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Tip Store: Groceries: General
Check Your Dockets
Each time you are asked if you would like your docket say yes! Make sure you check your dockets before you leave the store. So many times we have been charged incorrectly at all sorts of stores . It all adds up. You can check choice.com.au for more information and your rights for scanning errors. In most cases the incorrectly scanned item will be yours free. Extra savings!
Contributed by Vicki McCarthy
Contributed by Vicki McCarthy
Sometimes Buying Something You Don't Need Now Can Save You Money Later
I recently went to the super market to buy groceries for making pizza for family dinner. I noticed that mushrooms were marked down to $2 a punnet. While I did not need them for the pizza as planned, it was too good a price to pass up, so I substituted mushrooms for pineapple. I also bought 2 more punnets to slice and put in the food dehydrator. This gives me mushrooms to use in soups, rehydrate and use the fluid as delicious stock and mushrooms as ingredients. By buying the extra 2 punnets and preserving them I have 3 possible products from it and saved myself up to $3 for each punnet I would buy in the future. This not just limited to mushrooms. Berries, tomatoes, herbs and more can all be used the same way. Saving you money on a special buy and in the future by being preserved.
Contributed by Alexander Cole
Contributed by Alexander Cole
Ditch the Pull Lids on Cans
While shopping for tinned foods I have noticed that the cans with those handy pull lids are more expensive than the cans that need a can opener. By way of example tinned tomatoes with a pull lid were 80 cents a can, while the tinned tomatoes that would require a can opener were 60 cents a tin. Start multiplying that by 10 or 100 and it adds up.
Contributed by Ann Green
Contributed by Ann Green
Snap Up Heavily Discounted Groceries in the Health Food Aisle
When shopping I check out the health food aisle for large discounts on items near use by date. Sometimes the saving is 80% off the original price e.g. yesterday I bought packets of broccoli powder for 80% off original price of $7 reduced to $1.44. With the price of fresh broccoli at $7 per kg, I use the powder for soups to get the nutritional value in a different format. GF chocolate snack balls were marked down from $5 to 80 cents. Cheaper than a chocolate bar and healthier. The health food section items are often slow movers so they get marked down substantially
Contributed by Yvette Newton
Contributed by Yvette Newton
Food Banks Are There to Help
Our local community centre runs a Food Bank three days a week with the main day being Thursday. Anybody who has a Healthcare Card is entitled to purchase from this "shop". They have frozen foods, refrigerated items (milk ,cheeses etc.) and packaged items like cereals, rice, pasta, baby food, toiletries etc. The prices start at 50 cents but the best bargain would have to be bread. Today I paid 50 cents for two loaves of bread that cost $3.00 each in the supermarket. If they are a day old they are still very fresh. We are a family of four adults and go through eight loaves of bread a week. This would cost $24.00 at the supermarket but only $2.00 today. Today they had frozen chorizo sausages, which are so versatile, $1.00 for a kilo instead of anything like $20.00. This is worth looking into if you have a healthcare card and have a food bank in your area .
Contribute by Sharryn Randall
Contribute by Sharryn Randall
Savings on Specials
Approximate $ Savings: $6 per bottle
Living in a small town with 2 supermarkets and used to work as a merchandiser for a bread company I have gotten to know all the workers and found it to my advantage. One of the girls who works in one supermarket SMS me when they have specials that are really good. For example yesterday was passata sauce for 99c a bottle, normally over $4, and tins of tomatoes for 59c, normally $1.09 a tin. Today my son SMS me that they were marking down 1 litre bottles of olive oil from $11.95 to $4 a bottle and 3 litres tins for $11.95 so I popped in and bought 10 bottles. At that price I have saved nearly $60. I also found in the service deli feta cheese for $8 a kilo. As we love the feta in oil and they sell for nearly $10 a small jar I will be making a few for well under half of that price. It is best to get to know your workers as they can save you a lot of money.
- Contributed by Robyne Neal, 4th August 2011
Living in a small town with 2 supermarkets and used to work as a merchandiser for a bread company I have gotten to know all the workers and found it to my advantage. One of the girls who works in one supermarket SMS me when they have specials that are really good. For example yesterday was passata sauce for 99c a bottle, normally over $4, and tins of tomatoes for 59c, normally $1.09 a tin. Today my son SMS me that they were marking down 1 litre bottles of olive oil from $11.95 to $4 a bottle and 3 litres tins for $11.95 so I popped in and bought 10 bottles. At that price I have saved nearly $60. I also found in the service deli feta cheese for $8 a kilo. As we love the feta in oil and they sell for nearly $10 a small jar I will be making a few for well under half of that price. It is best to get to know your workers as they can save you a lot of money.
