[Hyacinth125]

I hope even though this question is slightly off-topic because it's not completely specific to Meijer that it will be allowed to stay here. I do feel it is relevant for Michigan Meijer shoppers who are forced to rely on the the Detroit Free Press to obtain coupons of any value or usefulness.



So my question is this---


Has anyone outside of Detroit or the Suburbs been able to purchase a Detroit News or Free Press that included a Red Plum insert? A few months ago the Red Plums disappeared and I heard "rumor" that the Red Plum would only be available in the delivery papers. However, after two weeks my local Meijer started getting papers with the Red Plum again. Although the inserts (looking at the side of the paper) were from the Suburb papers (Livingston, Allen Park etc). The coupons weren't quite as good but much better than my measly 3 coupons in the local paper. Well, starting again two weeks ago the Red Plum has dissappeared again. I had hoped this week would be better, and it wasn't. I searched several locations and even in two different cities and could not find a Detroit paper with a Red Plum insert.

Is it just me? Please, please crossing my fingers that this is just a bad few weeks. I had to buy whole inserts online (I want the whole thing not 20 of one coupon) and it's more expensive AND I have to wait. The least I could find was the equivalent of paying $2.45 for each paper. (compared to my regular $2 each at Meijer) Also it used to take 10 minutes to run to the store --get them and go. It took me over 2 hours searching Ebay and bidding and hoping not to be outbid. Sigh.......

[junquegirl]

Not just you, I got the Detroit paper at Meijer today and it only had one insert (SmartSource).

[jwiederhold]

Me, too-just the SS Darn!

[Hyacinth125]

Originally Posted by junquegirl

Not just you, I got the Detroit paper at Meijer today and it only had one insert (SmartSource).

Arrgghhh!!

That was what I was afraid of! It makes sense considering you're in Portage and I tried in Charlotte and Battle Creek (a friend tried Lansing) Maybe all of these areas are covered by the same source. Not sure exactly how the whole thing works. Does anyone? I've always assumed the papers that show up outside the delivery area are handled by an outside source. Or perhaps it's like the corner boxes....person buys the papers upfront and then gets paid when they deliver to the store?


I'm curious-- are you going to discontinue buying papers or how will you handle this? I guess I'm just looking for inspiration--perhaps something that didn't occur to me.

[momto2monkeys77]

I got the free press from Q.D today and no red plum

I have to say though that the SS had like double the Qs then the SS I got in the LSJ (both home delivery and from Q.D.). I might have to pick up the free press every week because the LSJs RP and SS are kind lame and skimmpy and mostly filled with ads

[mother44]

No RP for me either. So I didn't buy the FP! Boycotting when there's no RP! I had to debate if it's worth it...and since I can buy many Q's that I want online (or print them,) just decided to skip it...

[tolcouponlady]

I get the Toledo Blade most generally but we also have the Detroit papers. All of the above have been missing the inserts. I contacted the Blade a few weeks back and they basically said subscribe or the won't prromise any inserts. I watch "the show" but since it began it is seemingly more difficult to purchase without subscribing to actually receive the inserts. Some locations the Blade has even STOPPED putting the ads and inserts in where ever they sell a "discounted paper." I think this is completely rediculous. I attempted to contact both RP and SS and no replies from either. Disgusting corporate behavior!

[mrsprek]

No RP in Northern MI either. My friend called DFP several months ago and according to DFP (not RP themselves), RP has decided to stop putting RP's in papers that are delivered outside the Detroit Metro area.

We still get them up here occasionally but its VERY hit or miss and I wouldn't hold my breathe for them....

[cathyvernham]

I'm in metro detroit and I have been getting all the inserts. Redplum will mail you their coupons if your paper doesn't have them.

[Hyacinth125]

Originally Posted by cathyvernham

I'm in metro detroit and I have been getting all the inserts. Redplum will mail you their coupons if your paper doesn't have them.

I'm glad you're getting all of your inserts! Wish we were all as lucky as you


The problem is that outside of the Metro area when we purchase the Detroit paper the inserts are NOT there. I can't speak for anyone else but my local paper almost always has a Red Plum insert but it never has any good coupons. Last week for instance it had 3 coupons and one of those was for some product nobody will ever buy. So...technically the paper in my area (my paper) does have the RP insert so direct mail from Red Plum is not an option. I sure wish it was.

[cathyvernham]

Originally Posted by Hyacinth125

I'm glad you're getting all of your inserts! Wish we were all as lucky as you


The problem is that outside of the Metro area when we purchase the Detroit paper the inserts are NOT there. I can't speak for anyone else but my local paper almost always has a Red Plum insert but it never has any good coupons. Last week for instance it had 3 coupons and one of those was for some product nobody will ever buy. So...technically the paper in my area (my paper) does have the RP insert so direct mail from Red Plum is not an option. I sure wish it was.

Would you get the redplum if you have home delivery of the Free Press? Sorry this is happening to you all. It sounds like a cost saving step by the Detroit Newspaper. Maybe if you all stop buying the paper and keep calling the News/Free Press offices and telling them way, they will put the Redplums back in.

