Track Your Grocer

   This is a simple way to realize how grocers make more money and for you to save it. It's a simple log.

   I use a composition book which becomes a historical price log week after week.

   On the left I list the meals for the week, and on the right, the groceries I will need plus any other household items I may need. As I pick up the items on the list  and check them off in my log, I also write down the size and price. This serves two purposes. It keeps the grocer honest by ferreting out fake sale prices. I have noticed a few so called sale prices that were actually higher than last weeks price. On the opposite end of things at the register, I can verify the prices are scanned correctly.

   By keeping track of prices I have noticed pricing tactics and trends used by the grocer. A popular product will always be priced higher than a slow moving one. Dated products will also drop in price as their end nears. Watch out for BOGO's as the first items price will be jacked up to offset the free item. Also, some products marked on sale will have a per ounce cost that is actually higher than a non-sale item. This is why I shop at FarmFresh because they display a per ounce or count cost on every item. Does your grocer do this? If not, what might they be trying to hide?

  Another useful benefit of this log is staying on budget. By using historical prices I can get a rough idea of what this weeks groceries should cost before even going to the store. I will know in advance if I am over budget and if I will need to select different meals to stay within my budget.


  So start logging and start saving more!  Happy Savings!






Note: The pictured log is actually from the $190.00 to $100.00 ordeal. I should have tallied that one before I got there. Blogger, follow thy own advice!