These are the best deals I see this week based on the Rainbow Foods ad (a Roundy’s store). It assumes you shop on Wednesday when they will double the face value of five coupons that are worth $1 or less. If you’d like more details on the rules around doubling check out this post. Rainbow is also running a two-day sale (Sunday-Monday) this week where you won’t be able to double coupons.
The deals look pretty decent this week. I especially like the General Mills cereal deal and am looking forward to trying out the Procter & Gamble deal this go-around because I am in desperate need of diapers.
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Your turn: If you’re planning to do the Procter & Gamble deal this week, what is your scenario? What other deals did you find?
Two-Day Sale (through 1/18/10)
Kraft Mac and Cheese $0.39 (Limit 4)
Use in-ad coupon for $0.39
Buy 4 and use “buy 3, get 1 free” coupon from 12/13 Smart Source insert
Final price: $0.29 each after coupon
Roundy’s Bread $0.69 (Limit 2)
Use in-ad coupon for $0.69
Final price: $0.69 after coupon
Iceberg Lettuce $0.79 (Limit 1)
Use in-ad coupon for $0.79
Final price: $0.79
Sunny Valley or Clear Value Ice Cream (Limit 2) $0.99
Use in-ad coupon for $0.99
Final price: $0.99
Produce
Bananas $0.39/lb
Sale price, no coupon needed
Final price: $0.39/lb
Navel Oranges $0.75/lb (sold in 4-lb bag for $2.99)
Sale price, no coupon needed
Final price: $0.75/lb
Meat
Oscar Mayer Bologna or Cotto Salami $1.00
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 12/13 Smart Source insert
Final price: Free after doubled coupon
Whole Bone-In Pork Loin Roast $0.99/lb (Limit 1)
Sale price, no coupon needed
Final price: $0.99/lb
Dairy Case/Refrigerated
Dannon Activia, DanActive, or Danimals Yogurt $2.00
Use $1.00/1 coupon from 12/6 Smart Source insert or 1/10 Smart Source insert
Final price: Free after doubled coupon
Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits $1.00
Buy 1 and use $1/1 printable coupon (IE) or
Buy 2 and use $0.30/2 printable coupon
Final price: As low as free after doubled coupon
Yoplait Light, Light Thick & Creamy or Custard Style Yogurt $0.49
Buy 6 and use $0.40/6 coupon from 1/3 General Mills insert or
Buy 8 and use $0.50/8 coupon from 1/3 General Mills insert
Final Price: As low as $0.36 each after doubled coupon
Kraft Shredded or Chunk Cheese $2.00
Buy 5 and receive a coupon for $5.00 off your next order
Spend $10.00, get a coupon for $5.00 off your next order
Final price: $1.00 each after coupon
Yoplait Trix, For Kids or Drinkable Yogurts $2.00
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 printable coupon
Final price: $1.00 each after doubled coupon
Roundy’s Gallon Milk $1.98
Sale price, no coupon needed
Final price: $1.98 each
Daisy Sour Cream – buy one at $3.25, get one free
Buy 2 and use two $0.50/1 coupons from 12/13 Smart Source insert
Final price: $0.63 each after doubled coupons (Thanks, Tracy!)
Freezer
Cole’s Garlic Mini Loaf $1.00
Use $0.50/1 printable coupon
Final price: Free after doubled coupon
Old Orchard Juice 12 oz $1.00
Buy 4 and use $1.00/4 printable coupon (no longer available)
Final price: $1.00 each (still not a bad price)
Grocery
Dreamfields Low-Carb Pasta $1.89
Use $1.00/1 coupon from 1/17 Smart Source insert
Final price: Free after doubled coupon
International Delights Coffee Creamer $1.00
Use $0.55/1 coupon from 11/8 Smart Source insert or printable coupon (Thanks, Chrissy!)
Final price: Free after doubled coupon
Pop-Secret 3ct Microwave Popcorn $1.00
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 1/3 Red Plum insert
Final price: Free after doubled coupon
Rice A Roni or Pasta Roni $1.00
Buy 3 and use $1.00/3 coupon from 1/3 Red Plum insert
Final price: $0.33 each after doubled coupon
Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters $2.50
Use $1.00/1 printable coupon or printable coupon or printable coupon or printable coupon
Final price: $0.50 each after doubled coupon
Campbell’s Condensed Soup $1.00
Buy 2 and use $0.40/2 coupon from 12/13 or 1/3 Smart Source insert or
Buy 4 and use $0.40/4 coupon from 12/13 or 1/3 Smart Source insert
Final price: As low as $0.60 each after doubled coupon
Betty Crocker Warm Delights $1.79
Use $0.50/1 printable coupon or printable coupon or printable coupon
Final price: $0.79 each after doubled coupon
Progresso Traditional or Rich & Hearty Soup $1.33
Buy 2 and use $0.50/2 coupon from 1/3 General Mills insert
Final price: $0.83 each after doubled coupon
V8 V-Fusion $3.19
Use $1.00/1 printable coupon
Final price: $1.19 each after doubled coupons
General Mills Deal
Buy 6 select General Mills Cereals at full price, get $10 off your grocery order and coupon for free milk
Here’s what Carrie has said about this deal in the past:
- This milk coupon usually rings as $3.50 off your next order that contains milk versus just taking off the value of the milk (although this isn’t a guarantee)
- Work backwards when you put your deal idea together. Focus on your target price for cereal, which is for me no more than $1 per box. 6 boxes at $1 each is $6. Considering the $10 discount, that means I want my total after coupons to be no more than $16 for 6 boxes or $2.66 each.
