The Grocery Game
My sister sent me a referral to the Grocery Game. I never heard of it so I searched the blogosphere and found some posts at the Frugal Homemaker Plus: one two three.
Then, I started a thread at getcrafty, which received one reply so I'm guessing it is not terribly popular?
My immediate issues with it:
1) The stores in my area are not ones I shop.
2) The trial is $1 for 4 weeks, but if it is one of those deals where you have to send a letter, not just an email, to cancel and forget and keep getting charged, it's a hassle*.
3) A Sunday paper costs $1.75 and that's the only day to get manufacturers coupons. I would need to recoup $2.75 in savings to break even.
4) Even with double coupons on the items I buy (not the itesm I could buy because I have a coupon but don't really need or could do without), store brand tends to be cheaper.
Anyone using it and want to sell me on the goodness of it?!
ETA: I added to my thoughts
ETA2: *Frugal Homemake left a comment saying cancelling is as easy as clicking a button.
ETA3: The thread has picked up some more feedback
posted by Andi @
12:20 AM
10 comments
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10 Comments:
Nope... I can't clip coupons. My time is to valuable and I don't do the shopping.
I am Udandi's sister and I did sign up for it and here is why!
I get the Sunday paper every week and would clip coupons. We keep a running list in my house of what is needed. Normally I would take the list look it over and start diving for coupons in my little holder, taking about 30-45 minutes to find, sort, and trash expired ones (this was before I had a baby), then I started just saving the circulars so that I could look at them before shopping, this took me about 60 minutes or more because I would look at all the circulars (2/week x 4-5 weeks)-clip what I wanted, sorted out what was needed for that trip and file the rest for later.
This last time I went shopping, still had my list, went to grocery game and saw 2 stores...looked up the local grocery and pulled up the list of what was on sale that week-including the generics! I then went through it and found some things I needed printed it off and then went and found my coupons. On my printed list I added the other things I needed at the store. The list was arranged by aisle from walking in to walking out so I could add the other things I needed in order and the printed list showed what value of coupon that was available and when it came out so I could clip it out and go. This whole process took me about 30 minutes or so and then I was ready to go shopping. I looked at my receipt and saved $81.82. This shopping trip will last for us about 4-5 weeks so $1 to start and $2 for home delivery of newspaper x 5 weeks is $11 to save $81.82 ($63.72 instore savings and the rest with coupons)
I liked it-thought it was easy to use and it looks like they made a recent upgrade to show when the coupon came out and from what vendor. That makes it very easy.
The way to really make it work is to be able to buy only those things on sale and stock up. It explains that there is about a 12 week cycle when it comes to coupons/sales at the stores and that if you can get to the point that you can use those cycles to cut your grocery bills. I think it was greatly geared to the SAH moms/dads looking to cut their expenses but I think it can work for others.
thanks for an explanation of how the web site aids in the coupon clipping, stashing and utilization.
Stocking up is the key, but for those who are living in, oh say, a 300 sq foot studio with a jr fridge/freezer without a pantry or cupboard, it is not an option. gee, it would be nice if my sister stocked up on Rice Krispie Treats cereal for me! *just thinking out loud* :)
How many of those Rice Krispy treats cereals do you need? I only have room in the garage since I stocked up with the last shopping trip. But I think the garagae could hold 4-6 cases of cereal, don't you? I think Veronica would get jealous if I told her those were only for Aunt Andi! H
Thanks for linking me in your entry!
Just a quick note- you can just click a link to cancel. It's no big deal at all!
I am still undecided though. I can see both sides. I am saving a ton on toilet paper, toothpaste, etc. More than I ever had on my own, but now I know what to look for, do I really need the Game? I still have another week, so check back for my conclusions, if you're interested!
FH,
Thanks for the tip on the cancelling option! I'll be checking back on your blog.
For those of you that don't think you have the time to clip coupons, you can just write the date on the top of each coupon insert. After selecting the items you want from the list, the date the coupon appeared is listed so you can clip just that one.
I have limited storage space, and I tend to stockpile only non-perishable items (mostly personal care items.) I just put them in Rubbermaid storage bins in the closet and pull items out as I need them. Now that I have a stash of toothbrushes, deodorant, body wash, razors, etc. I only buy them when they are 70% or more off... like 0.25 for brand name deodorant or $1 for a pack of razors that is normaly $5.
I buy grocery items off the list for the next week or two and plan meals around those items. I buy produce from a non-list produce market because they are much cheaper.
I used to think I was a good shopper and saved money using coupons, but after 2 months using the list I am saving 40% over what I used to spend (my previous spending included coupon savings)
I've been doing GG for about 4 months and it has changed how I shop completely. Store brands, generics, Wal Mart, Costco...can't compare. They just don't bottom out their prices like national brands do. I know most people won't believe that - but they just don't. I save between 50-60% each week and get free stuff every week. Yep, every week.
For people who think their time is "too valuable" or that it's too hard let them keep believing it. Someones has to buy it at full price so I can get it for FREE- it all equals out.
I do the GG and I love it. I've been a member since Jan and so far I have saved over 72% on my grovcery bill since. At first it kinda seemed like I was spending the same or maybe a little less for the first 12 weeks. But now that I have a "stockpile", I spend about $35 bucks a week on groceries, give or take. And that's with a teenage boy in the house, so I am mostly buying milk and other parishables. I think it's definately worth it. There's my 2 cents worth, (and I didn't even have a coupon!)
I can only say the same thing that any other member of the GG would say, that it is a life changing system. I've spent an average of what should have cost me $800 a month in groceries but actually only paid $300 for it. My normal budget used to be $400 and I plan to take off a few weeks just because I can.
It makes food shopping fun, it's incredibly easy to do and all you have to do is cut out the coupons you plan to use. The work is done for you in making the lists every week.
There ARE free sites out there, true... however those are generalized. The GG asks your zip code and they give you the lists for your area. If an item at your CVS is on clearance, you get that on your list, not a statewide list.
Anyways... it works, I can't express that enough. If someone says that they don't have the time to clip coupons or try it then I congratulate them for being so well off financially, that is fantastic for them... personally? I can't go back to spending $150 a week for food!
:) Hope to see you on the message boards one day!
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