Grocery store tricks

[toys]

It's not as common with grocery stores that you can use this trick any more, but with places like Toys 'R' Us, for example, it still works. Did you know that you are allowed to use one manufacturer coupon AND one store coupon per item?

Let's say you have manufacturer coupons from Huggies, and TRU is running an in store coupon special on Huggies brand diapers. You can use both, together. (btw, TRU usually runs diaper coupons at least twice per year in the fall and spring - check local papers for the ads)

I haven't seen many in store grocery coupons recently, usually they just do manufacture coupons, often with their logo printed on it.

[carsensejoe]

the worst deals are always at eye level!!!!!

[greedy4chips]

Do they make actual price books or do you carry a notebook? I see potential business in my future!

[Judi Dial]

Easy way to make price book is to keep your register tapes for a while and use those.

The conversion thing happens here too. Mostly it's absurd, flour by the gallon, etc. But it's also frustrating. The worst section I've found this is the herbs & spices, frequently the most expensive items by unit in the store, $100+ a pound or whatever. It's amazing what markets will do!

btw, rain checks are only good 30 days here, not a year.

Judi

[jamiefic]

So sneaky! You wish you didn't have to be so on guard, but it's true, you do! I think the price book is a great idea. I love writing down prices and love that when I go to the grocery store I can have everything priced out before I go, stick to my list, and know what I'll walk out paying.

[Mamaw]

I dislike it when you go to a store as I did this week and there was a big Red Star price on the shelf next to the regular price which is the same.

[pamelad]

That drives me crazy too!

[Coleroo]

The regular stores here (not really grocery stores, just chain discounts) in the midlands of South Carolina are notorious for ringing up the *wrong* price (in their favor) as well. One Kmart here is especially known for doing it and then the excuse there is ALWAYS "oh, it was just put in the wrong section / labeled wrong / no longer on sale". I have gotten into so many arguments with them...lol


I don't know about everywhere else, but my mom discovered years ago that at grocery stores here, even though something might say "2 for $" or something, you DON'T have to buy 2 of them to get the sale price. It cleverly makes you think that, but we never do get two. We always get the sales price with just one product. That has been effective in Food Lion, Walmart, and BiLo down here.

Also, I find the cheapest meat is found when they get marked down for a quick sale. Usually they're 50-70% off of some great meat choices and nothing is wrong with them (yet). I always buy meat like that, then bring it home, divvy it up in freezer bags, and store it in the freezer.

[BillK]

Ever since good old Y2k, our shopping habits have really change. When certain cereals, soups and other products with long expiration dates are on sale, it pays to stock up. Then just rotate stock through.

I wonder how many other people change their habits since that magic date?