Just purchased 9 Yoplait delights (3.39/2.49) and 6 Hellmans in the squeeze bottles (5.39/2.99). $40.36 less 7 $1.00Qs and 2 $0.55Qs for Yoplait. OOP $32.25 and got back 3 $10 cats.
Took my UPC codes, coupons, prior cats, Jewel card...ready to shop!
Much time later arrive at checkout ONLY with items which qualify for the 30/15 deal and a HUGE stack of coupons. Rang everything first $140 gross cost, swipe Jewel card, cashier scanned cats from prior visit next $15 only (wasn't sure I liked this - was this bad???), cashier scanned off all other coupons. Ended up paying $55 (expected to), but was hoping for $60 in cats back.
Cat printer was on and running. RAN OUT OF PAPER!!! Paper was replaced, but I didn't get the rest of my cats! (Only got $30 instead of $60) I didn't cry or whine. I still only paid $55 for $140 in groceries! Suck it up I figure, still a great savings! Gross grocery cost $140, charged $55, and left with $30 in cats...$25 OOP...should have been $5 MM.
Or am I missing something which happened wrong? Any thoughts out there???
$90 then you should of got the $45. So hard to say what went wrong when you stack it. Its risky.
You did the right thing not making a big deal out of it. You win some you loose some.
Any coupons entered as grocery?
Seems to be a problem when the cat machine runs out of paper or is in any way disturbed during a transaction. This has happened to me on a couple of orders, but luckily the cashiers know what happened and rering the orders. On Thursday the cs person at the self-check pointed to a stack of paper rolls for the cat machines, saying she was ready so they never ran out on a customer!
I "bought in" the game with 11 bucks out of pocket on Tuesday night when I scored some earlybird paper towels and Lipton soup mixes. Did a Register Rewards deal at Walgreens the next day, where I converted $16 of my dollars into $15 in catalinas! This bumped me up to the high roller, $60 level, and I was ready to roll!
So after an evening of coupon clipping and VERY careful planning, I went to Jewel. Took my time, double-checked my math. First run-through went great. I grinned all the way to the car.
Second run-through, I had to improvise to make up for the lack of paper towels, and I substituted two pkgs of Scott toilet paper. (insert ominous music here). Ended up choosing an angry cashier, who practically looked at each coupon with a magnifying glass. End result? I got the smug rookie smile wiped off my face as I was bumped back to the $30 level due to the toilet paper--I only got $15 Cats back. Served me right. And who am I to complain about super duper dirt cheap groceries, versus even super duper dirt cheap-er groceries?
But I was still in the game! Humbled, I went back this morning. I chose my items. Checked my math. Chose the friendliest-looking cashier. Everything scanned correctly. Got my $15 in cats back, and realized as I was walking out to the car that I had FORGOTTEN TO USE THE $15 CATS I ALREADY HAD!
Bad news: I'm a total idiot. Good news: I'm bumped up again to high-roller (where I clearly don't belong!).
Did another run-through at the high-stakes level and managed to execute it successfully. Whew!
This weekend, I will be taking a FABULOUS box of stuff to the food pantry--something I have always wanted to do, but never have before.
My life as a stay-at-home-mom had been really dragging me down, and Jill, you've really helped me to feel like a valuable contributor to our household.
Wow, what a great post. I have had a horrible day with my Jewel manager and am currently very timid to even step foot into my Jewel ever again. BUT, you made me smile and I so very much appreciate your humor and honesty. Thank you. :)
I did buy some TP yesterday with this deal, it was the ONLY one with a matching UPC at my Jewel, and it wasn't on sale. But I was able to use the $1 q from the Sunday Paper.
Okay, an amazing 'looting' this afternoon...so fun I can't stand it~
$4.09 net price for all this STUFF! (73 items = .05 ea.!!!)
and that includes $1.92 of TAX!!!!! so real price = $2.17
LOL
1 Progresso Beef Broth (cuz that's all there was on the shelf!)
7 Betty Crocker Cake Mixes
8 BC Cookie Pouches
33 Knorr Rice pkgs
8 Yoplait True Delights
10 Chex Mix
6 Hellmans Mayo
When you clear out the shelf from 33 packages of rice it leads me to wonder if you are leaving anything for other consumers. Some people are just playing this as a "game" but others find it an important tool in keeping their grocery budgets in line. My store is already out of paper towels, broth, rice, etc. and it's only the first day of the sale. Can I assume you didn't just buy loads of rice but cleared your store out of paper towels as well? It's wonderful you're able to save but to clear out shelves is really just inconsiderate. I have been doing this for just over a year and have noticed that "hoarding" seems to be getting worse. When a shopper goes in and cleans out the entire supply that a store has, these same stores will begin to impose limits which will adversely hurt everyone trying to get the best deal possible.
