You can save money at the grocery store by no falling into these common spending traps. Here's how to avoid supermarket spending traps.
It might surprise you, but retailers put a lot of time and effort into making their store a place that will entice you to spend more just based on how it is set up. The atmosphere is a big factor in determining a lot. Do you ever say to yourself, “I really like that grocery store. Their displays are so nice and clean. I wish I could shop there more often.”? That is exactly what retailers hope you will feel about their store.
Supermarkets are no different. Luckily, there are some things you can do to avoid falling prey to their “spend more” tactics. Keep these tips in mind the next time you're at the grocery store so you know How to Avoid Supermarket Spending Traps.
How To Avoid Supermarket Spending Traps
Be aware that the music and flowers at the front door are there to help you feel relaxed. This tactic is used so you will stay longer and shop longer. Don’t give in. If you have just a few things to buy, purchase them and get out before you are enticed to leisurely shop.
Shopping carts have gotten bigger over the years. This is not because families are bigger or because products are bigger. It is so you will feel like you need to fill your cart more before you leave. If you are going for a small trip, grab a basket. If you are lucky enough, grab one of the smaller sized carts if your store has them.
Notice how annoying it is when you just need some milk and you have to go to the back of the store to get it? That isn’t by mistake. Stores hope you will buy more than you came in for with this tactic. Outsmart them by keeping your “blinders” on. Don’t deviate no matter how great that new product is that you see on display.
Shop the middle sections of the store first. Most people shop the perimeter first. However, if you get the staples that will fit in your pantry first, your cart will already appear fuller. You will not be tempted to spend more to fill it.
Speaking of the shelves, don’t shop eye level. Stores want you to buy these more expensive eye level products. Instead, scan the top and bottom shelves first to see if the item you need is cheaper in another brand or generic.
Skip samples. If your store has a sample day for new products, don’t give in. Avoid that day if possible. Samples are designed to get your hunger going in the same way an appetizer does before a meal. Not only will the taste of the new product make you hungry, but the smell of it throughout the store will too.
Examine end caps closely. The products on the ends caps are not deals or items on sale at all. They are just there as a feature because the company pays to have their product displayed here. This is where knowing your prices can come into play. Is it an actual sale or just something on display?
If your store offers a “child-friendly” checkout line, use it. These checkout lines are designed to NOT have candy, soda, toys, and trinkets that children often beg for at the end. It might surprise you, but you are probably tempted by them, too. You may even succumb to it by tossing a candy bar or pack of gum onto the check out counter.
More Ways to Save on Groceries:
How to Save Money on Milk and Dairy
Eeva says
Those facts are so true! In here we have also in-store bakeries in every shop – as well bigs and in smallest ones…
Lindsey Westhaven says
ALL packaged foods have base ingredients. Then they add flavor enhancers, color, texture and consistency additives, preservatives, salts, acids, which helps fool your palate that it tastes YUMMY! However, these products are Frankenfoods and very unhealthy.
You must buy the BASE ingredients only, and then COOK at HOME! Use a slow cooker, or the oven. Stove tops too. But, make meals from scratch-allowing more than enough to cover one or two left over meals as well. There is NOTHING WRONG with leftovers. If your family makes noises about it, then they are spoiled and out of touch with reality. They will learn to like leftovers or go hungry!
You must also Bake home made cakes, cookies, pies, etc. Buying them is expensive, and they are also loaded with crap that is a health disaster. Only baked deserts that can be eaten up with five days – because home baked deserts have NO preservatives and will mold and go bad.
Get a bread maker and the books that catered to their myriad of uses, and start making wonderful things via that appliance.
Trust me, once everyone gets used to the sights and of course the wonderful home filling aroma’s of things cooking and baking in the kitchen – and then sitting down to enjoy home made meals and treats – they will soon forget about Frankenfood meals.
You’ll glow with inside with pride as the kids ask, “Mom; are there anymore of the cookies left?” and then see the expression on their faces as they realize they’ve eaten them all and Yes, you’ll bake something tomorrow…
Cooking and Baking can be a family event, so get them involved and teach them how. Kids are far too involved with social media and personal electronics and are becoming social boobs, recluses, and hedonistic sociopaths. Get them involved with all that makes the family a unit and a co-op. They cook, bake, do dishes, clean house, do yard work, study, help siblings with their studies, and then if there is time left, devote some time to extra curricular activities.
This is what is wrong with America – the complete break down of the family and no longer siting around the dining table enjoying each other and loving one another as you enjoy a home made meal.