Hello Dear Reader,
I watched a programme last night which explained the methods super markets use to squeeze every penny out of you. I like to know what I'm up against. It then showed how the psychology of Lidl and Aldi make them so hugely successful and profitable. They only have small supermarkets but are outdoing the sprawling out of town megastores. I like them for the reasons that make them so competitive.
It's a quick shopping experience - in and out in record time.
The tills are lightening speed - pack on back shelf.
Little choice - you pick up what's there and don't ponder or linger.
Special lines are offered (e.g 'Spanish' week) so there is a rotation of variety.
It means, savvy shoppers can get what they want really quickly and get out. According to the research, I'm not a modern shopper. I do a shop once a fort night and rarely go in between. Shops work on the basis that people: have very little time, pop in and grab after work and can easily be tempted to spend more when shopping.
Here's how to beat the system.
1. Stock take - know what you have and use it up. We all gave meals in the house some how or other. Plan meals to use this up.
2. Make a three meal a day, plus snacks plan. Try and use up dry goods, for example oats, to make snacks such as flap jacks,
3. Buy milk and bread and put a week's worth in the freezer, you won't run out and it will stop shopping trips. We buy UHT milk and keep a month'so supply in the cupboard. We use a litre every two or three days.
4. Use your freezer. We eat a mixture of fresh, tinned and frozen fruit and veg. Also, keep root veg in a cool dark place and it will easily last a fortnight. I also buy a month's meat from the butcher, portion it and freeze it. Look out for freezer bags and freezer containers in our local 99p store.
5. Make meals and freeze for another day, you'll have your own ready meals for when you might otherwise pick up a pizza on your way home because work has exhausted you on that day.
Finally, if I do need to pick something up then I root through the loose change pot and just take the cash in coins for that. I then can't buy anything else.
Let's collectively stick it to the supermarkets who will do anything, underhand or otherwise to get your money by making sure we give them as little as possible!!!
Over to you, who pops to the shops as and when and who's a shopper who preps, has a list and sticks to it?
Until tomorrow,
Love Froogs xxxx
