Earlier today, I started talking about the two reasons that I believe that Wal-Mart may not be frugal. There are definitely deals to be had, if you are a smart shopper, but you can also easily spend more money than you thought you might.
My first point talked about how those low prices may not be low everywhere and how the store does not price match against itself. Now I’ll talk about my second point, that the majority of items outside of the “hot” or in demand” category may be had less expensively elsewhere.
Wal-Mart can get away with prices that are more than you can find at other stores because of the great deals it does on in demand items, as well as the perception of its shoppers. If you see an amazing deal on something you really wanted, then you assume that the prices throughout the rest of the store are equally as stellar.
Currently, Wal-Mart is selling allergy medications for very reasonable prices. I would definitely pick those up at the Wal-Mart store, but while I am there, might I do other shopping as well? Let’s take a look at other purchases. A smaller box of Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal is priced ay $2.64. This isn’t a bad deal by any means, but it isn’t the cheapest price. My local Giant food store sells the same size box for $2.24 normal retail. And when it is on sale, I can get that same box for only $2 (or even less all the way up to free with double and triple coupons, something Wal-Mart doesn’t do.)
If you are going to shop at Wal-Mart for deals, I would suggest that you do the following:
Compare prices before you shop, including online
Take advantage of the Wal-Mart or Sam’s brand, which seems to be of good quality and less expensive than name brand, although the Target brand is equally as good
If you see an item for less after your purchase, check with customer service to see if you can be refunded the difference. Not all Wal-Marts will do this.
Only buy what is on your list when you shop.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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