Does your grocery store truly have the best intentions in mind? Sadly, most don't. This is why they use a number of tricks to get you to spend more while making you think you're getting a deal. Before you head out to the grocery store, check out these five traps to avoid.
1. End Cap Sales
It's on the end cap, so it must be on sale. This is a trick that many of us fall for, but unless you see the item in the sales paper, don't grab the item until you do your research. While grocery stores do put sale items on the end cap, not all end cap items are on sale. Take a stroll down the aisle to make sure you're getting a good deal.
2. 10 for $10 Sales
Price anything at a dollar and everyone thinks it's a good deal. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case. Some grocery stores use this trap to get you to spend more. For example, a box of their brand of macaroni and cheese might normally cost $0.89 instead of a dollar. Know your prices so that you get the best deals.
3. Convenience Items
Grocery stores know how busy you are and want to help by washing and cutting your vegetables, having roast chickens ready to go, etc. What they really want to is to prey on your lack of time. Did you know that you're paying over double to get a roasted chicken rather than a raw one? The same goes for washed and cut veggies and you don't even want to know how overpriced the salad bar is.
4. Super Deals
Have you ever noticed how some grocery stores have that unbelievable deal each week? The one that draws you in the door? How often have you went there just for that one item and bought several more items? That's exactly what the store wants. The great deal is simply to get you in the door. Go there and buy the item you need and get out before you overspend.
5. Tricky Sales
Last, but not least, always pay attention. You might find that something is marked 2 for $4, but when you get to the register, it rings up $2.99 for one item. A closer look at the tag reveals that you must buy two to get the best price. Every grocery store is different. Some will let you buy one BOGO item to get the item half off while others require that you buy two. Know your store's terms so that you get the best prices.
Grocery stores, even the best ones, need to make a profit and some are willing to trick you into spending more money. Don't let that happen. Remember these tips the next time you go shopping so that you don't overspend.
What about you? How do you save money at the grocery store?
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