FoodFindsAsia | Top 5 Supermarket Tricks You Need To Try Now | Ever since you became a homemaker, you’re shouldering back-to-back responsibilities to stay on top of everything in your life, from maintaining your home to ensuring a healthy lifestyle. Whichever category your tasks fall into, they all contribute to your expenses. Because of this, budgeting is another problem you’re bound to deal with. Fortunately, there are many ways you can save money in the long run.
Grocery shopping takes up most of your budget, given it’s impossible to live day after day without purchasing your essentials. But more often than not, shopping for the essentials sometimes gets overlooked when something else catches your eye. Buying something you don’t need is enough to ruin your budgeting plans. And considering how supermarkets carry multiple merchandises, it’s easy to be tempted to buy something that’s not on your list.
Here are tricks you must learn to get the upper hand every time you go shopping in supermarkets:
Check For Deals
Sales and discounts are the bread and butter for all shoppers. After all, even spending a few cents less is already a favorable deal, especially for those cutting corners. Thankfully, supermarkets often hold sales that both regular and casual shoppers can enjoy. But in many cases, these deals only bait shoppers to purchase products they don’t need. Some deals even go so far as to mislead shoppers that they’re getting a cut. However, you may be getting the short end of the stick.
While staying on top of deals in the market, other sources of sales are worth looking into. Many apps and websites are designed to be platforms for various deals in different supermarket branches. After confirming they’re legitimate sources, you can check if they have discounts on different supermarkets, even Walmart Canada Weekly Flyers online, and other deals outside your local circle.
Stick To Your Plan
Even though you found discount after discount for your local supermarket, it’s unwise to use all of them, especially if some items you purchase end up being unused. While you think it’s a sound strategy to take every discount being offered, it’s better only to use the discounts for the items you’ll actually use.
This is especially important if you’re buying meat or produce because these can spoil quickly. One way to save money is to have a meal plan scheduled for every week or fortnight. This way, you can have a rough estimate of how much food you’ll need, allowing you to allocate your budget properly. Regardless of how great the discounts are, ignore other food products on sale, especially if they don’t belong to any meal plans you have in mind.
The same principle applies to the rest of your groceries. After checking your inventory, list down everything you need to buy. After all, precision is a must when going to the supermarket. Getting anything extra because you’re unsure and want to do it ‘just in case’ might compromise your budget.
Be Thorough
Supermarkets are massive buildings with large quantities of products. Naturally, store clerks are instructed to organize them for a better consumer experience. However, it’s still overwhelming for those still getting used to grocery shopping.
One trick that all shoppers often fall for is purchasing what they see right off the bat, even if it’s the one on the list. However, supermarket products are organized to tempt shoppers to buy more than they need. Furthermore, some brands pay a premium for supermarkets to place their merchandise in prime eye-level spots to capture your attention. Compare products below and above eye level to see which is much more cost-efficient.
Aside from the price, check the condition of each product you buy. See if their packaging is still intact and properly sealed. You should not buy products that may have been exposed to contamination or bacteria. After ensuring they’re in good condition, check their expiration date to determine if you can use them before they spoil.
Check Other Stores
Some supermarkets are more expensive than others, especially those in affluent neighborhoods. While these supermarkets may offer discounts, its price may be equivalent to regular prices in other stores.
For those who are vigilant in having low-cost purchases, consider hopping from one supermarket to another to compare prices. That way, you have more options when your go-to supermarket is crowded.
Time Your Shopping Trip
Time is just as valuable as money, and spending it on fighting against crowds and waiting in long lines doesn’t sound like a great strategy. Grocery shopping requires thoroughness to get the best deals. Busy seasons keep you from doing that since they leave supermarkets packed with shoppers. Choose the best time to grocery shop, preferably during off hours, such as early mornings or weekdays.
Takeaway
Out of all the tasks homeowners are shouldering, grocery shopping can be challenging. And considering how massive supermarkets are, it’s easy to get swept up and toss every product that catches your eye into the basket. Even though your spontaneous purchases have satisfied you, it’s only short-lived once you’ve realized how much you’ve spent on unnecessary things. Fortunately, there are tricks you can practice to save money.
Photo by Joshua Rawson-Harris on Unsplash
