Item Display Layout: Have you ever wondered why higher priced items and brand names are usually at eye level? Stores know that you’re much more likely to purchase an item that you can easily see rather than an item you have to stop and search for. The result is that grocery stores place the most expensive products at eye level knowing you are more likely to purchase them.
You can easily combat this tactic by taking a few seconds to search the upper and lower shelves. Similar products are usually placed together and doing a short search of the surrounding area many times will reveal a competing product at a much better price.
Product Appearance: As you walk down the grocery store isles, your will see a lot of reds and yellows. Stores and product manufacturers know that these bright colors attract the eye.
In order to combat this tactic, you need to remember that if a product grabs your attention, it doesn’t mean that you should buy it. Simply keep focused on your shopping list and disregard the product packaging.
Packaging Size: You have probably noticed that the size of a package sometimes has little reference to the actual quantity of the product inside. Manufacturers know that most people automatically assume that larger sized packaging means a better deal. This is no longer always correct. Although not as wide spread as other tactics to get you to pay more, some large sized packages are not as good of a deal than their smaller sized counterparts. Manufacturers hope you’ll you’ll assume “bigger is better” and not compare the per unit cost.
You need to learn to calculate the per unit or per weight cost of a product instead of merely grabbing the largest box available. Once you do this, you will find that sometimes a smaller sized package of a product is a better deal than buying the same item in a larger package.
Check-Out Layout: The check-out aisles of grocery stores are packed with every conceivable item these days. Grocery stores know that while you are in line waiting to pay for your goods, they have a captive audience. They squeeze as many different products into this area and as a result, earn a large amount on impulse sales.
One of the best ways to avoid the check-out isle temptations is shop during off-peak hours. Try to avoid shopping on the weekend since grocery stores are more crowded then. It’s also best to avoid shopping in the evenings when everyone has just left work. The best times to shop are in the early morning or late at night when the aisles and check out lanes are practically bare. This will allow you to get in and out of the grocery store as quickly as possible.
By understanding how the grocery stores attempt to influence your spending habits, you are in the position to use coupons to your greatest advantage. With this knowledge in hand, you’re in control and will have a much easier time reducing your weekly grocery bill.