- I usually do more than one transaction in the evening when this promotion is running. I buy my cereal first, then use the milk coupon on my next order. It keeps me from forgetting to redeem the coupon.
Available coupons include:
Selected varieties: $1/2 printable coupon (FF) or printable coupon (IE) or $1/3 coupon from 12/13 or 1/3 General Mills insert
Banana Nut Cheerios: $1/1 printable coupon (FF) or printable coupon (IE)
Cheerios (original): $0.55/1 printable coupon
Cheerios (any): $1/1 printable coupon or $1/2 printable coupon
Chex (any): $1/2 printable coupon or from 12/13 General Mills insert
Cinnamon Toast Crunch: $0.55/1 printable coupon
Fiber One (any): $0.75/1 printable coupon
Honey Nut Cheerios: $0.55/1 printable coupon
Kix (any): $0.75/1 printable coupon
Multigrain Cheerios: $0.75/1 printable coupon or printable coupon
Total (any): $1/1 printable coupon or $0.75/1 printable coupon
Household
GE 1 Pk. 13 Watt CFL Bulbs $1.00
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 printable coupon
Final price: Free after doubled coupon
Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap $1.00
Use $0.35/1 coupon from 1/3 Smart Source insert
Final price: $0.30 each after doubled coupon
Dawn Dish Soap $1.00
Use $0.25/1 coupon from 12/27 Procter and Gamble insert
Final price: $0.50 each after doubled coupon
Q-Tips $2.50
Buy 2 and use “buy one, get one free” coupon from 12/13 Red Plum insert
Final price: $1.25 each after coupon
Tide Liquid Laundry Detergent or Tide To Go 3-pack $5.99
Use $1.00/1 coupon from 12/27 Procter & Gamble insert
Final price: $3.99 after doubled coupon
Personal Care
Colgate Toothpaste $1.50
Use $0.75/1 coupon from 1/3 Smart Source insert
Final price: Free after doubled coupon
Halls Cough Drops $1.00
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 1/10 Smart Source insert
Final price: Free after doubled coupon
Blistex Lip Care Products $1.00
Use $0.35/1 coupon from 1/17 Smart Source insert
Final price: $0.30 each after doubled coupon
Ricola Throat Drops $1.50
Buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 1/17 Smart Source insert
Final price: $0.50 each after doubled coupon
Baby
Beech Nut Stage 2 Baby Food $0.40
Buy 16 and use $2.00/16 coupon from 1/3 Smart Source insert
Final price: $0.28 each after coupon
Procter & Gamble Deal
Buy $20 worth of P&G products in one transaction, receive $5 off your next purchase
There are many participating products in this deal, so here are just the products with coupon match-ups:
Crest Premium Toothpaste, Glide Floss or To Go Packets, Scope Mouthwash, Oral B Advantage Toothbrushes or Floss Picks $2.50
Crest: Use $0.75/1 coupon from 1/17 Procter & Gamble insert or $0.50/1 or $1/1 coupon from 12/27 Procter & Gamble insert
Glide: Use $1/1 coupon from 1/17 Procter & Gamble insert or $0.75/1 coupon from 12/27 Procter & Gamble insert
Scope: Use $0.75/1 coupon from 1/17 Procter & Gamble insert
Oral B: Use $0.75/1 coupon from 12/27 Procter & Gamble insert or $0.75/1 or $1/1 coupon from 1/17 Procter & Gamble insert
Final price: As low as $0.50 after doubled coupon
Pantene Shampoo, Conditioner, or Styling Products $3.33
Buy 1 and use $1/1 coupon from 12/27 Procter & Gamble insert or
Buy 2 and use $3/2 coupon from 12/27 Procter & Gamble insert or $1/2 coupon from 1/17 Procter & Gamble insert
Final price: As low as $1.33 after doubled coupon
Gillette or Old Spice Deodorant $3.50
Gillette: Use $1/1 coupon from 11/29 or 12/27 Procter & Gamble insert
Old Spice: Buy 2 and use “buy 2, get free Secret Flawless” coupon or $1/2 coupon from 12/27 Procter & Gamble insert or $1/2 coupon from 11/29 Procter & Gamble insert
Final price: As low as $1.50 after doubled coupon
Pampers Baby Wipes $2.50
Use $0.50/1 coupon from 12/27 Procter & Gamble insert
Final price: $1.50 after doubled coupon
Scope Outlast Mouthwash or Crest Pro Health Whitening Toothpaste $3.50
Scope: Use $0.75/1 coupon from 12/27 Procter & Gamble insert or 1/17 Procter & Gamble insert
Crest: Use $0.75/1 coupon from 1/17 Procter & Gamble insert or $0.50/1 or $1/1 coupon from 12/27 Procter & Gamble insert
Final price: As low as $1.50 after doubled coupon
Secret Deodorant $3.50
Use $0.50/1 coupon from 1/17 Procter & Gamble insert or $0.25/1 coupon from 12/27 Procter & Gamble insert
Final price: As low as $2.50 after doubled coupon
Vicks NyQuil, DayQuil, or Vapor Rub $5.00
Use $1.50/1 coupon from 12/27 Procter & Gamble insert or $2/1 or $1/1 coupon from 1/17 Procter & Gamble insert
Final price: As low as $3.00 after doubled coupon
Duracell Batteries $5.99
