I’ve mentioned in the past that you should pick ONE grocery store to shop because sales are on a 6-8 week cycle (click here to read that post). When I met Jenny she said her top choice is Bi-Lo. Every week I choose Harris Teeter (which she doesn’t have in her area). My curiosity got the better of me and today I had to give it a try. First, I created my list here and then pulled all my coupons. Then, I checked out the website to understand their policies and went shopping.
Bi-Lo Basics:
- Most Bi-Lo stores double coupons that are $.60 or less. However, if you’re in the Charlotte area they double $.99 or less. (YMMV)
- Like items are limited to 10 coupons per day. Otherwise, there is no coupon limit per day!
- You can use a store coupon with a manufacturer’s coupon for the same item. You can print store coupons from their web site by creating a My Bi-Lo account. They are also in the Bi-Lo monthly bonus saver flyer.
- You do not have to buy two of the B1G1 items to get the sale price.
- They will accept competitor’s coupons but requires a manager override.
The number one, top of the list reason I went in today was because they just started the Fuelperks program in Charlotte. They had a table set up right when I walked in and they are really pushing this program. I met another first-time couponer while shopping so it must be working.
Here are the basics of the Fuelperks program:
- For every $50 a shopper spends at Bi-Lo, they receive a five cent per gallon reward applied to their new My Bi-Lo Bonuscard that is used at the pump to roll down the price of gas.
- The $50 threshold can be achieved through multiple visits to Bi-Lo and it is all tracked automatically.
- My favorite part…the $50 requirement is based off your total before coupons are deducted!
- Your fuelperks rewards are good for the month in which you receive them, plus the next three months. For example, if you earn fuelperks on October 10th, they’ll expire on January 31st.
- Click here for even more details.
Will I go back? Yes. I spent $31.54 and saved $57.90. I couldn’t go without my HT fix so I immediately made a trip and spent $27.61 and saved $39.98. I still have $.85 left in my $60 weekly budget! Don’t worry, I won’t spend it all in one place.
I must admit that I like the layout, presentation, and overall environment of Harris Teeter much better than Bi-Lo. But, I think the fuelperks program may be worth the trip every week. I plan to let my fuelperks build up until the end of May and then see how much I save at the pump.
Will it be worth it? Let us know if you’ve used fuelperks.
I can't comment on the fuelperks program, but I can say that I definitely like Harris Teeter more than Bi-Lo. There have been numerous times at Bi-Lo that I've seen meat discolored or with mold. There produce doesn't seem to be the same caliber either. Harris Teeter does cost a little more, so in terms of using coupons for their boxed items, I think Bi-Lo might be better for getting a deal.
My Bi-Lo is very nice, and I shop there every week…in conjunction with Harris Teeter. Bi-Lo has great B1G1 sales and I like the no coupon limit. I saw the new Fuelperks when I was in there the other day, but I'm thinking it really isn't going to be worth it. Am I missing something? The thing I read said it was only for 20 gallons. Is that all the savings you get? Help.
The fuelperks thing is great. Last week we saved $0.50/gal on gas (our program in SC has been going on since last fall). It is limited to 20 gallons per fill up, but most cars don't hold more than that anyway.
I got clarification last night @ Bi-Lo and found this online: "Your fuel discount is valid for one use, up to 20 gallons."
The Fuelperks doesn't sound that great to me either. You'd have to spend $500 (before coupons) to save 50 cents a gallon, which is a max of $10.
However… the Entertainment book has some great Bi-Lo coupons including a free gallon of milk.
I haven't seen the Entertainment book, but the Charlotte Citipass book has 8 BiLo coupons:
-Free Southern Home Ice Cream (retail $3.59)
-Free Southern Home milk
-Free Southern Home fresh chicken (up to $5)
-Free 8 piece Fried Chicken (retail $6.99)
(no purchase necessary on the above 4 coupons)
-(2) $10 off purchase of $100
-(2) $10 off purchase of $50
My HT has honored the $10 off ones before my other coupons without any problem. On super doubles and triples I easily hit the $100 before coupons.
If you want to buy a book, they're $25 each, but are B2G1F on their website http://www.charlottecitipass.com/purchase.html ($5 shipping). That makes it $55 OOP for 3 books. A money maker! Plus, the Citipass has TONS of other coupons for fun stuff and local stores and restaurants. I've saved a whole lot of money with my books!!
The coupons expire Nov. 30, 2010.
I love my Bi-Lo in Matthews and just got the card last week for the fuel perks. I plan to let the amount accumulate and then get my gas tank filled up
Caroline
Lindsay~ Thanks for sharing this GREAT information! I just ordered the Entertainment book last week. I always thought this was the one you use. Now I'll look into the Citipass too. Love you sis!