Cutting Corners: Top 5 Mistakes

The Top 5 Mistakes Made by Consumers When Shopping that Cost Them Greatly

5. Most consumers don't have knowledge of common store practices
I have found that many consumers do not know common store coupon, sale, raincheck, return policy or restocking schedule. Most stores have the same policies so you wouldn’t have to know them all, just the ones that differ. For example, which stores begin their new sales on Sunday? Also, which stores have a raincheck policy? Consumers would be surprised to learn that a popular super store does not issue rainchecks except on Black Friday. Check with stores that have a meat and/or seafood department to find out which day(s) they restock. Knowing this can help you gain the freshest food or best deal.

4. Consumers rarely price compare
My mama told me, you better shop around! And I am glad she did! By comparing prices and taking advantage of many price matching policies, I have saved tons of cash and countless time.

3. Too many consumers don't use a shopping list
Benjamin Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” By not making a list and checking it twice, you can fail at saving money. Without a list you either overspend or spin your wheels, literally, making multiple trips to the store.

2. Consumers don't use coupons
According to the Federal Trade Commission “Coupons are big business: More than 3,000 manufacturers distribute nearly 330 billion coupons — worth an estimated $280 billion — every year in an effort to help consumers save money. Indeed, it is thought that 77 percent of American households use some eight billion coupons to save $4.7 billion on their grocery bills.” Coupons are everywhere, and not using them is quite frankly, wasteful.

1. Consumers don't realize the value of their time!
In every thing you do, do it on purpose! As reported in the March 12th Cutting Corners, Time is Money so make a plan, prepare a budget, get organized! Your wallet will thank you!


This column is provided by Tara Roark. Tara conducts Coupon Boot Camps training others to save hundreds on their groceries, shopping, dining and entertainment through couponing. To contact, please visit her on the web at www.couponbootcamp.com