Use $1/1 coupon from 1/17 Procter & Gamble insert or $0.75/1 coupon from 12/13 Red Plum insert
Final price: As low as $3.99 after doubled coupon
Febreze Noticeables Starter Kits $7.99
Use $4/1 coupon from 1/17 Procter & Gamble insert
Final price: $3.99 after coupon
Gillette Mach 3 Disposable Razors $6.00
Use $2/1 coupon from 1/10 Red Plum insert
Final price: $4.00 after doubled coupon
Pampers Jumbo Diapers or Easy Ups $8.99
Use $2/1 coupon from 12/27 Procter & Gamble insert
Final price: $6.99 after coupon
Prilosec $24.99
Use $3/1 coupon from 12/27 or 1/17 Procter & Gamble insert
Final price: $21.99 after coupon
Scenario 1 (requires one set of coupon inserts):
Buy 1 Crest Premium Toothpaste at $2.50
Use $1/1 coupon from 12/27 Procter & Gamble insert
Buy 1 Glide Floss at $2.50
Use $1/1 coupon from 1/17 Procter & Gamble insert
Buy 1 Pantene Styling Product at $3.33
Use $1/1 coupon from 12/27 Procter & Gamble insert
Buy 2 Gillette Deodorant at $3.50 each
Use two $1/1 coupon s from 11/29 and 12/27 Procter & Gamble inserts
Buy 2 Pantene Shampoo or Conditioners at $3.33 each
Use $3/2 coupon from 12/27 Procter & Gamble insert
Spend $8.99, get coupon for $5 off your next order
Final price: $3.99 total ($0.57 each) after doubled coupons
Scenario 2 (this is what I’ll do because I need diapers):
Buy 2 Pampers Jumbo Diapers at $8.99 each and
Buy 1 Pampers Baby Wipes at $2.50
Use two $2/1 coupons and one $0.50/1 coupon from 12/27 Procter & Gamble insert
Spend $15.48, get coupon for $5 off your next order
Final price: $10.48 for all three items after coupons
Pocket Your Dollars is part of BeCentsable’s Grocery Gathering, a compilation of shopping lists for stores nationwide. If you want a shopping list for a store not covered by Pocket Your Dollars, then check out the Grocery Gathering.
Woodbury would not double my DND coupons ..I didn’t notice thats what my dreamfields pasta ones were. I combined my two orders into one, since the pasta wouldn’t double, and I didn’t expect the activia to. For some reason, my clerk took the first five DND coupons, entered them manually as 50 cents (they were a dollar) and then let the register double them, and went on with the coupons. Well, I had some that would have doubled, I brought that to her attention, and she said she couldn’t do anything. I went to customer service, they acted like I had two heads and speaking nonsense. I emailed the store and we’ll see. It sort of chaps my hide that they wouldn’t adjust that.
So, a so-so experience, partly because I didn’t notice the DND language, and partly the hassle of the nondoubling coupons/non-help.
Wow that doesnt seem right at all. If they say DND then fine just double five that dont say that and let me use my $1 I would SOO call in on that one and MAKE them adjust. because really you would’ve saved the EXACT same if you would’ve went in tomorrow yesterday etc. OH SORRY I AM SOO ANGRY for you…lol!
Does ANYONE shop at Lakeville rainbow? I want to know if they go on sale price or shelf price? I am going tonight after my hubby gets home since I cant take the baby with me.
Thanks!
Kierstien,
I shop at the Lakeville store and never once have had a problem. They do go off sale price I believe the cashier told me once my total had to reach $25 but the coupons still doubled when my total was only $18 so I’m confident to say it’s shelf price.
Sorry my answer is a little confusing here, it’s shelf price they go off of, not sale price. Sorry for the confusion.
I usually do one transaction at a time, go to my car to unload and return. Once in a while, I’ll do two consecutive orders out of the same cart, but only if its very slow. I’ve also tried going at different times of day, but find the evening staff so much more friendly and supportive of couponing.
Thanks for the input. And, I just want to say, I really love this group, you are all so friendly, helpful and forthcoming with your tips, thanks everyone!
I almost always check out in the self check line, so I typically do at least 2 sometimes 3 transactions right there. I’m there by 8:30 am most Weds and there are very few shoppers. I can count on 1 hand the # of times there has ever been a “line” of folks waiting to check out. I have to wait for the CSR to do my coupons and may have to wait 5-10 mins sometimes if he/she is helping others, but that is the choice I make for going in that line. To be honest most of the other shoppers there at that time are older (and I’m in my 40′s so it’s all relative…) and they typically go through the other lines.
