Everyone knows that Publix is THE place to coupon. Their initial prices are higher, but if you can afford it, the fact that you aren't being forced to shop at Walmart makes it worth it. That you can come out with some rock bottom deals makes it even better. But I get it. Couponing at Publix is intimidating. Sometimes it's easier to go to Walmart and know that you only have a couple of money saving options to worry about, instead of doing a bit of math and research to save 70-90% off your order total. And that's ok, if that's where your priorities are. But for those of you who don't mind a little challenge and a LOT of savings, I'm going to show you the absolute quickest way to get the fantastic hauls you see posted on social media.
1. Read the Publix sale paper
Publix loves you! They have made finding their BoGo Deals even easier than the matchup websites that take forever to load and have spammy ads everywhere. Just go to the Publix website and check out the weekly ad. Then hit the "Buy 1, Get 1 Fee" button. That's it. No picking through the fine print of the paper. No cross referencing labels. Just a couple of clicks.
2. Search coupon database
My favorites are Krazy Coupon Lady and Southern Savers. KCL features first the printable and mobile coupons, then lets you know about any paper ones that are available in your area. She'll also show you recent deals that feature the item you are searching for. Score! Bonus Tip: The KCL app is SO. MUCH. easier to use than the website. It's cleaner, quicker, more compact, and generally a more pleasant experience.
For Southern Savers, simply enter in the brand name of whatever item Publix has on BoGo and the coupon database will pull up every insert that it was in, along with any store coupons that are available, AND any Ibotta deals. SO EASY! Southern Savers has a great little feature where you can choose your local newspaper and they'll tell you if your paper carried that coupon. Just be aware that coupons and Ibotta deals can be regional, so if you see it on the database, but not in your paper, it may not have come out in your area, it may have been reported without being printed, or you may be missing an insert, an all too common occurrence in the couponing world.
Bonus Tip: The Southern Savers app looks almost exactly like the website and is just as easy to use.
For Southern Savers, simply enter in the brand name of whatever item Publix has on BoGo and the coupon database will pull up every insert that it was in, along with any store coupons that are available, AND any Ibotta deals. SO EASY! Southern Savers has a great little feature where you can choose your local newspaper and they'll tell you if your paper carried that coupon. Just be aware that coupons and Ibotta deals can be regional, so if you see it on the database, but not in your paper, it may not have come out in your area, it may have been reported without being printed, or you may be missing an insert, an all too common occurrence in the couponing world.
Bonus Tip: The Southern Savers app looks almost exactly like the website and is just as easy to use.
Important Tip: Remember that for most Publix stores, you do not have to buy 2 items to get the BoGo price, which means that you are in luck if you have only 1 coupon set for the item. Most Publix's are 1/2 Bogo stores. This means that you aren't really "buying one and getting one free", you are paying half for one and half of another. If that concept is a little confusing to you, check out the video below, "SSRR Special Topic: BoGo". It's 5 minutes and shows you exactly how it breaks down (with coupons!)
Important Tip: Publix accepts competitors coupons, but no Publix has the same set of competitors. Visit your local store to see who is considered a competitor in your area. If your local competitors offer "$5/30 in purchases" coupons, Publix will accept it, in addition to your MNF and Publix coupons! Be aware that many Publix stores will no longer accept Target coupons, even if they are in the competitive market, due to a high rate of fraud.The Publix coupon policy can be a little tricky to find, so check out their full Publix couponing T&C .
3. Check your rebate apps
Southern Savers will show you Ibotta and sometimes Checkout51. I also recommend Snap by Groupon. There are many others (as I've mentioned in the workshop video above), but I've had the most consistent positive experience and the most usable offers through these three.
4. Make your list and go to the store
Write your list. Your goal is to stack any combination of 1 MNF coupon with 1 Publix coupon with as many Ibotta/Checkout51/Snap by Groupon/mobile rebates as possible. If you are shopping for the lowest possible savings percentage, then don't add it to your list unless it has at least 2 of the 3 savings options (MNF, Pub, or rebate). If you are just shopping for a good deal, then any one of the 3 makes your bottom line a little lower than it would be any other time.
Important Tip: If Publix is out of the item you have coupons for, go to the customer service desk and ask for a rain check. Even if your coupon and the sale have expired by the time the item is back in stock, you'll be allowed to redeem it at face value for the item's sale price.
Important Tip: If Publix is out of the item you have coupons for, go to the customer service desk and ask for a rain check. Even if your coupon and the sale have expired by the time the item is back in stock, you'll be allowed to redeem it at face value for the item's sale price.
The end.
That's all there is to it. 4 little steps and you have conquered the vast, impenetrable wilds of couponing at Publix. Congratulations!