Practical Shopping Tips Collection

rchddap1

I always take OH with me to pack the bags and carry them back to the car. He's very handy like that and all I nee to pay him with is the promise of a pudding with some chocolate custard.

Galtizz

I always leave OH at home, I spend less on crisps, chocolate and beer and I think of lifting the heavy bags as my weightlifting class (especially if I'm walking) Oh, and I don't get moaned at for buying healthy food, like fruit and veg :rotfl:

filigree_2

*bump* thread for trolley suggestions

shopaholic_ebayaddict

I do all my shopping online. My mum and sister (who do their big shops for £120 a week for 2 adults, 2 kids THEN go back every other day and spend £20+) always moan because it costs more (Delivery charge) but that is not the fact, i place all my orders 3 weeks in advance (as delivery fee goes from £3.99 to £5.99 if you leave too late) and then i go back over them the day before they are delivered to check if i actually need the stuff i've ordered.

I do a meal planner and order only that and essentials. With tesco you can go to "favourites" or "last order" so you are not tempted to add anything esle other than what you usually buy. PLUS i don't end up coming home with french stick and haribo sweets (why do you do that when you go to the supermarket?)

From september when my son is at school i will be getting all my fruit and Veg from the farmers market and then getting the rest of my shopping from the small somerfield in town. I don't have a trolley as i have a pushchair but i do have one of those M&S canvas shopping bags - 99p - great size for a basket full of shopping, stylish, environmentally friendly and great for picnic bags too!

Ruby_Pudding

Keep any coupons or vouchers you want to use inside the (recycled) envelope you have written your shopping list on - keeps everything in one place and stops any faffing about at the checkout when you come to pay

inhotwater

I got into the habit of noting down every single penny I spend and enter it into MS Money on my computer. Sometimes when I feel an impulse buy coming on - sweets, magazine etc, I realise that I will have to remember that £1-2 to put it on my PC later. That usually stops me - I just can't be bothered to try and remember all the little bits of cash, so I just don't buy the item. Sounds odd, but my laziness is helping me save a lot!

jo_b_2

shopaholic_ebayaddict wrote:

I do all my shopping online. it costs more (Delivery charge) but that is not the fact, i place all my orders 3 weeks in advance (as delivery fee goes from £3.99 to £5.99 if you leave too late) and then i go back over them the day before they are delivered to check if i actually need the stuff i've ordered.

You don't even have to pay for the delivery if you shop with Tesco and use the codes HERE

heavensense

Set yourself a budget, take a list and only the cash. I have a family of four, two ravenous daughters, and an even more ravenous husband. We spend £50:00 a week on average, and that includes cleaning stuff, and sundries.
I buy organic groceries and have them delivered every friday £20:50 the other £20:50 is for everything else. If I go over budget I loose out as it comes out of my money for treats for the kids and anything I want to do. LEAVE THE PLASTIC AT HOME!

taplady

Bogof_Babe wrote:

Oh I say! :eek: Well Hereford is something of a shopping outback usually, so I am really surprised at that.

If and when it materialises, you could pop over for a visit and we'll do lunch! Not sure where you are, but any chance? xxx

Hi Bogof Babe! I live not far from Hereford,go there a lot through work.Its a small world!!!

thyme_2

Have got to jump into this about trolleys - I used to have one and they are great but dont overload them especially xmas time as they can do your back in! Better to do an extra shop then create a bad back - Ouch!! and to protect your fingers from the plastic bags you can get a padded roll to put around the handles - fastens with velcro - it really helps. You might see them in the household brochures that arrive through your letter box.

What about sharing taxis with friends to do a big shop say once a month to keep the costs down?