Winter is coming. Many people will be losing more jobs and a lot of people will lose hours or have their pay cut. I myself would rather go to my pantry and survive on rice and broth and others things I was able to buy inexpensively than to have to face the ordeal of going to a local food pantry for help (no disrespect to anyone who ever has, and God bless the people who donate). I know it's a bummer when you don't get the items you are looking for, but we should not be critical of those who do get the them. You don't know what situation other people are in unless you walk a day in their shoes. What you may consider "hoarding" others may consider as survival for their family or helping their community. The sale is not over yet, you may still run across what you are looking for. I sure hope you do!
Do these people that complain not realize how this site has grown over the past year? Why is it everytime a deal like this comes around we have complainers? With their complaining blogs it takes so much time for us to read through to get to the point of this site, TO HELP PEOPLE! Jill has done a wonderful & kind thing for many of us. Helping us learn to shop better in these tough times. It reminds me of children in a sandbox crying about what the other child has. I have been here over a year & really don't say too much, but when I read comments like the ones above, I feel I too need to speak my mind. I am grateful for what I have been taught by Jill & the others on this site. Thanks everyone!
I don't think msdaly was crying in the sandbox. Maybe just stating something we have all felt from time to time and have never said out loud. I think she had a valid point and stated an opinion but was not complaining about Jill or getting Catalinas, etc. Let's face it, while this is fun a lot of the time, it can be downright frustrating at others.
re-read the posts. I never said anyone in particular was complaining about Jill. Just making a statment that when deals like this come around so much complaining weighs this site down & loses focus on what it is here for. And...the post from mslady does sound like children in a sandbox (see below)....No one can say who clears what out. I too get frustrated, but at the store. I would never point fingers at another couponer on clearing the shelves. They are only saving money & sharing their great deals with others. This is what this site was built on..Jill teaching us & us sharing with eachother. That's all.
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 16:41 — msdaly
Great but.......
When you clear out the shelf from 33 packages of rice it leads me to wonder if you are leaving anything for other consumers. Some people are just playing this as a "game" but others find it an important tool in keeping their grocery budgets in line. My store is already out of paper towels, broth, rice, etc. and it's only the first day of the sale. Can I assume you didn't just buy loads of rice but cleared your store out of paper towels as well? It's wonderful you're able to save but to clear out shelves is really just inconsiderate. I have been doing this for just over a year and have noticed that "hoarding" seems to be getting worse. When a shopper goes in and cleans out the entire supply that a store has, these same stores will begin to impose limits which will adversely hurt everyone trying to get the best deal possible
If you continue reading the posts I apologized for making anyone feel as though I was "pointing a finger" at them...certainly I wasn't "crying n the sandbox".
Nowhere did I imply or state that I was hoarding or clearing shelves! I was merely excited for the quantity of items I got vs. price. For your info, I have 6 kids ---- 3 who are nearly grown and eat A LOT...so I prepare meals DAILY for 7 - 8 people and we go thru a lot of food. And as someone nicer below commented, I do have to use 2 packages of the Knorr rice each time I prepare a meal. If I wanted to serve my extended---Grandparents, cousins family dinner or perhaps use this as a quick Thanksgiving side dish , I would have to use probably 6 packages. It certainly helps cut the budget on a meal for that number of people.
That said, I have placed special orders for large quantities AND 33 thin rice packages don't take up as room as you think...there were TONS left, even though it was apparent that many were taken BEFORE I even got there.
I searched several stores to get the sales (purchases came from 3 diff. ones) and I also went out right away as soon as the sale started for the best selection. Towels, unlike the rice, take up A LOT of room on the shelf and since one $30/$15 purchase requires 16 rolls, the small stock they have ROOM for disappears quickly. My store had SEVERAL cartons in the back room as well as on top of the shelf. Sorry you weren't as lucky at your store.
And re: passing judgement, if you weren't meaning to, maybe you shouldn't have made the comment you made since it certainly sounded like you were.
