The weekly grocery shop is becoming more and more expensive, as food prices are constantly on the rise. With food prices being higher than ever, the grocery bill can be shocking and worrying. Supermarkets trick consumers into spending more money than they intend with clever marketing strategies that lure consumers into adding extra items to the cart. With little thought, items are purchased that bump up the bill, making the weekly grocery shop an expensive time. Being a wise shopper and a step ahead of the game can help to reduce falling into the trap of being tricked into spending more than necessary.
A look at how stores trick you into spending more money:
The shopping cart
Many consumers grab a shopping cart before heading into the store for convenience, even if the visit is for a few items. This straight away gets consumers adding things to the cart that they didn’t go in for, as it is easy to pick things up without thinking. The size of the cart doesn’t make it look like there’s much in there. In addition, the items get hidden under one another, so it is easy to forget what’s already been placed into the cart. Getting to the checkout and piling it on the conveyor belt, it finally hits, and that familiar phrase “I only came in for a couple of things” comes to mind.
Strategic store layout
Stores are laid out to make consumers look for what they need. Everyday essential items are in the middle of the store to get shoppers to pass through several aisles before reaching these items. In addition, unhealthy treats are piled up on the end of each aisle in bumper size packs with what seems to be a good deal, as the price is emphasized to make it seem better than it is. These items are not needed, which is why they are placed at the end of each aisle to draw shoppers in. These purchases invariably bump up the bill, and they hold limited nutritional content. In addition, the most expensive items are at eye level with the better value version being placed on the bottom shelf.
Impulse purchases
Reaching the checkout is another place where consumers are tricked into spending more money. The shopping trip can bring on hunger and thirst, which encourages further purchases. Queuing at the checkout there are various strategically placed products that are easy to grab. Candy, drinks, magazines and DVDs are all there under the bright lights to tempt shoppers. These items tend to be marked up in price, especially candy, as the individuals are expensive in comparison to the packs that are in the store.
Incredible bargains
It is easy to think that the product that is gleaming right at you with the huge price tag showing that it is a bargain is a good deal. However, this is a clever tactic to make consumers believe that this is the best value and a good deal. Oftentimes, these are far from the best value; however, with little thought these are the items that are often selected. Stores trick consumers into thinking that they are getting a good deal, when in actual fact there are other options available that are subtly placed around the item that is believed to be best value.
All of these clever marketing tactics lure shoppers into spending far more than they envisage. To avoid falling into the trap of spending more than necessary, be prepared. Plan and create a shopping list of items that are needed, and set a budget prior to visiting the stores. With discipline the shopping trip can be successful, and overspending can be avoided.