- Contributed by Robyne Neal, 4th August 2011
Spicy Savings
Approximate $ Savings: $20-$40
I have recently been blown away by the inflated price of herbs and spices at the supermarket. I had a little bit of spare time on my side whilst running an errand for a friend and so I ducked into an Asian Foods Supermarket for a browse. I walked out with bulk packets of cloves and cinnamon quills which were at least half the price of those sold in the supermarket, if not a third of the price. These spices have been able to be used in gifts, such as putting them in small ex-coffee jars, wrapped up with raffia, and labelled with a crafty tag (or used in Christmas decorations!).
- Contributed by Donna Brumby, 2nd September 2010
I have recently been blown away by the inflated price of herbs and spices at the supermarket. I had a little bit of spare time on my side whilst running an errand for a friend and so I ducked into an Asian Foods Supermarket for a browse. I walked out with bulk packets of cloves and cinnamon quills which were at least half the price of those sold in the supermarket, if not a third of the price. These spices have been able to be used in gifts, such as putting them in small ex-coffee jars, wrapped up with raffia, and labelled with a crafty tag (or used in Christmas decorations!).
- Contributed by Donna Brumby, 2nd September 2010
Organic Groceries at Supermarket Prices
Approximate $ Savings: $100/month
I like to feed my family organic foods but they are so expensive, so we teamed up with some other local families to form an organic foods co-op. As long as our co-op place a minimum order of $300, we can buy all of our dry goods in bulk (rice, lentils, tinned goods, cereals, flours, nuts, seeds, dried fruit etc) at wholesale prices direct from the distributor. This makes the cost similar to buying non-organic goods at the supermarket. The added bonus is that we can also get substantial discounts on other goodies too like skin care products, homeopathic remedies, herbal teas etc. I would estimate we save $100 per month, depending on the size of the order. We get together once a month to place our order which is also a good excuse to catch up with friends over a glass of wine.
-Contributed by Christine, Omaha, 9th June 2009
I like to feed my family organic foods but they are so expensive, so we teamed up with some other local families to form an organic foods co-op. As long as our co-op place a minimum order of $300, we can buy all of our dry goods in bulk (rice, lentils, tinned goods, cereals, flours, nuts, seeds, dried fruit etc) at wholesale prices direct from the distributor. This makes the cost similar to buying non-organic goods at the supermarket. The added bonus is that we can also get substantial discounts on other goodies too like skin care products, homeopathic remedies, herbal teas etc. I would estimate we save $100 per month, depending on the size of the order. We get together once a month to place our order which is also a good excuse to catch up with friends over a glass of wine.
-Contributed by Christine, Omaha, 9th June 2009
Grocery Saver Tips
Avoid shopping on an empty stomach. Make a list of groceries needed. Buy in bulk the non perishable items when on sale.
- Contributed by Maureen Buckley, 25th June 2010
- Contributed by Maureen Buckley, 25th June 2010
Freshest at the Back
When I buy bread, milk, orange juice, packaged lettuce etc. I always look at the items at the back of the shelf. They quite often have a later use buy date. Not only are you getting something that is fresher but will last a few days more. With only two of us at home this saves me money, time and items don't go to waste.
- Contributed by Dawn, Jamisontown, 21st April 2009
- Contributed by Dawn, Jamisontown, 21st April 2009
Want to Save Money on Groceries?
Approximate $ Savings: $100 per week
We have a local community group that sells items close to Best Before dates. For $5 you receive fruit and vegies and you have access to the other items at hugely reduced rates. We have bought pre-packed (quality brand) bacon at $1 per kilo, cabanossi for $1 per kilo, custard 6 x 2l for $6, etc. Most of these items can be frozen so you can extend the Best Before dates. The service is intended to be available to anyone wishing to save money on groceries. Many items are sold in bulk so if you can team up with another family, then the cost is halved and the variety is better. For $30 I usually bring home 1/2 our weekly grocery requirements and just top up at the supermarkets with other items I need. Well worth looking into!
