Compare prices with unit pricing
You may not have noticed, but supermarkets place two prices on items. The first price is the ticket price, which is the total cost for that item. The second price is the unit price which is the cost of the item per standard unit of that item e.g. per 100g, kilogram, per litre, per piece. Whatever the unit, it is the only true way to know if one product is cheaper than the other when each product is sold at different quantities.
For example you may find two peanut butter jars. One is 200g for $3.79 and the larger jar is 375g for $5.80 Which one should you buy?
- Peanut Butter: $3.70 (200g) -> Unit Price: $1.55 per 100g
- Peanut Butter: $5.80 (375g) -> Unit Price: $1.85 per 100g
At first glance you 200g jar appears cheaper at $3.70, but if you look at the price per 100g smaller jar costs $1.85 but the larger jar costs 30 cents less at $1.55 per 100g. So the larger jar is cheaper, it’s priced more because there is more peanut butter. If you eat peanut butter regularly, you’ll save money in the long run by choosing to buy the the larger jar.
Look for specials
Look out for similar products that are promoted as specials with heavy discounts. Often you may just grab the product you are familiar with and put it in the trolley without thinking about the price. Keep an eye out for similar products that on on special / discounted prices to save some extra money. Often the other product is just as good the other product you may normally buy, and may be on special to clear extra stock the supermarket is carrying.
When you you do find a special on an item you use often, then stock up on this to reap the savings in the long run. Over stocking works best on long storage products such as rice/grains and non-perishable products likes laundry powder/liquid.
Tally As You Shop
Keep a running total of the items as you are shopping and put things in your trolley. This way you will know exactly what the total at the checkout will be and keep you inline with the planned budget spend. You can use your calculator on your smart phone. If you
Subscribe to Supermarket Email Promotions
Most supermarkets allow you to sign up with them to receive regular updates on specials and sales. Signing up to these programs will keep you informed on upcoming special prices to save on your grocery bills. If you know there is a special on an item you need, you may be able to hold off on the purchase for a few days until the special price comes into effect.
Consider Discount Supermarkets
Consider shopping at discount supermarket chains such as Aldi and Costco.
Aldi sells similar products as other big name brands but at a much lower price. You will have to fill your own bags at the checkout but it will save you money at the end of the day.
Costco operates at a membership model and there is an annual membership fee of around $70. They sell popular brand items in bulk and often at a cheaper per unit cost. If you shop regularly the savings will outweigh the cost of the membership and you will save money. Costco is great for you regular items that you buy often which you can buy in bulk and save money. They also have offer other items at discounted prices in electronics, whitegoods, homeware, shoes and clothing. Worth checking out. If you don’t have membership go with your friend / family member who is a member to see if Costco is for you.
Shop at a Discount Store for Non-food Items
You would be surprised at the cost savings found at discount stores for many common items found at big chain supermarkets. Often you will find the following items at significantly reduced prices at discount stores:
- Toothpaste
- Moisturisers
- Bandages
- Soaps and Body Soap
- Dishwashing Detergent/Tablets/Powder
- Hair Colour
- Bathroom Cleaning Products
- Air Freshners