Estimated reading time: 17 minutes
Behind the scenes of a grocery store: the untold stories of a clerk dealing with demanding customers and the importance of customer satisfaction.
Grocery Store Clerk Holds In Frustration
There likely isn’t one grocery store clerk out there who hasn’t bitten their tongue when dealing with customers who don’t follow or make up their own rules when shopping.
It’s been said that if you don’t take care of your customers, then your competition will, and with that comes silence and smiles from most retail clerks.
The grocery store clerk wants to say things to you so you can understand what it’s like being on the other side of the belt all day.
However, they fear backlash from the customer and sometimes management.
The customer is always right. WRONG!
In customer service, the employee may keep smiling and carrse the customer.
Though these lousy customer experiences make for a long workday for any grocery store clerk, happiness always outweighs the negativity.
Customers Are Part Of The Company
What you are as a customer is part of the company where you spend your money.
When you shop at any store, you become part of that organization, which means you help us, and we’ll help you.
It’s a win-win if we all work together, but as you know, there will always be bad apples.
You may think, oh, cry me a river; it’s your job as a grocery store clerk.
However, if we all treated people with more respect, maybe we wouldn’t have so many of the problems that we do.
Believe it or not, grocery store jobs are hard to come by, and it takes skill to keep up with the pace of one of the busiest places on this planet.
Think about your career or business and how often you’ve had to bite your tongue because a customer is being quarrelsome over something beyond your control.
This is what a bully customer does, and it doesn’t stop there because the further they can push to get what they want, the harder they will throw.
I saw this photo below on Pinterest, which prompted me to learn more about what it’s like to be a grocery store clerk.
More explicitly, I wanted to know what a grocery store clerk would like to say to customers but would never risk their job doing so.
Grocery Store Clerk Speaks Up
I put out a request on social media for fans who work in a grocery store to share with us what they want to tell customers but most often can’t or won’t.
Below is what they had to say.
For many of you, it may seem shocking, but for those who work in a grocery store, it will make a difference for them if we all pitch in.
Thank you for the tremendous response.
I’ve reviewed all the messages to ensure each topic was covered.
This is not the be-all and end-all of what the grocery store clerk wants to say, but all should hear some messages.
Grocery store employees come face to face with plenty of people who could do a bit of a reminder on how things work and who’s in charge at the grocery store.
I’m A Grocery Store Clerk
I want customers to know that I am a store clerk and was hired to help you, but there are things that I cannot control, such as;
- Logistics
- Scheduling
- Quality of product
- Product assortment or if the shelf gets cleared before the end of a sale.
So please don’t be rude or disrespectful when I can’t give you the answer you want.
Unfortunately, I do not have the authority to change the rules of the grocery store.
I can only offer what I have been authorized to do; being loud and unruly will not solve the issue.
This will only escalate the situation, resulting in diminished respect and an unpleasant confrontation.
Speaking Up Speeds Up The Process
I am a grocery store cashier, and when you throw your products on the belt, please try to keep things organized.
Always let me know if you have any coupons or concerns ahead of time and not at the end of the service.
This will help me make your grocery shopping experience as quick as possible so you can carry on with your day.
Smartphone Etiquette At The Grocery Store
Get off your smartphone when standing before me waiting to cash you out unless you are opening your coupon app to price-match or view your grocery list.
A Canadian coupon app example is Checkout51.
Customers use it in place or with paper coupons, a great way to save money.
I find it very disrespectful when customers can’t hold off chatting with whoever they have to talk with while I’m scanning their groceries.
Think about the customers behind you patiently waiting to leave the store.
I, however, have to wait for you to finish your phone conversation to ask you a question about your order.
Smells like…
Tone down the perfume when you come to the grocery store.
Every time I smell a customer who piles on the perfume, I react as if it makes me gag, sneeze, and blow my nose continuously.
I don’t mind perfume but limit the amount you use to a squirt, not a full-body spray.
You’ll only slow me down because now I have to stop and blow my nose, turn my head and sneeze, or try to avoid you at all costs, which I don’t want to do.
Organizational Skills Help
If you use tonnes of coupons, you know how the coupon policies work, so please abide by them.
It’s also excellent if you organize your coupons so I don’t have to spend ten minutes ruffling through them while customers patiently wait behind you.
I understand it’s your time in the grocery line, but respecting people whose time is just as valuable as yours is also essential.
A few minutes of organization will save me more time than you think.
I’m Not A Verbal Punching Bag
Yes, my job as a grocery store clerk sometimes gets internally frustrating.
Please stop yelling about things beyond my control as a grocery store clerk.
Stop treating me like I’m some uneducated high-school dropout who got a cashier job because that’s the only one to suit my intelligence.
No, I don’t know every price in the store, and I have to look them up sometimes.
If we are out of product, I can’t help you, but I can point you toward customer service, where they are more than willing to help you.
I also don’t know exactly where every product is located in the grocery store, so be patient when you ask, and we’re unsure.
We’ll find what you are looking for if we carry it.
My Life Is Private
I have a real problem when customers come through my cash and look down on me as if it must be so sad to earn such little money and be poor.
They won’t say hi, look away, and are very condescending when I ask them questions.
I’ve even asked people how I can afford minimum wage.
My financial well-being is none of your business. Working in a grocery store is NOT easy, especially with customers like you.
Many of us have degrees, diplomas, or other personal reasons for wanting to work in a grocery store.
