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Buttercup, Consumer Advocate


Groceries in Manhattan are expensive. It's an island off islands -- as we so found out in the last few weeks -- and everything is shipped in. I came to understand this when I moved here in 1975 and through shopping carefully and sales I try to keep my grocery costs to less than exorbitant. The supermarket around the corner is about a quarter of the size of a small Walmart and probably at least twice as expensive. But it's convenient and I am a frequent visitor. I have learned, however, that the scanning doesn't always match the price announced and I watch the checkout like a hawk.

Tonight I was excited to find my favorite light rye on sale. But when I reached the checkout it rang up at $3.99. After I raised my concern, the young man who was at the counter went downstairs -- yes, it's two floors -- and came back telling me the price was $3.99. I said I didn't want the crackers and paid for my other purchases.

This troubled me. Was I reading wrong or simply hallucinating? I went back downstairs and whipped out my cell phone camera. The proof is in the picture! It's not about the principle here, it's about the price. Are you a careful checkout observer? What tips have you learned for grocery savings?

I had a nice day and enjoyed lunch with friends and our Bible study. We continue in 1Kings and have reached the tragic reign of King Ahab. We had a great discussion and I am so grateful for a time for learning and friends to study with.

Wishes for a sweet Saturday!

12 comments

Terra said...

Oh girl, I am completely like you in seeking out bargains and checking that they charge the sale price. That is annoying when the higher price rings up, and it may be deliberate on their part! A local drug store chain got caught doing that a few years ago.

Anonymous said...

I enjoy shopping at Target and I have a nephew who worked at their headquarters as a buyer BUT....they are terrible about their prices not being as advertised. Like you, I watch closely.
So happy you enjoyed your day with Bible study and good friends. Wishing you a restful night and enjoyable Sunday.

Teacherfish said...

Oh boy! I am getting weary of this post hurricane business. Lost power for the refrigerator twice- so I am shopping daily. Just paid $4.59 a gallon after waiting a mere 50 minutes on the gas line. And the public bus has been routed far from my stop because of downed trees. (though I hear that they may have been cleared today). I guess I'm in a complaining mode.

Nellie said...

Yes, I definitely watch the price advertised on the product display and the price that rings up on the register! I think the store should actually sell you the product at the posted price!

Theresa said...

I SURE DO watch the prices as they go by:) Everything is just too high these days and every penny counts! I don't blame you a bit for going and checking the price! Have a blessed weekend dear friend, BIG HUGS!

Today at Autumn's Ballgame, they didn't collect a gate fee but asked for donations for Sandy victims:) I gladly gave my money!

Anonymous said...

hi friend im on a blog break january will be back please bear with me..will be a new start... blessings soraya

Mevely317 said...

As DH does 99.9% of the shopping, I'm been a poor observer ... and would FLUNK-OUT were I ever on the "Price is Right."
Only in the last year have I started paying with cash -- and gee, is that a wake-up call!

Anonymous said...

I must say that I'm not as observant as I should be. I better start paying attention!

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Sorry your grocer wouldn't honor what his sign said. But yes, I've had problems like that too. Scanners save the clerks a lot of time, but they are not always correct. I wonder why they even bother with the signs at all. Glad though that you were able to have a very good Saturday there. The weather here was beautiful. Hope your Sunday is a wonderful one!

Susie said...

Buttercup, It makes me angry when the scanner doesn't give the sale prices..you do have to watch it. how many just go ahead and pay, because they didn't bring it up, or watch. If it doesn't ring up right for me, I tell them to keep it.:):) You are a good shopper. Smiles , Susie
p.s. I am still keeping NY in my prayers.

Life and Breath and Everything Else said...

I always look at the prices and double check my receipt. Every penny counts :)

Denise said...

I too watch the price that rings up. I do self check-out and often have to have someone correct the price charged. I've found out that I have to watch when they scan my coupons. On more than one occasion the machine beeped, but nothing came off the bill.