Thread: Grocery buying habits (RFC Survey)

Billy wrote:
> With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
> to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes.

We don't have a car, so we walk to do all our grocery shopping (and
to pick up our weekly organic box). (Occasionally, I take the bus,
but usually, James and I walk together.)

Serene

Billy wrote:
> With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
> to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes.

We don't have a car, so we walk to do all our grocery shopping (and
to pick up our weekly organic box). (Occasionally, I take the bus,
but usually, James and I walk together.)

Serene

On Apr 14, 8:09*pm, Billy <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom> wrote:
> With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
> to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes. *
>
> Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous at
> this time. * * Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe. *
>
> I have a designated "grocery list" that I stick to. *Like most people,
> I buy the same thing week after week. * Driving from one outlet to
> another to save ten cents isn't even in the realm of saving money,
> when gas is $3.29 at this time. * *Ok...I know your gas is cheaper at
> this time...but that will NEVER make me move to your location. * I
> live here and have to deal with MY LOCAL conditions and prices. *

For me it's all about my time. I wouldn't take the time to go to
different
stores to look for bargains; grocery shopping is stressful enough as
it is.
(If only I could just knock down some of those idiots parked in the
middle
of the aisle talking on their cellphone, my stress level would be a
lot
lower.)

However, I'm not averse to shopping ethnic groceries if I want
something
that's just not available at the supermarket. Usually those things
are
nonperishable and I only have to go once in a great while.

Cindy Hamilton

On Apr 14, 8:09*pm, Billy <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom> wrote:
> With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
> to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes. *
>
> Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous at
> this time. * * Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe. *
>
> I have a designated "grocery list" that I stick to. *Like most people,
> I buy the same thing week after week. * Driving from one outlet to
> another to save ten cents isn't even in the realm of saving money,
> when gas is $3.29 at this time. * *Ok...I know your gas is cheaper at
> this time...but that will NEVER make me move to your location. * I
> live here and have to deal with MY LOCAL conditions and prices. *

For me it's all about my time. I wouldn't take the time to go to
different
stores to look for bargains; grocery shopping is stressful enough as
it is.
(If only I could just knock down some of those idiots parked in the
middle
of the aisle talking on their cellphone, my stress level would be a
lot
lower.)

However, I'm not averse to shopping ethnic groceries if I want
something
that's just not available at the supermarket. Usually those things
are
nonperishable and I only have to go once in a great while.

Cindy Hamilton

"Cindy Hamilton" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
On Apr 14, 8:09 pm, Billy <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom> wrote:
> With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
> to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes.
>
> Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous at
> this time. Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe.
>
> I have a designated "grocery list" that I stick to. Like most people,
> I buy the same thing week after week. Driving from one outlet to
> another to save ten cents isn't even in the realm of saving money,
> when gas is $3.29 at this time. Ok...I know your gas is cheaper at
> this time...but that will NEVER make me move to your location. I
> live here and have to deal with MY LOCAL conditions and prices.

For me it's all about my time. I wouldn't take the time to go to
different
stores to look for bargains; grocery shopping is stressful enough as
it is.
(If only I could just knock down some of those idiots parked in the
middle
of the aisle talking on their cellphone, my stress level would be a
lot
lower.)


I want one of those carts with a hidden lance along the side. You get stuck
behind one of those people, hit the button, out shoots the lance, stabs them
in the arse, and then retracts into the hidden compartment. When they come
back to earth and look around you can give them the 'Alfred E. Neuman' face
and 'whaaaat?' if they say anything to you. Prove you did it, right, and
you DID get them to move.......and possibly think twice before they stop in
the aisle again.

However, I'm not averse to shopping ethnic groceries if I want
something
that's just not available at the supermarket. Usually those things
are
nonperishable and I only have to go once in a great while.


I ditto that. I plan a trip to the ethnic store whenever I need cans of
this or that which can only be found in their aisles.

-ginny

Cindy Hamilton

"Cindy Hamilton" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
On Apr 14, 8:09 pm, Billy <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom> wrote:
> With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
> to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes.
>
> Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous at
> this time. Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe.
>
> I have a designated "grocery list" that I stick to. Like most people,
> I buy the same thing week after week. Driving from one outlet to
> another to save ten cents isn't even in the realm of saving money,
> when gas is $3.29 at this time. Ok...I know your gas is cheaper at
> this time...but that will NEVER make me move to your location. I
> live here and have to deal with MY LOCAL conditions and prices.

For me it's all about my time. I wouldn't take the time to go to
different
stores to look for bargains; grocery shopping is stressful enough as
it is.
(If only I could just knock down some of those idiots parked in the
middle
of the aisle talking on their cellphone, my stress level would be a
lot
lower.)


