Here is an email I received from a reader:
Hi,I’m sure you get plenty of emails, but I had a question that I thought others might be interested in as well. I’m new to couponing (and love it!), but not having much experience I am curious if there is any sort of list or resource outlining the stockpile prices for items? I’m not always sure if something is a good deal or a great deal (unless of course its free, lol).Thanks for your blog – I’m especially glad to find someone who makes note of natural and organic items!Laura
Unfortunately, knowing your stockpile stock-up prices is knowledge that is gained over time, and can vary a lot by region and shopper. My stock-up price for something can be totally different from yours.
But the reader has me curious. Have you guys seen or found an online list anywhere that was made specifically for newbies who want to know general stock-up prices? If you have found something like this, please share it with us!
And I’d also love to hear what your stock-up prices are for staples like bread, milk, cheese, meat ect…
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{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh, thank you so much for posting this!! I will be eagerly waiting insight from the other readers
Here is a list that is posted on PYP: http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88830&highlight=stock+list
I think that this is extremely variable by region.
For example, we won’t pay more than $2/gal of milk. We routinely see it on sale for $1.75-$1.90,so we stock up at those times and only buy if we absolutely need to when not on sale.
I agree that this is knowledge accrued over time.
Perhaps start w/ 10 items that you buy most frequently (milk, bread, pop, peanut butter, etc.) and make a price book.
As a standard, house brands are cheapest and you will get the best buys when there is the maximum combo of 1) item on sale, 2) manufacturer coupon(s) and 3) store coupon(s).
You may also want to search for a blog like this one that is based in your area.
I have 20-30 blogs like this in my RSS feeder that I monitor daily.
I’ve seen a list like this, but I’ll have to do some research and see if I can find it again. I’ll come back and post it when I find it. Hmm…where was that….
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I learned by cheating. I started out doing the Grocery Game. It is an inexpensive service that gives you a list of the best deals each week. After doing that for a year, I have been going on my own for about 6 months. If you are having trouble figuring out stock up prices or finding time to keep up with everything, I highly recommend you check out the Grocery Game. They even have a free 4 week trial going on right now. I promise I don’t work for them, just a satisfied former customer.
while i dont know of a specific site… i have a rule for stocking up.. only if its under 75% off- most of the items in my stockpile are usually under 50 cents each.or free. i guess everyone needs to have a cut off price set in their head and keep to it.
here’s a link to a “buy price list” on southernsavers.com. it’s a good start. i gradually tweaked it for my own needs.
http://southernsavers.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/buy-price-list2.pdf
I think the hillbilly housewife has a list of what general staple items cost.I printed off the list and just made adjustments for what prices are in my area or added items we use on a regular basis that were not included on the list. http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com
My cut off price for basic items is under $1 (ie – cereal, snacks, sauces, etc.) Stock up price for milk is $1.99 (usually it’s over $3 near me). Ground beef – $1.79/lb; chicken – .99 cents; Other “good” meats – $1.99
Ok onehere is one list that I found. Still isn’t the one I was thinking about though.
http://krazycouponlady.blogspot.com/2009/05/10-days-to-become-kcl-day-7.html
I try to stay at 75% off like lucy. I think it kinda depends on the stage you are at with couponing-newbie or experienced. I found that as I learned more and more time passed my price points lowered. It really is a learned process.
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Here’s my stockup prices on some of my most commonly used items:
Chicken Breast (boneless): $1.89/lb or less (everyday price at PriceRite is about $2.19/lb)
Pasta: Whole grain or Ronzoni SmartTaste only- 50¢ or less per box
Laundry Detergent: $1 per bottle or less- name brand only
I also have a few other items that I don’t necessarily “stock up” on, but I wait for a sale. For example, Brita filters will go on sale for $14.99 for a 3 pack, that’s the only time I’ll buy them.
Some things I won’t buy at all unless they’re free or a moneymaker- toothpaste is one of them. Things I’ll only pay less than 50¢ or so for: shampoo, bodywash, mouthwash, dish soap, junk food, cake mixes.