Shoptiludrop wrote: "I searched several stores to get the sales (purchases came from 3 diff. ones) and I also went out right away as soon as the sale started for the best selection."
Try reading Off Topic - Obsessed? It may give you some insight as to why you're chasing down the deals.
I actually view this as my job since I don't have one...which is a view shared by another recent poster on here as well. I'm glad I can use MY TIME which I currently have way more of than money in such a useful way.
It's awesome that you can turn your extra time into extra cash. Every little bit helps a household and you're blessed to have the time. Many people don't have extra of either one! When I was recently talking to an acquaintance about how tough things are now, I realized that a lot of us live in alternate universes. She said she "totally understood" how hard things are because she had to cut her cleaning lady and landscaper from every week to every other week. That's when I realzied she really didn't "understand" my reality at all!
you shoptiludrop. I'm a family of 7 with four growing boys in the mix. They can eat non-stop. So I know the amount of items that need to be purchased just to feed the family.
I never said you were hoarding. I said that I have seen that trend rise over the year from other posts that I have read and my own experience in the stores. And yes, I understand the rush of getting a great deal, and yes, I too have a family to feed. My statement was not directed to you personally and I apologize in making it seem that way. In rereading my post, it does sound as though I directed it towards you personally and for that I am sorry. I guess my point was just that, and this is not directed toward you personally, it is getting incresasingly difficult to purchase these great deals for your own personal use when the supply is constantly depleted. You are fortunate that your Jewel has a good supply of items, mine does not. None in back, none on the top shelf, and the ones that came in overnight already gone by 7:30 a.m. So, again, if I offended you, I apologize. My statement was meant to be more of a general observation on the state of things. Time doesn't permit me to shop many different stores to find the deals, so I am a slave to what is left at my local Jewel. And yes, I went out on the first day of the sale but apparently was not quick enough. Again, I'm sorry if I offended you.
around the rest of the site, you will see that your point of view is shared by MANY others as well. It seems like your fears of quantities being limited may be coming true if you read through some of the other forums.
yep, it totaly blows when you try to be a responsible shopper..Do the list, the spread, the coupons..get to the store and nothing you plan to purchase is in stock in the quantities you need.... Readjust the coupons, the quanities, what do you need vs what do you want..what do you get as a filler..if I buy of something I will really use I may clear the shelf, but I will be stocked for the next year....The old saying is don't hate the player, hate the game.....Well when the player is elbowing you in the ribs to get to the next great deal and the store is out of what you NEED because a posse is clearing them out at 5 am 'cause they are just giddy over .10 paper towels, and you can't get the coffee deal you need for yourself because the shelfs are cleared with people buying for those "in need" , well the bile starts to rise. Guess I am just frustrated too at trying to compete with those who are trying to stock their church/food pantry/basement/egos while I am looking after the four under my roof. When the couponing bubble bursts we will all need a copy of M.K. Fisher's book, HOW TO COOK A WOLF. I think that it gives a good perspective on how to really feed a family when times are tough...
It would be in Jewel's best interest to hire Jill full time. Not to give them the deal scenarios (heck no, she doesn't need anyone else emailing her about discrepancies they have right!), but just to tell them what they need to stock up on. Don't you think? I mean, Jill could get paid to be an order consultant and Jewel would make waaaaaaaaay more money because they would be tons of stock!
P.S. I have 6 kids too and we go through tons of these sides. Now if I can just get my hands on some PT to clean up after all the kiddos! lol...
No one can be judgmental about those who purchase large quantities on these items. For instance, the paper towels. We must take into consideration people like teachers who use large quantities of paper products. With the current flu epidemic, the schools may not provide enough paper towels to diligently sanitize tables, desks, etc. Teacher spend a lot of their own money for the sake of their classes. Therefore, they take advantage of these deals.
I hear your point when you talk about people playing this as a "game." There have been times when I've been quite discouraged--hearing people had hurt Jill's name with their indiscriminate use, making myself stop reading the blog when I saw how much some people had bought.
First, I know we can't judge what other people are doing. What we have to do is be comfortable about what we are doing. I wanted to go and get more and more biscuits a couple of weeks ago, but after I figured out I had enough for my needs, I made myself stop.
I have had such satisfaction shopping since February. I want to keep this in balance. Let's hope all will think before running through that line one more time.
Thank you, Jill, for luring back into grocery shopping. My husband, who was doing it almost always alone, is very glad.
