Social media was abuzz recently when one of the major supermarkets changed its loyalty programme and doubled the number of points needed in order to gain the same cash rewards. As the rand gets squeezed ever-tighter, we need to make sure that we take advantage of everything available to keep making those savings, so here are some tips for really savvy smart shopping.
1.Sign up for everything
Most supermarkets offer discounts in a variety of ways – via an app, email and SMS. Make sure that you are signed up for at least one of these ways so that you can see the special offers as soon as they are released.
2.Read the offers!
It’s not much good receiving them if you don’t read them! Cast an eye over the free inserts in the paper, read your emails, check your texts.
3. Don’t drive yourself crazy
Saving R2 on toilet paper is hardly worth it if you have to go out of your way to get it and spend extra money on petrol or bus fares. Either make sure the supermarket is offering an unbeatable deal which makes it worth your while or that there is more than one saving to be made.
4. Check the prices on the shelves
Most supermarkets tell you the unit price and then also provide a unit price or a kg price. This enables you to compare goods of different quantities and prices and see which is the cheapest. Be warned – the big advertised specials are NOT always the cheapest!
5. Check the sell-by dates
No point in buying food which goes off before you get a chance to eat it. I have seen eggs with up one month’s difference in the sell-by dates all available on the same shelf. Keep your eyes open and always buy food with the longest date possible.
6. Multi-buys can be great but….
There’s no point in buying lots of perishable goods like fruit and veg if you end up throwing them away. If it’s a multi-buy on tinned goods or dry goods or if you have freezer space to keep things in, then go ahead. Otherwise the saying “Never buy what you do not want, even though it is cheap” is a good rule.
7. Shop with a buddy
If you do want to take advantage of multi-buys or large economy packs, but worry about using it all or don’t have enough cash this week, consider shopping with a member of your family or a friend and sharing the savings and the goods.
8. Check your till slips
With the best will in the world, the supermarket tills are still programmed by people and people make mistakes. Make sure it’s not costing you more than it should by checking every detail on your slips.
9. Consider changing your credit card
Woolworths has their own credit card with exclusive offers, Pick n Pay will give extra discount if you link your Smart Shopper to Discovery Vitality – you’re spending the money anyway so it’s worth trying to get any extras in terms of points and other discounts if you can.
These are a few tips to get you started but what it all boils down to is that if YOU want to make the savings, YOU need to take the time to check, check and check again. It’s a bit more time-consuming but as Tesco supermarket in the UK says – “Every Little Helps”.
Got any more tips to save money on your weekly shop? Share them below.