus had some recently) so they are .49 ea when you use both.
Just a warning about those Boost Kid drinks- my daughter drank ONE and was hyper for DAYS. We don't normally let her have junk, so maybe her body just wasn't used to all the added stuff...but I liked the probiotic straw, and we drink the adult ones...but this was bad. It was like someone gave her speed. I wrote the manufacturer to ask them their opinion and they never emailed me back. Just a heads-up.
Hey there. Well, I did have one late shop, probably checking out around 10:15 however, I have always tried to be respectful of their closing time. I have starting shopping earlier and only made quick runs if they are late in the evening. The manager was very nice to tell me one time that if I walked into the store before 10, I could stay as long as I liked, he was just glad they were getting my money! :) But, I don't want to irritate the cashiers and other employees so that is why I have been going earlier.
As for that particular cashier, she is typically very nice to me and happy to do a tranaction with coupons. Maybe caught her on a bad day. That can happen.
Bummer about the competitor Qs. I will have to check next time I am in the Concord store to see if they are changing their policy as well. Some things are good while they last!
Also, my name is Lori. Thought about starting a blog once upon a time, to help my family with their saving, hence the DixieClip. But life seems to pass and DixieClip's blog remains empty. :(
On a different note, if you haven't started Christmas shopping for the kiddies, I highly suggest everyone checking out the Toys R Us buy 2 get 1 sale. Good deals!
Post a Comment