Don't Buy in Bulk! Busting Down the Myths of Bargain Shopping and Coupon Clipping

[Heracles 417]

Carol and I raided safeway and got 15 boxes of raisin bran for -15.00. in other words got paid for them Cashier looks at the register with confusion and says "I dont think I can do that" I lmao! So we went and bought 15.00 worth of stuff bringing the total to 0.00. For you corporate haters out there you would love this!

I thought you hated welfare?

[Peikko 1,575]

I never use coupons for food, because the coupons out there are not for food but for processed junk that has no place in a healthy diet. How many coupons have you seen for brown rice, onions, garlic, strawberries, apples, whole uncooked, unprocessed unsalted chicken/beef/lamb/pork etc etc etc? None, correct.

For toiletries and other non perishable goods - it's possible to save but I can't be bothered with coupons, I'd rather just buy things when they come on sale, which they do - frequently.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I never use coupons for food, because the coupons out there are not for food but for processed junk that has no place in a healthy diet. How many coupons have you seen for brown rice, onions, garlic, strawberries, apples, whole uncooked, unprocessed unsalted chicken/beef/lamb/pork etc etc etc? None, correct.

For toiletries and other non perishable goods - it's possible to save but I can't be bothered with coupons, I'd rather just buy things when they come on sale, which they do - frequently.

Yep. You're right. We tend to avoid the aisles and instead buy mostly fresh produce, meat and dairy.

And nobody can beat Trader Joe's for prices on organic foods.

[Heracles 417]

I never use coupons for food, because the coupons out there are not for food but for processed junk that has no place in a healthy diet. How many coupons have you seen for brown rice, onions, garlic, strawberries, apples, whole uncooked, unprocessed unsalted chicken/beef/lamb/pork etc etc etc? None, correct.

Hehe so true.

Yep. You're right. We tend to avoid the aisles and instead buy mostly fresh produce, meat and dairy.

And nobody can beat Trader Joe's for prices on organic foods.

Costco and Sams Club.

Wholefoods does not compete on price but their quality and freshness is something I have not seen since regular supermarkets in AUS.

We Also have Wegmans over here which is a fantastic shopping experience. Target super-centres are quite innovative and offer a great range of foods too.

Edited June 11, 2010 by Booyah!

[^_^ 5,021]

Wegman's and Whole Foods are awesome.

TJ is ok. It hasn't grown on me.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Hehe so true.

Costco and Sams Club.

Wholefoods does not compete on price but their quality and freshness is something I have not seen since regular supermarkets in AUS.

We Also have Wegmans over here which is a fantastic shopping experience. Target super-centres are quite innovative and offer a great range of foods too.

I've been a longtime member of Costco, but we go there less and less. As for fresh produce - find a local farmers market...they're everywhere.

[Peikko 1,575]

If you can, go to actual farmer's markets - they do some great deals and they will bargain with you too - interestingly, if you go towards the end of their day they are often practically giving stuff away because they don't want to carry it home.

Yes, TJ has some great value items, as does the 'green store' (Fresh & Easy). I also go to Big lots on occaision, you can get some bargains if you know what to look for.

I've been a longtime member of Costco, but we go there less and less. As for fresh produce - find a local farmers market...they're everywhere.

Exactly! If you have any room, grow your own - I have some great tomatoes, blueberries and egg plants coming into season now.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Yes, TJ has some great value items, as does the 'green store' (Fresh & Easy). I also go to Big lots on occaision, you can get some bargains if you know what to look for.

I've been wondering about Fresh & Easy. We haven't been to one yet, but they keep sending us coupons in the mail.

Exactly! If you have any room, grow your own - I have some great tomatoes, blueberries and egg plants coming into season now.

That's awesome! I've wanting to grow some produce of my own for awhile.

Wegman's and Whole Foods are awesome.

TJ is ok. It hasn't grown on me.

I don't think we have Wegman's out here.

[Ladylethal 12]

I dunno any of those stores although I'm guessing I'll know them soon enough, unless we get sent overseas.

[Peikko 1,575]

I've been wondering about Fresh & Easy. We haven't been to one yet, but they keep sending us coupons in the mail.

That's awesome! I've wanting to grow some produce of my own for awhile.

I'm having a good year this year. Last year I had problems with mildew, but so far fingers crossed, I'm doing ok. I will add that I have a tiny space to grow stuff in but still love doing it - and I added a few flowers in too this year, lots of fun, and great for the kids too

Fresh and Easy hasn't really settled into what it wants to be yet, but you can buy English baked beans, which I LOVE and marmite , as well as some good enough produce and the meat is like TJ in that it is non hormone treated, at least at the moment. They are also into all the environmentally friendly stuff and are into community projects - I think they pay the staff ok too.

[Heracles 417]

I've been a longtime member of Costco, but we go there less and less. As for fresh produce - find a local farmers market...they're everywhere.

You're lucky there in CA. Over here our farmers tend to only grow corn and bloody cotton.

They had massive farmers markets back in AUS. Then again they still have dedicate butchers, Delis, Fruit shops, Bakeries etc. Anything purchased from these stores is always much fresher and better in quality.

[Peikko 1,575]

Oh dear, cotton is not really going to cut it

The UK is going back to doing specialist shops and markets. It's a good move both for the producer and the consumer.

[alienlovechild 75]

The article misses out on some fundementals- a lot of them.

A lot of supermarkets list the per ounce price which gives you some direct comparisons of comparable products. Unless you can really taste the difference don't always go for the flashy name brand.

Most of pricier food is located at the entrance of the store so hold off blowing your money on the deli items.

Check your receipt. I can't believe most people don't do it and just walk out of the store. This applies everywhere.

Getting the buy one get one deals makes sense if they beat the other prices. Shelf life can be an issue so if it lasts a long time, buy away.

Buy the candy after the holidays when they matk it down to rid of it.

[Marilyn. 340]

I'm having a good year this year. Last year I had problems with mildew, but so far fingers crossed, I'm doing ok. I will add that I have a tiny space to grow stuff in but still love doing it - and I added a few flowers in too this year, lots of fun, and great for the kids too

Fresh and Easy hasn't really settled into what it wants to be yet, but you can buy English baked beans, which I LOVE and marmite , as well as some good enough produce and the meat is like TJ in that it is non hormone treated, at least at the moment. They are also into all the environmentally friendly stuff and are into community projects - I think they pay the staff ok too.

I love Fresh and Easy.. I don't do all my shopping there but I do like getting most of my fruits and vegies from there..

did you know they are an subsidiary of Tesco?

[Susita 175]

I always buy in bulk at BJs and they have AWESOME coupons plus they accept manufacturers coupons.