[cathyvernham]

Originally Posted by tolcouponlady

I get the Toledo Blade most generally but we also have the Detroit papers. All of the above have been missing the inserts. I contacted the Blade a few weeks back and they basically said subscribe or the won't prromise any inserts. I watch "the show" but since it began it is seemingly more difficult to purchase without subscribing to actually receive the inserts. Some locations the Blade has even STOPPED putting the ads and inserts in where ever they sell a "discounted paper." I think this is completely rediculous. I attempted to contact both RP and SS and no replies from either. Disgusting corporate behavior!

I believe that employees of many newspapers are taking the inserts. How else could people sale inserts before the paper comes out.
Inserts are normally printed on tuesday nights and given to carriers on Wednesday. (Well, the FreePress did it when I delivered.) Anyway, in all cases the inserts are placed in the paper by hand.
When you have home deliverly, you have one carrier. They are given the paper and th inserts. If they are shorted a paper or insert, they call newspaper and get more. Because of these the newspaper has better control. This is why they guarinty inserts with home delivery only. (Carriers have a harder time taking the inserts because they loss money for every complaint and if they get too many complaints they are fired.)

However, it's hard to tell who is making the mistakes or who is taking the inserts for papers at newsstands and stores. Did the sorters at the printers not put them in the paper, did the delivery person take them out of the paper, did a worker at the store take them, or did a shopper take them.

Inserts are missing more at the store because more people are willing to buy the inserts.

[Z and G's Mom]

Manufacturers pay insert printing companies (News America and Valissis) to print a certain # of inserts each week, how many of each specific q to place in the inserts and which specific q to place in each specific region. Subscription papers will receive inserts first. Any inserts remaining of the total printed after the subscriptions have been filled will be placed into papers being sold at drug stores and gas stations, etc. Not all newspaper companies get the honor of carrying inserts due to research done by the manufacturer and insert printing companies as to subscription rates, regionality and reach of the newspaper (ie area covered). While there may be some issues with carriers stealing inserts, please do not jump to that conclusion. If the insert printing company feels it's not worth their money to place inserts into your paper, they will stop doing so. Call your paper and ask specifically which inserts you should be receiving - but only if you actually subscribe. For non-subscribers, it is a buy at your own risk issue.

This was just all confirmed in a recent press release by the CEO of News America the gist of which was not only the above statements but also that all inserts must be now kept under lock and key before they are placed within papers and any remaining inserts must be destroyed immediately.

[gogoofy05]

I'm from Port Huron - Chesterfield area, I do get RP & SS in both papers ( free press & Times) I buy on Sundays. But, I have to buy one of each then look at the inserts because some weeks the free press has the good ones and other times it's the Times Harold. one Always has a skimpy version with a lot of ads and low value Q's, but I never know what one it will be! Some time the paper preview sites have a link where you can check to see what paper will have the RP, SS or P&g in them

[dannysmom]

I'm in Livingston county. Got both SS and Redplum on 6/12. Never had a problem getting all the inserts. I've gotten many papers at Meijers too. FYI, you can get the papers cheaper at the drugstores (at least in my area).

[jmarie21]

I'm located an hour north of Grand Rapids, and I went to 4 different gas stations and they were all sold out. Went around looking for coinboxes that weren't empty and found 1 that actually had 4 papers left! Purchased my paper, got in my car, started going through the paper to look for the inserts - NONE. Put another $2 thinking okay, maybe someone just took them out of the top one, and then looked through the rest of them...NO INSERTS! Went to another coin box and same exact thing! After wasting $6 and time, I wasn't wasting another second. I called the DFP on Monday morning and they said that they only guarantee that there are inserts in the home delivery and then sometimes the retailers, but definitely not coinboxes. He said no one "took" the inserts out of the coinbox newspaper, they simply just aren't putting the inserts in those.

[bubbsguy]

The inserts are put into the detroit area papers first and then as they outside that area they are put in till they are gone. I've seen Alpena, Gaylord and Grayling not have inserts one week. Nobody is taking/stealing inserts. I think we need to remember the Detroit Free Press are in the business of selling papers not inserts and although we buy them for the inserts they can't guarantee all papers will have them. I looked all over town one Sunday and none of the coin machines had Sunday papers just Saturdays. I have missed lots of the good Redplums and most recently P&G's from 6/5, yeah I'm ticked but I've been couponing since 2006 and have realized to roll with the punches and there will be another coupon and sale someday.

[jmarie21]

You are correct, the Detroit Free Press is in the business of selling papers. On the same hand, they should not be receiving business from consumers like me who are simply buying their paper because it was advertised that they would be carrying the inserts. If they don't want to put inserts in coinboxes that's fine - but make sure to let the consumers know that there is no guarantee of inserts in their paper so buy at your own risk.

