July 23, 2010
Hi, I went shopping a couple of days ago. This was probably my least productive shopping trip. I went to Bi-Lo, Walgreens, and Target. Here's how it went.
I'm going to start with Bi-Lo. I was a little disappointed because many of the items that I went to shop for were not being sold at the expected price. Another problem that I have with Bi-Lo is that I am NOT used to the layout of the store, so I find myself going back and forth. I previously shopped at Piggly Wiggly. I still shop there some, but the site that I use for couponing doesn't offer the sales information for Piggly Wiggly.
Here's what I spent at Bi-Lo. Before any savings or coupons, my bill was $77.25. My savings amount was $23.95, so I spent $53.30. That's a total of savings of 31%. Oh, and I'm at $0.15 fuelperks. If you're not familiar with that it’s when you buy certain products at Bi-Lo, you received discounts on Shell gas. So the next time I pump gas at Shell, I'll save $0.15 per gallon.
Then I went to Target. Target's shopping trip was easy. I found everything I was looking for and the prices matched! My total before any coupons or sales was $54.49. I saved $17.90. This doesn't look as good, but I did by about $10.00 worth of merchandise that I HAD to have, but had no coupon or sales discounts. So, including the two things, I saved about 32%. I also received a $0.75 off coupon for Oscar Mayer lunch meats (which is always on sale somewhere) and $4.00 of IAMS dog food.
Then on to Walgreens. I like shopping there, but they didn't have a whole lot of stuff that I needed. Walgreens required two separate transactions. They offer "Register Rewards" when you purchase certain items. They were offering $3.50 RR if you bought a certain colgate toothpaste for $3.49 so it was like getting it free. Thing is, you have to use the $3.50 on a future purchase. So I had the cashier ring that up, then used the $3.50 on a second transaction. My first transaction was $11.77. I paid $5.75 and saved $6.02. Then my second transaction was $22.79. I saved $6.95 and subtract the RR $3.50. Paid $12.35 For a total saved of $10.44. That's 54% saved
Store Total Paid Saved
Bi-Lo 77.25 53.30 23.95
Target 54.49 36.59 17.90
Walgreens (1) 11.77 5.75 6.02
Walgreens (2) 22.79 12.35 10.44
Totals 166.30 107.99 58.31
Overall savings is: 35% (if my math is correct)
I am impressed with the amount of money you saved on your shopping adventures! 35% is phenomenal if you ask me. I live 45 miles from a grocery store, and this week I drove 90 miles to a Costco and spent $544 on groceries and I didn't have any coupons! If I wasn't always in such a rush I would love to shop comparatively between stores. Good job Chandra! I'm singing you praises!
ReplyDelete$544!!!! How long before you make another trip? I guess when you live that far away from a store, you really stock up, huh.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how the couponing thing will work once school starts. It does require some time to a list and matching coupons together. Since I'll be finished with my Master's, I guess I'll some of that time for couponing.
Chandra,
ReplyDeleteFun reading for me since shopping is a sport for me but I am also a coupon shopper. I NEVER pay full price.
I have to share a quote with you from a friend of my brothers. "We're going broke saving money!"
Hey sstark :-)
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to hear about your shopping savings. Unfortunately, I don't like shopping. I just like saving!
Love the quote. I complete understand it!
Chandra,
ReplyDeleteWow! Nice savings, I am impressed. I think that taking the time to look for items on sale and clip coupons is worth it!
Jody,
I just heard a little secret about Costco, when you receive their coupon book all you have to do is clip out one coupon (any one) and give it to the cashier and then all the items that are on sale will be reduced, you don't have to have the exact coupon : )
Chandra I would love to eat at a Macaroni Grill! We only eat at a restaurant once or twice a year. Crazy huh? Boo thanks via this blog for the Costco coupon tip! I will be going to Helena on Monday and have to remember my coupons! It never fails, I zoom off and forget not only my coupons, but also my list! Crap on a cracker! Talk to you two soon!
ReplyDelete