Even Consumer Reports says to use coupons!!!

The May 2012 issue just came to our doorstep the other day and on the cover is "Your Supermarket: Are you paying too Much?" (you can't see all the details online unless you have an online subscription but you can see part of the article).  With the great big bag of groceries on the front cover, it grabbed my attention in the mailbox.

Consumer Reports says that you should:

1. Take a Flyer- look for things at good prices
2. Use Coupons-  YEAH!!!!!!  They don't talk about extreme couponing or anything else in the article
3. Be loyal- or at least get the store loyalty card
4. Combine deals- weekly specials, B1G1, three day sales and mix and match
5. Look for longer markdowns- look to see when the price ends
6. Show your age- if you can get a senior discount
7. Shop from home- online shopping with promo codes to waive shipping costs
8. Compare unit price- be prepared with calculator since shelf comparison is not always the same unit
9. Buy store brands-  if you can get them cheaper :)

Some things that I always do and other shoppers don't is to check the receipt before leaving the store.  I go through line by line and make sure that the shelf price is what rings up.  I have found so many mistakes and depending on the store policy, they often give you the item for free (or one item if you bought multiples and credit the difference to the sale price).

One thing that they don't talk about is getting rain checks and I think that everyone should take the time to do this.  If you go to the store to get a product that isn't on the shelf, make sure you go to customer service and get a rain check.  I know that many times I would say that I would go back later in the week and not make it before the sale ends.  All stores should give out rain checks so please check and see what your store policy is with rain checks and when they expire (if at all).

There was also reference to a book that I haven't read, Priceless: The Myth of Fair Value (and How to Take Advantage of It) by William Poundstone so I will add that to my list.  Consumer Reports references how the good deals are on the bottom shelves because manufacturers pay top dollar to get the middle or eye level shelves in stores.  Mainly to take advantage of those in "the midst of distractions" with little ones screaming, cell phone ringing and long list of errands.  I will certainly add this to my reading list and let you know what I think when I am done.

In case you want to know, Wegman's, Trader Joe's and Publix were rated the top grocery stores.  Rated based on service, perishables, price and cleanliness.  Nothing rated on how great they are with coupons and sales or Harris Teeter would have moved up from their 6th place ranking :)  Lower ranking because of the price of their items but high rankings in all other categories so it is a great place to go and stock up on the sale items and items cheap after coupon because you get the nice clean store with great service!!!  Best of both worlds :)

I know that you can check out some of the details online if you are interested in any other articles that the May 2012 issue includes to figure out whether it is a bargain for you to buy or if you should stand in the check out lane to read the one article.  Remember, you can also check out your local libraries subscription if you don't get it (or mine if you live nearby).  I hope that you take a chance to read the article and let me know what you think!!