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This one seems like a good list:
http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88830&page=1&pp=10&highlight=price+point
Laura,
I have several coupons in a box that I will never use. I don’t wear makeup so there are tons of those. my family is very picky so there is a lot of food coupons that I can’t use. And some cleaning coupons.
Please let me know if you are interested in them and I can just mail them to you. Or who ever is new to this that need a start.
Here is Jenny from Southern Savers list:
http://southernsavers.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/buy-price-list2.pdf
Here’s the price book for my area (Central NC) which might be helpful to some… http://www.newsobserver.com/business/pricebook/
My diaper price point is .20 or less, yesterday I paid .19 @ BJ’s. I also on buy frozen meals (Healthy Choice/Marie Callender) if I can get them for $1/box.
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Thanks Rei, that is a really good one. I have been wanting to start a log but then my mind goes blank about what products I buy. Now all I have to do is fill in my prices! Thanks!
I have been couponing haphazardly for awhile, so I can’t say definitively what my stock up prices are, but cheese for $0.99/8 oz. block (right now at Kroger) is one of the best ones. I like cheese for less than $1.50, chicken for less than $2, and toiletries for free:-).
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hey i had the same question and i found a GENERAL list at southernsavers.com she has a list of items and what she would pay.. I love looking at it and seeing how close my “prices” are:)
oh goodness what a great post! I definately have prices that I don’t LIKE to pay over: cereal ($1), and things that I NEVER buy without coupons (unless necessity kicks in) … diapers, wipes, cereal, etc. But the things that I stock up on and almost always have plenty of because I grab a couple everytime a deal comes along are: Tinfoil (walgreens), Toilet paper, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Lotion / Soap / Body Wash = these items can almost always be found for FREE to a quarter if you want and stock up when the sales or Register Rewards hit. I am excited to see what others stock up on!
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This is one of the biggest money saving tips of all–knowing how much you pay for items! When I teach a class, I give them a simple form with these categories:
Item, ex.: Bar Soap
Unit Size, ex.: 1 Bar
Regular Price, ex.: .58
Stockpile Price, ex.: .33
I have them fill out the list for items they purchase regularly. To get their stockpile price, they have to pay attention to sales and coupons. You can be more specific on the item if you are brand loyal or generic if you’ll take whatever cheapest.
This also works great for people I can’t convert to using coupons. It still creates and awareness for sales cycles, buying when the price is low, and knowing how much your stuff is worth to you.
And Milk is a GREAT deal here at $2.50! That’s another example of regional variance!
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I’m a fan of pinchingyourpennies as well! Most items go on sale every 12 weeks. This site lets you pick your store based on the state you live in, see everything on sale in a nice list format, know if it’s worth stocking up (4 or 5 star red items), and then let’s you know if there’s a coupon(s) available for the item.
On that site there is also a price guide to know the best prices for anything you could buy and how they determine if the item is worth buying. They have great vidoe tutorials for setting up your coupon binder and getting better acquainted with coupons as well!
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Wow, the responses are so helpful! I use southernsavers frequently and had even looked there for a list — though clearly not well enough! And then today she mentioned the link in a post. What funny timing. The other sites you all mentioned look great as well. And I think I’m at least in the ballpark for figuring prices, based on what some of you reported. Thanks so much!!
I just found a total free service similar to the Grocery Game. It’s http://www.couponmom.com, and all they ask is that you donate some items to your local food bank each week. They have lists for everywhere – grocery stores across the country, CVS, Target, etc. The site is definitely a little much – lots going on – but I think the lists are a huge find! And you don’t have to wait until Sunday for them to update (like on Grocery Game).
My story: I started by borrowing Teri Gault’s “Shop Smart, Save More” book from my local library. I read the entire book (which I totally recommend). I then did the 4 weeks for $1 deal on Teri’s website, grocerygame.com. Shortly after I found this blog (my fav) and then others. I feel like I’m really getting it. I’ll soon be canceling my grocerygame subscription and going out on my own!