I had a small problem today and just need to vent more than anything. I do have a call in to the district manager at Publix and have been asked to patiently await a call within the next couple business days.

Here's what happened: I went into a Publix near my Orlando office (which I don't think I have visited before) for Chiquitas and Cherrios, which were on sale BOGO. I picked up 4 14 oz. boxes of Cherrios to go with the 4 printable manufacturer's coupons that were e-mailed to me. At the cash register, the lady told me that I could only use a coupon on the product I was paying for. I tried to be calm as I pointed out that the sale comes from Publix and the coupon comes from the manufacturer. She said she had been told differently, and went to ask the manager who told her that because I didn't know any better to use all the coupons just this once, but not again. Then, she told me that Publix was against using all the coupons because Publix would lose more money by using a coupon on the free product. Wow! Are you telling me that the grocery store loses money with these sales? That doesn't sound very smart. Then, I stood up to my full 6'3" frame and said "Really? I doubt Publix would be losing any money because the coupon is from the manufacturer, which means they get reimbursed for the face value." She was quiet after that and so was the poor bag-boy.

Customer Relations was also amused that the cashier would tell me Publix was losing money. I really do hate to complain about someone when they are probably lucky to have their job in this kind of economy, but at the same time, it's my job in this kind of economy to make sure I make every dollar we bring home count. First, I asked the operator if Publix had a copy of its coupon policy online. She said no because the policy changes per district. Why does that make since? I then explained that my usage of coupons seemed to work the same in Maitland, my home, and in Apopka, my parents' home. What could possibly be so different and why would the city of Orlando be different? I'm looking forward to an explanation from the district manager shortly.