If you thought that great bargains could only be found in retail and department stores, think again!  Did you know that your local food markets are a virtual cornucopia of steals and deals – all just waiting for you to uncover them?  It is true!  Here are eight smart shopping tips when trolling the food markets.

Coupons are king!  Probably the easiest way to save at a food market is with manufacturer coupons for products you will be buying anyways.  Most consumers know to look in the Sunday newspaper for the coupon inserts, and many religiously clip them.

Use the Internet for coupons.  Do not allow the Sunday paper to limit you with respect to coupons.  As a matter of fact, did you know that there are several websites that will permit you to print out coupons as well which will be honored by your local food market? Similarly, visit your food market’s website for even more coupons!

Sign up for the store-specific savings card.  There are only a few food markets left that do not offer these cards.  If your regular food market offers the card, be sure to sign up for it and attach it to your key chain or keep it in your wallet.  You will see substantial savings add up quickly.

Sign up for store-specific credit cards.  Some food markets will now offer branded Visa or MasterCard’s. If you sign up for these credit cards, you will save even more money by accumulating points toward free groceries, coupons, and other savings.

Check the mark down rack.  Oftentimes these racks are located throughout the store, so it might pay to ask a stocker or sales clerk where the rack is located.  Sometimes you can find great deals on closeouts brands of foods, frying pans, and other kitchen gadgets, while other times you might be able to purchase slightly dinged cans that are still just fine for sale. Many times you will be able to persuade a store manager to further mark down an item if you ask.

Talk to the butcher about when he or she is going to mark down meats.  Many times these meat products are still good, but the expiration or sell by date is approaching fast, and the butcher will want to get them off the shelf rather than throw them away in a few days. Oftentimes this markdown happens in the mornings, so knowing when she or he is walking around with the markdown pen is critical information that will help you to find some great bargains.

Talk to the greengrocer to find out when the veggies and fruits are going in the markdown pile.  Usually this is also done in the mornings, and some veggies may be a bit bruised, but if you are planning to use them the same day, you will be able to purchase produce for pennies on the dollar!

Look for sales.  If you normally purchase some higher ticket items – a good example is Nutella, which almost always sells at about $4 and more – buy a larger quantity if it goes on sale.  This happens rarely, but when it does happen, it will save you a bundle!

You do not have to be privy to the inner workings of the food market to score some great deals.  As a matter of fact, getting good deals is so easy that anyone can do it – oftentimes all it takes is asking a store manager or person in charge, and they will usually be more than happy to accommodate a customer’s requests.

 

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