I don’t need to explain my situation, so please don’t tell me that you’d never do my job or that I deserve better.
You don’t know me or my problem, so keep personal information from your interactions with grocery store staff.
I’m Not Just A Grocery Store Clerk
Just because I’m not at my cash register when you show up doesn’t mean I’m wasting time doing nothing.
If you currently work or have worked in a grocery store, you know that you may be asked to assist in all areas of the supermarket.
This is what a team does.
When I’m not busy, I’m instructed to fix shelves, return unwanted products, stock shelves, and clean around the front area where customers come through the store.
I always watch the cash, but please don’t yell at me or treat me like I’m useless if I am not there.
I’m working hard to keep your store the best it can be.
Where Is Your Child?
Please control your children at all costs.
I don’t want your child running behind where I’m working, trying to push buttons, or going through my stuff.
If you can’t control them, find suitable arrangements or ways to keep them occupied.
When I’m distracted, I am inclined to make errors when paying for my goods and services.
I don’t mind children at all, but for the best experience, keep them close to you.
Lovers Quarrel
I’ve worked in a grocery store for many years now, and one thing that gets me every time is when couples fight at the cash register.
I don’t want to know about your financial and relationship problems, nor do I want to get involved, so please don’t ask for my advice.
The worst is when children are in line and words that shouldn’t be used are used.
Duke it out in the car, or better yet, try to work it out like responsible adults.
Credit or Debit Card Decline
Don’t get mad at me if you pay for your order with a credit card or debit and your card is declined.
I don’t believe it’s my fault, and I’m sorry, but I can’t fix the problem.
You’ll have to contact your bank to determine why the card is declined.
Manager Role At The Grocery Store
Talk to a manager if you aren’t happy with the response that I give you to a question you ask. I’m only following the rules.
If I’m not right, I will own up to that mistake, but telling me in a huff that you will take it up with my manager as if you are scaring me…doesn’t scare me at all.
Go for it.
Become Friends With Your Shopping Cart
For the love of all things at the grocery store, please stop leaving your garbage in the grocery carts.
I’ve been pushing carts in and out of the grocery store since I was a teen, and the amount of junk left in them is horrifying.
The grocery store provides garbage cans at the entrance and throughout the store.
You can also find grocery cans where you place your empty shopping cart.
Please stop being lazy and leaving your grocery cart in your parking space.
This can cause damage to other vehicles and other accidents.
I’ve also found phones, wallets, shoes, personal items, and clothing in grocery carts.
And you name it, I’ve probably found the grocery carts.
Give your grocery cart the walk around before putting it away to ensure you aren’t forgetting anything.
Although I am not perfect, if you notice a defective or broken grocery cart, please report it so it doesn’t cause an accident for the next person.
A child may be at risk, as can anyone else in the way of a grocery cart, and that should be removed.
Keep Conversation Light
I don’t mind conversing with you because I’m a cashier and aim to be fast, friendly, and customer service-oriented.
What I don’t care for is to hear your entire life story condensed into the time it takes me to scan your grocery order.
It’s hard for me to look up and talk to you when you expect me to answer, and I may make errors.
You may pay more or less if I scan something twice, miss a scan, or the price is incorrect.
Talk to me if you wish, but keep it brief, and please allow me to do my job.
Lazy Customers
Stop leaving food and other products on the floor by the cashier, in your grocery basket, or on the racks when you cash out.
Yes, it is my job to keep my area clean, but if you change your mind and don’t want that whole chicken, please give it to me so I can call a department clerk to bring it back.
We’d instead not find it on a shelf next to the laundry detergent.
Treat Each Grocery Clerk Equally
Just because I’m a male grocery store clerk who works the front end doesn’t mean I don’t understand how the grocery store works or how to shop.
I went grocery shopping with my parents often, and when I was at university, I did grocery shopping and used pons and rewards cards.
Don’t try to pull a fast one on me just because you think I’m the easiest target grocery store cashier.
Garbage Belongs In The Bin
As a night-time stock associate, I see all sorts of garbage left on the shelves.
I’ve also found purses, wallets, smartphones, baby bottles, food, empty coffee cups, and money.
I do catch people leaving stuff on the shelves, and although I’d never say anything, I would like to tell you to respect your grocery store.
Some people take pride in their jobs, enjoy their shopping experience, and don’t want to see junk left in random spots around the store.
My job shouldn’t be to clean up your mess as I’m not your mother.
If I find something of value, I bring it to customer service, where it can be claimed, but don’t yell at me if you can’t find what you left behind.
Your loss, sorry.
Ask, and you shall receive
I’m sorry if I don’t tell you about the scanning code of practice (SCOP), as it’s not in my job description to do so.
I am instructed to find the correct price and adjust it so you pay what you should.
Please let me know if you know of SCOP, and I will apply it to your order.
Don’t take it out on me; expect me to give you stuff for free. I follow the rules, and you should, too.
CBB Note: If you are unfamiliar with SCOP, read it in our wildly popular post, The Scanning Code of Practice (SCOP) in Canada.
Pay First, Eat Second
If you haven’t paid for it, don’t open it.
I am shocked at how many people think it’s ideal to get something from the grocery store and start eating it during the argument.
If your child is hungry, bring snacks or ask the bakery if they give kids a free cookie.
In the instance where you’ve forgotten snacks, pay for them first, then start your shopping trip.
Eating food before you pay for it is stealing from the grocery store.
You don’t have to walk out the front door with a product to steal.