- Contributed by Angie, Scarborough, 16th April 2009
We have a local community group that sells items close to Best Before dates. For $5 you receive fruit and vegies and you have access to the other items at hugely reduced rates. We have bought pre-packed (quality brand) bacon at $1 per kilo, cabanossi for $1 per kilo, custard 6 x 2l for $6, etc. Most of these items can be frozen so you can extend the Best Before dates. The service is intended to be available to anyone wishing to save money on groceries. Many items are sold in bulk so if you can team up with another family, then the cost is halved and the variety is better. For $30 I usually bring home 1/2 our weekly grocery requirements and just top up at the supermarkets with other items I need. Well worth looking into!
- Contributed by Angie, Scarborough, 16th April 2009
Tiny Tins and Big Savings
I buy the small tins of tuna when they are on special for $1 at Coles or Woolworths. I buy 10 tins, that number lasts us for a month. You can get two sandwiches out of one small tin.
- Contributed by Margaret, Port Augusta, 25th January 2009
- Contributed by Margaret, Port Augusta, 25th January 2009
Playing Shopping Swap
Approximate $ Savings: $20 +
The supermarket is a hotspot for over spending. Even when you take a list there's always something that takes your eye. A girlfriend and I have a game we play every 6 weeks or so. We each make a full list of what we need in the supermarket that week and email it to one another. It is fairly detailed with wanted sizes, and also what brands to avoid. I use home-brand flour but won't touch home-brand baked beans, so if I write baked beans on the list I put 'No hb' next to it. We each print out the list and go to our respective shopping centres at about the same time. I do her shopping and she does mine, and this is the important bit - we stick to the list no matter what. We can text one another (same network so free texts) if a real question arises. After that we meet at her house to settle up accounts, swap grocery bags and have a cup of tea or lunch. You have to be extremely careful to keep receipts for one another to avoid questions. Otherwise it's a super way to catch up with a friend, and it puts you on your mettle to buy the best you can and score Look How Cheap It Was points. And under no circumstances do we buy one another a single thing not on the list. It's much more interesting than shopping for yourself.
- Contributed by Georgina, Keilor, 18th May 2010
The supermarket is a hotspot for over spending. Even when you take a list there's always something that takes your eye. A girlfriend and I have a game we play every 6 weeks or so. We each make a full list of what we need in the supermarket that week and email it to one another. It is fairly detailed with wanted sizes, and also what brands to avoid. I use home-brand flour but won't touch home-brand baked beans, so if I write baked beans on the list I put 'No hb' next to it. We each print out the list and go to our respective shopping centres at about the same time. I do her shopping and she does mine, and this is the important bit - we stick to the list no matter what. We can text one another (same network so free texts) if a real question arises. After that we meet at her house to settle up accounts, swap grocery bags and have a cup of tea or lunch. You have to be extremely careful to keep receipts for one another to avoid questions. Otherwise it's a super way to catch up with a friend, and it puts you on your mettle to buy the best you can and score Look How Cheap It Was points. And under no circumstances do we buy one another a single thing not on the list. It's much more interesting than shopping for yourself.
- Contributed by Georgina, Keilor, 18th May 2010
When the Supermarkets Mark Down Products
My eldest son is manger in the cheese, eggs, cream and milk area of the supermarket. He marks down all those products first thing in the morning. Meat day here is Wednesday so Tuesday night is a good night to pick up some bargains, as well as late Sunday afternoon. Bread is marked down from noon onwards but the best time is after 6pm. That is mainly for their in house bread. Cooked chooks are marked down after 6pm. Fruit and veg get delivered in the afternoon now so it is marked down the next day, before the new stock goes on display. Our Woolies has trolleys around the store filled with mark downs. I picked up some natural tablets that my husband takes for $3.95 instead of $19. I also bought some lovely thick stockings last summer for this winter for 98c a packet when they are normally $5.98 a pair. Big W sells toilet paper, two packs of twenty-four rolls for $26 so you end up with forty-eight rolls at 54 cents a roll. They sell coke for $12 a slab too.