I’m really concerned about checkers that change the value of your coupon when you are in line. To me that is more fraudulent than a coupon doubling or not doubling. Perhaps stopping the clerk and asking her name and writing it down in front of her will make her think twice. Roundy’s has the ability to change their system if they don’t want to double dnd q’s. It concerns me that the checker would take it into his/her own hands to do. The inconsistency is quite concerning!
Agreed time of day does lend itself to how many transactions are “socially acceptable”. I’m usually there after work when everyone wants to get home hence my decision and what falls into my rude or not catergory when deciding not to go over two.
Valerie, at Woodbury (I go about 9 am Wed mornings) the front end managers inspect and have to input your coupons. Today I contemplated doing that, but it wasn’t busy looking while I was there.
My question with coupon doubling is who pays the double anyway. Usually a coupon says that the manufacturer will pay the face value of the coupon plus .08 (for shipping) so isn’t the store taking the hit on the doubling anyway? So what difference would it make if the coupon says DND or DNT? I am not really looking for an answer just sharing my thoughts, ha!
I have always taken DND to mean if you have a coupon that says $2 off 2 with DND and you have one that says $1 off 1 then you cannot “double” up with these. When a store offers to “double” coupons on Wednesdays what they are doing is taking the hit on the second dollar (or quarter, etc). They will only get reimbursed for the first dollar. So the cashiers should not even pay attention to the wording.
Sarah Beth- what you are referring to is called stacking. In your example: “I have always taken DND to mean if you have a coupon that says $2 off 2 with DND and you have one that says $1 off 1 then you cannot “double” up with these.” this would be illegal IF they are both manufacture coupons. If one is a manufacture coupon and one is a store coupon then it is okay.
The DND does refer to what you were explaining about Rainbow’s weds doubles. the DND usually is for the reimbursement company. They cannot give the store double the coupon value when they hold “double coupon day.” Usually the store eats the “double” on double days. It is part of their marketing expense.
Does ANYONE shop at Lakeville rainbow? I want to know if they go on sale price or shelf price? I am going tonight after my hubby gets home since I cant take the baby with me.
TERRIBLE experience at Maple Grove today. The cashier would not even give me face value for my DND q’s today since the computer would have automatically doubled them. I explained to her that I was not trying to cheat the system but that I should at least get face value and she told me I would have to come back another day. So there went my cereal transaction. I did only one transaction then and in very small print my Activia q’s said the same thing. She then called over the manager and she told the cashier that she should manually enter them at .50 to equal $1.00. The cashier said it was just from corporate this morning that they are not allowed to double DND q’s. I am curious to know how you do tonight Carrie since you also shop at MG.
I am wondering the same thing about the Richfield store. Anyone shop there?
Today the MG rainbow would not double the DND coupons for cereal even though they couldn’t get the override not to do it so I fianally just gave up on the whole deal. Even involved a manager and said it’s new that they can’t double those coupons. Anyone else have that problem? I’ve never tried to use those coupons before and I found out that the one time I try it doesn’t work as some have said it would work.
I had problems today to at the Roseville store. They would not double any of my DND coupons. I have never had this problem before. I think from now I am going to stick to my Shoreview store after work. I have never had a problem.
So I just can’t help this comment….what is the benefit of shopping Rainbow if they won’t double your coupons, make you feel like a thief, or purposely sort through your pile and pull the DND’s and 1/2 them….bypassing the ones that would have doubled? I guess this lends to the comments people have posted in the past….sort your own and hand them to the cashier one by one. Shopping at Rainbow is starting to feel a little bit like going to the dentist….
Oh man I am not looking forward to going to rainbow now like I was earlier this week. Hmmm :( Wondering if I should even bother now. I still dont get why they would go through your pile and pull the DND first and put those threw…grrr. Okay wish me luck when i go later because i am gonna just TRY rainbow if it goes bad I AM DONE!
I had a good experience at Lakeville Rainbow for the most part. The coupon for Kraft did not print out with the self check out, but CS took care of it right away and asked which self check out I used to fix the machine. They also told me they are doubling “double coupon” day next week, so you can use 10 coupons instead of 5. Hopefully, this is true! Kierstien – I’m not sure if they use the shelf or the sale price at Lakeville….I always use the sales price just in case!
HI! I shop at the Lakeville Rainbow and from what I remember they go off of the shelf price. I really try not to go during the “right after work” time but if I do I always know to expect to wait in line for a bit. I’m really excited about the popcorn sale since I go through that pretty fast.
On a side note I wanted to remind people about the amazing deal on Children’s Museum tickets through your local library. I just went today with my husband, two kids and two in-laws that are in town for $8 total. Yes, one ticket usually costs over $8 but my husband remembered to stop by the library for a special pass. It includes two free tickets and any additional tickets up to 6 are only $2. So, instead of paying around $54 for 6 tickets we only paid $8 for a savings of $46. Yippee!!
Is that new? Ihave never seen them listed before or the extra tickets at that price. What library does this and what county are you in?