Eating or drinking something is still stealing if you forget or pretend to pay for it.
Help Or Be Helped
Hand-held scanners are what we use to scan large items that come through the cash register.
If you have such items in your shopping cart, it would help if you could lift the product or turn it to the bar code so I can scan it.
If you cannot do so for whatever reason, please tell me so I can get some help or come around the belt to help.
This will help speed up the check-out process.
Please remove all items from the bottom of your cart so you don’t accidentally leave the store without paying for something.
We have staff trained to monitor customers who have items below and look for paid stickers placed on the items by the cashier.
Clean-up In Grocery Aisle 2
Please tell us if you break something or ,a package accidentally opens, or you see something that is out-of-place, expired product, or should be removed.
We won’t freak out, charge, or kick you out of the store.
\We appreciate you bringing stuff to our attention and realize that accidents happen and we may miss things.
We’d rather keep our grocery store clean and safe for customers than deal with an accident.
Sort It Out, Please
If you plan to pay me in coins, at least roll them for me so I don’t have to spend unnecessary time counting while everyone is waiting and getting frustrated.
Alternatively, you can check in with customer service, who may accept your coins for cash.
Some of our stores have coin-star machines where you can dump your change for cash. It costs for the service, but you won’t have to carry it all around.
Another thing that irks me is when I hold my hand for money, and the customer puts the money down on the belt for me to pick up, wasting more time.
Fast Lane For Fast Customers
I understand that not everyone can read and may not understand they are trying to cash out in the fast lane.
The fast lane I work in is for up to 16 items, and there is never a shift where I don’t have customers who come through with loaded grocery carts.
I have often reminded the customer that it’s the fast lane, but most shrug it off and tell me they already have some of their stuff on the belt.
If I’m not busy, I’ll ring them through, but I want you to know I shouldn’t have to tell you to go to another line.
My manager says to pick and choose my battles and not cause confrontation.
If someone were to come in behind you, they would have a less-than-happy shopping experience waiting for you.
Red Carpet Service
Grocery shopping is an experience that some people enjoy, while others would rather stay home and scrub floors.
You must be a helpful customer if you want the best customer service and a clean and efficient store.
By proper, I mean being respectful and doing things because you can and not because you view it as “Not my job.”
Calling all Customers: I want to hear from customers who want to share things with the grocery store clerk about their job and how to improve their service.
Please email me at canadianbudgetbinder@yahoo.ca.
July Grocery Game Posts
- Picnic Food for a Summer of Good Eats (Last post for June)
- Costly Grocery Store Distractions You Should Avoid
- Summer Drinks Your Party Budget Can Handle
- Supermarket Confrontation and How to Avoid Embarrassment
2016 Grocery Shop Results
Yearly grocery budget for two + 1 Toddler 2016: $2820
(The above total does not include the stockpile budget of $300/year or $25/month.
Points Overview (add any other sections you need to show us your savings)
- Total Grocery Budget for the Month:$235.00-$31.53=$203.47
- Total Grocery Budget with any carry-overs $203.47
- Total Gift Cards used to date: $55
- Total Rewards Points redeemed this week: $0
- Total Rewards Points used to date: $0
- PC Points Plus Earned to date: 248,000
- Scanning Code of Practice (SCOP) to date $0
- Shoppers Optimum: Just under 850,000 Optimum points (I will update this twice a year)
Coupon Apps (add any other apps you use to save money)
- Zweet to cash out: $18.25
- Checkout51 to cash out: $17.00
Our Grocery Shop This Week
Zehrs
- 4 x Country Harvest Bread $15.00-50%=$7.50
- Bananas $1.60
- Kale $0.96 bunch
- Cucumber $0.99
- Radishes $1.99
- Maple Lodge Wieners $1.99
- 2 x Halal ground chicken $6.08-50%, $6.05-50%
- Hot Italian Pork Sausages Butcher $4.01-50%=$2.00
- 4 x Lean Beef $21.99, $21.93, $21.95, $21.85 all -50%
- Danish Brie $3.00-50%=$1.50
- Ricotta Cheese $6.49-50%=$3.25
- 2% Milk $4.27
- Astro Yogurt $1.99
- 7 x Omega Plus Egg Cartons $3.99-50%=$14.00
Total Out-of-pocket $81.14
- Total to spend this month: $203.47
- Stockpile budget 2016: $25.00
- Stockpile budget used this month: $23.94
- Total coupons used this week: $0
- Total coupons used to date: $15.36
- Total in-store discounts this week:$67.35
- Total in-store discounts to date: $402.65
- Total spent this week: $61.44+$42.63+$59.19+$81.14
- Total spent so far this month: $244.40
- Total over/Under spend this shop: over
- Total over/Under spend for the month: Over $40.93
- Total left to spend for the month: -$40.93 carry over to August
- Total Spent To Date 2016: (does not include stockpile budget) Jan $252.95+ Feb $249.46+March $211.11+April $248.11+May $279.07+June $231.96+July $244.40
Weekly Overview
Surprise, we are over for the month, but with good reason.
We were NOT going to pass by all that meat and eggs at 50% off as it was such a good deal.
With the wife eating meat and eggs daily, stocking up when possible is essential.
We would have come in under budget if we had not bumped into those pink stickers.
It’s so hard when prices matter, but so does our budget.
We’ll keep on plugging away at it.