- Contributed by Robyne Neal, 15th May 2010
- Contributed by Robyne Neal, 15th May 2010
Check the Weight and the Price of Marked Down Stock
When hunting through the reduced stock in the meat or produce section of your supermarket for the marked down packs, take note also of the weight printed on the sticker. Several packs of the same product may be all reduced to the same price, but the trick is to choose the pack with the most weight. This ensures you're getting the most for your money
- Contributed by Colleen, Willaston, 14th May 2010
- Contributed by Colleen, Willaston, 14th May 2010
Feed Your Chocolate Addiction with Luxury Chocolate for Half the Price
Approximate $ Savings: $5 - $10 a time
Who doesn't like to receive, and indeed give, good quality chocolate as a gift? The downsides are the cost and the excessive packaging. A 500g box of chocolates at the supermarket is going to cost close to $20. Most people in metro areas have access to shops that sell chocolates in bulk. Ring first to make sure they stock good brands, not awful compound chocolate. I can buy, for example, 250g of Ernest Hillier or Pink Lady chocolates for $4, Lindt bits for $5, and lots of other quality stuff. The chocolates are in bags not fancy boxes and some are mis-shapes, but not all. Now when I give chocolates I buy 2 bags for about $10, put the unopened bag into a re-usable plastic freezer container ($1 or so from the Reject Shop), wrap in pretty paper and there you go. I always enclose a note saying that I refuse to buy packaging, so the recipient has helped to save a tree. I've never had any complaints - only compliments on a good idea. I give twice as much good chocolate for half the price, and less packing. Works with sweets and nuts too.
- Contributed by Georgina, Keilor, 30th April 2010
Who doesn't like to receive, and indeed give, good quality chocolate as a gift? The downsides are the cost and the excessive packaging. A 500g box of chocolates at the supermarket is going to cost close to $20. Most people in metro areas have access to shops that sell chocolates in bulk. Ring first to make sure they stock good brands, not awful compound chocolate. I can buy, for example, 250g of Ernest Hillier or Pink Lady chocolates for $4, Lindt bits for $5, and lots of other quality stuff. The chocolates are in bags not fancy boxes and some are mis-shapes, but not all. Now when I give chocolates I buy 2 bags for about $10, put the unopened bag into a re-usable plastic freezer container ($1 or so from the Reject Shop), wrap in pretty paper and there you go. I always enclose a note saying that I refuse to buy packaging, so the recipient has helped to save a tree. I've never had any complaints - only compliments on a good idea. I give twice as much good chocolate for half the price, and less packing. Works with sweets and nuts too.
- Contributed by Georgina, Keilor, 30th April 2010
Markdowns Shave Fifty Percent off Total Bill
Most supermarkets have a meat markdown day, at my local Woolworths it is Monday. Last week I found some real bargains. When I tallied up the original prices it came to $108.00, I paid $57 and most of this meat was from the "Heart Smart" section with at least 3-7days before the official use by. It could be used straight away or frozen for later. I have been on a Disability Pension since 1984 and we have raised 4 great kids on these so called bargains. Good shopping.
- Contributed by Stuart, Winchelsea, 30th January 2010
- Contributed by Stuart, Winchelsea, 30th January 2010
Bulk Spices and Rice in Eastern Suburbs
Large bags of sodium bicarbonate, five kilo in size, are available for $5.00 at an Asian grocery near corner of Maroondah Highway and Mitcham Road. Also one kilo jars of minced garlic or ginger are $4.99 at an Indian grocer in South Parade, Blackburn. Heaps of other cheap Indian ingredients available, as well as bulk rice.
- Contributed by Sue, Mooroolbark, 23rd November 2009
- Contributed by Sue, Mooroolbark, 23rd November 2009
If You Don't Use It, You Lose It and Then Its Just Money Down the Drain
I've been a member for some time now, have learned many things and put most of them into practice. One thing I would recommend for all readers of the tips is when shopping late at night for the marked down items, breads and such, don't do what I have tended to do in the past and buy more than I really need, just because they are all bargains. If you don't use it, you lose it and then its just money down the drain. I have accessed many of the forums and hints and tips, and I love them. I have halved my shopping most weeks, and am slowly but surely getting organized to make a menu for the week before shopping, checking the ingredients against what I already have in the cupboard and then getting only what is necessary. We use long life milk, which is far cheaper than fresh, and we buy in bulk when they are on special, storing for times when we may have larger bills coming in so we have plenty in store. We also bulk buy in meat when we need to, having a large freezer comes in handy there. I cook ahead meals so we are ready for unexpected visitors at all times, and if only I could stop my addiction to eBay and Oztion websites, I'm sure I'll be on top of things in no time, lol.
- Contributed by Cheryl Hughes, 12th October 2009
- Contributed by Cheryl Hughes, 12th October 2009
The Great Cereal Swap
Approximate $ Savings: $3.00 - $5.00 depending on cereal bought
If you have children who will only eat brand name cereals buy a box of the cereal when it is on special and then when it is empty, keep packaging and refill with cheaper generic brand. Same quality, much cheaper price and they are never the wiser.