I think balance is the key. I am not passing judgement on anyone. I just get extremely discouraged when quantities are constantly cleared out. I went to Jewel this morning to see if they had gotten more paper towels in, and the manager said they had, but one woman came in and bought out the 2 cases they had gotten in. I, too, have stopped myself from buying in excess even though I still could have gotten a great deal. Even with stopping myself, I have plenty to donate to the food pantry on a regular basis.
Everyone has a different idea of excess, I guess. When there is a sale like this where some prices are lower than I've seen them or FREE, I determine how many MY FAMILY can use for a year (if it's a non perishable item or the exp date is long) This is a great budget saver for us. So what may seem excessive to you or maybe a family of 2 people, could be very ordinary for us.
33 really isn't that many...if she makes one every night for dinner that'll only last her a month and if she has a bigger family she'll have to use 2 for dinner.....who are we to judge how she uses them or how many she buys, she's entitled to provide for her family like we all are.....besides there are sooo many different flavors to choose from there's so many pouches on the shelf.
today me and the lady in charge of our food pantry at church went and that was one of the things i was hoping to find to go into our thanksgiving boxes that will be passed out and there were flavors that were out completely and others that had some taken but amazingly we were able to do 2 transactions of 49 each (only needed 48 to meet the cat deal but got an extra to be safe in case we had miscounted while loading them into the cart) for a total of 98 and paid just over $5 .......BUT EVERY SINGLE ONE of those are going to feed the needy for thanksgiving!
my point is that even tho there were already flavors completely depleted we still managed to "scrounge" 98 rice sides so they must have between 150-200 on the shelf normally so her taking 33 isn't anything to accuse her of doing something wrong or inconsiderate.
but have you considered doing a special order? I tried one for the first time this week for paper towels and it was a piece of cake. I got to order as many as I wanted (which was a LOT since I am shopping for extended family too) and I won't have to worry about not finding stock, or hogging them away from people who are just doing normal-sized shopping.
This is a great strategy particularly for food pantry shopping. You can get exactly what you want/need and it's tremendously convenient.
Do these cats roll? I did a deal tonight and got $30 in cats. If I use these cats to pay for another transaction of the 30/15 deal, will it still spit out more cats?
bought 16 rolls of scott towels, 16 knorr rice sides, and 11 progresso broths all in one order....subtotal was $44.98 and got $45 back but of course i had coupons and $30 in cats from breyers and a $5 RR and paid $9.98 OOP.......
what a huge time saver that this deal is stacking......normally when i do these i'll do 2 transactions a day but since this was stacking, i was able to do 3 transactions in 1! yay!!
I was waiting until tomorrow when the sale starts, but from what I see posted it looks like the sale is going on today! Is this true, the sale prices apply already?
I got a Cat for this on my first $15/$30 deal yesterday. I was wondering how the heck I could spend $80 at Jewel. This is the answer if I am brave enough.
CasaG, thanks for the post! I LOVE these deals, sometimes I still LOL how they work like this :) AND, thanks for leaving some towels for me at the South Elmhurst Jewel !!! heehee
I still get a buzz when I walk out with all kinds of free food. So grateful to Jill and all the others that post the great deals. Tried both Elmhurst Jewels and can't find the broth. Hoping more gets stocked soon. Should be a MM with Qs as well (2.99/1.49).
Move it to off-topic
Can we move all the witching and moaning to off-topic and get back to the Jewel related deals? PLEASE?
Cat Paper Cut~Off
Took my UPC codes, coupons, prior cats, Jewel card...ready to shop!
Much time later arrive at checkout ONLY with items which qualify for the 30/15 deal and a HUGE stack of coupons. Rang everything first $140 gross cost, swipe Jewel card, cashier scanned cats from prior visit next $15 only (wasn't sure I liked this - was this bad???), cashier scanned off all other coupons. Ended up paying $55 (expected to), but was hoping for $60 in cats back.
Cat printer was on and running. RAN OUT OF PAPER!!! Paper was replaced, but I didn't get the rest of my cats! (Only got $30 instead of $60) I didn't cry or whine. I still only paid $55 for $140 in groceries! Suck it up I figure, still a great savings! Gross grocery cost $140, charged $55, and left with $30 in cats...$25 OOP...should have been $5 MM.
Or am I missing something which happened wrong? Any thoughts out there???
