How to Compare Product Prices at the Grocery Store

When you're on a budget, it's worth taking the time to watch your everyday expenses to gain you more cash to get out of debt and pursue other goals. In this article, I'll show you tips on comparing similar products at the grocery store.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• The desire to save some money while you're shopping.

1. The easiest and quickest way to get the best deal when comparing two products is not to look at the actual prices but smaller print "price per unit." For example, if you're comparing two detergents that are the same price, one may have a slightly larger package. This would make the price per ounce cheaper for the larger package, giving you more value for your money.

2. Don't assume however that bigger is always better. I think most of us have grown up with the psychology that the more you buy, the better deal you're getting. Some companies have caught on to this and are making their larger containers more expensive per ounce or unit. I've seen large jars of pasta sauce that are actually more expensive per ounce than two smaller jars equaling the same amount.

3. Look for concentrated items as well, especially with detergents and cleaners. Bigger packages may just have water or filler that doesn't make the product any more effective, just physically larger.

Tips & Warnings

• I know they clog up your key chain, but those little marketing cards are usually worth the hassle long-term.
• I do a lot of shopping online as well now for non-perishable grocery items because it just saves a lot of time, hassle, and gas money.
• Watch out for sales that a store card is required, but you don't have one. If the cashier doesn't scan their card for you, it may cost you several more dollars than you thought. This is no fun.

Resources

• How-to Article Central
• Patricia Gilliam's Author's Blog
• Patricia Gilliam's Twitter Page

[MidniteWriter]

on 4/9/2009 Great grocery tips for tough economic times 5*!