- Contributed by Stella, Epping, 7th October 2009
If you have children who will only eat brand name cereals buy a box of the cereal when it is on special and then when it is empty, keep packaging and refill with cheaper generic brand. Same quality, much cheaper price and they are never the wiser.
- Contributed by Stella, Epping, 7th October 2009
Treat Saver
Approximate $ Savings: $20 - $30
I save $20 - $30 a week by freezing poppers, long yoghurt sticks, cheese fingers so that my kids cannot eat them before the school week is out!!!
- Contributed by Felicity, Goonellabah, 5th October 2009
I save $20 - $30 a week by freezing poppers, long yoghurt sticks, cheese fingers so that my kids cannot eat them before the school week is out!!!
- Contributed by Felicity, Goonellabah, 5th October 2009
You Can Go Organic and Stay in Budget
Great Newsletter this week. I particularly appreciate the mention of better health in relation to cooked breakfasts over the processed high GI carbohydrate rubbish they market as breakfast cereals. I think that is an often overlooked aspect of 'thrift' - taking good care of yourself so you don't incur a heap of medical expenses and reduce your quality of life in later years. I buy organic foods as much as possible, and through being more careful about wastage and shopping in the last hour of the organic markets when all the produce is reduced, it hasn't cost us any extra to eat this way. Fresh fruit and vegetables are generally cheaper than pre-packaged and prepared meals and so much better for you, despite the extra effort required to prepare them and not to mention the reduced packaging cost to the environment.
- Contributed by Anne Secombe, 16th July 2009
- Contributed by Anne Secombe, 16th July 2009
Refills: Think Outside the Square
I know we're all used to seeing refills for washing detergents and cleaners etc which are usually a little cheaper as there is less packaging. Well I use the same principal for other grocery items... I buy the items in packets and refill my containers ... herbs... salt & pepper... parmesan cheese... body soap... the list is endless. Not only does it save me money but it also saves the environment!!
Contributed by Michelle, Bayswater, 16th March 2009
Contributed by Michelle, Bayswater, 16th March 2009
mmm....A Chocolate Treat for Less
The Cheapskates way is all about focussing on the things that are important to you, and one of the things I can't live without is good dark chocolate. A nice little piece with a small glass of port a few times a week after the little guy is in bed is a lovely wind down. If I buy from the supermarket I get the Lindt 70% dark chocolate which is $3.87 for 100g. I save money on chocolate by going to good gourmet food/kitchen supplies shops like The Essential Ingredient where I can buy a 1kg or 500g block of couverture chocolate. Last time I bought some the 500g block cost me about $11. That's a saving of $8.35. And I eat less of it because it's a bit more effort than just snapping off a piece - you really need to pull out a cutting board and heavy knife to hack off a chunk, which also saves my waistline:) Well, a little anyway. The block of couverture also looks great for dessert when you have friends around - plonk a cutting board with the block of chocolate of it and a heavy knife in the middle of the table with some dried or fresh fruit - or anything else you think goes with chocolate- and let everyone hack to their hearts content.
- Contributed by Tracy, Murrumbateman, 18th February 2009
- Contributed by Tracy, Murrumbateman, 18th February 2009
Save a Week's Grocery Money
If you like to shop weekly then try doing so one day later each week. Monday one week, Tuesday the next etc. This makes you stretch you supplies one extra day each week and at the end of 7 weeks you have save a weeks shopping money.
- Contributed by Naida, Bekenham, 20th October 2008
- Contributed by Naida, Bekenham, 20th October 2008
Know the Scanning Code of Practice for Your Supermarket
Approximate $ Savings: 50% or more
Swallow your pride and get to know your store policies regarding the scanning code of practice, and the markdown policies and make them step up and mark those products down. Display models up to 50% off, milk and meat products some stores have a 1, 2 or 3 day mark it down policy from 25% off to 75% off. Today the staff member was not happy with me when I asked her to mark the light milk down because it was use by the same day as the same brand of full cream milk. But she still marked it down to half price as I politely asked what was the store policy? I have never needed to ask for the manager yet. Just politely prompt and it will be done, I have received several items for free with the scanning code of practice, it is always worth checking those dockets.