Thanks for stopping by,
Mr. CBB
JULY – Week #4 of 4- July 25-31, 2016
2016 GROCERY BUDGET / STOCKPILE BUDGET AND US RESERVE:
•Total Grocery Budgeted For Year: $190.00 x 12 = $2,280.00 for 2 adults
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REMARKS FOR THE WEEK:
Hubby is on holidays so the meal plan is all about having some vacation fun!
He scored an awesome NEW RAIN CHECK too for our summer pop needs!
Safeway:
32 x 1L Diet Pesi @ $0.50 per bottle –
Good until Nov 20/16
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OUR “CANADIAN” SHOPPING THIS WEEK:
MERIDIAN FARM MARKET – Maple Ridge –
8 Roma Tomatoes $0.98/lb = $1.67
2.88 LB Blueberries $1.98/lb = $5.70
• Summer Reserve Budget OOP: $7.37
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Thrifty Foods – Maple Ridge –
1 Island Farms Dark Chocolate Ice Cream $7.99
1 Island Farms Rocky Raspberry Ice Cream FREE on a BOGO sale
• Grocery Budget OOP: $7.99
** Earned 0 Air Miles on this shop **
** USED $0.00 in Rain Check Coupons **
** SAVED $7.99 Loyalty Savings on this shop **
I can’t believe it… they had 2lb bags of assorted red peppers on BOGO and I noted they were out of them BUT walked out of the store without getting a rain check!!! I guess they go on the farm market list. Sigh.
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RCSS – Pitt Meadows –
1 Coleslaw $4.98
1 Romaine $4.98
Total OOP: $9.96
** Earned 0 PC.Plus Points on this shop **
** SAVED $0.00 in Rain Check/ Coupons **
** SAVED $0.00 Loyalty Savings on this shop **
—————————————————————–
Safeway – Maple Ridge –
28 Diet Pepsi 1L @ 2 bottles for $1 = $16.98
• TOTAL Grocery Budget OOP: $16.98
• TOTAL Stocking Up Budget OOP: $0.00
** Earned 0 Air Miles on this shop **
** SAVED $0.00 in Rain Check Coupons **
** SAVED $33.32 Loyalty Savings on this shop **
I keep a few in the fridge for taking on our picnics.
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Walmart – Port Coquitlam –
6 Cucumbers $0.97 ea = $5.82
Total OOP: $5.82
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OUR “US RESERVE” SHOPPING THIS WEEK:
OUR NEXT USA SHOP WILL BE IN SEPT. 2016.
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2016 Y-T-D GROCERY SAVINGS:
•Total Loyalty Card Price Reductions This Year:
Jan $36.76 + Feb $160.96 + Mar $27.00+ Apr $117.96 +May $55.61+June $8.50+ July $46.99 = $453.78
•Total Coupons/Rain Checks Used This Year:
Jan $0.00 + Feb $20.46+ Mar $1.00 +Apr $5.23 + May $10.68 + June $0.00+ July $0.00 = $37.37
•Total Price Match Savings Used This Year:
Jan $0.00 + Feb $0.00 + Mar $0.00 + Apr $0.00 + May $0.00 + June $0.00+ July $0.00 = $0.00
•Total More Points Earned This Year:
Jan 10 + Feb 182 + Mar 3 +April 48 + May 96 + June 0+ July 573 = 912 Points
•Total Air Miles Earned This Year:
Jan 6 + Feb 43 +Mar 182 + April 32 + May 24 + June 3+ July 0 = 268 Air Miles
•Total PC PLUS Points Earned This Year:
Jan 1800 + Feb 5000 +Mar 5200= April 3,100 + May 0 + June 2,600+ July 0 = 17,700 Points
•Total Optimum Points Earned This Year:
Jan 0 + Feb 0 +Mar 0 + April 0 + May 0 + June 40+ July 0 = 40 Points
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2016 Y-T-D GROCERY SPENDING:
•Total OOP Year-To-Date:
Jan $196.78 + Feb $193.74 + Mar $182.77 + April $255.43 + May $143.05 +June $182.79 +July ($15.74+15.00+$15.00+$45.00+$5.65+$19.47+$2.94+5.49 +$7.38-$7.38 Trf from Summer Reserve+$15.76+$57.55-$57.55 from re-stocking reserve+$7.99+$7.37+$9.96+$16.98+$5.82= $188.76) = $1,342.07
•Total Year-To-Date Grocery Budget:
Jan $190.00+ Feb $190.00 + Mar $190.00 + April $190.00 +May $190.00 + June $190.00+July $190.00= $1,330.00
•Total Over/Under on Year-To-Date Grocery Budget: $12.07 OVER
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2016 POINTS REDEEMED RESERVE:
2015 Fwd $0.00+Jan $4.69+ Feb $5.19+ Mar $0.00+ Apr $0.00 + May $4.69 + June $0.00= $14.57
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2016 US GROCERY RESERVE:
2015 Fwd $0.00+Jan $45.00+Feb $45.00+ Mar -$59.58+ Apr $45.00+ May -$22.79 + June -$48.42 + July $45.00= $49.21
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2016 RE-STOCKING RESERVE:
2015 Fwd $217.50+Jan -$49.65 + Feb -$140.69 + Mar $25.48 + Apr +
-$5.29+May -$9.70 +$15.00+($15.74-57.55=-$41.81)= $10.84
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2016 Y-T-D HOLIDAY SEASON RESERVE:
2015 Fwd $81.51+Jan $15.00 + Feb $11.61 +$15.00+ Apr $15.00 +May $20.00 + June $15.00+ July $15.00= $188.12
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2016 Y-T-D SUMMER RESERVE:
2015 Fwd $100.00+ $537.50 Trf from Borscht Fund+Jan $15.00 + Feb $11.61+ Mar $0.00+Apr $15.00 + May -$51.21+ June $3.23 +July ($15.00-$7.38=$7.62)= $638.75
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• SUMMARY OF FUNDS Y-T-D:
$ 1,330.00 Grocery Budget JAN-JULY
$ 14.57 Redeemed Points to Purchase Groceries
($ 290.66) ADDITION TO: Misc Reserves (Re-Stocking, Xmas & Summer)
$ 389.46 REDUCTION TO: Misc Reserves (Re-Stocking, Xmas & Summer)
($ 49.21) Trf to US Grocery Reserve Net of 2016 Spending
($ 14.57) Set in reserve to offset Redeemed Points
($ 1,391.66) Actual CASH SPENT
$ 12.07 OVER Y-T-D SPENDING
• VALUE POINTS REDEEMED Y-T-D:
$ 4.69 Skim Milk- 3,100 MORE Pts – JAN
$ 5.19 Whole Milk- 3,100 MORE Pts – FEB
$ 4.69 Skim Milk- 3,100 MORE Pts – MAY
$ 14.57 Total $ Value of Points Redeemed
THE VALUE will be added month to month to our Holiday Reserve for next Christmas.
