Do you just run out of the house like a loon when you leave to shop? Or do you meticulously check the ad for sales, match to coupons, write a list, load your binder into the car “just in case” there is a clearance sale, and plot your route on your GPS before you leave the house?
It isn’t difficult to figure out which tactic will get you better saving and a smoother check-up. In general, the more prepared you are when you leave the house, the more likely you will hand over all the coupons that matched what you are purchasing. Better preparation prior to getting into the check-out line usually leads to a smoother check-up transaction.
These are the steps I do when I shop:
• Check the ads – I write down everything I may want to purchase along with the coupons that match the sale
• Decide which stores have the best deals, and plot my course accordingly.
• Pull all the coupons I might use on the trip. I no longer sport a binder, but when I did I not only put it in my car but I faithfully carried it into the store and clipped it to the cart (so no one would walk off with it) every shopping trip.
• Check my list in the store. It really does not do me any good to write everything up that I want to buy if I am not going to refer to the list.
• Go through my coupon envelope before I get in line. That way, I can not only make certain I have the coupons for the products I am buying, but it is a double-check to make certain I actually got everything I went shopping to purchase! For me, this step is essential. You have no idea how many times I slip coupons into my envelope “just to check the price” and completely forget while I am in the store.
• And finally, make certain I give all my coupons to the cashier and check to see that not only do they scan off, but that the register is giving me the correct credit for my coupons.
What else do you do when you prep to shop?
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I do everything you listed, but also take 5 minutes to check my receipts to see that the sale prices came through correctly and that all of the coupons were applied properly and that I have all of the cats I expected to get. I have caught several mistakes in pricing that I was able to resolve right away. These were smallish mistakes that I would likely not have come all the way back to the store to fix had I gone home first.
Also, my shopping list has the sale prices written next to each item as well as any cats/YourBucks I expect to come with that item. This makes checking the receipt easier.
I try to be a good girl and do all of that too..sometimes I still forget and I chalk it up and move on…however what I need to start doing is figure out how to get the hubbie to stay at home! He is such a distraction for me! lol
I add one more step:
Check on-line coupon sources (like Coupons, Deals and More) for printable coupons I might like to add. LOL
I do all of yours and check for online coupons also. But the best thing I do is take my grocery budget cash with me. I know how much I have budgeted for the month and I take that amount out of the bank on the first of the month. That way I don’t overspend.
I try to do all of those things. Then there are times when I am walking in circles, back and forth in the store, b/c I didn’t make a FINISHED list and I remember things I want to check. I try to stop somewhere in the store where there is not a lot of people (so I am not in the way) and check my coupons/list to make sure I am ready to go check out. If I realize these things while I am at the check out lane I usually just forget about it and stay in line.
Good tips, I need reminders sometimes.
Well Ann,you should change number one to “Check Coupons, Deals and More for the best sale items and coupon matchups.” Then do all of the rest! It does help to preplan before you get to the store. Especially if you are taking kiddos with you!
I do all that as well and on my pre-list I will write PM (price match) so I remember to pull my add for cashier…I’m new to couponing (my daughter is great at it) and now have an organized binder (thanks, Amber) to carry in with me…I really love to get WALMART!! Now when I shop there, it’s a pleasurable experience!!
I check CD&M for new deals, check online for coupons to match up, and make a nice list. My favorite is Rite Aid, so I get my RA list SCR’s together for my 4 accounts, so I know I’ll get the rebate and not buy more on one receipt than I need for the rebate. I usually plan to have at least 4 transactions, 1 for each SCR account. I add everything up before I go so I can get the best bang for the buck and know about what amount I should pay out. I put my stickey shopping list for each account on each of my stacks of paperclipped coupons. Once I do a transaction, I put the stickey right onto the receipt when it prints out to make organization and entering for the rebate a no brainer. So far my March SCR is over $50 and April is over $25!
LIST LIST LIST– i have missed great savings by not reading my LIST, it’s so annoying and i get really mad at myself and then its like ok next time i’m going to read my list. but still there are times when i just think that i know what i’m doing, arghhh!!! i bought one of those hand wallets that have different slots so i usually paper clip the coupons together, and put them in order from the stores that i’m going to be visiting. it’s been really great to have instead of the envelope or small plastic zipper bag i had.
yes –> do every you wrote!
Excellent information. I am relatively new at this, however, have used coupons before. I can see where I may have spent more than expected or needed, even if I saved some with coupons, i.e. end price vs. sale price.
Tks!