I want one of those carts with a hidden lance along the side. You get stuck
behind one of those people, hit the button, out shoots the lance, stabs them
in the arse, and then retracts into the hidden compartment. When they come
back to earth and look around you can give them the 'Alfred E. Neuman' face
and 'whaaaat?' if they say anything to you. Prove you did it, right, and
you DID get them to move.......and possibly think twice before they stop in
the aisle again.

However, I'm not averse to shopping ethnic groceries if I want
something
that's just not available at the supermarket. Usually those things
are
nonperishable and I only have to go once in a great while.


I ditto that. I plan a trip to the ethnic store whenever I need cans of
this or that which can only be found in their aisles.

-ginny

Cindy Hamilton

I am lucky. I have 2 major grocery stores within a mile or so of my
home. I also have a very nice produce market about 2 miles from my home.
The town that I live in also has a seasonal farmers market - also very
close to home. And, I have a very large ethnic grocery store about 3
miles from home. I really don't ever have to drive far to get the best
bargains. And, if I want, I can take a trolley from work - instead of
driving. I try to do all my shopping on one day - usually Sunday.
Sometimes I go to the produce market and the DH goes to the ethnic
market. Lately, he has been doing the regular grocery shopping, but I
sometimes tag along. He hates the produce market because it is always
jam packed. It doesn't really bother me though.

Tracy

I am lucky. I have 2 major grocery stores within a mile or so of my
home. I also have a very nice produce market about 2 miles from my home.
The town that I live in also has a seasonal farmers market - also very
close to home. And, I have a very large ethnic grocery store about 3
miles from home. I really don't ever have to drive far to get the best
bargains. And, if I want, I can take a trolley from work - instead of
driving. I try to do all my shopping on one day - usually Sunday.
Sometimes I go to the produce market and the DH goes to the ethnic
market. Lately, he has been doing the regular grocery shopping, but I
sometimes tag along. He hates the produce market because it is always
jam packed. It doesn't really bother me though.

Tracy

"Virginia Tadrzynski" wrote:
> "Cindy Hamilton" wrote:
>
> For me it's all about my time. �
> If only I could just knock down some of those idiots parked
> in the middle of the aisle talking on their cellphone, my stress
> level would be a lot lower.
>
> I want one of those carts with a hidden lance along the side. �
> You get stuck behind one of those people, hit the button, out
> shoots the lance, stabs them in the arse, and then retracts into
> the hidden compartment. �When they come back to earth and
> look around you can give them the 'Alfred E. Neuman' face
> and 'whaaaat?' if they say anything to you. �Prove you did it,
> right, and you DID get them to move.......and possibly think
> twice before they stop in the aisle again.

It's almost always women who block aisles... I can get them to move as
I approach before I get within thirty feet without uttering a word...
if you've ever seen my dirty old man breast ogling technique you'd
know... I may as well be projecting those red laser dots how my eyes
burn holes in their bras.

Sheldon Underwire

"Virginia Tadrzynski" wrote:
> "Cindy Hamilton" wrote:
>
> For me it's all about my time. �
> If only I could just knock down some of those idiots parked
> in the middle of the aisle talking on their cellphone, my stress
> level would be a lot lower.
>
> I want one of those carts with a hidden lance along the side. �
> You get stuck behind one of those people, hit the button, out
> shoots the lance, stabs them in the arse, and then retracts into
> the hidden compartment. �When they come back to earth and
> look around you can give them the 'Alfred E. Neuman' face
> and 'whaaaat?' if they say anything to you. �Prove you did it,
> right, and you DID get them to move.......and possibly think
> twice before they stop in the aisle again.

It's almost always women who block aisles... I can get them to move as
I approach before I get within thirty feet without uttering a word...
if you've ever seen my dirty old man breast ogling technique you'd
know... I may as well be projecting those red laser dots how my eyes
burn holes in their bras.