So far $1,330.00 has been budgeted Y-T-D for 2016 and we have recorded $595.54 of these funds as “spent” and in fact they have been “saved”:
$ 10.84 Freezer Re-Stocking Fund
$ 188.12 Holiday Season Fund
$ 638.75 Summer Season Fund
$ 49.21 US Shopping Reserve
$ 14.37 Points Redeemed Reserve
OUR CURRENT TOTAL UNUSED RESERVES ARE $901.29. This means the $936.51 that we carried forward from 2015 PLUS AN ADDITIONAL $595.54 that we have added in 2016, LESS $630.76 that we have drawn out for use in 2016.
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The valid rain checks I hold are as follows:
Safeway:
6 x Compliments Garden Salad 340g @ $0.99 ea – Good until Aug 11/16
32 x 1L Diet Pesi @ $0.50 per bottle – Good until Nov 20/16
I am still pouting that I forgot the bell pepper rain check. That’s a first for me but hubby has done it a few times in the past. I guess life happens huh?
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This week’s BREAKFAST menu plan:
HUBBY: Earl Grey Tea with Lemon Juice + Bagels/English Muffins with fat free cream cheese spread, peanut butter or Cheez Whiz, toaster waffles, hot cross buns OR Rice Krispies cereal with skim milk
MYSELF: Tetley Tea with Skim Milk & Equal + yogurt, apples, bananas or hard boiled eggs
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This week’s LUNCH menu plan:
MON: Chilled Shrimp Pasta Salad & Red Skin Potato Salad with Honey Dill Dressing for Picnic and Walk at for a picnic lunch & walk at the BC Hydro Dam
TUES: Egg Salad Sandwiches with Carrot & Celery Sticks for our Picnic and Walk at Mill Lake after we finish our exercise class in Abbotsford
WED: PB&J Sandwiches with Apples – we are in Vancouver for the day at a number of financial appointments
THURS: Lunch in Abbotsford with my Dad, check out the Flaman Fitness store, hit the Krause Berry Farms in Langley & JD Farms for fresh turkey
FRI: Picnic of Carrot Spice Bread with Coleslaw at Foreshore Park in Burnaby…it’s a beautiful walk along the river
SAT: Oriental Cabbage Salad, Vegetable Loaded Breakfast Casserole & Watermelon Jalapeno Virgin Margaritas to take on our little picnic and walk at Pitt Lake
SUN: Mediterranean Pasta Caesar Toss
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This week’s DINNER menu plan:
MON: Artichoke and Spinach Enchiladas then a walk at Kanaka Creek Park
TUES: Ultimate Southwest Scramble with Foil Pack Onions & Potatoes & Foil Pack Mushrooms
WED: The Noodle House in North Vancouver with MIL & SIL
THURS: Olive Garden for the all you can eat salad for me & soup & salad for hubby
FRI: Creamy Tomato Soup with Green Apple Cornbread
SAT: BBQ Salmon and Spicy Fruit Salsa with Caesar Salad
SUN: Hungarian Mushroom Soup
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Hi Mary!!!
Another week another grocery shop. Fun stuff. Grocery shopping is actually relaxing for both the wife and I after a hectic week. What is different about Hungarian mushroom soup compared to traditional? Hmm, maybe I will try some enchiladas again one of these days. I made them once and they turned out great. I need to learn about downsizing portions now that the wife isn’t eating the same foods. This stops me from making more traditional foods like I used to. I might have a run into Value Village to see if I can find any smaller baking dishes so I can portion meals a bit smaller. Will Safeway give you that many bottles on 1 rain check or does he go in multiple times? Ha, we’ve done that before. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hoopla of the grocery store environment that we forget things. Ah well. Great deal on the ice-cream. The raspberry one sounds delicious. We still have a bucket in the freezer from months ago. We’re not big ice-cream eaters only because we keep it in the basement. Such a chore to run down and scoop. lol. Well done Mary!! Enjoy your Roma tomatoes (my fav). You get ballot #14. Happy Shopping. Mr.CBB
Yes actually Safeway will give us that many bottles…if they have them. That’s 2 cases + 2 bottles. I don’t mind paying the price for pop when it’s 50 cents a bottle. We both load up our drinks with ice so a one litre bottle will give us each 2 drinks each!
