Was I Wrong To Expect This From Publix?

[sorcerormickey]

Please tell me if I was expecting too much from Publix here.....(sorry, long)

I stopped in Publix last Wednesday to pick up some last minute sale items, their new sale starts on Thursday.

I purchased some pickles that were BOGO, and I made sure both of the 2 different types I was buying were labelled on the shelf as BOGO. I wasn't really paying attention at the register and noticed on my receipt at home that the pickles did not come up BOGO. That was OK, I still had my sale ad and I would have it adjusted when I went in again.

I also picked up a gallon of Iced Tea, regular price, no sale or specials.

The new Publix ad starting the next day had the Iced Tea I purchased on sale BOGO. OK, I'll go in and see if I can pick up the free one.

So, I go in yesterday to the Service Desk. I explain the situation with the pickles and the Tea. No go on both. Um, why? I went thru the teenager at the Customer Service Desk and 2 Managers to get the following info:

-Pickles were BOGO, but both had to be the SAME PRICE. Since when, I ask. Since ALWAYS. Um, no. If 2 items are BOGO and one is less, you get the lesser for free. Nope, won't do it.

-Iced Tea. Nope, not on sale the day I purchased so no BOGO, even tho it was the next day. The second manager even said to me, "You didn't buy 2 on Wednesday, so you obviously don't NEED 2." WTH?? (At this point I really wanted to return the Iced Tea and just re-buy the BOGO, but half the Tea was already gone.)

Was I wrong to expect them to honor their sale ad the next day? I know in Michigan you had like a week for a price difference if the item went on sale. Maybe it is different here. But I KNOW they were wrong about the pickles, BOGO does NOT have to be the same price.

I am just ticked at Publix - they have lost my business, except for their loss-leaders. I'll stick to Target for the rest of my groceries.

 

[teresajoy]

Please tell me if I was expecting too much from Publix here.....(sorry, long)

I stopped in Publix last Wednesday to pick up some last minute sale items, their new sale starts on Thursday.

I purchased some pickles that were BOGO, and I made sure both of the 2 different types I was buying were labelled on the shelf as BOGO. I wasn't really paying attention at the register and noticed on my receipt at home that the pickles did not come up BOGO. That was OK, I still had my sale ad and I would have it adjusted when I went in again.

I also picked up a gallon of Iced Tea, regular price, no sale or specials.

The new Publix ad starting the next day had the Iced Tea I purchased on sale BOGO. OK, I'll go in and see if I can pick up the free one.

So, I go in yesterday to the Service Desk. I explain the situation with the pickles and the Tea. No go on both. Um, why? I went thru the teenager at the Customer Service Desk and 2 Managers to get the following info:

-Pickles were BOGO, but both had to be the SAME PRICE. Since when, I ask. Since ALWAYS. Um, no. If 2 items are BOGO and one is less, you get the lesser for free. Nope, won't do it.

-Iced Tea. Nope, not on sale the day I purchased so no BOGO, even tho it was the next day. The second manager even said to me, "You didn't buy 2 on Wednesday, so you obviously don't NEED 2." WTH?? (At this point I really wanted to return the Iced Tea and just re-buy the BOGO, but half the Tea was already gone.)

Was I wrong to expect them to honor their sale ad the next day? I know in Michigan you had like a week for a price difference if the item went on sale. Maybe it is different here. But I KNOW they were wrong about the pickles, BOGO does NOT have to be the same price.

I am just ticked at Publix - they have lost my business, except for their loss-leaders. I'll stick to Target for the rest of my groceries.

All stores don't do a price adjustment for sales that start after you buy it. I've asked at Meijer (in Michigan) before, and was told that they don't. So, I can see why they didn't do the tea.