- Contributed by Narelle, Berserker, 12th August 2008
Swallow your pride and get to know your store policies regarding the scanning code of practice, and the markdown policies and make them step up and mark those products down. Display models up to 50% off, milk and meat products some stores have a 1, 2 or 3 day mark it down policy from 25% off to 75% off. Today the staff member was not happy with me when I asked her to mark the light milk down because it was use by the same day as the same brand of full cream milk. But she still marked it down to half price as I politely asked what was the store policy? I have never needed to ask for the manager yet. Just politely prompt and it will be done, I have received several items for free with the scanning code of practice, it is always worth checking those dockets.
- Contributed by Narelle, Berserker, 12th August 2008
Country Living Not Necessarily Expensive
Living in a country town doesn't always mean paying a small fortune for your fruit and vegetables, which are often older and of a lesser quality than what you would find in a big supermarket chain or green grocer. We live in a small town of about 800 people, which is a 3 1/2 - 4 hour return trip to the nearest city of Hobart. We used to travel once or twice a month to do a big grocery shop at Woolworths or Coles, then buy things in between at our local corner store (we like to support the locals too). Then we found a brilliant little deli/grocer in Hobart, that you can email your order too and they will pack it up for you for nothing! We then contacted a freight company who delivers to our area, costing us $4 for a large poly box (we usually get 1 box per week). Not only do we save time doing the shopping, we also save money (fruit/veg prices are half that of what we pay here plus the petrol savings), and we have access to a whole range of fruit and vegetables/deli items/bakery goods/health foods etc that are fresh, fresh, fresh and delivered straight to our front door! Since we have started doing this there have been even more green grocers offering this service. As long as there is a freight company delivering to your area, you can do it too!
- Contributed by Bianca, Swanswea, 17th August, 2007
- Contributed by Bianca, Swanswea, 17th August, 2007
Shopping at Chemists for Basics
We have recently discovered that the chemist sells 1kg packs of laundry powder usually Spree or Surf for only $2.50 or less. Buying it this way makes it so much cheaper than the supermarket, which is usually at least $7 for 2kg. We are very happy with our new discovery.
- Contributed by Christelle, Surfers Paradise, 16th July 2007
- Contributed by Christelle, Surfers Paradise, 16th July 2007
SPC/Ardmona Factory Sales
Approximate $ Savings: 20% to 70% cheaper than supermarkets
We take a trip here once a year and stock up with bulk supplies of canned foods plus a huge range of other food & non-food items. The cost in petrol is well and truly recouped with the savings we make here.
- Contributed by Margaret, Kanumbra, 3rd September 2007
SPC/Ardmona Factory Sales,
McLennon St, Mooroopna, Vic.
We take a trip here once a year and stock up with bulk supplies of canned foods plus a huge range of other food & non-food items. The cost in petrol is well and truly recouped with the savings we make here.
- Contributed by Margaret, Kanumbra, 3rd September 2007
SPC/Ardmona Factory Sales,
McLennon St, Mooroopna, Vic.
Deli Savers
Approximate $ Savings: $6 per kilo
I have a daughter that doesn't eat mashed potato but loves potato gems. Potato gems bought in the box in the freezer section of shops are $3.35 for 300gm, if you buy them from the deli section they are $3.45 per kilo. I buy 300gm costing me approx $1.30 and freeze in individual portions for my 2 year old.
- Contributed by Bronwyn, Glenwood, 27th June 2007
I have a daughter that doesn't eat mashed potato but loves potato gems. Potato gems bought in the box in the freezer section of shops are $3.35 for 300gm, if you buy them from the deli section they are $3.45 per kilo. I buy 300gm costing me approx $1.30 and freeze in individual portions for my 2 year old.
- Contributed by Bronwyn, Glenwood, 27th June 2007
Keeping Frozen Shopping Cold
Approximate $ Savings: $5.00
I usually pack all my frozen vegies in an esky in the boot of my car and then this keeps them cool until I get home. I was buying ice, but now I just buy more frozen vegies and pack them all in. Now I do not waste my money buying the ice anymore and just buy extra frozen vegies. Hope this hint helps others.
- Contributed by Marina, Daisy Hill, 15th April 2007
I usually pack all my frozen vegies in an esky in the boot of my car and then this keeps them cool until I get home. I was buying ice, but now I just buy more frozen vegies and pack them all in. Now I do not waste my money buying the ice anymore and just buy extra frozen vegies. Hope this hint helps others.
- Contributed by Marina, Daisy Hill, 15th April 2007
Checking Seals Before Buying
Check to see if sealed lids are not opened on items before buying, by doing so you won't have to throw out, saving money and you won't have to compromise your health if the item has been tampered with.
