Unit price frustration @ grocery store

[ArtsyMomma]

Uggh. I've been stocking my pantry and spent about 4 hours at the grocery store last night - using my coupons and comparing prices ($300 worth of groceries for $200!! YAY).

The coffee I drink is actually cheaper in the smaller container! I usually buy the smaller anyway, but I go through 1 container a week. My eco-friendly side was tempted to buy the larger container because of the waste - I didn't this time, but I'm considering it for next time. I do re-use the containers, but still.

Hot Cocoa - the kids have been asking - was MORE expensive in the bulk container than in the individual packets!

How is it even possible for smaller quantites to be MORE expensive per unit than the larger bulk ones??? All that extra waste too!

[annethcz]

I know, isn't that annoying? It pits my frugal side against my environmentally-friendly side. Sadly, I usually go the frugal way...

[greenluv]

Yeah, I really had an eye opening experience not too long ago. I was comparing unit price and found that the shelf tag was incorrect. Not a big deal to me at the time but I did find it interesting. I made a mental note to check other items and found that several of those UP's were off, too.

I should keep track and see how this works out. Now I'm wondering how common this issue is?

[llamalluv]

what was the breakdown of the individual packets versus the large container? And were you going by the weight or the servings? I've found the packets have more powder in them than I actually need for a cup of cocoa, so using servings is not at all helpful to me, and the container is usually the better deal when I get it on sale.

[bobandjess99]

I hate that!!! so annoying. For example, in general, the medium-size ketchups tend to bne the cheapest, per ounce.....

[mightymoo]

I think they probably do it because people are used to buying the biggest now a days for things they buy regularly, they don't want to run out and they think its cheaper that way. However, they want the smaller ones cheaper to help entice you into trying it maybe.

I get frustrated because our grocery store's per unit prices will be for different units for the same products. Like one is per pound and the other is per ounce.

[mum4boys]

Originally Posted by mightymoo

I get frustrated because our grocery store's per unit prices will be for different units for the same products. Like one is per pound and the other is per ounce.

All the stores around here do that. I was beginning to think it was to personally annoy me.

[ArtsyMomma]

Originally Posted by greenluv

Yeah, I really had an eye opening experience not too long ago. I was comparing unit price and found that the shelf tag was incorrect. Not a big deal to me at the time but I did find it interesting. I made a mental note to check other items and found that several of those UP's were off, too.

I should keep track and see how this works out. Now I'm wondering how common this issue is?

That happened to me a few times last night. I used my calculator to figure things out based on the net weight and the price. I get the feeling it's a common issue.

[ArtsyMomma]

Originally Posted by llamalluv

what was the breakdown of the individual packets versus the large container? And were you going by the weight or the servings? I've found the packets have more powder in them than I actually need for a cup of cocoa, so using servings is not at all helpful to me, and the container is usually the better deal when I get it on sale.

I was going by weight, I didn't even look at the servings.

[ArtsyMomma]

Originally Posted by mum4boys

All the stores around here do that. I was beginning to think it was to personally annoy me.

Haha, I think they do it to confuse people and discourage them from basing their purchase on the unit price.

[bobandjess99]

Originally Posted by mum4boys

All the stores around here do that. I was beginning to think it was to personally annoy me.

Yes, there is a secret sign in the back of the store,it says "use different units of measure when posting price per unti just to annoy Heidi!":

[llamalluv]

Originally Posted by ArtsyMomma

Haha, I think they do it to confuse people and discourage them from basing their purchase on the unit price.

That's exactly why they do it. They get within the letter of the law, but not the spirit.