Shopping for your groceries online is convenient, but it can also lead to overspending and food waste if you’re not careful.
The ease of clicking the “add to cart” button may tempt you to make impulse purchases, leading to the purchase of more items than needed or things you already have at home. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to avoid these pitfalls. This article offers practical tips to help you maximize value, minimize waste, and ensure a more efficient online grocery shopping experience.
Make an Inventory of Your Household Essentials and Supplies
Before buying groceries online, make it a habit to check what you already have at home. Keeping an updated inventory of food, toiletries, and household products allows you to track what needs restocking ASAP and what can wait.
A simple way to do this is by maintaining a pantry or cupboard tracker. Whether you write it down on a piece of paper, your phone’s note-taking app, or a whiteboard in the kitchen, having a clear record makes it easier to keep track of the things you have at home. When reviewing your supplies, be sure to note the expiration dates of each item. Doing this helps ensure perishable goods are used before they spoil while non-perishables can be replenished promptly.
Create a Shopping List
As mentioned earlier, the convenience of online grocery shopping makes it tempting to browse and add unnecessary products. This, however, can inflate the bill, so to help you stay within your budget, creating a shopping list is essential. Even when you’re not shopping in a physical store, having a list can keep you focused and ensure you only purchase what you truly need. A list can also reduce the time you need to spend on browsing, allowing you to find what you need more quickly.
The key to an effective shopping list is to keep it organized by category, such as fresh produce, frozen foods, pantry staples, and household essentials. Doing this will make your shopping experience smoother. For this strategy to work, be sure to stick to your list to avoid making last-minute purchases that might not fit your budget.
Use Your Credit Card’s Rewards
Smart use of your credit card rewards can turn everyday grocery spending into savings. For instance, the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card by Maya offers up to 5% cashback at Landers, 2% on dining spends, and 1% on all other qualified transactions—which includes online shopping. Every time you use this credit card for everyday spending, you earn corresponding points; once you’ve earned enough, you will automatically unlock cashback vouchers. You can then use the Maya app to claim these vouchers and use them at any Landers Superstore branch. This makes the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card the best credit card for online shopping if you’re a Landers Superstore member.
Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk is an effective way to save money and reduce packaging waste. Larger quantities often come with a lower unit price, which helps you get more for your money while reducing the need for excessive packaging. However, it’s important to approach bulk-buying with caution. Not everything is worth purchasing in large quantities, and if you overestimate your household’s needs, it can lead to wasted products.
Items that you frequently use and non-perishables such as rice, pasta, canned goods, and cleaning supplies are ideal candidates for bulk buying. These items typically have a longer shelf life, so buying them in bulk can save you more money over time. Do be mindful of your storage space to ensure that you can store bulk items safely without overcrowding your pantry or causing unnecessary clutter. A well-organized pantry can help you easily manage and rotate your stock, ensuring that you use items before they expire and avoid overbuying.
Compare Prices
Although online grocery stores may carry the same products, they don’t price them the same way. Factors such as supplier agreements, promotions, and stock availability can cause price differences between retailers. That’s why comparing prices before finalizing your purchase is essential. Even though it takes a bit more time, exploring the offerings of different online grocery stores can ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money.
To make things easier, take advantage of the online store’s search and filter tools. Many platforms have these features, which you can use to sort items by price. These online stores may even have a section on their website dedicated to price drops and sales, so checking these pages before adding items to your cart can lead to additional savings.
Keep a Lookout for Sales, Promos, and Discounts
Online grocery stores often hold sales, run exclusive promotions, and offer big discounts on select items. Keeping an eye out for these shopping events allows you to stretch your budget even further. Typically, they would announce these deals on their social media accounts or their websites, making it easy to stay updated on the latest promotions. Sometimes, online stores will also release details a few weeks or days beforehand, allowing you to time your shopping strategically and take advantage of the best offers.
While these deals are a great way to reduce expenses, it’s important to remain mindful of your actual needs. Buying a product just because it’s on sale can lead to overspending or unnecessary stockpiling. As such, focus on deals that align with your shopping list and household consumption to ensure that every purchase is both practical and cost-effective.
Online grocery shopping offers incredible convenience, but to truly benefit from it, you need to take a mindful approach. Setting aside some time to plan ahead and stick to a few key strategies can help minimize waste and keep spending in check. With just a little more effort, you can make the most of your online grocery experience, ensuring it’s both efficient and cost-effective.
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