A FORMER grocery store worker has given shoppers five money-saving hacks for the supermarket.
He revealed the common mistakes shoppers make including why buying shredded cheese is wrong and why you must not ignore the bottom shelf.
Al Baker, who worked for the UK supermarket chain Morrisons, has almost 15,000 followers on social media after dedicating himself to sharing shopping hacks.
The 50-year-old is dedicated to helping families like his own save money where they can and often helps manage food waste.
While some of his tips may be obvious, many shoppers forget about them the minute they walk into a busy store.
Other hacks only come with insider knowledge picked up by those who have worked in retail.
COMMIT TO THE LIST
The first piece of advice Al gives is simple, but many shoppers will find it challenging.
You should always go shopping with a list and not deviate from it.
Any deals you see not included in the products on your list are just costing you money.
“Be sure to make a list of what you need and try to stick to it,” he said.
“Most importantly, don’t just make that list while sitting in front of the TV; make sure you physically check what you already have in the cupboards, fridge, and freezer.”
“You can waste so much money purchasing things you don’t actually need, or don’t need right now, by not checking properly.”
In line with this tip, meal planning will come in handy so you only buy the ingredients you need and will use up that week.
NO SHREDDED CHEESE
A second tip from Al will see shoppers turning away from shredded cheese.
It is all to do with the unit price versus the total price of a product.
For example, while grated cheese may seem cheaper than a block of cheese, it is usually more expensive when the two are compared for cost per unit.
“Even though the price you pay is less, you’ll get less of the product and end up needing to buy it again sooner, which means you’ve saved nothing,” Al said.
“Just buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself.”
“Remember, convenience foods aren’t convenient to your wallet.”
SCAN AND GO
Another tip from Al is that shoppers use the Scan and Go feature if it is available in stores.
Again, this helps shoppers stick to the list and their budget while making them look out for cheaper alternatives that may be on offer such as unbranded items.
By watching your total increase as you shop, savings are more likely to be made.
GettyTracking your money as you shop is a good way to stay on budget (stock)[/caption] GettyIf shoppers stick to their lists, bring their own bags, and their budget they can save money (stock)[/caption]He said: “I was always just throwing things in the trolley and not having a clue what I’ve spent, even if I tried to keep a tally, I usually get it wrong.
“It really helps to reduce impulse buys and keep you on budget.”
He added that when going with the intention of self-scanning, the busy Dad is more likely to remember to bring shopping bags so he isn’t hit with additional fees at the checkout.
“That can save a fair chunk of money over the year,” he said.
SPECIAL AISLE
Al also urges shoppers to explore the World aisle and to keep an eye out for the store’s own-brand products.
Often, these differently branded items are much cheaper, and if there are fussy eaters, he suggests mixing brands with own-brand items to make your money go further.
Loyalty to specific brands “is costing you money,” he warned, adding that shoppers often base their purchases on what they were brought up with and nothing else.
“If you are really trying to save cash but don’t want to lose the quality, try mixing up a brand version of something and a supermarket’s own brand version to make it last,” he said.
BEND DOWN
Lastly, Al tells customers to always check the lower shelves in the store.
Retailers are experts at arranging their shelves to make sure your eyes are brought to the items they most want to sell.
And these are usually the most expensive.
“Whilst working for a supermarket a few years ago, I was told that the cheap products go low because many people don’t like to bend down in supermarkets.”
He called the tactic “sneaky” as he urged shoppers to hunt for alternatives and avoid products placed “at eye level”.
GettyAl suggests shoppers check the lowest shelves where retailers will often put cheaper items (stock)[/caption] GettyGoing off-brand will also help save money, as will comparing unit cost (stock)[/caption] Read More Details
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