“Shopping Savings Advice & Tips On How To Spend Less & Get More”

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GROCERIES - Page 2

Where To Shop (continued)

 

b.  In the old days, most of the time these stores mostly offered bulk items and a fairly narrow selection.  Today, selection has improved considerably and most items are sold in quantities that are small enough for easy home use.

 

c.  While these discount warehouse stores usually charge an annual fee of about $50 for the right to shop at the store, the normal household will save hundreds of dollars on their grocery and sundry budget during the course of a year, with regular use of these types of stores.  Considerable savings are also available on large selections of other items from TV’s to clothes, etc.  Consider shopping with a friend and share the annual membership fee.  Just figure out which items on the receipt belong to each person.

 

2.     Speciality food markets will sometimes have good quality at lower prices.

 

a.  Many communities have local butcher shops and local fish markets. Versus supermarkets, these markets can often have good everyday prices and some great specials, not to mention better quality.

 

b.  Farmers’ markets are also available in many communities.  Produce is often fresher and better priced than at the local grocery store.

 

3.     Do not forget about your local dollar stores and odd lots stores.  These stores often have groceries and sundries (as well as many other items) for sale at very low prices. They may not have the brand you like, but the savings can be considerable.

 

4.     If you are not close to a discount warehouse store, It’s hard to beat Wal-Mart for everyday grocery and sundry shopping.  After warehouse stores, Wal-Mart will most of the time have the lowest non-sale prices.  While the shopping experience at Wal-Mart may sometimes not be as hassle-free as a more upscale supermarket, Wal-Mart can save you some real money.  Some people like the environment of Target better, but prices are higher most of the time. Otherwise, find a couple of good grocery stores you feel offer competitive prices and good selection, including less expensive store brands.

 

5.     For non-food speciality items, like light bulbs, office supplies, etc. try to avoid grocery stores.  Either use Wal-Mart or Target to save on these types of items. Or utilize your home improvement store, office supply store, etc.

 

6.     Unless an item is on sale, do not buy groceries or sundries at drug stores. There prices are usually not competitive.

 

7.     Do not shop at convenience stores or gas station stores for groceries or sundries. They are high priced and, with a little planning, are not any more convenient than your local Wal-Mart or grocery store.

 

8.     Believe it or not, groceries can now be purchased on the Internet. Amazon.com and other sites offer thousands of grocery and sundry items online, often at very reasonable prices.  A good site for hair care and other personal care products is SalonSavings.com.  Make sure you consider any shipping fees that may apply to your order.  Many local grocery stores also offer online shopping, with easy pick-up at the store.  Pull up their web site and choose the items you want.  Later that day, or whenever you scheduled, just drive up and they will load your order in your vehicle.  Prices may not be any better than in-store prices, but the convenience factor may be worth it.  Also, if you are ordering over the computer and not in the actual store, impulse buying may be reduced.

 

 

Getting The Best Price

 

In addition to shopping at stores that generally offer lower prices, there are many other ways to lower your grocery and sundry bills by getting the best prices available.  With a little bit of planning and concerted effort, you can lower your grocery and sundry costs substantially.  Work hard to get a saving on everything you buy.

 

1.     Whenever the price is really good, buy in bulk.  While the extra funds tied up in stored foods, and the storage space required (both refrigerated and pantry) can be a burden for some shoppers, if possible bulk purchasing makes economic sense.  But make sure just because the price is too good to be true you do not buy on impulse something that you really do not need.  And also do not buy more than you can use before it goes bad. This even applies to items that are frozen.  If buying an item in bulk is just too much of a particular item for you, consider sharing with a neighbor.

 

a.  As noted, warehouse clubs may require you to buy more of a product than you normally would, but most of the time the pricing makes it worth it, as long as you can eventually use it.

 

b.  When an item is on sale at any store for a “great” price consider stocking up. Sometimes even drug stores will offer great pricing on certain items that they are using as loss leaders.  Take advantage and buy ahead.

 

c.  Often, produce or other items can be bought at far lower prices when “in season” than at other times of the year.  Consider purchasing large quantities and “cooking for the freezer” to save.

 

d.  Meats can also be bought in bulk when on sale and frozen.  Some people also consider going to a butcher and buying a half of cow, and have it cut up and freezer wrapped by the butcher.  And you can have the different cuts of meat processed in different ways to suit the needs of your family. The price per pound versus buying meat at the supermarket can be a real savings, not to mention the convenience.

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