keeping track of prices

[inchworm]

How do you keep track of prices of items at the grocery store? I tried keeping a list once, but found it very cumbersome. How do you know a good deal when you see it? I can't seem to remember that a 160z jar of mayo should be $3 or $4, etc.

Inchy

 

[keljonma]

When at the store, I just it down in a notebook I bought at the dollar store.

When I get home, I put the information into a spreadsheet.

The information I write down includes:
The store name
The item name
The item size
The date price was seen
The price
Was it regular price
Was it sale price
Was coupon involved for lower price


I only have a few places I shop at, so I can usually update the spreadsheet as I shop. I only keep track of the prices for items that I regularly purchase; like coffee, peanut butter, sugar, flour, grains.


edited for clarity

 

[enjoy the ride]

I have kept the receipt from grocery stores for a couple of years (not the actual receipts lol -just keep those a few months.) Most places I shop have computer generated descriptions on them, Now I don't take them with me but I don't see why you couldn't put them into an envelope and take a few months worth with you when you go. If the store doesn't put the item description next to the price, you could just jot it down yourself.
When I haven't cleared out my receipt basket in a long time, it is interesting to see how the prices have changed. Sometimes they have changed less than the impression I have of it- sometimes I can't believe the change in price. This kind of checking out has made me switch products or places I buy thing.

 

[sufficientforme]

Yes, its a challenge to do a list. I use the above mentioned methods. I save all grocery (and gas LOL)receipts for 2 month and compare. I keep mental notes. And the biggest thing is by keeping that list that is so cumbersome, is that you will find a pattern of sales to see what is on sale what months. Somewhere online I found a list that explains the best deals for the months but I cannot find it. I can pretty much tell now that I am used to my area, what will be on sale when. I also always look up my local stores flyers for the week and see what their loss leaders are for the week, that helps me from running around too much.

 

[Dace]

Because I use a lot of coupons I needed a very simple way to track prices and how quickly we used things. I found the simplest way for me was to keep a sharpie in the kitchen and pull it out while I was putting away groceries....I write down the price I paid and the date. This way when I am pulling stuff out of the pantry I see the price and it helps me to remember what I typically pay.

 

[reinbeau]

I've been using my Palm PDA and a program called HandyShopper (freeware) for years. It keeps track of prices, stores, products, coupons, etc. Great little device!

 

[Homesteadmamma]

My grocery list is pretty consistent. It isn't that hard to keep track in my head whether something is the same price or not. I also work within a 5 cent acceptability range. I can remember what the price of beans were last month, but I couldn't tell ya what you just said 10 min. ago. My brainn just works funny!

 

[Woodland Woman]

You all sound like you really got it together! If I make a list I'm likely to forget where I put it. Usually making a list helps me remember though.

 

[RTRChick]

I just keep a few reciepts with me (mostly because I stuff them in my purse after paying) , I always buy the same type of stuffs sooo if something seems a bit off I dig and pull out my reciept...

Probably not the best method, but the easiest when I'm shopping with DH and don't have time to stand there and ponder like I would if I was alone.

 

[Quail_Antwerp]

um...oh...I am ashamed to confess that I don't keep track...