- Contributed Susan, Forest Lake, May 3rd 2005
- Contributed Susan, Forest Lake, May 3rd 2005
Best Prices in Town in Chinatown
When you need to buy sauces or spices, don't head to the supermarket. Instead, hit your nearest Chinatown supermarket. Not only can you buy huge bottles of soy sauce, oyster sauce etc for far less, but they also sell spices in plastic bags. These are far larger than the supermarket bags and cost loads less, e.g. 100g cumin for less than $1! Their vegetables and meat are often super-fresh too, and packet rice and noodles are far cheaper and can be bought in bulk size if you want.
- Contributed by Justine, Wooloowin, April 6th 2005
- Contributed by Justine, Wooloowin, April 6th 2005
Half Price Honey, Straight From the Bee Keeper!
We now buy honey that is half the price of the supermarket brands and even cheaper than fruit and vegetable shops. Woolworths Home Brand honey costs $5.31 for 700g - which works out to approx $7.60 per kg. I just looked in the Yellow Pages under 'Beekeeper', gave the nearest one a call and asked whether they sell direct to the public. Honey now costs us only $4.00 per kilo and we buy several kilos at a time, stored in plastic milk cartons. We bought a non-drip container of honey at Woolworths and simply refill it with our bargain honey.
- Contributed by Kaye, Dianella, April 24th 2005
- Contributed by Kaye, Dianella, April 24th 2005
Reduced for Quick Sale
Find out what day is best at your supermarket for getting items "reduced for quick sale". Great if you're shopping for dinner that night. Otherwise always check the expiry dates and find the items with the longest life (especially for milk, eggs, cream etc - you might have to reach to the back of the shelf). This reduces the risk of having to throw out food that gets past it's use by date.
- Contributed by Christabel, Bentleigh, February 1st 2005
- Contributed by Christabel, Bentleigh, February 1st 2005
Save on Grocery Items
Lots of supermarkets discount products late at night, from dairy to breads, my favourite being huge discounts on meat. Try checking supermarkets on off peak times during week Monday - Wednesday from 7-late as you can ...its a very worthwhile tip.......
Contributed by Nikki, Tooradin, November 1st 2006
Contributed by Nikki, Tooradin, November 1st 2006
Deliberately Shopping for Discounted Food
This money saver can literally cut the food expense in half but is probably more suitable to retired persons or the unemployed because of the time factor involved. Every food market, especially Woolworths, Coles, Bi-Low and IGA have shrinkage items that are located all over the store and mostly have to do with items that are nearing their "Best Before" date. Such items are easily spotted by a sticker or a clearance tag. The wholesale savings can be if the shopper literally frames their menu around the clearance items. Common items are salads and fresh fruit at half or less than half price. Fresh juice (I have purchased five litres of Daily Juice for as little as $1.00) cheese, fresh and pre-packaged chicken and meats are commonly reduced to less than half price. Deserts are often shamefully reduced. Interestingly, milk is often a shrinkage item but those selections are usually the smaller containers. The list is endless and the food quality is not compromised in the slightest, it is just that the food needs to be eaten right away before its "Best Before" date. This shopping technique will require frequent or daily visits to the supermarket because those items are bought quickly. So conceptualise the food items your family likes best and get into the habit of visiting those sections of the store on every shopping occasion.
- Contributed by JT, Sandy Bay, October 31st 2006
- Contributed by JT, Sandy Bay, October 31st 2006
Save at the supermarket! If you get there !
With two children, I was constantly pulled back to the supermarket up to three times a week, only having to resupply for milk and bread. These trips were always on store closing to get the markdown bread, however, not being able to resist a mark down! I was coming out with marked down fruit, extra bread, meat etc, choking up my bill to $30 to $40, with extras I didn't really need. I have found the solution. I now buy my Coles Hi Lo 3 litre milk once per week in regular shopping, and I buy a Coles Home brand Skim milk powder (cheaper than Woolworths) at $5.05. This makes 8.75 litres at 58 cents per litre, compared to Coles Hi-lo 3 litre at $1.33 per litre. I buy one 3 litres Coles Hi-lo, and as is reduces, I mix in a litre of made powder milk. When it goes down again, I mix in another litre. The kids don't notice the mix, and it keeps me from having to go to the supermarket again. This saves me time, hassle and $30 to $40 each time. :-)
- Contributed by BJ, Forrestfield, July 13th 2006
- Contributed by BJ, Forrestfield, July 13th 2006
Price Matching
Check your favorite discount store's policy on price matching. Many chains like K-Mart and Office Works will match others' advertised prices. Take the ad with you when you shop - most stores require this. This saves time, getting the best prices at one location, instead of running all over town for the week's biggest bargains!