If you were over
$90 then you should of got the $45. So hard to say what went wrong when you stack it. Its risky.
You did the right thing not making a big deal out of it. You win some you loose some.
Any coupons entered as grocery?
Cats
Seems to be a problem when the cat machine runs out of paper or is in any way disturbed during a transaction. This has happened to me on a couple of orders, but luckily the cashiers know what happened and rering the orders. On Thursday the cs person at the self-check pointed to a stack of paper rolls for the cat machines, saying she was ready so they never ran out on a customer!
3 times...
I think this deal is only stacking 3 times for a max of $45 in catalinas but that still doesn't explain why you only got $30.
Yes deal only stacks
3 times.
spend 30 get 15, 60 get 30 and 90 get 45.
Lighten up, people
I "bought in" the game with 11 bucks out of pocket on Tuesday night when I scored some earlybird paper towels and Lipton soup mixes. Did a Register Rewards deal at Walgreens the next day, where I converted $16 of my dollars into $15 in catalinas! This bumped me up to the high roller, $60 level, and I was ready to roll!
So after an evening of coupon clipping and VERY careful planning, I went to Jewel. Took my time, double-checked my math. First run-through went great. I grinned all the way to the car.
Second run-through, I had to improvise to make up for the lack of paper towels, and I substituted two pkgs of Scott toilet paper. (insert ominous music here). Ended up choosing an angry cashier, who practically looked at each coupon with a magnifying glass. End result? I got the smug rookie smile wiped off my face as I was bumped back to the $30 level due to the toilet paper--I only got $15 Cats back. Served me right. And who am I to complain about super duper dirt cheap groceries, versus even super duper dirt cheap-er groceries?
But I was still in the game! Humbled, I went back this morning. I chose my items. Checked my math. Chose the friendliest-looking cashier. Everything scanned correctly. Got my $15 in cats back, and realized as I was walking out to the car that I had FORGOTTEN TO USE THE $15 CATS I ALREADY HAD!
Bad news: I'm a total idiot. Good news: I'm bumped up again to high-roller (where I clearly don't belong!).
Did another run-through at the high-stakes level and managed to execute it successfully. Whew!
This weekend, I will be taking a FABULOUS box of stuff to the food pantry--something I have always wanted to do, but never have before.
My life as a stay-at-home-mom had been really dragging me down, and Jill, you've really helped me to feel like a valuable contributor to our household.
Wow, great posts
Wow, what a great post. I have had a horrible day with my Jewel manager and am currently very timid to even step foot into my Jewel ever again. BUT, you made me smile and I so very much appreciate your humor and honesty. Thank you. :)
I did buy some TP yesterday
I did buy some TP yesterday with this deal, it was the ONLY one with a matching UPC at my Jewel, and it wasn't on sale. But I was able to use the $1 q from the Sunday Paper.
UPC 5400042280
It is the 8 roll package.
:) :) :) :)
Okay, an amazing 'looting' this afternoon...so fun I can't stand it~
$4.09 net price for all this STUFF! (73 items = .05 ea.!!!)
and that includes $1.92 of TAX!!!!! so real price = $2.17
LOL
1 Progresso Beef Broth (cuz that's all there was on the shelf!)
7 Betty Crocker Cake Mixes
8 BC Cookie Pouches
33 Knorr Rice pkgs
8 Yoplait True Delights
10 Chex Mix
6 Hellmans Mayo
Great but.......
When you clear out the shelf from 33 packages of rice it leads me to wonder if you are leaving anything for other consumers. Some people are just playing this as a "game" but others find it an important tool in keeping their grocery budgets in line. My store is already out of paper towels, broth, rice, etc. and it's only the first day of the sale. Can I assume you didn't just buy loads of rice but cleared your store out of paper towels as well? It's wonderful you're able to save but to clear out shelves is really just inconsiderate. I have been doing this for just over a year and have noticed that "hoarding" seems to be getting worse. When a shopper goes in and cleans out the entire supply that a store has, these same stores will begin to impose limits which will adversely hurt everyone trying to get the best deal possible.
Please don't judge....
