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Save when shopping
Great tips to save you money when supermarket shopping
Save When Shopping > Recipe Rocket > Home Finance Star > Home page
Be prepared and determined to save money when shopping - Plan Your List
To help save when shopping, many people prepare a shopping list in Excel or WORD, with their regular household items listed, either in categories (or even in the order you come across them in your particular supermarket (you can even leave room on the list for the price that week, and print a new one off your master as you need it, updating as prices alter for that week.
Save when shopping by buying in bulk
Whenever possible, buy in bulk when shopping. Take the time to actually check that a higher quantity is actually cheaper than several small ones though. The money saving trick is that the economy size packages are sometimes more expensive per kg. Check this out with staple products such as cereal, milk, biscuits, ice cream etc- you can make big, regular savings this way.
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Make 'Comparison Shopping' a habit
Compare actual prices of shelf items. Those items at eye level are not usually the cheapest. Shops are paid a premium ( by the competitive manufacturers) to get the best position for their products. Be sure to look above and below to check prices of other brands. When you are comparing and trying to save money, try to convert the prices to dollars per kilo. The actual price of many things is wicked when converted this way (for example, 100g for $1.99 works out to $20 per kg). Take a small calculator shopping and work out the comparison, this can save heaps for you when shopping.
Keep an eye on the Scanner
Always watch the scanner and check all of your dockets. If you find a mistake ask for a discount! Some places have a policy to give the item for free if the price was incorrect. Also, if any fresh produce does not last as the expiry date indicates, always return it with the docket. They will usually be happy to give a full refund. Keeping all your dockets also helps keep track of your spending, especially when you are reviewing your family budget .
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Avoid Impulse Shopping
The best way to save when shopping is be strict with yourself and to only buy exactly what you need. Walking into a shop without a list is the quickest way of getting sucked into impulse buying. Retailers are fully aware that many people buy from habit or on impulse, and they market their goods to influence you decide to buy.(buying in bulk is an exception when you can make great savings on non-perishables)
Online Shopping
Some householders save money by doing their grocery shopping online. it is not as convenient in some ways as they substitute when your brand is not in stock and sometimes things just aren't available and you only find out later. But some swear they save in spite of everything because they are not tempted to buy all those little extras that catch their eye in the supermarket, especially if they a have children with them.. The delivery fees are not too high and they are dropped right to your door. Make a comparison in your situation. | |
When to time your Shopping
Another good trick is to try getting out to the shops between 9pm and midnight. Most of the mark downs in supermarkets occur during this time. You can sometimes pick up bargains on roast chickens, bread , fresh juices, cakes, cheeses and fresh meats. Find out the trading hours for the local supermarkets in your area .
Reduced Items
Check the use-by dates and get a mark down if there isn't already one. If there are only a few days left, ask an assistant for a mark down due to the minimal time limit. More often than not you can receive a few dollars off, depending on the item. Many items close to their use by can be frozen for later anyway.
Be flexible with your choice of brands
Be flexible with what you buy and choose the items that are on sale, instead of choosing the same brand of a certain product every week. Obviously home brands can save you and many times the quality is just as good as a major brand. (sometimes they are not1) Worth a try once.
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