Avoid getting trapped into overspending at the grocery – via Shutterstock
It happened again – I overspent at the grocery store. I went in to Trader Joe’s for toilet paper and came out with 3 bags filled with grapes, cheese, Brussels sprouts, Cookie Batter (Oh. Em. Gee.), vodka, coconut water and a bill for $87. What happened?! Supermarket traps is what happened. I looked it up and according to a recently article by MSN Money, it’s a real thing. Stores use strategies to get you to leave with more than you went in for. Have no fear, friends. The ladies at Bargain Babe are here to help.
5 tips for avoiding supermarket traps
1. Stick to the outer loop: All of your essentials, not to mention the healthier items, like bread, milk, fruits, vegetables and meat are on the outer circle of your store. The rest is aisles of processed, overpriced stuff you don’t need. Trust me. Don’t even look those Cheez-Its in the eye.
2. Bulk isn’t always better: Read the tag on the shelf. It will tell you the price per pound, ounce, liter, etc. Then do the math and make sure the “bulk” purchase is really a better deal. Most of the time it’s not, unless you are somewhere like Costco. And if you are at Costco, you darn well better stuff your pockets with free samples so if they are ripping you off, it all evens out in the end. I kid. Kinda.
3. Steer clear of endcaps: It is someones JOB to dress the end of the aisle with beautiful displays of fancy full-priced items like Cinnamon Sugar Triscuits (these exist and they are delicious and don’t buy them) and Bounty Big Rolls. Put on your blinders and keep trucking.
4. Look up/look down: Shelves are stocked so that the higher-priced items are eye level and the bargains are above and below you. I. DID. NOT. KNOW. THIS. Take the time to check all brand and generic prices for the item you are shopping for.
5. Scan the scanner: My mom taught me early on – know what every item in your cart costs and watch the register. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I have caught an item scanning for more than the shelf listing. Okay, I can begin to tell you – 9 out of 10 trips to the store. True story. And it’s not the cashiers fault – computers make mistakes (gasp!). Just pay attention, and you can avoid being overcharged.
Another great way to save on shopping is to build a grocery stockpile.
What are your favorite ways to save at the supermarket?
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price.
Your best defense is a shopping list from which you will not deviate. Check the ads for the best prices on your list and shop there with your coupons. Don’t forget to check the internet for your stores loyalty sales i.e. Vons “Just for you” which will give you a better deal than just the club price.
Yes! Make a list! That is a great way to stay on track. Also – don’t shop hungry! When my tummy is rumbling, I buy all kinds of stuff! Thanks for the share, @Myke.
Match coupons with sales and, whenever possible, stock up on things that don’t have an expiration date on them, like napkins and soaps. If the price is great, it is always good to have a bit on hand until the next sale hits.
My favorite first stop in the supermarket is what I call the “Crash & Burn” section! It is where all the mark downs are. I am not talking dented cans! I have found all kinds of products here at great prices.
Thank you for making me laugh out loud Megan! (Your cinnamon triscuit comment). More humor, please!
Glad to add a smile to your day!
I generally shop the only the “sales” flyer items for my meats, fruits and veggies. I prepare meals based on what cost the least that week. Or I am able to freeze it and benefit from it on another week/month.
For example: I just made a spiral ham this week that has been frozen since the Easter bargains. It was a second ham purchased at that time. The first ham made at Easter provided a holiday meal for 4 and the rest of it – about 1/4 of the ham- was frozen in portions. I used it in stir fried meals, for omelets and nights I wanted to eat it with a sweet potato and veggies.
Secondly, I tend to shop at night. I have noticed after 7-8 pm items in the meat, fish, and produce departments get marked down at Shoprite with a big yellow sticker. Anywhere from 20%- 50% off depending on the item. On July 6th, I bought 3 family pack sizes of chopmeat at 50%off! I divided it to ready to make portions and froze it in zipped bags. Now, weeks from now when I want to make a meatloaf, tacos or something else all I have to do is defrost it.