Winter is coming. Many people will be losing more jobs and a lot of people will lose hours or have their pay cut. I myself would rather go to my pantry and survive on rice and broth and others things I was able to buy inexpensively than to have to face the ordeal of going to a local food pantry for help (no disrespect to anyone who ever has, and God bless the people who donate). I know it's a bummer when you don't get the items you are looking for, but we should not be critical of those who do get the them. You don't know what situation other people are in unless you walk a day in their shoes. What you may consider "hoarding" others may consider as survival for their family or helping their community. The sale is not over yet, you may still run across what you are looking for. I sure hope you do!
Jill, how many users are on this site!
Do these people that complain not realize how this site has grown over the past year? Why is it everytime a deal like this comes around we have complainers? With their complaining blogs it takes so much time for us to read through to get to the point of this site, TO HELP PEOPLE! Jill has done a wonderful & kind thing for many of us. Helping us learn to shop better in these tough times. It reminds me of children in a sandbox crying about what the other child has. I have been here over a year & really don't say too much, but when I read comments like the ones above, I feel I too need to speak my mind. I am grateful for what I have been taught by Jill & the others on this site. Thanks everyone!
Huh?
I don't think msdaly was crying in the sandbox. Maybe just stating something we have all felt from time to time and have never said out loud. I think she had a valid point and stated an opinion but was not complaining about Jill or getting Catalinas, etc. Let's face it, while this is fun a lot of the time, it can be downright frustrating at others.
Really...
re-read the posts. I never said anyone in particular was complaining about Jill. Just making a statment that when deals like this come around so much complaining weighs this site down & loses focus on what it is here for. And...the post from mslady does sound like children in a sandbox (see below)....No one can say who clears what out. I too get frustrated, but at the store. I would never point fingers at another couponer on clearing the shelves. They are only saving money & sharing their great deals with others. This is what this site was built on..Jill teaching us & us sharing with eachother. That's all.
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 16:41 — msdaly
Great but.......
When you clear out the shelf from 33 packages of rice it leads me to wonder if you are leaving anything for other consumers. Some people are just playing this as a "game" but others find it an important tool in keeping their grocery budgets in line. My store is already out of paper towels, broth, rice, etc. and it's only the first day of the sale. Can I assume you didn't just buy loads of rice but cleared your store out of paper towels as well? It's wonderful you're able to save but to clear out shelves is really just inconsiderate. I have been doing this for just over a year and have noticed that "hoarding" seems to be getting worse. When a shopper goes in and cleans out the entire supply that a store has, these same stores will begin to impose limits which will adversely hurt everyone trying to get the best deal possible
Continue reading....
If you continue reading the posts I apologized for making anyone feel as though I was "pointing a finger" at them...certainly I wasn't "crying n the sandbox".
.
.
msdaly,
Nowhere did I imply or state that I was hoarding or clearing shelves! I was merely excited for the quantity of items I got vs. price. For your info, I have 6 kids ---- 3 who are nearly grown and eat A LOT...so I prepare meals DAILY for 7 - 8 people and we go thru a lot of food. And as someone nicer below commented, I do have to use 2 packages of the Knorr rice each time I prepare a meal. If I wanted to serve my extended---Grandparents, cousins family dinner or perhaps use this as a quick Thanksgiving side dish , I would have to use probably 6 packages. It certainly helps cut the budget on a meal for that number of people.
That said, I have placed special orders for large quantities AND 33 thin rice packages don't take up as room as you think...there were TONS left, even though it was apparent that many were taken BEFORE I even got there.
I searched several stores to get the sales (purchases came from 3 diff. ones) and I also went out right away as soon as the sale started for the best selection. Towels, unlike the rice, take up A LOT of room on the shelf and since one $30/$15 purchase requires 16 rolls, the small stock they have ROOM for disappears quickly. My store had SEVERAL cartons in the back room as well as on top of the shelf. Sorry you weren't as lucky at your store.
And re: passing judgement, if you weren't meaning to, maybe you shouldn't have made the comment you made since it certainly sounded like you were.
Thanks guys for the kinder comments below...
Very interesting topic most can relate to.....
Shoptiludrop wrote: "I searched several stores to get the sales (purchases came from 3 diff. ones) and I also went out right away as soon as the sale started for the best selection."
Try reading Off Topic - Obsessed? It may give you some insight as to why you're chasing down the deals.
Not obsessed---(took ab 5 months to get over that, though!)
I actually view this as my job since I don't have one...which is a view shared by another recent poster on here as well. I'm glad I can use MY TIME which I currently have way more of than money in such a useful way.
Good for you!
