I really should have titled this post: Price Matching… Shopping with more Drama…
I have been thinking about trying this savings tactic for quite awhile. I have been wondering if I would see decent savings on my grocery budget by Price Matching? I decided that I would gather up my loss leaders, along with my weekly grocery list, and go shopping at Wal-Mart.
First off the main question, will our local store price match? I decided I would ask my favorite Greeter, and he was pretty sure that they would, but he pulled over a Manager to answer all of my questions. So I asked, and the Manager said that “yes they would Price Match, but it had to be the EXACT same product, no exceptions.” Cool, time to shop.
The kiddos and I made our way through the store, and I paid close attention to all of the prices. I wanted to double check and make sure that I would be saving more with the competitors loss leaders, and not just the retail price.
Once the cart was full and the list completed, we made our way to check-out, which was packed as always. I decided to take advantage of the wait, and organize my purchases. I placed my non-price match items first, and then I warned the cashier that I had a few items that needed price matching, and here comes the drama.
Cashier: Huge sigh, along with an eye roll… “You know I’ve been on vacation all Summer and I haven’t done a Price Match in MONTHS…”
Nico: With a nice smile. “I just have a few items, and I’ve separated them, and circled the ads”
Cashier: Angrily flips on the light, and with another big sigh “Fine, I’ll call someone over here to show me how to PRICE MATCH, even though no one ever does this.” Now really not too happy with Nico.
Nico: “I really appreciate all of your help.” Even bigger cheesier smile
So after the Manager explained the price matching routine, and all of the items were scanned, I was pretty happy with the savings, even though they came with a lot of attitude.
I thought I would share my list that I was shopping for and my savings too:
Dr Pepper 12 pack: store price $4.28, Price Match $ 2.75
Dr Pepper 12 pack: store price $4.28, Price Match $2.75
Dr Pepper 12 pack: store price $4.28, Price Match $2.75
Cherry Coke 12 pack: store price $4.28, Price Match $2.75
Frozen Broccoli: store price $1.74, Price Match $.99
Frozen Apple Juice: store price $1.74, Price Match $.99
Frozen Apple Juice: store price $1.74, Price Match $.99
French Onion Dip: store price $1.64. Price Match $1.19
Kraft Cheese (block): store price $3.00, Price Match $2.50
Total of all items: Store price $26.98, Price Match Prices $17.66
Savings of $9.32!
I did save a bit by Price Matching, and on my next shopping trip I brought along my loss leaders one more time to save a little bit. I was planning on matching 3 items, but when I got to the store they were already marked down to the competitors lower prices. Hmmm, maybe word got around that the secret of price matching has been made public… I think I’ll keep Price Matching when the savings are right. Every little bit helps with the grocery budget.
Do you Price Match too? Have you been happy with your savings, or do you find that it isn’t worth the extra drama?