There is no universal policy about how a bogo works, each store gets to decide for themselves. Did the pickles say that they had to be the same? If not, and they had them all listed together, then I definetely think they should have given it to you. However, if there were seperate bogo signs for each type of pickle, then I think the store had the right not to give it to you. For example, if the store had bogo on cereal and crackers, you wouldn't expect that if you bought the cereal you would get the crackers for free.

I understand your frustration, but I think the store was in the right in this case, unless, as I stated, the pickles were all listed on one sign that said bogo.

 

[staceyfe]

They should have given you the pickles, but the tea, well, I can see why they didn't because it wasn't on sale the day you bought it. We don't have a Publix around here, so I'm not sure if they have a price adjustment policy for previously bought items that are now on sale.

How many times have I kicked myself, because I wasn't watching the grocery scanner closely enough? Chalk it up to a lesson learned.

 

[ICF]

Maybe on the pickles, as stores can set their own policy on those types of things and they don't have a Publix around here so Iam not familiar with them, but nope on the tea.

What if you bought 1 package of hot dogs for a cookout today and used them all up. Tomorrow they are BOGO....do you think they should give you another package just because their sale changed 24 hours later?

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

No Publix here, but I'll tell you my experience.

On the tea, I wouldn't have even asked. I've never heard of a grocery store doing a BOGO when you purchased outside of the stated sale times. Price Chopper clearly states the sale start and end dates--usually Sun. to Sun., but some are different.

On the pickles, again, at Price Chopper, they usually say BOGO of the same type. I've only noticed it for cereals, but I'm sure they do it other places, too. They even sometimes do BOGO fresh meats, then it's the lower price. I don't know what the Publix sign said or if the flyer was maybe more clear. I probably would have seen if I could go get 2 of each type of pickle--you already paid for the one jar of each, get the two free ones. Of course, we're a bunch of pickle eaters, your household may not be, but it's not like the unopened jars would go bad.

 

[sorcerormickey]

. Did the pickles say that they had to be the same? If not, and they had them all listed together, then I definetely think they should have given it to you.

Nope, it was the line of Mt. Olive Pickles on sale, BOGO. I've gotten different types in the past with no problem. They have these on sale a lot.

I do understand the Tea one, they just didn't have to be so rude about it.

Chalk it up to a lesson learned.

Yep. The thing that irks me tho, is that Publix supposedly prides themselves on their Customer Service. They were just so rude and condecending when I went in there, it made me mad.

What if you bought 1 package of hot dogs for a cookout today and used them all up. Tomorrow they are BOGO....do you think they should give you another package just because their sale changed 24 hours later?

Like I said, I am used to stores having a certain # of days you can get a price adjustment if something goes on sale. My Mom was a Manager of a Farmer Jack in Michigan and she was baffled that they would not adjust the items for me. If I had known the Tea would be on sale the next day, I certainly would not have bought it, just waited.

 

[teresajoy]

Nope, it was the line of Mt. Olive Pickles on sale, BOGO. I've gotten different types in the past with no problem. They have these on sale a lot.

I do understand the Tea one, they just didn't have to be so rude about it.



Yep. The thing that irks me tho, is that Publix supposedly prides themselves on their Customer Service. They were just so rude and condecending when I went in there, it made me mad.




Like I said, I am used to stores having a certain # of days you can get a price adjustment if something goes on sale. My Mom was a Manager of a Farmer Jack in Michigan and she was baffled that they would not adjust the items for me. If I had known the Tea would be on sale the next day, I certainly would not have bought it, just waited.

I think the big problem here is the way they treated you. They sounded like they were pretty rude to you. That should NEVER be the policy! My husband is a manager at a grocery store here in Michigan, and while he does uphold the policies of the store (ie:no price adjustments for items not bought within the sale period) he is NICE about it. Respect is what I think was lacking on the part of the store.

And, since it said a brand of pickles, and not certain types, they definetely should have given them to you!

 

[ADisneygirl]

I am a Publix shopper too.