Our ice cream is in the bottom of the deep freeze & it’s a great way to portion control our consumption…you have to really want it to dig down that far! 🙂
The Hungarian Mushroom Soup… think paprika and of course my dill! It’s summer, what’s a recipe without fresh dill? Here’s a link for the recipe:
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/17897/hungarian-mushroom-soup/
Yearly grocery budget for 4 adults and 2 cats -$7800.00
(The above total does not include the stockpile budget of $300/year or $25/month.
Points Overview (add any other sections you need to show us your savings)
Total Grocery Budget for the Month:$650.00
Total Grocery Budget with any carry-overs $650.00
Total Gift Cards used to date: $140
Total Rewards Points redeemed this week: $0
Total Rewards Points used to date: $0
PC Points Plus Earned to date: 40760
Scanning Code of Practice (SCOP) to date $0
Coupon Apps (add any other apps you use to save money)
Zweet to cash out : $10.25
Checkout51 to cash out : $24.25
Our Grocery Shop This Week
Foodland #1
72 count Tetley teabags -5.49
1 Cheerios -3.99
1 jug water -5.49
1 vinegar -3.19
1 jar gherkins pickles -2.49
1 can pineapple tidbits -1.19
1 block cheese -6.99
2 4l milk @4.99
1 ice cream -4.19
Bananas -.35
1 Apple onion sausage -4.66
Total OOP -$45.97
Canadian Tire
2 bags sugar @1.66
2 Folgers coffee @7.99
1 20dr Charmin TP -9.99
Total OOP -$30.95
Farmers Market
2 organic tomatoes @.50
1 bags purple beans -2.00
Total OOP -$3.00
Foodland #2
1 jug water -5.49
1kg Kraft PB -3.99
2 cases ginger ale @3.69
2 packs tetra juices @2.98
2 cans pineapple tidbits @1.19
2 blocks Cracker Barrel cheese @5.99
2 4l milk @4.99
Bananas -1.53
1 blueberry maple sausage -5.26, 30% discount-1.58
1 Apple onion sausage -4.66, 50% discount-2.33
1 grated Parmesan cheese -(.21
1 bagels -3.99
1 raisin bread -3.99, .50 coupon
Tax -.96
Total OOP -$68.35, 3.91 discounts and .50 coupon
Total to spend this month : $650
Stockpile budget 2016 : $25.00
Stockpile budget used this month: $27.96
Total coupons used this week: $.50
Total coupons used to date: $96.62
Total in-store discounts this week:$3.91
Total in-store discounts to date: $127.41
Total spent this week: $45.97+ $30.95+ $3.00+ $68.35
Total spent so far this month: $631.00
Total over/Under spend this shop: under
Total over/Under spend for the month: Under- 19.00
Total left to spend for the month: $19.00
Total Spent To Date 2016: (does not include stockpile budget) Jan $579.69+ Feb $628.96+ March $605.28+ April $584.23+ May $475.36+ June $747.58+ July $631.00+
Weekly Overview (your final thoughts)
Made it under for the month and the week!! Even with a few extras to stash away for later like the extra coffee!! The Checkout 51 rebate of $2.00 each will help come December too! Next week hubby has an appointment in town so I can hit up No Frills for some deals and such. All in all I am pleased with July’s groceries. I have to go hunting for reduced goodies at Foodland but I find them. Other than a cart of things sitting by the aisle most of the reduced items are mixed in with regular priced things and I go over the flyers with a fine tooth comb for specials!!
Hi Christine,
Why do you think the shop offers 30% and 50% off products? Do you think it’s the date code that makes the difference? I noticed one of our shops went from 50% to 30% and both the wife and I sighed, lol. We love 50% off stuff but it depends the area of the store I guess in our city. We ran out of instant coffee this week so out came a can of coffee which makes the world of difference. We’re just too lazy in the morning to make a pot but have plenty of cans in the cold room. I did see the $2 on Checkout51 which is a great deal to stock up with. Do the employees at the store every approach you with reduced offers because they know you? or do you get a heads up? You get ballot 15. Well done for July. Mr.CBB
I think the discounts on the meat are because the product has been there a little longer than they like, maybe not selling as quickly as they would like. The higher discount is nice but I’ll take what I can find. I figure every little bit helps. I haven’t had anyone ask me about reduced product yet ther but I keep thinking I might ask the meat manager the best time to find those discounts. I make the one pot of coffee for the older boy as he is the one to drink it. If he happens to get up first he makes his own. The coffee is ready, just add water to the coffee maker…
OMG yes ask the meat manager. Where we live he told us if we found a certain date that he would mark it down. They check every day for short dates. This is why you should become friends with the people at your grocery store!! 🙂 Thanks for the post idea. lol. Mr.CBB I just put a pot of coffee on now. 🙂
month of July 1-31 2016