It's awesome that you can turn your extra time into extra cash. Every little bit helps a household and you're blessed to have the time. Many people don't have extra of either one! When I was recently talking to an acquaintance about how tough things are now, I realized that a lot of us live in alternate universes. She said she "totally understood" how hard things are because she had to cut her cleaning lady and landscaper from every week to every other week. That's when I realzied she really didn't "understand" my reality at all!
I understand
you shoptiludrop. I'm a family of 7 with four growing boys in the mix. They can eat non-stop. So I know the amount of items that need to be purchased just to feed the family.
thanks, Alice!
:)
Shoptiludrop...
I never said you were hoarding. I said that I have seen that trend rise over the year from other posts that I have read and my own experience in the stores. And yes, I understand the rush of getting a great deal, and yes, I too have a family to feed. My statement was not directed to you personally and I apologize in making it seem that way. In rereading my post, it does sound as though I directed it towards you personally and for that I am sorry. I guess my point was just that, and this is not directed toward you personally, it is getting incresasingly difficult to purchase these great deals for your own personal use when the supply is constantly depleted. You are fortunate that your Jewel has a good supply of items, mine does not. None in back, none on the top shelf, and the ones that came in overnight already gone by 7:30 a.m. So, again, if I offended you, I apologize. My statement was meant to be more of a general observation on the state of things. Time doesn't permit me to shop many different stores to find the deals, so I am a slave to what is left at my local Jewel. And yes, I went out on the first day of the sale but apparently was not quick enough. Again, I'm sorry if I offended you.
If you look...
around the rest of the site, you will see that your point of view is shared by MANY others as well. It seems like your fears of quantities being limited may be coming true if you read through some of the other forums.
Agreed!!!
yep, it totaly blows when you try to be a responsible shopper..Do the list, the spread, the coupons..get to the store and nothing you plan to purchase is in stock in the quantities you need.... Readjust the coupons, the quanities, what do you need vs what do you want..what do you get as a filler..if I buy of something I will really use I may clear the shelf, but I will be stocked for the next year....The old saying is don't hate the player, hate the game.....Well when the player is elbowing you in the ribs to get to the next great deal and the store is out of what you NEED because a posse is clearing them out at 5 am 'cause they are just giddy over .10 paper towels, and you can't get the coffee deal you need for yourself because the shelfs are cleared with people buying for those "in need" , well the bile starts to rise. Guess I am just frustrated too at trying to compete with those who are trying to stock their church/food pantry/basement/egos while I am looking after the four under my roof. When the couponing bubble bursts we will all need a copy of M.K. Fisher's book, HOW TO COOK A WOLF. I think that it gives a good perspective on how to really feed a family when times are tough...
JEWEL CORPORATE...ATTENTION PLEASE!
It would be in Jewel's best interest to hire Jill full time. Not to give them the deal scenarios (heck no, she doesn't need anyone else emailing her about discrepancies they have right!), but just to tell them what they need to stock up on. Don't you think? I mean, Jill could get paid to be an order consultant and Jewel would make waaaaaaaaay more money because they would be tons of stock!
P.S. I have 6 kids too and we go through tons of these sides. Now if I can just get my hands on some PT to clean up after all the kiddos! lol...
Stacking & Quantities
No one can be judgmental about those who purchase large quantities on these items. For instance, the paper towels. We must take into consideration people like teachers who use large quantities of paper products. With the current flu epidemic, the schools may not provide enough paper towels to diligently sanitize tables, desks, etc. Teacher spend a lot of their own money for the sake of their classes. Therefore, they take advantage of these deals.
I hear your point
I hear your point when you talk about people playing this as a "game." There have been times when I've been quite discouraged--hearing people had hurt Jill's name with their indiscriminate use, making myself stop reading the blog when I saw how much some people had bought.
First, I know we can't judge what other people are doing. What we have to do is be comfortable about what we are doing. I wanted to go and get more and more biscuits a couple of weeks ago, but after I figured out I had enough for my needs, I made myself stop.
I have had such satisfaction shopping since February. I want to keep this in balance. Let's hope all will think before running through that line one more time.
Thank you, Jill, for luring back into grocery shopping. My husband, who was doing it almost always alone, is very glad.
I agree....