I think they definitely should have given you the BOGO deal on the pickles. That was wrong. As for the iced tea, I don't think I would have expected them to honor that since the BOGO was for different sale dates. BUT.....the rudeness I detect in the manner in which you were spoken to is unheard of for Publix! Implying that you "don't need another iced tea" is rude. How dare he say that! This is what I would mention in a letter to the management at the corp. offices in Lakeland.

 

[mstew99]

I've worked in grocery for 10 years now in Michigan (currently management), and have never even heard of price adjustments. Can you seriously imagine how difficult it would be to do such a thing? People who shop weekly and spend $100, could come back in the following week with their old receipt and say well I bought these 8 things that are on sale now this week, so I want the sale price.

Now, I have heard of price adjustments in stores such as best buy, circuit city, etc. where they sell big ticket items. If you buy a TV for $2000, then next week it is on sale for $1800, generally they will fix you up.

As far as the pickles, I have no idea what these people were thinking. The same price makes no sense.. however the same size would make sense. Good example: we run BOGO sales often, like this week for ketchup. But it is only the 20oz. bottle BOGO, so if someone got a 20oz and 12oz, the 12oz would be cheaper but it wouldn't be free. Maybe this is what they meant, and they just did a mean and poor job of explaining it.

 

[dementia412]

They should have with the pickles, but I can't believe anyone would expect that with the tea. I'll bet you are now a Publix legend for trying that. I had to laugh a little at your expense. Sorry, but come on!

 

[LadyyRedd]

I'll admit, I've asked about a price adjustment in a grocery store before. I part-time in retail management for 10+ years and figured it couldn't hurt to ask.

Some ice cream I'd bought was regular price, but went on sale the very next day. I asked if they did price adjustments and she said sure, if I brought the item back in. I said well, that would be hard since it's been eaten. So she told me to go get another off the shelf and she'd do it. I never expected that!

Kimya

 

[dismom24]

I'm no fan of Publix this week, so I would side with anyone against them. They charged my debit card twice last Friday and refuse to refund my money. Their response was " maybe you spent the same amount here the another day and didn't realize it" . I have went all the way to their corporate offices and have the statement from my bank that the amount was withdrawn within 1 minute of the first transaction. I have had to file with my bank to get my money back - no idea how long that will take. They really have no concern for their customers.

 

[tor]

I'm no fan of Publix this week, so I would side with anyone against them. They charged my debit card twice last Friday and refuse to refund my money. Their response was " maybe you spent the same amount here the another day and didn't realize it" . I have went all the way to their corporate offices and have the statement from my bank that the amount was withdrawn within 1 minute of the first transaction. I have had to file with my bank to get my money back - no idea how long that will take. They really have no concern for their customers.

I have had this happen three times at various stores and the store gave it right back but my credit card told me if they dont then the card will do it for me.

Please tell me if I was expecting too much from Publix here.....(sorry, long)

I stopped in Publix last Wednesday to pick up some last minute sale items, their new sale starts on Thursday.

I purchased some pickles that were BOGO, and I made sure both of the 2 different types I was buying were labelled on the shelf as BOGO. I wasn't really paying attention at the register and noticed on my receipt at home that the pickles did not come up BOGO. That was OK, I still had my sale ad and I would have it adjusted when I went in again.

I also picked up a gallon of Iced Tea, regular price, no sale or specials.

The new Publix ad starting the next day had the Iced Tea I purchased on sale BOGO. OK, I'll go in and see if I can pick up the free one.

So, I go in yesterday to the Service Desk. I explain the situation with the pickles and the Tea. No go on both. Um, why? I went thru the teenager at the Customer Service Desk and 2 Managers to get the following info:

-Pickles were BOGO, but both had to be the SAME PRICE. Since when, I ask. Since ALWAYS. Um, no. If 2 items are BOGO and one is less, you get the lesser for free. Nope, won't do it.