Sheldon Underwire

Virginia Tadrzynski wrote:
>
> "Cindy Hamilton" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> On Apr 14, 8:09 pm, Billy <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom> wrote:
> > With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
> > to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes.
> >
> > Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous at
> > this time. Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe.
> >
> > I have a designated "grocery list" that I stick to. Like most people,
> > I buy the same thing week after week. Driving from one outlet to
> > another to save ten cents isn't even in the realm of saving money,
> > when gas is $3.29 at this time. Ok...I know your gas is cheaper at
> > this time...but that will NEVER make me move to your location. I
> > live here and have to deal with MY LOCAL conditions and prices.
>
> For me it's all about my time. I wouldn't take the time to go to
> different
> stores to look for bargains; grocery shopping is stressful enough as
> it is.
> (If only I could just knock down some of those idiots parked in the
> middle
> of the aisle talking on their cellphone, my stress level would be a
> lot
> lower.)
>
> I want one of those carts with a hidden lance along the side. You get stuck
> behind one of those people, hit the button, out shoots the lance, stabs them
> in the arse, and then retracts into the hidden compartment. When they come
> back to earth and look around you can give them the 'Alfred E. Neuman' face
> and 'whaaaat?' if they say anything to you. Prove you did it, right, and
> you DID get them to move.......and possibly think twice before they stop in
> the aisle again.

Grocery stores have security cameras and you probably want to avoid the
assault charge. Suggest an alternate that will at worst get you kicked
out of the store would be one of the nice loud pocket air horns, that'll
certainly get the attention of the aisle blockers and isn't illegal.

Virginia Tadrzynski wrote:
>
> "Cindy Hamilton" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> On Apr 14, 8:09 pm, Billy <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom> wrote:
> > With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
> > to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes.
> >
> > Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous at
> > this time. Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe.
> >
> > I have a designated "grocery list" that I stick to. Like most people,
> > I buy the same thing week after week. Driving from one outlet to
> > another to save ten cents isn't even in the realm of saving money,
> > when gas is $3.29 at this time. Ok...I know your gas is cheaper at
> > this time...but that will NEVER make me move to your location. I
> > live here and have to deal with MY LOCAL conditions and prices.
>
> For me it's all about my time. I wouldn't take the time to go to
> different
> stores to look for bargains; grocery shopping is stressful enough as
> it is.
> (If only I could just knock down some of those idiots parked in the
> middle
> of the aisle talking on their cellphone, my stress level would be a
> lot
> lower.)
>
> I want one of those carts with a hidden lance along the side. You get stuck
> behind one of those people, hit the button, out shoots the lance, stabs them
> in the arse, and then retracts into the hidden compartment. When they come
> back to earth and look around you can give them the 'Alfred E. Neuman' face
> and 'whaaaat?' if they say anything to you. Prove you did it, right, and
> you DID get them to move.......and possibly think twice before they stop in
> the aisle again.

Grocery stores have security cameras and you probably want to avoid the
assault charge. Suggest an alternate that will at worst get you kicked
out of the store would be one of the nice loud pocket air horns, that'll
certainly get the attention of the aisle blockers and isn't illegal.

"Billy" <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom> wrote in message
news:[email protected]..
> With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
> to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes.
>
> Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous at
> this time. Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe.
>
> I have a designated "grocery list" that I stick to. Like most people,
> I buy the same thing week after week. Driving from one outlet to
> another to save ten cents isn't even in the realm of saving money,
> when gas is $3.29 at this time. Ok...I know your gas is cheaper at
> this time...but that will NEVER make me move to your location. I
> live here and have to deal with MY LOCAL conditions and prices.


You are oversimplifying a very complex situation.

For most people their food budget is the largest variable in their budget.

I'll explain. You can not reduce the price of:
house payment,
car payment,
insurance,
(you can useless but you can't lower the rate for)
utilities
Cable or satellite
Telephone
Cell Phones.

You can reduce your food costs. Here's how. Invest in commodities! Not not
the futures market, the commodities you use, like coffee, cereal, toilet
paper, etc.

Here's how the super markets and retailers work;

All people are paid in one of the following manners; Daily, weekly, every 2
weeks, twice a month, or monthly. At weekend of the end of the month there
is more money in circulation than at any other time of the month. On that
weekend everyone gets paid. Therefore the leader/Special items from the
grocery stores will be at their best prices or most competitive.

This is the best time to invest. There is no shortcut for knowledge, Know
your prices. What is a good price for the mayonnaise you use. Is it 3.85
per jar. When it goes on sale for 2 for $5.00 Stock up. but 2 or 4 or what
the limit is and what you can afford. In that example you've saved 1.35 on
3.85 that's 35%. No you can't do that with every item but start to think in
that manner.

It's BBQ weekend and the stores are running bone in rib steaks, but enough
for 2 or 3 cookouts.

If you're spending $250.00 per week that's $`13,000 per year. Can you save
5% ? That's $650.00 - Hey that's a few nice dinners out by just buying
smart.

Sure you need to balance out your travel because of the cost of gas, Don't
be Gallon wise and Dollar foolish.