I think balance is the key. I am not passing judgement on anyone. I just get extremely discouraged when quantities are constantly cleared out. I went to Jewel this morning to see if they had gotten more paper towels in, and the manager said they had, but one woman came in and bought out the 2 cases they had gotten in. I, too, have stopped myself from buying in excess even though I still could have gotten a great deal. Even with stopping myself, I have plenty to donate to the food pantry on a regular basis.
Yes, balance is key...
Everyone has a different idea of excess, I guess. When there is a sale like this where some prices are lower than I've seen them or FREE, I determine how many MY FAMILY can use for a year (if it's a non perishable item or the exp date is long) This is a great budget saver for us. So what may seem excessive to you or maybe a family of 2 people, could be very ordinary for us.
Again...sorry...
that statement wasn't directed towards you either. It was in general. It was a venting of frustration.
in my opinion....
33 really isn't that many...if she makes one every night for dinner that'll only last her a month and if she has a bigger family she'll have to use 2 for dinner.....who are we to judge how she uses them or how many she buys, she's entitled to provide for her family like we all are.....besides there are sooo many different flavors to choose from there's so many pouches on the shelf.
today me and the lady in charge of our food pantry at church went and that was one of the things i was hoping to find to go into our thanksgiving boxes that will be passed out and there were flavors that were out completely and others that had some taken but amazingly we were able to do 2 transactions of 49 each (only needed 48 to meet the cat deal but got an extra to be safe in case we had miscounted while loading them into the cart) for a total of 98 and paid just over $5 .......BUT EVERY SINGLE ONE of those are going to feed the needy for thanksgiving!
my point is that even tho there were already flavors completely depleted we still managed to "scrounge" 98 rice sides so they must have between 150-200 on the shelf normally so her taking 33 isn't anything to accuse her of doing something wrong or inconsiderate.
I guess we just eat alot! I make 2 for dinner alot of times and
only am feeding a family of 4 - if It is the meal (like Chicken alfredo) I will make 3
I can eat a whole one for lunch myself
I agree and I think what you're doing is commendable
but have you considered doing a special order? I tried one for the first time this week for paper towels and it was a piece of cake. I got to order as many as I wanted (which was a LOT since I am shopping for extended family too) and I won't have to worry about not finding stock, or hogging them away from people who are just doing normal-sized shopping.
This is a great strategy particularly for food pantry shopping. You can get exactly what you want/need and it's tremendously convenient.
Yea, I certainly don't see 33
Yea, I certainly don't see 33 as excessive either.
30/15 deal
Do these cats roll? I did a deal tonight and got $30 in cats. If I use these cats to pay for another transaction of the 30/15 deal, will it still spit out more cats?
Yep!
Go to town, friend!
so fun
bought 16 rolls of scott towels, 16 knorr rice sides, and 11 progresso broths all in one order....subtotal was $44.98 and got $45 back but of course i had coupons and $30 in cats from breyers and a $5 RR and paid $9.98 OOP.......
what a huge time saver that this deal is stacking......normally when i do these i'll do 2 transactions a day but since this was stacking, i was able to do 3 transactions in 1! yay!!
cat shoppong
I was waiting until tomorrow when the sale starts, but from what I see posted it looks like the sale is going on today! Is this true, the sale prices apply already?
cat shopping
Promo is running 10/31 through 11/11!
Hellman's coupons?
Where were you able to find Hellman's coupons? I have been looking already, but it would sure help where to find them... thanks!
Hellman's Q's...
I couldn't find any... but the spread on Hellman's is so good that if you combine it with a few other items that have Q's you will be fine!
yoplait
All the Qs were for Yoplait. Sorry. I don't have any for the mayo either :-(
The deal stacks three times
The deal stacks three times so $90 will get you $45.
$8 off on $80 worth of purchases using your Jewel Card
I got a Cat for this on my first $15/$30 deal yesterday. I was wondering how the heck I could spend $80 at Jewel. This is the answer if I am brave enough.
giggle...
CasaG, thanks for the post! I LOVE these deals, sometimes I still LOL how they work like this :) AND, thanks for leaving some towels for me at the South Elmhurst Jewel !!! heehee
buzz
I still get a buzz when I walk out with all kinds of free food. So grateful to Jill and all the others that post the great deals. Tried both Elmhurst Jewels and can't find the broth. Hoping more gets stocked soon. Should be a MM with Qs as well (2.99/1.49).
You could always special order
You could place a special order on that broth if you really want to make sure you get it before the sale ends. Just an idea...
New to jewel
Where do you place special order for items....service desk?