You need to know the ropes in shopping at Winn Dixie, but Winn Dixie is secondary in my preferred grocery shopping pyramid.  Only you know what other actual grocery stores you have in your shopping area, but here in south FL we have a lot of Publix, less Winn Dixie & an occasional Albertson’s, Bravo, Whole Foods or Save a-lot.

Because there are some differences in couponing in Florida and other southern states, you need to understand up front that this is focused on Florida and we do not have any stores that double.  We also have a law that says that businesses must tell the truth when they advertise, so we have what is known as “true BOGO”, where we buy one and we get one for absolutely free.  This is a major benefit for us!!

WD accepts manufacturer coupons (commonly referred to as MQ here on Xtreme)-both insert coupons and Internet printables (IP), catalinas (which are MQ), BOGO coupons & WD store coupons.  Their new policy states that they do not accept competitor coupons.  BUT, I am hearing reports from various store regions that they are accepting competitor Q’s….  It doesn’t hurt to ask at your own store!!

Here are some points to understand before shopping at Winn Dixie:

• You must have a store card to get the sales prices.  (although if you forget it, you can give them your phone #)
• Coupons must have a current expiration date and must scan at the register.
• IP coupons cannot be valued over $5.
• They do not accept IP coupons that have been deemed fraudulent.
• They allow “stacking” of coupons, where you can use 1 MQ & 1 WDQ on the same item.
• Any “overage” accrued can only be applied to your other purchases, as they will not apply it to sales tax nor will they pay you the excess. (you know what overage is, right??)
• They reserve the right to accept, deny or limit the use of coupons at their discretion, to comply with their policy guidelines.  Limiting coupons is supposed to prevent shelf clearing!
• They participate in the Catalina Marketing program and you will often get long, slender coupons that print out at a separate machine from the register when you complete your transaction.  Occasionally these include a $5 off $55 purchase (or so they say… I have NEVER, EVER received one!!)

They have a Baby Club that you can join if you are expecting or have infants/babies under the age of 2.  You must provide a valid due date or birth date.  You earn points for any baby items you purchase.  1 point = $1 spent in the baby department. If you also participate in Fuel Perks, instead of collecting points, you’ll earn a 10¢ per gallon discount for every $25 spent on baby products.  Click HERE to join.

They participate in the Upromise education program.  Make sure you register your WD card with your Upromise account.  If you need more info on Upromise, click HERE. (One of these days I’ll get an actual post written about it)

They have a reward program called Fuel Perks.  A new Fuel Perks card is required to participate. Every time you spend $50 at any participating Winn-Dixie and use your new Customer Reward Card, you earn a 5¢ per gallon discount on gasoline (up to 20 gallons) at participating gas stations.  They track your spending, so if you don’t meet the $50 threshold on one shop, it adds up and when you do get to the mark, you get the fuel savings.

They also have Make-A-Meal and What-A-Deal sales promotions.  Here in FL, we can use coupons on the main item AND the “free” items.  Some people claim to have better success when they scan their store card after their coupons, but I haven’t had an issue with it.  A current Example is: 
BUY-
Cascade Action Pacs 60 ct, $13.99
-$0.50/1 Cascade Action Pacs 01/29 P&G Insert (exp 02/29/2012)

Get FREE-
Gain Dish Detergent, 28 oz

Scotch Brite Sponges, 3 ct
-$0.75/2 Scotch-Brite Scrub Sponge, 3 pack 02/05SS Insert (exp 03/31/2012) (must purchase 1 additional 3 pk in order to use this coupon)

Mr Clean Liquid Cleaner or Spray, 32 to 40 oz
-$1/1 Mr. Clean Multi-Surface Spray or Liquid Cleaner Gather Together Savings Booklet (exp 04/30/2012)

Scott Paper Towels Mega Roll 1 ct
-$1/4 Scott Towels 01/15 SS Insert (exp 02/26/2012) (must purchase 3 additional rolls to use this coupon)

IF you have the right coupons to match up, these can be a good deal. (IF…)

When you are ready to check out, here is the order for offering your coupons:  hand over any WD money off total purchase Q first while your total is at its highest (such as the elusive $5 off $55 Catalina); then your store coupons; and lastly your manufacturer coupons (MQ).  Why hand them separately?  And in this order?  It keeps me sane to hand them over 2 at a time in this order, so I KNOW what got scanned and what they screwed up on.  The order is occasionally crucial when stacking Q’s and a misinformed cashier doesn’t want to accept your 2nd coupon as it makes the item free. (OMGoodness!!)  I prefer to offer my MQ last, as they are not going to deny them when used correctly, as they are getting paid/reimbursed for those.

Let me give you just a few of my personal pros & cons for shopping at Winn Dixie:
     Pros-

• They have great meat quality!
• IF you shop there often enough, their Fuel Perks program could be a benefit.
• They occasionally have a WD coupon flyer or booklet.

     Cons-

• They raise the prices on most of their BOGO items to compensate for the “free” item.  (Don’t believe me?  Write down a few of the BOGO prices this week and then go back next week and re-check the price.)
• Their everyday prices are higher than Publix.
• Some stores have cleanliness issues.

If you choose to shop at Winn Dixie, try using Southernsavers.com for your clickable, printable shopping lists.  If you want a blog that focuses on WD shopping, try winndixieonadime.com.

If you ever have an issue with your shopping trip that you feel needs more attention than just a chat with the store manager, here is their corporate phone number 866-946-6349.  For your own copy of their Coupon Policy, click HERE.

I haven’t given a very glowing report of shopping at WD.  If you enjoy shopping at your local Winn Dixie store, PLEASE leave us a comment and tell us why!  I would love to hear some postitives!