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Join frequent shopper programs to get the rebates the shop offers. Use “store club cards” but be careful with “store credit cards”.  If the store offers a credit card with a discount read the fine print. Store cards generally charge higher interest then regular credit cards, and if you are not sure you will be able to pay the balances, stay away.

Chose the right store for the right product: some shops are stronger in meat or fish: select accurately the best ratio of price to quality, but don’t compromise on freshness. If you shop for a family, superstores or clubs often offer super sized items for the best bargains.

Sometimes the quality of store brands is inferior, but if there is a considerable difference in price maybe it is worth to try them. Avoid buying by impulse: stick to your list unless you spot a real deal.  Remember that supermarket advertising and labels are specifically designed to lure you into buying stuff.

Try to spot eventual downsizing when they occur: sometimes the quantity of product in the package is reduced by the factory. I remember when a widely advertised antibacterial liquid soap was introduced to the market. The content was 16 oz, the bottle was clear, and you could actually see that the bottle was full of soap. Few months later the bottle became opaque, so that you couldn’t see the level of soap inside. When I checked the label the quantity was now 14 ounce but the price was unchanged.

It is important to check the unit prices. Most stores indicate on the shelf the price of the item together with the price per unit (dollars per pound, ounce, piece, etc.) Always check the unit price. You will have many surprises. For example the larger packaging is not always cheaper than the smaller one. And there could be a considerable difference among very similar products.

Also check expiration dates on perishable food, and choose the products with the longest expiration date for fresher items that would last longer. Pay attention to marketing strategies: the items on the middle shelves and those close to the cashiers when you wait in line are often impulse items and the one with higher prices. Check instead island displays where sometimes you find discontinued items for a bargain price.

Learn how to read the labels. Look for the content, for the quality of the products and for eventual additives. For example is preferable to buy orange juice made from fresh oranges, over the one made from concentrate. Beware of products that list on the labels too many chemicals and “natural” flavoring. And beware of packages labeled as lean, fat free, low-carb, etc. it doesn’t mean that they are low in calories or healthy.

When you are in front of the cashier look at the scanner and if you see any irregularity report it. After you pay check the receipt: you are still in time to get reimbursed if you have been overcharged.

Anna Maria Volpi
© Anna Maria Volpi 2004

Grocery shopping can be very tiring. Walking back and forth those isles will make you feel like you have run the marathon. The best thing to do is to get organized.

First of all plan before you go to shop. See what you have in the refrigerator and what you need for the week, and prepare a list. Organize and select your coupons if you have any for the items you normally buy. And don’t go grocery shopping when you are hungry: you would probably come back with many items you don’t really need!

IMPORTANT TIP:

Join frequent shopper programs to get the rebates the shop offers. Use “store club cards” but be careful with “store credit cards”.  If the store offers a credit card with a discount read the fine print. Store cards generally charge higher interest then regular credit cards, and if you are not sure you will be able to pay the balances, stay away.