Grocery shopping is a part of every household. It can be done by going to the grocery stores or buying items online. It's a great way to save money on food as compared to dining out. If you're a regular grocery shopper, then you probably know the best deals on grocery items. However, you can still save further with the help of the following money-saving tips. Read on below and cut costs on grocery items this season.
Think twice before buying items in bulk
Bundles and "tipid packs" may be cheaper than purchasing individual items but they lure you into buying more than what you really need. Be smart when buying items in bulk. For food items like canned goods and snacks, ensure that you can consume them before expiry date so they won't go to waste. Some non-perishable items you can buy in bulk are the following:
- Dishwashing liquid
- Sanitary napkins
- Detergents
- Paper towels
- Garbage bags
Consider buying private label brands
Most people have the notion that private label brands such as SM Bonus[1] and Robinsons Super Savers[2] can not give the same value-for-money like what branded items can provide. However, private label brands are actually decent alternatives to more famous brands, especially when it comes to minor purchases. Consider grocery shopping for the following house brands:
- Paper plates
- Plastic cups
- Disposable spoon and fork
- Dishwashing liquid
- Tissue and paper towels
- Refined sugar
- Iodized salt
Take advantage of rewards cards and loyalty programs
Most supermarkets have a loyalty program that can be used to earn points. Take advantage of them especially if you shop in just one grocery store. Below is a list of rewards cards offered by top supermarkets and what you can benefit from each.
SM Advantage Card (The SM Store and SM Hypermarket)
How to get an SM Advantage Card:
- You can purchase one at any SM Customer Service for PHP 150. Members should be 18 years old and above
SM Advantage Card benefits:
- Get 10% - 20% off at partner establishments on beauty, dining, hotels, and shopping
- Get 1 point for every PHP 200 spent on SM Affiliate Partners
- Each point is redeemable to PHP 1.00 at affiliate partners and can be used for grocery shopping
Puregold Perks Rewards Card
How to get a Puregold Perks Rewards Card:
- Buy one at the customer service area of any Puregold Supermarket for PHP 100
Puregold Perks Rewards Card benefits:
- Earn 5 points for every PHP 200 spent on grocery shopping
- Each point is redeemable to PHP 1.00 and can be used for groceries
Rustan's Fresh Card
How to get a Rustan's Fresh Card:
- You can purchase one at the customer service area of any Rustan's Supermarket for PHP 200
- Can also be redeemed for free by presenting PHP 5,000 worth of Rustan's receipts from the last 3 months
Rustan's Fresh Card benefits:
- Get 10% - 40% off at partner establishments
- Get 1 point for every PHP 1.00 spent at any Rustan's Supermarket
Shopwise Wise Card
How to get a Shopwise Wise Card:
- Redeem a Shopwise Wise Card for free by presenting PHP 5,000 worth of Shopwise receipts from the last 3 months together with a PHP 50 membership fee
Alternatively, you can download Shopwise's WiseApp[3] to earn reward points. The app offers the same benefits plus it doesn't require a physical card when grocery shopping.
https://www.facebook.com/ShopwiseSupercenters/videos/653346835061161/
Shopwise Wise Card benefits:
- Get 1 point for every PHP 1.00 spent at any Shopwise branch
- Each point is redeemable to PHP 1.00 and can be used for groceries
- Members can earn 10x the points when they shop at Shopwise every first Wednesday of the month
Robinsons Rewards Card
How to get a Robinsons Rewards Card:
- You can buy a Robinsons Rewards card at any Robinsons affiliate partner for PHP 150
Robinsons Rewards Card benefits:
- Get 1 point for every PHP 400 spent at Robinsons Supermarket
- Each point is redeemable to PHP 1.00 and can be used when grocery shopping
Walter Mart Plus! Card
How to get a Walter Mart Plus Card:
- You can buy one at the customer service area of any Walter Mart branch for PHP 120
- Enjoy free membership when you present a PHP 5,000 single receipt at any Walter Mart branch
Walter Mart Plus Card benefits:
- Get 1 point for every PHP 500 spent at any Waltermart branch
- Each point is redeemable to Php1.00 and can be used for groceries
Metro Rewards Club
How to get a Metro Rewards Club card:
- Buy one at any Metro Gaisano Supermarket for PHP 10. Card is valid for 3 months only
Metro Rewards Club benefits:
- Get 1 point for every PHP 200 spent in any Metro Gaisano Supermarket
- Each point is redeemable to PHP 1.00 and can be used for groceries
Compare prices of grocery items
Prices in supermarkets vary so it's best to look around on where you can save the most money. To illustrate, here are the prices of common grocery items at SM Supermarket, Rustan's Supermarket, and a local palengke.
Use a cashback or rewards credit card when shopping
If you plan to get a credit card for grocery shopping, consider applying for a cashback or rewards credit card to earn more points. It's best if the bank you're applying with has a partnership with your grocery store of choice as it allows you to rack up credit card points much easier.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to save money on groceries. Apart from the above mentioned, ensure that you set a budget for grocery shopping to avoid overspending.
Sources:
- [1] SM Bonus
- [2] Robinsons Supermarket
- [3] Shopwise
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