Check Your Shopping Dockets
Most shops using electronic scanners abide by the (voluntary) Scanning Code of Practice (I'm pretty sure its Australia wide not just here in W.A.). If your item scans higher than the shelf or advertised price then you are entitled to that item for FREE. I have had heaps of items for free - I usually find at least one every trip in some supermarkets. Some will try to give you only the difference back but if they abide by this code then they must give you the item for free - insist on it!! Take a pen and paper to jot down the prices of the items you buy if you need to but most of the time I find that I do remember what most of the prices were as I am checking down the docket.
– Contributed by Lisa, Parkerville, December 23, 2005
– Contributed by Lisa, Parkerville, December 23, 2005
Groceries
After Christmas each year, I buy 2-3 items that are on special each week and store them. I start off with tinned goods (no use by date) and progress from there. These items have to be on special with a significant saving attached. By the end of the year I have 100-150 items that I have stored. These items are things that I would normally buy in my weekly shopping with some added extras to get me over the Christmas period. I save at least $150 if not more by doing it this way. When I have to shop the week before Christmas all I have to buy is meat/fish and fruit and veg. I save in a few ways. Firstly, I get all the specials from week to week, secondly I save 1 weeks groceries in the Christmas week and thirdly I spend about 20 minutes in that week shopping as all I have to buy is the perishables. I've been doing this for about 5 years and it works brilliantly.
- Contributed by Judith, Greenwich
- Contributed by Judith, Greenwich
Buying Herbs
When buying dried herbs I buy the ones in the plastic bags and refill my herb jars from them. Today I was at the supermarket to buy some more herbs and automatically picked up the largest size pack thinking they would be cheaper in the long run. After picking up the pack I looked at the price labels on the shelf only to notice it was actually quite a bit cheaper to buy the smaller pack. For example - Oregano was $1.11 for 25gm pack and $2.73 for 50 gm pack. Way more than twice the price for twice the amount. What I am trying to say is that buying in bulk is NOT always the way to go as we are often led to believe. ALWAYS check the price labels to work out which is cheaper per gram (or 100 gms or whatever quantity is easiest to work out).
- Contributed by Debbie, Mooroolbark
- Contributed by Debbie, Mooroolbark
NQR for yoghurt
A great place to shop for especially yoghurt, custards milk plus other grocery items in the NQR supermarkets.
- Contributed by Anne, Nunawading, 13 October, 2004
- Contributed by Anne, Nunawading, 13 October, 2004
Rain Checks
When the supermarket sells out of advertised specials always ask for a rain check so you can still buy that item at rock-bottom prices when supplies are replenished.
Don't Take the Kids!
Here is the best money saving tip of all for when you are shopping: go shopping pretty much straight after you have eaten, (if you're not hungry you won't impulse buy on sweet things) and secondly: DONT TAKE THE KIDS! You will always come out a lot better off! - Contributed by Terri, 7 March, 2004
Double Up
When doing your grocery shop,for the week/fortnight. Double up on a staple, such as tea,or sugar. Put them in a separate place,and in a couple of months, you will have nearly a whole shopping list of staples. I usually treat myself, with the savings,to something special. I also do the same thing with specials if I can afford to.
- Contributed by Josie, 3 August, 2003
- Contributed by Josie, 3 August, 2003
Discounts for Cash
Pay cash! Ask for a discount! Retailers should be happy to give you a discount if you pay cash - it saves them the levies they pay on Eftpos and credit transactions (which they pass on to the customer). Why should you pay up to 5% more to cover the cost of someone else's credit transaction? If they won't give you a discount - go some where else.
Food Co-op
If you have a healthcare card or pension card you can shop at the food co-op, Pine Ridge Road, Runnaway Bay. Chips, biscuits, frozen food products vary due to availability.
- Contributed by Verrity, Upper Coomera, September 2nd 2006
- Contributed by Verrity, Upper Coomera, September 2nd 2006
Price Matching
Many stores have the policy to match their competitor's prices. If you see something in the newspaper that you want, but don't want to travel to that particular store to get it, cut the advertisement out and take it to your local store.
- Contributed by Lynn, Bayswater
- Contributed by Lynn, Bayswater