Thanks
I think that we all need to take into account that our stores coverage a huge area of our region, and even nation. Just because someone has had a difficult or bad experience doesn’t mean the rest of us should assume the worst. I have never had a bad experience at my regular store. I know several fellow shoppers in my part of the Twin Cities and none of us has had a problem in the past few years. The problems seem to be specific to certain stores (perhaps already under-performing and under the gun?). I’ll repeat what has already been said on this site: Do it right, do it with a smile and find a new Rainbow/Roundy’s if your store doesn’t appreciate your business.
I have shopped at both the Lakeville and Richfield store and the both go off shelf price.
THANKS!
Neither of my local Rainbows will double DND, this is as of this week. Checked both stores.
after i was refused by one cashier i went back in and another one let all my DND go through.
???
i talked with a manager (by phone later) and they just got something about the coupon policy and they will not double DND anymore. I was very nice when i talked with him and just said i wanted to be able to plan my trips accordingly……………….but really i am quite annoyed, guess i shouldn’t be i think it was just this week all my coupons were DND.
FYI for my rainbow trip today. I had 1.00 off coupons for the cereal but not sure if it said do not double and they all took.
If you buy the cereal for 2.99 a box (Cheerios, Trix, …) and buy 6 it comes to 17.94 then when you take the 10.00 instant credit it is at 7.94 and if you don’t double but have 1.00 coupons it reduces it to 2.94 with a 3.50 milk credit. So you actually can come out ahead. Some cereals are more (3.65) a box but still not a bad deal for 6 boxes of ceral and a free milk for future visit.
One thing I didn’t know is that if you buy the 2/4.00 taco shells and get the 18 count box then you get the refried beans for free, but also on the box is a coupon that says if you buy 2 you get a seasoning packet for free. The beans were 1.59 and the seasoning was .95. Saving 2.54 cents for 4.00 in taco shells. Hope this makes sense. Plus I have another coupon from the other box to use at a later time if I buy 2 again later.
i tooth paste/shampoo/deoderant deal that is listed above.
Had 3 carts of deals today as I couldn’t pass up the pork special at 99 cents a pound.
Theresa~ This is apparently a new Rainbow policy to NOT double DND q’s. I am not trying to cheat the system. I was mad that she would not even take my DND for the face value for my cereal deal. That I thought was poor customer service to tell me to come back another day. Since Rainbow’s prices are generally higher than most other retailers they may lose a lot of buisiness this way. Neither myself nor the cashier were rude to each other but I felt as though I was cheated out of the cereal deal unless I want to go back another day.
Oh Christie,
Please don’t think I was referring to you! I would be just as frustrated as you! I just think that we all need to keep in mind that these experiences are not universal to all stores.
okaay one more thing. I got a receipt with one of my trips to get a coupon for 4.00 off Pillsbury refrigerated items good 1/25 thru 2/21. Think it was the cart that i had the biscuits in it? So during those dates if you buy 4 you get 2.00 or buy 5 and you get 3.00 or buy 6 and get 4.00 coupon off your next order. Hopefully they will have a deal on the pillsbury items.
Crescents, Cookies, Sweet Rools, Grands, Biscuits, Pie crusts, dinner rolls, loaves, breadstickes or pizza crust.
Hope this makes sense and helps. I get so much help from all the ideas and everyone sharing on this group, so want to share too!
okay I am a little tired but the cereal deal you could have 6 1.00 coupons which would save even more without the double deal.
I had a good experience at AV Rainbow tonight. Although none of my coupons specified DND, the cashier didn’t mention the fact that the $10 off for the cereal brough my total down to $17 something before coupons. She still let all my coupons double, and I got out of there for $4.48 for an order that started at $27. And she was really nice about my second transaction, which was nothing but the free milk. :)
Went to Rainbow on hwy 55 west of 169, did 2 transactions with no problems, even had a raincheck for the BOGO Fisher nut deal. First trip lowest register total yet and coupons doubled – $11.XX (don’t remember exactly), paid 54¢ OOP each transaction. I got GE CFL bulbs, yogurt, Hershey’s dark choc bars, bananas, and nuts. I feel bad others are getting hassled – it has happened to all coupon enthusiasts at some time or another. Maybe call Roundy’s to get the skinny on the DND wording; I thought that only the coupons starting with a “9″ would prevent doubling. If a manufacturer wanted the coupon not to double, they only need to change the coupon NSC from a 5 to a 9, right? my 2¢
Can anyone tell what Blaine or Coon Rapids are doing re: the DND coupons?
No change at CR – just as pleasant as always.
Lisa – very interesting. I called there to find out the coupon policy based on what others have experienced today, and they said they don’t double “DND” coupons. then added “as always.” So it looks like you have good experiences huh?
I went to Blaine which is my usual store, again had a great experience. DND went through fine! they have great cashiers in the later evening, (8:00) and one of them mentioned she goes to this site.
I’ve never had a problem at CR and I know some of my coupons were DND. They scanned fine and out the door I went – well and then came back in to go through again. I did notice that one of the cashiers looked a little closer at the coupons than usual but I haven’t seen him on a Weds before either. I pretty much stick with the same handful of cashiers that are there every week.