Name Your Store: i.e. Superstore (Canada)
Total Coupons Used: $1.26 (superbucks)
Total Out Of Pocket: $
Gift card-1.69
PC points redeemed—=$30.00
plastic bag rebate- $0.10
sugar- 8 @ $1.99 = $11.94
brown sugar – 2 @ 1.99 = $3.98
reduced produce 8 pkgs @ $1.49 =$11.92
garlic naan bread 3 @ $.99 = $2.97
roasted pepper and paprika hummus $4.49 (reduced) =$2.24
Name Your Store: i.e. Fraser’s Bakery(Canada)
Total Coupons Used: $
Total Out Of Pocket: $0.50
squares …(reduced)=$0.50
Name Your Store: i.e. Lawton’s Pharmacy (Canada)
Total Coupons Used: $
Total Out Of Pocket: $3.00
canned vegs 6 @ 2/$1.00= $3.00
Name Your Store: i.e. Giant Tiger (Canada)
Total Coupons Used: $
Total Out Of Pocket: $16.20
toilet paper-$4.99
227g spinach (reduced) 2 @ $0.50= $1.00
227g mushrooms- $1.97
2l blueberry cheesecake ice cream- $1.77
2l vanilla ice cream- $1.77
cantaloupe- (reduced) =$0.99
thick n rich pasta sauce 2 @ $0.99= $1.98
aylmer diced tomatoes=$0.99
Name Your Store: i.e. Bulk Barn (Canada)
Total Coupons Used: $3.00+$4.05=7.05
Total Out Of Pocket: $12.15+8.22=20.37
sesame honey almonds =$4.39
baking powder= $1.79
raisins= $1.02
dates= $0.59
black mission figs= $1.05
turkish apricots= $5.65
black mission figs =$1.78
Nutiva Buttery coconut oil-$10.49
Name Your Store: i.e. MacQuarries Pharmasave (Canada)
Total Coupons Used: $
Total Out Of Pocket: $13.72+$7.25=20.97
3 lbs onions- $1.99
canned baked beans 2 @ .89= $1.78
3 lbs apple= $2.49
3 lbs carrots- $1.49
2.2L Xtra laundry detergent 2 @$1.99= $3.98
10 lbs – $1.99
close-up toothpaste 100ml- Free 2 @$0.79=$1.58 (realised when we got home, cashier didn’t ring them in) =-$0.00
4 boxes chocolate candy @$0.57= $2.36
tea biscuits $3.65 (reduced)= $1.68
12 pk hamburg buns- $1.99
canned corn- $0.89
Name Your Store: i.e. Masstown Market (Canada)
Total Coupons Used: $
Total Out Of Pocket: $1.50+$2.15 +$1.30+$1.80=$6.75
bakery $2.99 (reduced) =$1.49
bakery $4.29 (reduced)=$2.14
Bakery- $1.30
Bakery – $1.79
Name Your Store: i.e. Sobeys (Canada)
Total Coupons Used: $
Total Out Of Pocket: $11.34
Gift card-(Purchased with cash) =
Gift card-$11.38+13.63+$21.37=$46.38
redeemed Airmiles- $
4L milk 2 @$5.69= $11.38
tomatoes $1 lb= $1.63
tomato soup 8 @ 2/$1.00= $4.00
cream mushroom soup 8 @ 2/$1.00= $4.00
veg soup 8 @ 2/$1.00= $4.00
4L milk 2 @$5.69= $11.38
Imperial Margarine – 3lbs – 2 @$2.99=$5.98
large eggs 4 doz @$1.99=$7.96
whole chicken=$7.39
Name Your Store: i.e. Avery’s Farm Markets (Canada)
Total Coupons Used: $
Total Out Of Pocket: $9.82
haddock= $4.58
red peppers=$1.73
green peppers=$1.24
green peppers- $0.62
bananas (77c lb) =$1.65
Overall for the month of July 2016
$ 0.50+3.00+16.20+12.15+13.72+4.93+11.34+9.82+8.22+$1.80+$7.25= $88.93out of pocket
$3.00+ $1.26 + $0.10 +4.05 =$8.41 (coupon and star bucks)
$11.38+$13.63+ $1.69+$21.37 = $51.07 gift cards
$ airmiles/ pc points redeemed to pay for the groceries
$- $30.00 PC pts (I use my PC points and Air miles to buy them- gift cards )
Do the above for each receipt you have then copy the template below and paste it to the bottom of your shop so we can see your results.
Points Overview (add any other sections you need to show us your savings)
Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $216.67 (averages $50 week)..includes toiletries, cleaning supplies,
Total Grocery Budget with any carry-overs $
Total Gift Cards used to date: =$
Code of Practice (SCOP) to date $3.50 (january)
Coupon Apps (add any other apps you use to save money)
Snap Groupon to date: $0
Zweet to date: $0
Cart Smart to date: $0
Checkout51 to date: $0
GROCERY SHOP THIS WEEK (add any other sections you need to show expenses and savings)
Stockpile budget 2015 ($0.00): $0
Stockpile budget used to date: $0
Total coupons used this week: $0
Total coupons used to date: $15.31 (Jan)+25.48 (Feb)+ $14.59 (March) +$20.14 (April) + $12.37 (May)+$14.49 (June)+ $8.41 (July) =$110.79
Total in-store discounts this week: $0.00
Total in-store discounts to date: 0.00
Total spent this week: $0
Total spent so far this month: $Total over/Under spend this shop: $
Total over/Under spend for the month $under spent $=$618.88(Jan-July)
Total left to spend for the month : $
Total Spent To Date 2016: (does not include stockpile budget) $218.21 (jan) +$118.78 (Feb) +$141.90 ( Mar)+ $150.20 (Apr) + $104.62 (May)+$76.71 (June) + $88.93= $899.35
Weekly Overview (your final thoughts): Many of our ‘reduced produce’ are big servings that last for 2-3 meals. Trying to eat everything before they go bad, can be a challenge, but we do pretty good. Eggs seem to be a once a month purchase, to get the $1.99 price.Stocking up on the canned pantry supplies while on sale, are well worth it. This month I only bought a chicken & bag of haddock, but we had lots more meat in the freezer. Very pleased overall.
