I have never been someone who coupon clipped, flyer perused or even looked at the prices of the stuff I was buying when I grocery shopped, so I completely understand unconscious shopping and how easy it is to do. I'm turning over a new leaf now, however, (thanks in no small part to Dave) and am on the path to shopping enlightenment.
Now, I also believe in moderation in all things, so I will not ever become someone who will drive all over town just to use all the coupons I've clipped or to save $0.10 on a head of lettuce. It doesn't make sense to spend that much more on gas and your valuable time to save a few cents on groceries. There are some simple things you can do, however, that can lead to significant savings when you're shopping.
First, decide what is a priority to you. Do you value quality in your food or clothes, toys or entertainment? When you know what you're not willing to compromise on, you have a realistic foundation on which to build your new shopping practices. For Dave and I, food is fundamental. We love to eat and to eat well. Spending a lot of money on or having an excess of clothes and electronics, however, is not so much a priority. So now we know where we can scale back and where we want to maintain a certain level of quality.
Second, know where you like to shop. Some people are loyal to certain stores/brands, and that is fine, but if you're not willing to shop around and buy where the best deal is, learn how to take advantage of your favourite store or brands incentives. For example, if you are loyal to Future Shop, make sure you check the prices of all their competitors and take advantage of their price beat policy. Also, search their flyers and hard copy and online coupons regularly; join any membership clubs to receive notices of sales and promotions and sign up for the card to collect points for special rewards.
Third, scan the flyers before you shop. This is actually well worth doing. As an example, Dave and I check out the flyers every week for the grocery stores. While doing this, we find the best deals on meats, fruits and vegetables, and other household staples like toilet paper and detergents. This process can also be great for helping you plan your meals for the week. Picking up the things that are the best deal each week can often mean you get a variety and affords you the opportunity to try new things and get creative. Unconscious shoppers not only don't pay attention to how much their spending, but often just buy the same things over and over as well.
Fourth, when you are actually in the store, compare prices. If you're looking at tins of corn niblets, is it really worth spending $1.19 for a brand name, when the generic is $0.69? Sure, there are some things you won't want to buy the generic or no name version of because the quality is significantly different and it's important to you. I remember buying a really inexpensive brand of toilet paper at Costco once and swore never to buy it again. I didn't know I could hate a toilet paper that much. But I discovered from that experience that I have a certain standard that is worth the extra couple of dollars to me! In many cases, however, the less expensive item is a great value.
Fifth, have a list of things you want to purchase that are not regular items (make a note of their regular retail price as well) and check the flyers regularly for sales or price reductions. (Of course, always check out Craig's List, Kijiji, and other local online sites for used or free items, and check out your local garage sales and estate or repo auctions.) Dave has needed a ladder for a while and recently noticed that Home Depot had reduced the price on a ladder he'd been looking at from $156 to $99! That's a significant reduction, so he went and picked up the ladder.
So, the basic message is "wake up". Become a little more conscious of how you shop, where you shop, and how you might be able to do it in a way that could save you significant money. A word of caution, though; just because something is on sale, doesn't mean you have to buy it! Conscious shopping also means buying with intention, only purchasing what you need and will use.
Until next time, folks! Happy shopping :)
-Erin and Dave
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