-Iced Tea. Nope, not on sale the day I purchased so no BOGO, even tho it was the next day. The second manager even said to me, "You didn't buy 2 on Wednesday, so you obviously don't NEED 2." WTH?? (At this point I really wanted to return the Iced Tea and just re-buy the BOGO, but half the Tea was already gone.)

Was I wrong to expect them to honor their sale ad the next day? I know in Michigan you had like a week for a price difference if the item went on sale. Maybe it is different here. But I KNOW they were wrong about the pickles, BOGO does NOT have to be the same price.

I am just ticked at Publix - they have lost my business, except for their loss-leaders. I'll stick to Target for the rest of my groceries.

I would return the pickles and then bought two jugs of ice tea and walked it right to customer service to return one on the receipt from the previous day.

 

[sorcerormickey]

They should have with the pickles, but I can't believe anyone would expect that with the tea. I'll bet you are now a Publix legend for trying that. I had to laugh a little at your expense. Sorry, but come on!

Wow, that's nice.

 

[It's A Happy Day]

Forget dealing with that particular store. If you are that upset then I would either snail mail a letter or email a letter to the corporate office. Be sure to put an emphasis on the attitude and behavior with which you were treated and let them know that due to that and the inconsistencies with their policies you will be taking your business to the competitor down the street where you will be treated with a smile. If THEY do not respond then you will know the kind of company they stand to be. Be sure to include a photocopy of your receipt and the ad showing all varieties were included.

#1 The pickles they don't have an excuse on why you didn't get the 2nd free if stated so in the ad. Many of our stores have the B1G1 sales and it very often covers multiple flavors or varieties so as long as the sign was posted under each pickle type then the sale should cover it.

#2 The Ice Tea, me being in retail I would have adjusted as a courtesy and told you "I will do it this time but if it is on sale from ___ to ____ then we will not be able to do it in the future."

The thing that irks me is you had to drive out of your way, waste gas & time thus = money to correct their mistake on the pickles. This is why I would have been a little flexible on the Ice Tea.

 

[mstew99]

I'm no fan of Publix this week, so I would side with anyone against them. They charged my debit card twice last Friday and refuse to refund my money. Their response was " maybe you spent the same amount here the another day and didn't realize it" . I have went all the way to their corporate offices and have the statement from my bank that the amount was withdrawn within 1 minute of the first transaction. I have had to file with my bank to get my money back - no idea how long that will take. They really have no concern for their customers.

I had that happen one time where I got double charged for movie tickets. I have my credit card thru my bank, and everything set up with online accounts. I just signed into my online banking, found the link to email customer service, told them what happened, and in no time the money was credited back.

The sad thing is, people try to do what publix said you might have done. I have a friend that works for toys r'us, and was there the morning they got all of their nintendo wii's in. A couple of people had pre-ordered 2, and they both paid with the same card. So, it showed 2 identical charges within a minute of each other. From what he told me, these people tried to claim their card got double charged and to get money back.

I'm not saying it was right for them to question you, but stuff like this does happen so sometimes it's hard to know who's telling the truth.

 

[mum4jenn]

No way on the tea but at the very least since you paid for two jars of pickles then you should have been able to get another jar of each type and they should have been free.

 

[donnajon]

At my Publix when they advertise BOGOs it isn't really BOGO but all of the items are half price. So, I could have just bought one jar of pickles for the 50% off. I cna understand the tea but they should have honored the sale on the pickles.

 

[powellrj]

I noticed a couple of years ago our Kroger use to do the 1/2 price on BOGOs, then they started where you had to buy 2 of the exact items to get the BOGOs. Example if I bought 1 dill and 1 sweet, I would have to buy another dill and another sweet to get the BOGO deal.

It never mattered before, but like I said it started to matter a couple of years ago. I know when they changed registers is when it changed in our stores.

 

[dhardawa]

I can totally understand the tea, but not the pickles. I would probably buy two jugs of tea, return one on the old receipt, and call it even. Then I'd never shop there again.