SAVE a Fortune at Costco & Walmart

[canabiz]

Optimum points: aren't you paying for them through the markup?

I can see odd things you want quickly, such as eucalyptus oil. I imagine health food stores would carry it, though. But for the majority of things you might buy: antiperspirant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, shaving, etc. the markup is significant and unnecessary. Plus it is another store to stop at, versus a minute or two detour when you're shopping for food.

andrew, I am not an expert on Optimum points so I will defer that to those who actively collect and redeem them to answer your question.

Health food stores will certainly carry eucalyptus oil. The question is how much they charge and they are generally located in shopping malls/trendy areas and not so much out in the 'burbs where I live. This is very much a *niche* product and I doubt it is going to be any cheaper at the health food stores.

Shoppers typically has a very competitive price for milk and eggs and the oddballs like watch batteries (unless you want to buy on eBay from Hong Kong and wait minimum of 3 weeks for it to arrive). I do agree with you about the high markups on personal hygiene stuff though and what I normally do is look at the flyers and pick up items on sale (after comparing with major competitors of course). There are a few Shoppers within driving and walking distance from my work/office so it's actually pretty convenient for me to visit them.

[HaroldCrump]

Large discount retailers like Wal-Mart and Real Canadian Superstore carry eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, and many other kinds of fancy voodoo oils, etc.
The only difference could perhaps be the variety of selection.

Watch batteries would be cheapest at Wal-Mart or Canadian Tire as well.

I see no reason to shop at Shoppers, in fact, I can't even remember when I went in there last.

[canabiz]

Large discount retailers like Wal-Mart and Real Canadian Superstore carry eucalyptus oil , tea tree oil, and many other kinds of fancy voodoo oils, etc.
The only difference could perhaps be the variety of selection.

Watch batteries would be cheapest at Wal-Mart or Canadian Tire as well.

I see no reason to shop at Shoppers, in fact, I can't even remember when I went in there last.

Harold, this has definitely not been my experience and could vary by regions

I asked clerks and even pharmacist techs at a local Wal-Mart and Superstore in Ottawa if they have eucalyptus oil and if so can they help me find it and the answer in both cases were No.

I asked them if they might have carried that in the past and is now simply out of stock and the answer is typical generic bullcrap e.g. Not too sure.

I had no choice but to pick up a bottle at a nearby Shoppers as I was not about to drive again to save a few bucks.

Like they said, YMMV.

[Four Pillars]

I always wondered why people shop at Shoppers. They neocitran example is typical. They are often 50% higher than other competitors. You can easily spend $10-$20 more than you have to vs buying your personal care items at the grocery store. It's outrageous.

I imagine part of it is convenience. If I want one or two items and a Shoppers is more convenient than a grocery store - I'll do Shoppers without hesitation.

[HaroldCrump]

Harold, this has definitely not been my experience and could vary by regions
I asked clerks and even pharmacist techs at a local Wal-Mart and Superstore in Ottawa if they have eucalyptus oil and if so can they help me find it and the answer in both cases were No.

Those kinds of speciality items are usually in the health food/natural section or near the pharmacy.
A our local Wal-Mart, eucalyptus oil is near the pharmacy.
Probably varies by region, as you suggest.
Could also be size of the store i.e. a smaller Wal-Mart vs. a full size Supercenter.

[blin10]

walmart + costco is all you need... I used to shop at metro and same thing costs more there, not sure why metros stock is doing so good...

[kork]

A few years back when I worked for Staples, anything ending in .97 was clearance as well.

[MrMatt]

The following works in the USA, I haven't yet tested it yet in Canada:


WALMART:
Look for the shelf prices that end in 1 cent. Example: $19.31
That means that this particular product has been reduced, but not advertised. Apparently WALMART doesn't charge 1 penny on their pricing of any other products. Just wander the isles looking at the price tags, until you find one with the 1 cent ending. Then looksat the product to see if it is something you want. This can save you lots of money and you can get lots of products you're wanting.

COSTCO:
Look for shelf prices ending in 97 cents. Example $19.97
This type of pricing for Costco means they are selling for less than cost.

Many retailers use the last cent as an internal code. Some sales will be for things like "10% off everything (excludes items ending in .98)"
It's a standard practice.

I do have a question though, how does this save me any money? Assuming they're selling a loss leader, what's the big deal. If I need it, I would have looked for the best price and ended up here. If I didn't need it, knowing this and buying it means I am spending money I wouldn't have otherwise spent?

the way to save a fortune at Costco & walmart (and everywhere else) is buy what you need now, or will use in a reasonable amount of time, and don't buy stuff you don't need just because it's a "good deal".

[SheaButters]

I used to work at Costco and .97 is below cost
.98 is at cost (although you RARELY see this)
If it's a floor model/last one, you can talk to a manager and get a minimum 10% off as well

Most .97 items don't last more than a day at costco, thats why you buy them now, if you plan on needing / using them
and if your city is terrible like mine (winnipeg), if you buy a furniture piece at 299.97, you can actually go on kijiji and sell it easily for 500 bucks (a 165 dollar profit)

Costco doesn't have limits either


*Edit, Costco also does not jack up any of their prices for more than 14% of the valued item
I believe the average is around 8-12%
So when you want to buy a diamond ring, you can pay for a 14% mark up at costco
or 200% mark up at the jeweler store down the street

[Plugging Along]

I do have a question though, how does this save me any money? Assuming they're selling a loss leader, what's the big deal. If I need it, I would have looked for the best price and ended up here. If I didn't need it, knowing this and buying it means I am spending money I wouldn't have otherwise spent?

the way to save a fortune at Costco & walmart (and everywhere else) is buy what you need now, or will use in a reasonable amount of time, and don't buy stuff you don't need just because it's a "good deal".

Well, I am total bargain shopper and look for these types of deals all the time. I will usually by things that I need, or know that I will need in the future. I also do this for gifts, where I know I can use it as a gift for someone. My family and kids gets invited to a lot of parties and events. For kids toys and clothing I will look for the really good deals, and may buy them even if not needed. Just picked up a whole bunch of summer clothes on clearance in the US for next year for the kids. They were .97 each and no tax. Anything that I bought too much of or the girls don't like, will either get gifted, or donated to those in need.

Same thing with toys and other great deals. I just bought some great board games for $5 each. They are generic, and good for those birthday invites that came at last minute or for some reason I didn't know about. I bought some really nice and expensive gourmet food items for 75% off. I will use them to make host baskets for under $20 each worth over $70. I bought all these items not knowing exactly what I would use them for. However, after I left the US, I got two party invites for next week as soon as I get home. Instead of rushing out at night to buy a gift at regular price, I already have the item.

For me , I have saved money and time. There are times that I do buy too much, and no longer have the need. For example I was buying a lot of baby stuff when my kids where still babies and all my friends were having babies. At the end, I kept a couple of presents just in case, and then I donated them to. Hearties and fund raisers. I still saved a lot more than if I bought when I needed.

It has taken me along time to be the right quantities and items, and system going, but after years of practice I can usually plan for a few years in advance.