Josh Elledge - Chief Executive Angel
Last week, I shared 10 gimmicks stores use to make you buy more than you planned. Now, it is time to fight back!
Here are three strategies to help you get the deals without falling for a pseudo-sale.
1. Start a price book or use a price database
One of the gimmicks stores use is advertising regular prices in their sales circular or setting up endcap or center aisle displays that look like they should hold sale items but don't. Tammy also commented on the SavingsAngel Facebook page that she often sees stores place red clearance stickers on items when the price is actually only reduced by a few pennies.
To be sure an item is actually a deal, you need to know your regular prices. There are two ways to do this at the grocery store. Your first option is to create a price book. This is generally a notebook in which you record the prices, both sale and regular, of the items you buy most often.
For example, your price book may show you split chicken breasts are regularly $1.99 a pound at Store A, $1.79 at Store B and have been on sale at Store C for 99 cents pound. With those numbers in mind, you can safely pass on the $1.89 split chicken breasts in the endcap knowing that they really aren't a great deal.
Price books can be a lot of work to create and maintain so you may want to look for an online database where you can compare regular prices to sale prices. Our SavingsAngel database tracks the regular and sale prices at more than 80 stores and can be searched or sorted so you can easily see the percentage you are saving at the sale price. You can also use our Price Watcher service to receive email alerts when savings for your favorite items reach a certain percentage off.
2. Shop with a list and never buy on impulse
The next strategy is to always shop with a list. Wandering through the store without a plan is a surefire way to get sucked into grabbing something out of every bargain bin cluttering the aisle way.
Once you have your list, stick with it. Make a point to never purchase something on impulse ““ particularly big ticket items. It's always a good idea to go home and sleep on it before dropping big bucks on furniture, a vehicle or appliance.
The salesperson may try to convince you that if walk out, you'll miss the deal of the century. Again, this is typically a sales gimmick. But if you are feeling paranoid about missing a great sale, price comparison apps such as RedLaser, Amazon Price Check and ShopSavvy can quickly let you know how much your coveted item is selling for elsewhere.
3. Change the way you shop
Finally, reconsider how you shop. A good rule of thumb is to go shopping as little as possible. Try to make one or two big trips a month and then limit your visits to the store in between. If you run out of something, try to find a substitute or do without.
Likewise, if making the trip to the back of Meijer to grab milk generally results in $20 worth of extras ending up in your cart, you may be better off stopping at the gas station. Even if it costs a dollar or two more, it may save you money in the long run.
In addition, avoid shopping for recreation. Sure, it can be fun to window shop in the mall, but it also tends to be an easy way to discover items you can't live without. Remember, marketing gimmicks can't work if you aren't in the store to see them!
At SavingsAngel.com, our members can email the help desk or ask fellow members in our members-only Angel Community. However, if you are not a member and need some help, be sure to stop by our Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/savingsangelwhere we would be happy to answer your questions as well.
SavingsAngel.comis VIP-level savings for busy people.
The best couponers save hundreds of dollars every month at the grocery store. However, couponers can end up living very extreme lifestyles to get those savings. For over five years, SavingsAngel.com has equalized the playing field ““ giving extreme savings to busy families who don't have the time or ability to be a full-time couponer. Each week, SavingsAngel.com's team of more than 70 angels combines over 2,000 products on sale at local grocery and drug stores with an enormous database of over 2,000 different manufacturer coupons. These combinations result in our members getting access to over 300 products each week for 50% off or better. Simply log in, choose the deals you want, print or clip only the coupons you need, and save hundreds of dollars a month at regional and national stores. Our angels will personally work with you to craft a plan that will help you buy healthier food at lower prices ““ helping you keep $200 to $400 in savings each month.
