| Shopping Tips
to Save Money and Time... |
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The grocery store
is professionally organized to get you to spend as
much money as possible. Often, "on sale"
items are displayed at the front of the store or at
the end of isles. Don't assume that these items are
actually a bargain, since the manufacturers or distributors
of those products are actually paying to display their
products. |
| BUY ONLY
WHAT YOU NEED AND CAN AFFORD |
Before grocery shopping,
write a list of the items you need. Then, when shopping,
only buy those items. Avoid putting other things in
your cart that catch your eye. Supermarkets want to
take advantage of people buying things they did not
intend to purchase, so be a smart shopper and use
a shopping list.
Also, don't buy more
than what you can afford. You are probably better
off using cash than a credit card, if using a credit
card puts you into debt. If you only bring the money
you intend to spend, then you can't spend any more. |
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Don't purchase items
that are convenience items, such as prepared vegetables
or pre-made sandwiches. These items are more costly,
and you are better off buying your own ingredients
and making them yourself. |
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Buying items in
bulk used to be cheaper. However, these days stores
figured out that they could actually charge more,
without consumers realizing it. The bigger box of
cereal may actually be more expensive than the smaller
box. Therefore, the best bet is to comparison shop
and see if you are actually getting a better bargain.
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If after shopping
you discover that the store or another store that
has products you purchased advertised at a lower price,
keep your receipt and go back to the store to ask
for a discount. |
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Keep track of the
prices you are paying for items you often purchase.
Then keep that list with you when you shop. That way,
if something is "on sale" you will know
if it is really a sale or not. If you find a good
discount, then buy enough extras, if the item does
not spoil. |
| DON'T
SHOP ON AN EMPTY STOMACH |
Don't shop when
you are hungry. People tend to buy more, and a larger
amount of the things they don't need when they are
hungry, so always shop with a full stomach. Also,
prepare to dress more warmly, since supermarkets are
often cold, because the cold temperatures actually
makes you hungry so you buy more! |
| BUY THE
DEALS - AVOID THE REST |
One shopping technique
is to shop more often, and focus your shopping on
the special deals given by the store. Then go visit
other stores to buy their special promotions. Many
stores rely on the fact that you will buy more than
the specials, to make their money and maximize profits.
However, you must remain disciplined and don't be
tricked into spending more than you plan when entering
the store. |
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