Dimitri

"Billy" <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom> wrote in message
news:[email protected]..
> With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
> to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes.
>
> Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous at
> this time. Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe.
>
> I have a designated "grocery list" that I stick to. Like most people,
> I buy the same thing week after week. Driving from one outlet to
> another to save ten cents isn't even in the realm of saving money,
> when gas is $3.29 at this time. Ok...I know your gas is cheaper at
> this time...but that will NEVER make me move to your location. I
> live here and have to deal with MY LOCAL conditions and prices.


You are oversimplifying a very complex situation.

For most people their food budget is the largest variable in their budget.

I'll explain. You can not reduce the price of:
house payment,
car payment,
insurance,
(you can useless but you can't lower the rate for)
utilities
Cable or satellite
Telephone
Cell Phones.

You can reduce your food costs. Here's how. Invest in commodities! Not not
the futures market, the commodities you use, like coffee, cereal, toilet
paper, etc.

Here's how the super markets and retailers work;

All people are paid in one of the following manners; Daily, weekly, every 2
weeks, twice a month, or monthly. At weekend of the end of the month there
is more money in circulation than at any other time of the month. On that
weekend everyone gets paid. Therefore the leader/Special items from the
grocery stores will be at their best prices or most competitive.

This is the best time to invest. There is no shortcut for knowledge, Know
your prices. What is a good price for the mayonnaise you use. Is it 3.85
per jar. When it goes on sale for 2 for $5.00 Stock up. but 2 or 4 or what
the limit is and what you can afford. In that example you've saved 1.35 on
3.85 that's 35%. No you can't do that with every item but start to think in
that manner.

It's BBQ weekend and the stores are running bone in rib steaks, but enough
for 2 or 3 cookouts.

If you're spending $250.00 per week that's $`13,000 per year. Can you save
5% ? That's $650.00 - Hey that's a few nice dinners out by just buying
smart.

Sure you need to balance out your travel because of the cost of gas, Don't
be Gallon wise and Dollar foolish.

Dimitri

Tracy wrote:
> I am lucky. I have 2 major grocery stores within a mile or so of my
> home. I also have a very nice produce market about 2 miles from my home.

Yeah. We actually chose this place because of its proximity to the
Berkeley Bowl, an outstanding market, but it's also near to lots of
other shopping.

Serene

Tracy wrote:
> I am lucky. I have 2 major grocery stores within a mile or so of my
> home. I also have a very nice produce market about 2 miles from my home.

Yeah. We actually chose this place because of its proximity to the
Berkeley Bowl, an outstanding market, but it's also near to lots of
other shopping.

Serene

On Apr 14, 5:09*pm, Billy <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom> wrote:
> With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
> to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes. *
>
> Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous at
> this time. * * Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe. *
> [snip]

The survey asks the wrong question. It says, "If the prices at a
farmers' market, etc. [meaning ethnic markets] were always at least 10
cents less per item/lb. is it worth driving there to you?" But small
price saving is not why people go to farmers'/ethnic markets. It's to
find/get things that are not available at the supermarkets, whether
that is clearly superior produce or special ethnic items. Price
savings are sometimes there, and sometimes large but that's not the
main reason for going in the first place. -aem

On Apr 14, 5:09*pm, Billy <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom> wrote:
> With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
> to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes. *
>
> Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous at
> this time. * * Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe. *
> [snip]

The survey asks the wrong question. It says, "If the prices at a
farmers' market, etc. [meaning ethnic markets] were always at least 10
cents less per item/lb. is it worth driving there to you?" But small
price saving is not why people go to farmers'/ethnic markets. It's to
find/get things that are not available at the supermarkets, whether
that is clearly superior produce or special ethnic items. Price
savings are sometimes there, and sometimes large but that's not the
main reason for going in the first place. -aem

aem wrote:
> On Apr 14, 5:09 pm, Billy <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom> wrote:
>> With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
>> to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes.
>>
>> Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous at
>> this time. Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe.
>> [snip]
>
> The survey asks the wrong question. It says, "If the prices at a
> farmers' market, etc. [meaning ethnic markets] were always at least 10
> cents less per item/lb. is it worth driving there to you?" But small
> price saving is not why people go to farmers'/ethnic markets. It's to
> find/get things that are not available at the supermarkets, whether
> that is clearly superior produce or special ethnic items. Price
> savings are sometimes there, and sometimes large but that's not the
> main reason for going in the first place. -aem
>
I can (mostly) get the same items at the supermarket. What do you find at a
farmer's market that isn't in a grocery store? I don't shop at ethnic
markets for a number of reasons, but the main reason is the availability
more than ever of "ethnic" ingredients right there in my regular store. The
second reason would be I don't cook things which require ingredients I can't
find without driving all over to get them.

Jill