Yelm Safeway Guest Speaker A Success!

The picture above shows the true success of this event.  These items will be donated to the Yelm Food Bank and I am very grateful to everyone who donated and supported this event. 

A special thank you to Jen, our guest speaker, for helping us learn more about shopping at Yelm Safeway.  Here are some of our questions she helped answer.

1. Does Safeway accept printed coupons?
   Yes, Safeway takes printed coupons.  However they do not accept printed coupons that are for a free item, 50% off or coupons that don't scan
2. Why don't some printed coupons scan at Safeway but they do at other stores?
   If a printed coupon doesn't scan, we cannot accept it.  If you have a non-printed manufacturer coupon that isn't scanning we can manually enter it.  We discussed that coupons are going through a change from using a UPC code to a new DataBar code.  Some coupons may not scan at certain stores depending on their system.  The DataBar will at some point completely replace the UPC, so stores will eventually have to update their system.  For more details, see this post by Queen Bee Coupon & Savings.
3. When you load e-coupons to your Safeway Card, why do my manufacturer coupons not work?  When purchasing multiples of the same item, the coupon on your card only applies it to one item.  The system doesn't allow the same coupon in addition to the one on your card.  If you are purchasing multiple items and wanting to use coupons, loading coupons to your card may not be the best way to save you the most money.
4. What is Safeway's attitude toward coupons?  Safeway gladly accepts coupons and it really helps the cashiers if you have your coupons organized and are courteous.  Extra tips: Don't put your coupons on the belt and you don't have to clip out all the Safeway store coupons.  Just have the ad and the cashier can enter the code for the items your purchasing.  You can also enter the code yourself if you are using Self Checkout.
5. How high of a value coupon do you accept?  Would you accept a coupon for $10 or $20 off an item?  Safeway will accept any coupon that scans correctly and/or matches up with the correct item.
6. Can you use a Safeway store coupon and a manufacture coupon together? Yes
7. Is there a specific day that clearance is put out?  No, that may depend on the department or reasons items are on clearance.
8. Is there a way I can easily check the price of clearance items? The items that are on clearance are marked with the highest possible price.  The best way to check the current price of the item is to find it on the shelf.

 I have personally experienced exceptional customer service at our local Yelm Safeway.  I appreciate the opportunity to host this event and support shopping in our community.  Here are a few more reasons to shop locally. 

• It helps the businesses in our community grow.
• The local taxes support our community.
• It saves you time on travel and gas money.  Some may say that you have to travel and go elsewhere because Yelm doesn't have all the stores and deals.  Reality is that deals come around to all stores.  You can actually end up spending more money by chasing deals all around the area at too many stores.  You really can save a great deal of money shopping right here in Yelm.
• Shopping locally also gives you the opportunity to network with others.  You can help spread the word to others including businesses that will support the great things The Savvy Simple Savers are doing for our community.  You can also create positive relationships that lead to good shopping experiences.  Remember to be kind and courteous!

 I look forward to working with more local businesses and charities.  If you have an idea for a guest speaker and/or class, please send an email to savvysimplesavers@hotmail.com