Grocery Store Myths: Are You Really Saving Money?

Another job I have had is working in grocery stores. I've worked for two different chains and while working there I learned about several myths. Some of these myths will actually prevent you from saving money, if you believe them. Take time to read this article and educate yourself about grocery store myths.

Grocery Store Myth #1: The Only Things That Are on Sale Is What's Listed in the Paper

I'm not sure why people think this, but this grocery store myth is false. All throughout grocery stores, you will find many items that are on sale and weren't listed in the sales paper. My only guess is that there is only so much room and the grocery store can't list every item in the sale. Either way, always check for more sales as you walk through the aisles.

Grocery Store Myth #2: Cards Are a Way of Tracking What Customers Buy

This grocery store myth is true. When you sign up for a customer card, the grocery store will be able to track what you buy. But, think about it. The people who will be viewing these results are at the headquarters for the chain and don't know who you are. Second, people are ringing up your groceries anyway, so why does it matter if people know what you buy? Customer cards provide you with savings and free items. You're crazy if you let this stop you from using one.

Grocery Store Myth #3: Thanks to Scanners, There Are Less Errors

This grocery store myth is false. Many times store owners and managers forget to change prices when the new sale starts. This means that there may be a tag stating that the item is on sale, but it still rings up wrong. Also, the item may be listed in the paper, but there isn't sales tag. Many times the item is still on sale, and will ring up with the sale price; they just forgot to put the price on the shelf.

Grocery Store Myth #4: Cashiers Can Fix Everything and Should Be Held Accountable

I can't count the times I have been cussed, because a customer's order rang up wrong. Before you cuss out a helpless cashier, remember this grocery store myth. Cashiers do not control prices. The price of an item is stored in the computer. If the item rings up wrong, it is the manager's fault. Managers are the ones who go through the store changing prices. Cashiers are just there to ring up your items and do not deserve to be cussed. If they are entering the prices by hand and make a mistake, bring it to their attention nicely. Everyone makes mistakes and the last thing the cashier needs is another crazy customer yelling at them.

Grocery Store Myth #5: Everything on the Shelf is Fresh and in Date

This grocery store myth is unfortunately false. Workers, who stock the shelves, don't always take time to remove items that are old. Sometimes stockers also push older items to the back, rather than placing the new items in the back. This means that some items can be out of date. Before placing an item in your buggy, make sure the item is in date. Also, some customers leave items in the middle of the store, after deciding that they don't want them. Some workers will simply put the item back on the shelf, even if it's been out long enough to spoil. To avoid getting a spoiled item, make sure to select items from the back of the case.