I do shop at a lot of different places over the course of a month 🙂
Hi Kathryn
I know what you mean about trying to eat stuff before it goes off after you buy it reduced. Produce is tough so we clean it, chop it or eat it the same week. If eggs go on sale it’s great to buy as many dozen you will use in a month as they are perfectly fine in the refrigerator plus you can freeze them once you crack them. We’ve had instances where the cashier forgot to ring something in but oh well. I’m not wasting my time and gas to go back and pay for it. Better training or chalk it up to error. Great shops this month. You seem to have the same mindset as the Mrs. and I. You inspire us. You get ballot 16. Mr.CBB
Grocery budget for the week: $70 ( this includes food and personal care supplies for two adults)
Name of store: Walmart
Items:
5lbs bag of Russet potatoes – $2.47
750g bag of frozen vegetables ( Great value brand) – $2.27
A bunch of scallions – $0.77
Dempsters Bagel (6 bagels) – $3.28
Small bag of white corn ( for making popcorn) – $2.68
Great value 12 pack stirred yogurt – $ 4.87
Bag of garden salad – $ 1.77
Cranberry juice – $ 2.97
Equate double pack make up wipes (120 wipes) – $7.99
Corn on cob (4) – $2.47
Bath tissue ( great value brand) -$5.97
12 large eggs (great value) -$1.67
Small reuseable fabric bag ( I use these as a lunch bag) – $0.77
Total after taxes: $ 40.61
Name of store: Sobeys
Items:
6 Gala Apples- $5.51
2 organic avocados ( these were cheaper than the non-organic ones) – $ 3.98
Large bunch of bananas – $2.71
1 large English cucumber – $1.29
Stew cut pork -$4.73. ( for crockpot pork stew)
Two servings of tenderized pork cutlets ( made burgers with these) – $2.82
2 white dinner buns -$0.78
Total after tax – $ 21.82
Grand total for this week’s grocery – $62.43
Meals we made this week included: crock pot pork stew, chicken stir fry with rice ( chicken left over from last week grocery haul), korean rice omelette ( stir fry rice with vegetables wrapped in an omelette), pork burgers, salads, bagel egg and avocado sandwiches, oatmeal with berries ( frozen berries from last week grocery haul and oatmeal from our pantry stash). Didn’t get to the corn on the cob this week. Had a take home meal that served as a free Monday night dinners hat came from a birthday party at Eastside Mario’s last Sunday. Now that is a great restaurant, unlimited garlic bread and salad which we filled up on that when the main meal came around, we just packed it up to go home with more of the unlimited salad. Even my sister who is some what gluten sensitive indulged in a little too much garlic bread. Luckily, our friends at the party are also on a budget so no one was looking at us funny with all the extra doggie bags we took home. Most people do lunch to save money at restaurants. I find that dinner can save money too, as the portions are bigger in family style restaurants that you can get two meals for one.
Hi NDI,
Welcome to the Grocery Game Challenge!!
Were the gala apples organic? They seem a bit pricey for this time of year when apples are in season. Sobey’s can be pricey though so it’s hit or miss. We’ve had organic avocado from the reduced rack many times and boy is there a difference in flavour. I think anything under $4 a bag is reasonable. I’m not one to spend $5 on 2 avocado… too much money.
The very first restaurant I ate at when I landed in Canada was East Side Marios!! I liked the unlimited salad and bread too. I’ve been back with the wife a couple of times over the years.
Great deal on the eggs. We eat tonnes of eggs here so that would be a steal for us.
Are you cooking for 2?
I see you add your health and beauty into your grocery budget as well.
There is one portion of the GGC you are missing, the numbers which is very important.
I will paste it below here so you know what I’m talking about.
Below is the basic GGC version that I’ve created and you can add to it as you wish like Mary has done. Have a look at her GGC post in the comments and you’ll see what I mean. Or just use this below plus list what store you shopped at and what you bought like you have already done above. That’s it. 🙂 If you have any questions just let us know. 🙂 Mr.CBB You get ballot 3 Mr.CBB
Yearly grocery budget for (fill this in.. 1 , 2 ,3 people etc.)
Points Overview (add any other sections you need to show us your savings)
Total Grocery Budget for the Month:$
Total Grocery Budget with any carry-overs $
Total Gift Cards used to date: $
Total Rewards Points redeemed this week: $0
Total Rewards Points used to date: $0
PC Points Plus Earned to date:
Scanning Code of Practice (SCOP) to date $0
Coupon Apps (add any other apps you use to save money)
Zweet to cash out : $
Checkout51 to cash out : $
Total to spend this month : $
Stockpile budget 2016 : $
Stockpile budget used this month: $0
Total coupons used this week: $0
Total coupons used to date: $
Total in-store discounts this week:$
Total in-store discounts to date: $
Total spent this week: $
Total spent so far this month:
Total over/Under spend this shop:
Total over/Under spend for the month:
Total left to spend for the month: $
Total Spent To Date 2016: (does not include stockpile budget):
Weekly Overview (your final thoughts)