With the cost of gas going up, so is everything else. Especially noticeable is the rising cost of groceries. Coupon clipping can only go so far. We have to be more creative in saving at the store. Here are some tips to help you save:
1. Don’t just rely on Sunday coupons. More and more grocery stores have their own coupons online, so check their websites before you head to the store.
2. Join a coupon sharing club or a coupon train. Do a search online to find one in your area.
3. Join your grocery store’s loyalty club. They offer additional deals.
4. Buy what’s in season. Learn what fruits and vegetables are in season and purchase accordingly. They are less expensive for two reasons, first they are in more abundant supply and second because they don’t have to travel from foreign countries to reach you.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Today I visited one of the Bj’s wholesale clubs and wanted you to know about my experience.
I am a Sam’s club shopper that wanted to see if BJ’s wholesale club would work for me. I have friends and family that have told me that I could save more money because I am a coupon shopper. I really couldn’t believe that Bj’s took manufacturer coupon and multiple coupons on items that are in multiple packs that are package for resale. I first checked BJ’s Internet site and found that this is true. I had my one-day pass and coupons in hand and drove 20 miles to the nearest BJ’s. I first went to the service desk and again had the lady explain the coupon policy. We went through examples and I was sure I understood. I told her that I would probably buy my membership on the way out. I went shopping and then headed to the checkout. The cashier was nice and proceeded to scan in all my coupons. At some point the register asked for a managers override. The manager came over and said I couldn’t use my coupons on the candy bars I purchased. I asked her why. She didn’t have an answer she said they just couldn’t take them. I explained BJ’s coupon policy to her and she replied that the box of snickers candy bars wasn’t packaged for resale. I said yes they are. 48 full sized candy bars individually wrapped. She walked away made a phone call then came back asking what I was going to do with them. I said excuse me. She asked if I was reselling them. I replied what would be the difference? She walked away again then returned saying that she could not take my starbuck coupons. I had bought a case of starbuck cappuccino drinks and had 12 coupons for $1.00 off any starbuck drink. She said the coupon didn’t say bottle so she couldn’t take it. I did point out that there was a picture of a bottle on the coupon. She walked away and returned with a piece of paper in her hand and said she would not take any of my coupons. As I turned around to pick up my coupon she then said, “you are breaking the law!” I turned quickly and said “What!” she repeated this again very loud. I informed her that I wasn’t breaking any laws. She then asked if I was a member. I replied that I was an invited guest and that I did not want to be a member She said that was good. She showed me a paper and pointed to the bottom sentence on the page. It read something like don’t take gang coupons. I asked her what that meant. She replied large amounts. I left.
I have never been treated so badly. I coupon shop at a number of stores and can say that this was the worst experience ever. I was so upset I had an anxiety attack on the way home. Yes, I was getting a really good deal but I wasn’t doing anything wrong and I defiantly wasn’t breaking any laws. She made me feel like a criminal. I didn’t exceed the price of any item with coupons. My thoughts: If Bj’s is a wholesale club that sells large amounts and has the following policy stated on they’re website, why was I treated this way?
You may not use more than one coupon on a single item. However, if you buy a multi-pack (a pack that contains multiple full-sized packages of a single product shrink-wrapped together) you may use multiple coupons.
For example, if you have 2 coupons for 50% off an 8-oz. bottle of face cleanser and you are buying a multi-pack that contains 2 or more 8-oz. bottles of face cleanser you may use both coupons
The store I visited was in Tampa, Florida at 6290 Commerce Palms Blvd. The manager’s name is Laura Schaller.
Kelly Reynolds
Here is another way to help. No coupons needed. We must do our best to not look at other people’s imperfections, no matter what they might be. Have a great day!
Very Helpful Article. Thanks! I heard about a new site at Church. It compares prices at the 4 top stores here in Atlanta. From what I’ve read, it updates every week and shows where the lowest prices are on a few hundred items. You can print out your shopping list or have it sent to your phone. (I’m not savvy enough for that though). I email them since their not up yet, and they told me they will be up in January in Atlanta and Birmingham AL. then other cities. I can’t wait to try it. http://www.mygroceryspy.com