[Hyacinth125]

Originally Posted by bubbsguy

The inserts are put into the detroit area papers first and then as they outside that area they are put in till they are gone. I've seen Alpena, Gaylord and Grayling not have inserts one week. Nobody is taking/stealing inserts. I think we need to remember the Detroit Free Press are in the business of selling papers not inserts and although we buy them for the inserts they can't guarantee all papers will have them. I looked all over town one Sunday and none of the coin machines had Sunday papers just Saturdays. I have missed lots of the good Redplums and most recently P&G's from 6/5, yeah I'm ticked but I've been couponing since 2006 and have realized to roll with the punches and there will be another coupon and sale someday.

Just for the record (and I say this with all due respect) I wanted to make it clear I NEVER accused anyone of stealing inserts. The purpose of my post was informational only. I wanted to see if others were experiencing the same thing I was. Not that I hoped it was happening but knowledge is power. If it was only in this area I could possibly look elsewhere for the paper. I also asked for inspiration and ideas IF this was not an isolated incident. (other than buying individual clipped coupons on Ebay--just not a fan) I have been couponing in one shape or another since I left home and went to college. I almost hate to admit it but that's been 21 years. So I am a long way away from being a newbie and realize that I do not need to get every deal. However, if I can't even get the coupons I see that as a major obstacle.



I agree with you that the Detroit Free Press is in the business of selling papers. But the inserts are an important part of that paper--for me at least! I'm sure there are others who buy it for something other than the less than stellar articles (my opinion again). I've heard of some who buy it only for the movie listings or to line their bird cage. Frankly it shouldn't matter WHY I buy it but that I do. I also think it's a resonable expectation that EVERYTHING that is supposed to be included will be there. So the DFP (who I agreed is in the business of selling papers) may very quickly find themselves selling far fewer if those of outside of the Metro area no longer can rely on their publication as a source for Red Plum inserts. Personally I have relayed this information, which again I think is nothing new to their ears but I feel they should be told just the same. Maybe if enough people complain they can work with the publishers. In an era when I can get all of the news I need on the internet I believe the newpaper companies should be bending over backwards to accomodate people who want to physically buy their paper.

[bubbsguy]

Originally Posted by Hyacinth125

Just for the record (and I say this with all due respect) I wanted to make it clear I NEVER accused anyone of stealing inserts. The purpose of my post was informational only. I wanted to see if others were experiencing the same thing I was. Not that I hoped it was happening but knowledge is power. If it was only in this area I could possibly look elsewhere for the paper. I also asked for inspiration and ideas IF this was not an isolated incident. (other than buying individual clipped coupons on Ebay--just not a fan) I have been couponing in one shape or another since I left home and went to college. I almost hate to admit it but that's been 21 years. So I am a long way away from being a newbie and realize that I do not need to get every deal. However, if I can't even get the coupons I see that as a major obstacle.



I agree with you that the Detroit Free Press is in the business of selling papers. But the inserts are an important part of that paper--for me at least! I'm sure there are others who buy it for something other than the less than stellar articles (my opinion again). I've heard of some who buy it only for the movie listings or to line their bird cage. Frankly it shouldn't matter WHY I buy it but that I do. I also think it's a resonable expectation that EVERYTHING that is supposed to be included will be there. So the DFP (who I agreed is in the business of selling papers) may very quickly find themselves selling far fewer if those of outside of the Metro area no longer can rely on their publication as a source for Red Plum inserts. Personally I have relayed this information, which again I think is nothing new to their ears but I feel they should be told just the same. Maybe if enough people complain they can work with the publishers. In an era when I can get all of the news I need on the internet I believe the newpaper companies should be bending over backwards to accomodate people who want to physically buy their paper.

I'm sorry if it sounded like I thought you were saying anyone was stealing anything. However post #12 implies that very thing. I was just giving my opinion. I'll be first to admit I have been seriously ticked off when I bought 4 DFP papers and no Redplum and SS have crap. Most recently there were no P&G for this month. Let's all take into consideration if they get 10,000 inserts and put 30,000 papers out most papers won't have them.

[Hyacinth125]

Originally Posted by bubbsguy

I'm sorry if it sounded like I thought you were saying anyone was stealing anything. However post #12 implies that very thing. I was just giving my opinion. I'll be first to admit I have been seriously ticked off when I bought 4 DFP papers and no Redplum and SS have crap. Most recently there were no P&G for this month. Let's all take into consideration if they get 10,000 inserts and put 30,000 papers out most papers won't have them.

No need to apologize. Honestly! I just re-read my response where I quoted you and I do think I came off more harsh than I ever meant to. It sure is hard to convey emotion correctly in printed words. In fact, I only quoted your post to reference why I was "saying" what I was and not even so much as a direct response to you.

[Hyacinth125]

Yeahh!!! Could be doing the happy, happy, happy dance.


Today my Meijer had about 25 DFP and every one I checked (meaning the ones I bought) had both the Smartsouce AND Red Plum!!

Finally. Hope it continues!

[dragonfly1215]

I live in clinton twp and bought the detroit free press at a gas station yesterday and they had the red plum insert in them as well as the smart source...

[bjbby1]

I bought a DFP yesterday from Meijer and it had both. For the last month or more I would look at Speedway and they didn't have the Red Plum so I wouldn't buy them.