Shop where the bargains are! Sometimes finding all of those great deals for grocery products that are free or almost free can be difficult, especially when they come in limited quantities. If you missed the first two posts in this series, you can catch up here: How to Win the Competition for Grocery Bargains and How to Win the Competition for Grocery Bargains 2
Leave some stock
If you do get a good deal, please don’t clear out the entire shelf if you don’t need it all. The items may expire and you’ll just be hoarding them away from a fellow bargain hunter. Plus, since I believe that what goes around comes around, this is a good practice in life.
Ask for a comparable product
Often, a store will allow you to purchase the store brand of a product for the discount when the name brand or sale item is out of stock. All that you have to do is to find the manager for the section of the store with the item and simply ask. Explain that the product you wanted is not available and ask if they would make a substitution. This is a little known strategy I use, and so far my request has never been denied.
Get to know the store’s schedule
When does the store usually get new shipments? Ask a cashier or a customer service representative this question. Then see if it is convenient for you to shop on those days or at those times.
Ask if any are available in back
Asking if there are any more items in the stockroom can often yield good results, especially if you have the time and will be purchasing more than one of the same item. One time, this great grocery store worker went all the way on to their truck that was still unloading to find me the yogurt I wanted. I didn’t forget to thank him profusely and mention his efforts to the manager.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.
Favorite Deal Websites:
Related Articles:
Things to Do with Expired Coupons
A Guide to Salvage Grocery Shopping
A Guide to Salvage Grocery Shopping 2
Five Little Grocery Shopping Tricks: Shelf Placement
Coping with the Grocery Shrink Ray
Adjusting Your Price Book with Escalating Grocery Costs