Consumer Strategies Because $$$$ Doesn’t Grow on Trees

Grocery Store Gimmicks Outside walls of the store you will find milk, cheese, produce, deli, etc…

Grocery Store Gimmicks Cont. Gourmet bread … can you smell it, the aroma makes you hungry especially around 5 in the afternoon when they make it.

Grocery Store Gimmicks Cont. Candy and Magazines at the checkout counter… some stores have candy free aisles for young children

Grocery Store Gimmicks Cont. Chips and dip…on eye level shelves Fresh corn 4 for $1.00… but did you know you could also by one for 25¢

Grocery Store Gimmicks Cont. Pyramid of canned goods they are often located on the end of the aisle display Free samples-pizza, fruit, chicken nuggets…a tasty morsel that says, “BUY ME”

Grocery Store Gimmicks Cont “ BARGAIN” cosmetics…in a mid aisle cart Generic/Store brand means the item is produced and packaged for the store sometimes by maker of brand name goods…these are shelved together for easy stacking

Grocery Store Gimmicks Cont Six pack of DVDs -buy 6 and get a $3.00 rebate Healthy/Nutritious Cereal…on hard to reach low/high shelves

Types of Stores Cont. Supermarket-shopping on a large scale w/regional or nationwide stores –15,000 different food items –Bakeries, butcher shop, floral dept, deli, take- out food departments, & even BANKS

Types of Stores Cont. Specialty Stores-small, independent store, high quality, fresh food, and unusual items. Prices ▲ than supermarket, limits it stock to a specific type of food such as… –Gourmet cheese –Fish –Baked goods –Ethnic Grocers

Types of Stores Cont. Independent Grocers may be as high as supermarkets, but owned by individuals, so prices tend to be higher than chain stores.

Types of Stores Cont. Food Cooperatives-aka co-op is a food distribution business mutually owned and operated by its members. –Buy food in bulk –Members do most work –Receive a discount on hours worked –More control over quality and type of food –Emphasizes fresh and natural foods

Types of Stores Cont. Convenience Stores-are service station marts, drug stores, & 7-11/Wawa/Highs –Quick –Easy to use –Sell staples & snacks –Food prices are higher than most other type stores

Types of Stores Cont. Farmers Market-growers sell their produce during the growing season. –Locally grown fruit and veg & bake goods –Fresher –Less Expensive

Types of Stores Cont. Internet- allows you to order online and have food delivered to your door. –Supermarket Chains- Safeway/Giant –Specialty Foods-Old Bay, Utz chips, & Dr. Kracker

Types of Stores Cont. Warehouses- like Sam’s Club, BJ’s, Costco, etc…offer no frills services and bulk purchases. YOU PAY A FEE TO JOIN –No bags –Must buy 1000 forks not 10 –Offer store brand as well as national brand –May offer tire services, optical, floral, photo, travel, etc…

Types of Stores Cont. Natural Food Stores-sell food that has had minimal processing and contain no artificial ingredients or added color. –Vegetarian foods –Unusual grains –Natural sodas –Green hygiene and cleaning products

Getting Your Money’s Worth What affects food prices? –Marketing prices –Supply and demand –Consumer carelessness –Government policies

Getting Your Money’s Worth Cont. Comparison Shopping Unit Pricing vs. Cost Per Serving

Unit Pricing The unit price is the cost per ounce, quart, pound, or other unit. It’s shown in the store on the shelf next to the total price. Spaghetti 12 oz. jar is $1.32 BUT 16 oz jar is $1.52????? The small jar is 11 ¢ and the larger jar is 9.5 ¢

Cost Per Serving Unit price is not always BEST To figure out cost per serving, determine how many servings a certain food contains. Divide the price of that amount by the number of servings. This is your cost per serving. Fish Fillet $1.80 a lb. and a whole chicken is $1.06 a lb. BUT fish serves 4, chicken serves 2 $1.80÷4=45¢ & $1.06÷2=53¢

Getting Your Money’s Worth Cont Using Coupons-there are 2 types –Cents-off –Rebate- a partial refund from the maker of the product. You may pay full price at the store and have to mail in proof of purchase and receipt by a certain date

Getting Your Money’s Worth Cont Other Money-Saving Strategies –Just enough $ –Resist traps –Shop by your list –Buy store brand or “private label” –Buy in bulk if you will use it –Get a bonus card- save $/earn free stuff