Knock on wood now – hopefully I don’t jinx myself for raving about this store so much. :)
Extroardinary visit to Rainbow today!!!! I was only planning on doing one transaction, but after my first I had to go in for a second. In hindsight, I could have done 4 and saved even more than I did, but not complaining because on my first transaction my total was $9.80 and I saved $52.31 (honestly!) and then my second transaction total was $3.64 and I saved $38.14. On my first transaction, I got:
6 GE CFL lightbulbs $1 ea. ($1 Q each)
4 Arnold bread 2/$3 ($.55 Q each)
2 Pop Secret $1 ea. ($1/2 Q)
2 Halls $1 ea. ($1/2 Q)
2.15 lb. bananas @ .39/lb
2 Grands biscuits $1 each ($.30/2 Q)
2 Daisy Sour Cream BOGO $3.25 ($.50 Q each)
6 Yoplait yogurt $.49 each ($.40/6 Q)
My big mistake was that I got the light bulbs at an end cap by the toothpaste aisle and they didn’t have the shelf price, just the 10/$10 sign and I spaced out finding them in the aisle where they would be marked. Turns out the shelf price on those is $4.99! So, I was over the $25 with just the light bulbs alone, but still was VERY happy with that total (and I even had an oopsie in the doubled coupons when I handed the first 5 to him, I had one of the $.55 coupons in there that doubled instead of one of the $1, but I just let it go). So when I went to my car and saw those numbers on my receipt, I knew I still had 4 of the light bulb Qs so went back in to get those and the sour cream and more biscuits. They were out of the sour cream by the time I got back in so I ended up doing the yogurt, extra biscuits and popcorn again to get my total to the point that I would actually owe Rainbow money instead of the other way around! Had I done this correctly, I could have saved a lot more and gotten a lot more groceries, but I am doing the happy dance anyway!!!
I had a conversation with a CS manager today during my first run through Rainbow. She was training a new cashier on what to look for on internet printed coupons. She told me that one store last week lost several hundred dollars due to some jerk photocopying internet coupons. So, she said they were trying to be very vigilant. Please be patient with the cashiers, apparently they are dealing with stuff behind the scenes that we don’t know about. I’m always friendly with the cashier I’m dealing with and let them know up front that I have 2 orders and I don’t mind bagging myself, etc. That being said, if they do not double your coupons (even if they are DND coupons) be willing to cancel your order and walk away. I coupon to save money and if I can’t, then I’ll take my business elsewhere.
Great to know a little what they’re going through on their end.
it sucks when other people ruin things for the rest of us. Dumbo photocopying all those coupons…grrr. Makes us “legit” people look bad or seem to look bad.
Last week at the Maplewood store, I had the cashier check a few of the coupons against a list of forged coupons. She then scanned and doubled all of them but she said they are really trying to watch for illegal copies of coupons.
I also shop at Lakeville Rainbow and they go off shelf price, 2 of my 3 transactions were only pennies over $25 and all my coupons doubled. I had the same issue that Allison posted earlier, my milk coupon from the cereal transaction did not print off at self service checkout so I will be sure to go to a cashier whenever I anticipate receiving that type of coupon, though customer service was helpful and corrected it right away.
The savings this week were incredible, I spent $21.74 OOP (3 transactions) but saved $107.35 – that’s an 83% savings! That said, I did use rainchecks for the Fisher peanuts and Quaker products from last week which was a big part of my savings.
Okay so tonight I went to Lakeville Rainbow and I LOVED it this time! I went at 7pm and the cashier that is usually at self checkout…i love her! Anyways I had to pick up my daughters perscription so I got the $10gc so i did 3transactions after that and my total OOP came to $11.36 so i am sooo HAPPY and totally going again next week (anyone else heard if the 10dbl cpn is true?) Okay this is what I bought…
6boxes of cereal,4 pilsburry biscuits, danimals,crush cup 4pk,mini garlic bread loaf,2gallons of milk,2 crest toothpaste,floss,gilette razors 8pk
Not too shabby! I could’ve gotten the total down a little if i would’ve bought diff cereal but i splurged…lol.
Man wish i would’ve looked more into the lightbulb deal…hmmm maybe i’ll go back i have an hour :) hmmmm
Okay so I love Rainbow for now!
I went to Rainbow in Maplewood tonight and it was great! I asked at Customer Service about the DND coupons before I started shopping and was told if the computer doubles it, it gets doubled. My cashier was very nice, too. I ended up spending $32 for $92 worth of groceries PLUS the $5 off coupon for next time.
I hope it will still work in the future-I have such a savings buzz!
Thanks everybody!
At the Forest Lake Rainbow, I had 3 DND coupons & they did double with no comment from the cashier.
High OOP for me today, but bought only stuff we needed for the week, still had a savings of almost $30!
When I went today I was too scared to try and double my DND cpn lol so i could’ve saved an extra $1.40 but thats okay I still did great!
i mean an extra .70 i cant do math at 10pm…lol
I had a great experience at Maple Grove today… much better than Brooklyn Park. My first cashier made the comment that she made sure that my higher coupons were doubled and some of them said DND and the second cashier said wow that was an awesome deal! Much better results this week than last!
