Smart Shopping
WantNeed
deciding on the type of item What level of quality do I want (low, medium, or high)? What level of quality do I need (low, medium, or high)? How much can I afford? Should I wait until there is a sale on the item I want? Should I choose an item with a well-known name, even if it costs more? Do I know anyone who already owns this type of item? What do consumer magazines say about the type of item I am thinking about buying? Deciding to buy… (cont.)
Comparison Shopping Different stores have different prices at different times Online is a great way to comparison shop, but DON’T FORGET SHIPPING AND HANDLING! Google “Left 4 Dead xbox 360” Amazon “the Hunger Games book”
Where would be the best place to get a bunch of candy for Halloween? Quikchek or a gas station? Shoprite or Weis or A&P? Sam’s Club or BJ’s or Costco?
Which is the best deal? (use a calculator) Quikcheck – 1 bar – ~$1.00 (maybe more?) Shoprite – 1 bar – $0.69 Walmart – 6 pack: – 3.94 Sam’s Club – 36 pack: – (All prices from websites on 3/16/2013)
So why do you buy drinks or snacks from the vending machines? Sam’s Club: – Snapple® Iced Tea Variety Pack - 24/16 oz. btls. – $16.67 ($0.69 a bottle) Walmart – Poland Spring Natural Spring Water, 28pk (0.5 liter bottles) – $5.38 – ($0.19 a bottle)
Unit Pricing comparing prices of different sizes
Soda for a Party
Unit Price and Discount Cards
Timing and Sales Timing – when to buy –Find a bargain –Law of supply and demand –Markdown – discount when purchasing at sale price –Markdown Example: Sweater was marketed at $100, but doesn’t sell. New price: $80 (a 20% markdown!)
Store Brand vs. Name Brand Sizeable savings for consumers through lack of advertising spending
Best places to shop “generic” or store brand: medicine Chemically exactly the same (the patent has worn off)
Coupons Coupons/rebates – incentives to entice consumers to purchase a particular item.
Work on “14 – Comparison Shopping Worksheet” Get out a calculator – you’ll need it. Call me to check when you’re done Work on makeup work when completed.