Advanced Grocery Store Saving Tips
Now that you're already a great grocery shopper, step up to the next level - surefire ways to further stretch those hard earned dollars in your pocket !
Plan Ahead for Package Expiry Dates
When you go shopping for groceries, most products for which you hunger have expiry dates. Write down this information (including the identical items that remain on the shelf with that same date). Visit the store 1 or 2 days before the date of expiration. If the product is not yet in the bargain bin, it will be shortly. You'll discover one of the best kept secrets around (you can have those foods you desire at highly discounted prices)! Plus you'll know when to shop for them!Deals' on Club Packs or Larger Sizes/Volumes of groceries
Don't be fooled just because a store has bulk' or larger sizes of products. The advertisements may tell you that you're saving money, however you'll find that quite often, 2 or more smaller cans / packages end up costing you less money than the larger container (especially when the smaller items are on sale)! All that hype you hear about is just a distraction (entertainment for your ears). It's intended to prevent you from taking the time to actually calculate if you can save money by using your own brain power.Coupons
When a grocery store or manufacturer displays coupons on items which you normally purchase, grab a dozen or more! They'll save you additional dollars. Just remember to use them all by the expiry date.Bonus Size Products
When buying any item off the shelf, check multiple containers of the same product, located behind the ones displayed at the front. Sometimes you can find promotions on different packages. Some of those extras include bonuses like 25% more', buy 1 - get 1 free', get another product free when you buy this one', an instant money saving coupon (or one you can use on your next purchase), and myriads more.Store Brands
Have you ever tried a Store Brand' of an item (or No Name' brand)? Some of them are actually very good and you will enjoy significant savings over name brand products (whose advertising expenses are much higher in order to keep you thinking that they are the only game in town). You might be pleasantly surprised with the quality of store brands. What's even better? If you don't happen to like the store brand after you've brought it home and tasted it, just return it. Most stores will refund your money with no questions asked, as that is their stated policy. They know that if you do like the product, they have converted you and you're sure to try more of their much less expensive store brands. For example, Name Brand' soft drinks these days are around $2.00 for a 2 liter bottle. Store brands usually sell for about 89 cents for a 2 liter bottle (as low as 49 cents on sale). If you find that you like the Store Brand", you'll never buy another brand name soft drink again! Don't be shy about trying as many store brands as you like!Organic Food
So you think that buying organic food is healthier? Based on research by different groups, perhaps, perhaps not. However, one thing that's for certain is that most grocery products with the organic label will cost you significantly more money. Since there are so many opinions pro and con, taking your vitamins (and keeping your pocketbook healthy) is just as important. Vitamins
Speaking of vitamins, if your grocery store has a Health & Beauty section, visit their bargain bin often! You can usually find vitamins, herbal products, hair coloring, cold remedies and a host of other valuable items which are highly discounted. These items are still effective and good for your health since the bins are usually filled with products that do not expire for a couple of months.Weight/Volume of Products
When you buy any groceries, look at the printed weight or volume. Upon reaching the section of the store that has scales (usually in the fruit section), weigh each item and verify that you are getting at least what you are paying for (the contents of the item you are buying should weigh a bit more than the printed amount, otherwise you are not receiving fair value for your money). If there is a discrepancy that isn't in your favor, take the package to the courtesy desk and lodge a complaint. If the package is a lot' under its stated content weight/volume, the issue is taken very seriously by the store. They do not want to be associated with companies that don't provide consumers with fair value. The problem will be brought to the manufacturers' attention and sometimes, for the sake of customer relations, you'll receive a freebie for pointing out the offending product.A Smart Shopper is also a Conscientious Shopper
If you ever find a can that is bloated' or severely dented in a bargain bin, a frozen product that is not in a freezer, spoiled dairy items or baked goods that are turning into penicillin, then take the offending item and bring it to the courtesy desk. Tell them about the dangers of offering those kind of damaged goods to the public and the possible liability it creates for the grocery store. Speak to a manager if possible. No supermarket should ever sell those kinds of goods to anyone. It's a huge health risk for all.
Finally, remember to stock your pantry full of sale and deeply discounted desirable groceries when the occasion arises. Using this tried and tested method, you'll really be saving big time and you may only need to buy your necessities 2 or 3 times a year)!
Keep hunting for those great grocery values!