Theresa I just wanted to let you know what I was told about the new DND policy. No offense taken and I meant no offense to you either :)
I didn’t go to Rainbow yesterday because I was getting settled from my trip, but I will follow-up this week and try to get clarity on what’s going on. The formal coupon policy has always said that they do not double coupons that say “do not double”, but many stores have been willing to anyway.
I don’t usually shop at Rainbow, but I went tonight. I got 6 boxes of cereals, 3 boxes of rice a roni and a 12 pack of Hawaiian rolls all for $6.99, I saved $22.03. I used 3 $1/2 cereal coupons, $1/3 for the rice and $1/1 for the rolls, all were doubled. What a great bargain!
Just have to say that I had a great trip to Rainbow! Thanks to one of Carrie’s contests, I had a free box of GM cereal coupon, so used that along with 5 $1 GM coupons and ended up getting: 6 boxes of cereal, 1 bag of Roundy’s carrots, 1 thing of butter and a Reese’s treat for .18 cents! Had to get the Reese’s to go above negative, but I will admit it was a nice dessert treat after dinner! :)
Wowzers Jaime!
Well, I saved $60 bucks at Rainbow yesterday….lots of items…
Free were 3-G2 Gaterades, Fischer Dry Roasted peanuts (big games coming up!), 2-6pk dammon drink yogurts; free gallon milk, also gallon milk for .40cents.
Already have enough laundry detergent; gave 2Tides to 2neighbors; a dannon 6pk yogurt/box of cereal/6yoplaits for to another neighbor.
Saw a friend at Rainbow w/a Carrie printed out “pocketyourdollars”, and had to redirect her steps for her to get the greatest savings. ha. She’s new to Carrie!!
Love the $1 Kraft shredded cheese, can never have too much shredded cheese to freeze. ha!
BTW, LOVE APPLE VALLEY Rainbow on Cedar….Love those checkers…Always, Always, helpful. And yes, I have no shame, I go through at least 3 times…unload at the van each time.
Mary ~ There should be absolutely no shame in saving money!!! : )
How is that possible? I went to Apple Valley Rainbow for the first time this week. My cashier wouldn’t take my Tide coupon that expired last month. She said they do not take expireds anymore because the manufacturer won’t reimburse. Not only that but the dollar off coupon for my dannon yogurt that should have been free..she manually took 50 cents off twice. As if it doubled, but the original coupon was 1.00 off. I told myself I was never going back. :-(
I don’t seem to do as well as others. I am not sure why…..
I went yesterday and had my normal pleasurable experience. From what I can tell, I don’t think the R on 55 & Cty 30 in Plymouth has very many “Pocket” shoppers.
I made a couple of mistakes last night. I am still fairly new 4th time and previously never paid too much attention to prices. We’ve done most of our shopping at Costco and the prices are generally cheaper than any other place even with a coupon. BUT when it comes to free or almost, they can’t beat that. So that would be way I’ve made the switch.
Here’s where I went wrong. I didn’t listen to myelf and get the P & G and cheese stuff first to use the coupon for my next time through the line. My bad. I also really could have went through the line one more time but since i’d be three times already and it was almost 10 I was pretty much done. Not very $$ savy on my part b/c really I could have saved another $10.
So here’s a little about what happens with me. Last night I make three transactions and my grand totals were: Spent $110.71 and saved $126.21. Now coming from Costco were we easily spend $300-$400 this seems cheap. Granted we don’t go to Costco every week but I am nowhere near where some of you are (buying things to get out of the negative). I am probably coming from the idea of shopping that I hardly ever buy one thing when it’s a deal. For instance…I bought two colgates last night. I had two $1 off coupons and thought it best. Do you all just buy one? Do you buy your other groceries not on Carrie’s list somewhere else? Where do you get your produce & fruit? Those items easily make several $25 purchases and you really can’t stock up on those items so I am almost always buying fruit and veggies. I should also add that I live 45 minutes from Rainbow and have three kids three & under so once a week gorcery shopping is max for me.
I might add that I hardly ever buy anything with high fructose corn syrup or any type of canned veggiess. So is that why my prices are going to be higher? I am okay with that if that’s where the difference is. Just wondering.
I am hoping for a few more suggestions to reduce my bill even further.
I would love any suggestions and can be reached at tinafisher5@gmail.com
Thanks!
Tina Fisher
http://www.mypricelessfishers.com
tinafisher5@gmail.com
So I guess I am just wondering for those of you that are
Tina – just keep at it – practice makes perfect. Don’t be afraid to do multiple transactions. Surf through Carrie’s site and read everything you can. Match up your coupons with sale items and start a stockpile. Good luck!
