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Reduced to Clear
I have become a supermarket stalker! I've actually been a supermarket stalker for years, but right now, stalking is a great way to buy what we need and want at the lowest possible price. I regularly follow the meat manager, waiting impatiently until he puts the bright yellow sticker on the tray, and pouncing even before he has taken his hand away. I want that marked down meat and I'm prepared to jump to get it. After all, I'm not the only stalker, there are others waiting in the shadows, watching, ready to fly across the aisle to get as many mark downs as they possibly can.
I also stalk the produce manager, the bakery staff and the lady who refills and tidies the dairy cabinet. All in the name of saving up to 60% on my grocery bill.
Buying marked down food is no longer seen as shameful, something to be hidden and stealthily snuck home, all the while hoping no one sees what's hidden under the full price, brand name groceries.
The focus is shifting and living the Cheapskates way is now being seen as a badge of honour, something to be proud of. Living within one's means is a new phenomenon, unknown to a generation who grew up on credit, and more credit when that ran out. And they are liking it.
"Reduced to clear" has become a more popular sign than "sale". People are finding that those bright yellow stickers are not only saving them money but letting them maintain their standard of living at the same time. They don't need to compromise, they just need to be more savvy when shopping.
The rules for reduced to clear shopping are much the same as regular grocery shopping with just one addition:
1. Shop with a list
2.Look for the "reduced to clear" stickers before you pick up your item
3.Don't be afraid to shop generics
4.Shop once for the week/fortnight/month
5.Stick to your list
When to shop
Fruit and vegetables: these are marked down across the board first thing every morning, so it pays to call in to your fave supermarket around 8am for the best bargains. Great finds this week have been 1kg red grapes marked down to $1.50, normally $3.95/kg, 1kg bananas $1.50, normally $2.89/kg, iceberg lettuce 89c, normally $2.09.
Dairy: twice a week, on delivery days. These days will vary depending on your supermarket so ask the dairy manager when they get their fresh stock in. Again they normally mark down first thing in the morning, so if you're looking for a cheap dip or yoghurt at rock bottom prices you'll need to be early.
Bakery items: stores with an in-store bakery will mark down everyday as they re-stock. Depending on the baking schedule and the manager this can be first thing in the morning (as it is at my local Woolworths) or late afternoon. Don't be afraid to ask the question so you can plan your shopping trip.
Meat, Chicken, Fish: marked down every morning, but across the board you'll get the very best markdowns late Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, depending on your supermarket. If you miss the shops on Sunday, call in first thing Monday morning, you may be able to find marked down markdowns! What didn't sell by closing Sunday night will be absolutely slashed on Monday morning.
Deli: BBQ chicken for $2 anyone?Supermarkets only keep BBQ chickens on display for 3 hours before they start to mark them down. Call in just before lunch or closing and pickup the best prices on hot chooks.
Marked down, reduced to clear, clearance ticketed grocery items are still good to use. Check the use by or best before dates, they will normally have at least two days before they expire, if not longer. Occasionally you'll find something that expires that day. You can either use it that night or cook it for later or freeze it for later on. If you are shopping on a budget you simply can't go paste these bargain prices.
When it comes to feeding a family on a budget, "reduced to clear" can be your best friend.
I also stalk the produce manager, the bakery staff and the lady who refills and tidies the dairy cabinet. All in the name of saving up to 60% on my grocery bill.
Buying marked down food is no longer seen as shameful, something to be hidden and stealthily snuck home, all the while hoping no one sees what's hidden under the full price, brand name groceries.
The focus is shifting and living the Cheapskates way is now being seen as a badge of honour, something to be proud of. Living within one's means is a new phenomenon, unknown to a generation who grew up on credit, and more credit when that ran out. And they are liking it.
"Reduced to clear" has become a more popular sign than "sale". People are finding that those bright yellow stickers are not only saving them money but letting them maintain their standard of living at the same time. They don't need to compromise, they just need to be more savvy when shopping.
The rules for reduced to clear shopping are much the same as regular grocery shopping with just one addition:
1. Shop with a list
2.Look for the "reduced to clear" stickers before you pick up your item
3.Don't be afraid to shop generics
4.Shop once for the week/fortnight/month
5.Stick to your list
When to shop
Fruit and vegetables: these are marked down across the board first thing every morning, so it pays to call in to your fave supermarket around 8am for the best bargains. Great finds this week have been 1kg red grapes marked down to $1.50, normally $3.95/kg, 1kg bananas $1.50, normally $2.89/kg, iceberg lettuce 89c, normally $2.09.
Dairy: twice a week, on delivery days. These days will vary depending on your supermarket so ask the dairy manager when they get their fresh stock in. Again they normally mark down first thing in the morning, so if you're looking for a cheap dip or yoghurt at rock bottom prices you'll need to be early.
Bakery items: stores with an in-store bakery will mark down everyday as they re-stock. Depending on the baking schedule and the manager this can be first thing in the morning (as it is at my local Woolworths) or late afternoon. Don't be afraid to ask the question so you can plan your shopping trip.
Meat, Chicken, Fish: marked down every morning, but across the board you'll get the very best markdowns late Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, depending on your supermarket. If you miss the shops on Sunday, call in first thing Monday morning, you may be able to find marked down markdowns! What didn't sell by closing Sunday night will be absolutely slashed on Monday morning.
Deli: BBQ chicken for $2 anyone?Supermarkets only keep BBQ chickens on display for 3 hours before they start to mark them down. Call in just before lunch or closing and pickup the best prices on hot chooks.
Marked down, reduced to clear, clearance ticketed grocery items are still good to use. Check the use by or best before dates, they will normally have at least two days before they expire, if not longer. Occasionally you'll find something that expires that day. You can either use it that night or cook it for later or freeze it for later on. If you are shopping on a budget you simply can't go paste these bargain prices.
When it comes to feeding a family on a budget, "reduced to clear" can be your best friend.