Tina – I think in your situation that 1) how much you buy depends on your budget. (in response to your toothpaste question) Make sure you have a goal in mind of how much you intend/want to spend and then stick to that. Getting the deals gets addicting, but you can blow your budget if you aren’t careful. 2) Once you’ve shopped at Roundy’s (I’m in WI so store is diff) enough, you will begin to know your prices on the items you use regularly and then you can plan out your trips using Carrie’s deals and match it up with the non-sale reg items that you buy. I usually plan my trips out to the penny and try to guesstimate a price for a non-sale item. If I get there and find I’m way off on the item (high or low), I may add another filler item or make a decision at the store on how to effect my total. I carry a calculator and sometimes take my 2 yr old and find a quiet aisle and re-do my math right there. You may want to start carrying a notebook and just create a price book for yourself. Maybe each time you go look up 5 items that you use regularly and jot them down. I don’t care for my stores produce, so I shop a different store for that.. sometimes Aldis, sometimes Festival Foods. I’m starting to track fresh fruit and veggie deals more and seeing ways to get my fresh stuff in cycles as well. Today I got 2lb apples for .98 cents. That’s a good deal here. The same store had bananas for .53/lb and I WON’T pay that much for bananas.
I hope this helps.
I did notice yesterday that my cashier did look VERY closely at my printed Q…i only had one.
Has anyone heard any more about next week?
CS did say that next week would be a 10 coupon week. Had to joke yeah for me but apologized for what the cashiers day would be like in advance. :)
YAY Rainbow!!! When they had the 10 coupon Wednesday in December it was awesome. Do they do that on a regular basis??
Rainbow in Bloomington – horrible experience! They would not accept the buy 2 milk coupon and get a 1/2 gallon of chocolate free – she stated that rainbow was no longer accepting internet printed coupons. I’ll be sure to stick with my Savage store next time and my nice clerks – I was in a pickle and didn’t have time to get there last night. Carrie – it will be nice to find out what the official policy is on the internet printed coupons!
I know that rainbow will not accept interenet coupons that are for FREE items. Its thier policy. They accept interenet coupons only for cents off! HTH :)
I second Kierstien – that has always been their policy.
I had heard that others were also having problems with this at Rainbow, so I didn’t try. However, I was able to use it successfully at the Cottage Grove Cub last night.
I used the buy two gallons of milk get the 1/2 gallon of chocolate milk at Cub. The cashier did ask where I had gotten it. After looking at it, she took the $2.25 for the 1/2 gallon of chocolate milk. That was the second milk coupon I had used at Cub.
Is anyone experiencing a problem with expired coupons being accepted at Rainbow. It just started occuring with me these last couple of weeks. I do not go over the 60 day period as that has been acceptable in the past. Would be interested to know.
Patty
Wow! – I’ve never used an expired coupon at Rainbow! Cub and Target have both been great about taking them; but I’ve always been told it’s not acceptable at Rainbow (and I totally accept that – especially since they double on Wednesdays!)
I always use expired coupons (up to 3months old) at Cub. But a head cashier at Target in Burnsville told me over the hoildays’ that they don’t accept them anymore. I shop alot at Super Walmart, they won’t take expired coupons either. I will be shopping more at Rainbow now that I know they have double coupon days.
I am new to this. I shopped on Wednesday for the double coupons but found out later that they only double the first 5 ( I called the store later to confirm since it was not on the receipt). I got the $10 off order due to cereal, but not due to the cheese. I should have saved or gotten a coupon for $5.00 off next time. What did I do wrong? DId I miss something?
Cynthia – go to your store’s customer service area and let them know you did not get your $5 coupon. At my R store they print off a different printer and so it could have been overlooked by the cashier, as has happened to me in the past. Also, my experience this week was that my milk one did not print out for me at self check out, so I had to go to customer service where they were glad to get me one!
I had a decent week–not my best, but not horrible. There were plenty of deals to be had.
I spent $66.75 over 6 transactions and saved $150.91, a savings of 69% for my family of 6.
http://momforhim.blogspot.com/2010/01/weekly-groceries-saved-69.html
I had overage on cereal AND 2 gallons of milk, Dreamfields pasta, and Kraft cheese x4 and Kraft Parmesan. I got free Campbell’s soup x4, Activia yogurt x5, Danimals yogurt x2, Betty Crocker potatoes, Tree Top 3-pk. juiceboxes x4. I also did the P&G deal and the Cali pizza deal.
BTW-my store wouldn’t take the chocolate milk coupons either–due to it being a free item (as others stated above), but I was able to use it at Walgreens. Hope that helps someone!
My cheese coupon didn’t print either and they wouldn’t give me one at service desk (EP Rainbow)
I Still have to say I’m still a fan of Apple Valley Rainbow….There is definately a strategy to this I never knew unitl I heard Carrie on KTIS. Now I tell everyone! I never use expired cpns. I have 2 neighbors that give me their Sunday paper cpns. The FUN and HOBBY is in the STRATEGY!! I 1/2 joked w/a friend the other day…”Strategic coupon users, I Swear, could Win the war of terror.”
Last Wednesday night I went to the Rainbow in Lakeville and purchased the scenario #2 Procter and Gamble deal where you spent $20 and were supposed to get a $5 off your next order coupon. I purchased all the items along with others to total $25 and used the coupons listed but the $5 off coupon never printed. The cashier called the manager who didn’t know where this deal came from. I mentioned the site and that it is a very reilable source. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t honor the $5 discount on the following purchase. A little frustrating….Still a pretty good deal but it could have been better. :)