I'll try and keep a current list of Q/A's from the most frequently asked questions. If you have a question that's not answered, just let me know and I'll answer as soon as I can.
Q: How does ad-matching work?
A: Here's some simple steps for you to get started:
1. Print out "the list"
2. Familiarize yourself with the list. Highlight items you want.
3. Bring your list to WalMart and pick up the items you want.
4. Pick your cashier carefully if possible. Some cashiers are much faster and not as picky as others. In my experience, I first pick young male cashiers, then young female, then older male, then older female. This is not always the case-just a very reliable point of reference :). No offense! Familiarize yourself with the cashiers at your WalMart. Know which ones are faster and better.
5. Separate your non-ad-matched from your ad-matched. I usually put my non-admatched first, then a divider, then my ad-matched and tell the cashier that past the divider is all ad-matched.
6. When it comes time to ad-match, tell the cashier which items are which prices as he is ringing them up one by one. If you want it to go even faster, don't tell them what store it's ad-matched from unless they ask.
7. Marvel at how much you saved and be proud!
Q: Do you have every single item in every ad on your list?
A: No. I am familiar with WalMarts retail prices from experience. So I have the deals from other retailers listed that are better prices than WalMarts. I
do my best to list all the best deals out there.
Q: How hard is it to ad-match?
A: Not hard at all! The hard part is knowing what the prices are and that work is done for you! I wont lie-it's a bit scary the first time you do it. I remember I was sweating and scared that "it wouldn't work"...well, it did :). Keep it up and soon it won't be scary at all! All you have to do is tell the cashier what items are what prices!
Q: Don't I need to bring in the ads?
A: No. It states on WalMarts website that you do NOT need to bring in the ads. Each WalMart has their own set of ads. If they question the prices you tell them they can look it up for themselves in the ads they have at the store. For the most part they will not question you or check the ads. This is where the honesty policy comes in :).
Q: Why are some items BOLD and some not?
A: I purposely BOLD the items that are the best deals and the items that are still good deals (better than WalMarts prices) but not incredible will not be bold.
Q: What does it mean when the list says something like "Buy 6 participating items"?
A: Some stores run promotions where they say you have to buy 10 participating items/5/4 or whatever the case may be in order to get the deals. Some WalMarts/cashiers want you to get the 10/5/4 etc items and some could care less whether you get all the items. They'll usually still give you the listed price.
Q: How much can I save?
A: This depends on what you're getting obviously. But I took a youth group shopping recently to do my normal weekly shopping for my family of 4 +baby and show them how to price match and how much you can save. In this particular shopping trip (just my normal weekly shopping) we calculated I saved over $50. Times that by 4 weeks and you're saving $200+ every single month just by ad matching which is free and easy!
Q: Is there any other way I can save on my grocery bill in addition to ad-matching?
A: Yes! Here are some ways I save money:
1. Plan your weekly menu around items that are ON SALE! Look at the list I post, see what's on sale, and use what's on sale! Use the meats and produce that are great prices to save a lot of money.
2. STOCK UP when there's a great sale! Produce is not something you can necessarily stock up on unless you can/freeze/dehydrate it which are all great. But practically everything else you CAN stock up on! Meat, cheese, cereal, snacks, paper towels, toilet paper, canned goods etc are all normally very expensive. These are all things I STOCK UP on when they're an amazing price! That way you always have them on hand, you can feel good that you got great deals on them, you're building food storage, you'll have them for meals, and you won't have to spend a lot when you need that item because you're out-you already have some from when you get a great deal. For example, if I can get cereal for $1 or less a box I STOCK UP meaning buy 20 or so. If I can get cheese for $2.50/lb I buy 5-10. If I can get Chicken breast for $1.50/lb or less, you better believe I get 40 pounds and freeze or can them!
3. Coupons. Coupons are great but I AM NOT A HUGE COUPONER!!! I don't want to take 10 subscriptions to the newspaper and spend hours clipping coupons. Not worth it. BUT, I do get some coupons in the mail, some in my ONE Sunday paper, and there are a variety online. I quickly scan the coupons I get to just keep the ones I know I already buy that item or if it's on sale often. I ONLY USE COUPONS ON TOP OF SALE PRICES-NOT BY THEMSELVES. You can get GREAT deals using coupons on top of ad-matching. I also include on my list online coupons that are for items already on sale. Click the link, print the coupon and bring it with you. Save $$$ :).
4. Lastly, WalMart has a program called SAVINGSCATCHER. It's an app that you install on your phone, scan your receipt with it and in a few days it'll let you know if it "caught" any lower prices. They have a bunch of stores they compare what you paid on your receipt to. If they find a lower price, they'll GIVE YOU THE DIFFERENCE! It's super fast and easy so why not use it? I do my ad-matching, and then scan my receipt that takes 2 seconds. I've been using this app for a few months now and it's caught a savings of $3. Not a lot but I'm surprised it caught anything since I'm already ad-matching. Why ad-match if I can just use the app? They DO NOT catch everything. I'm pretty sure they don't do produce on it and they certainly don't do off-brand to off-brand comparing. Such as if Western Family milk is on sale the app will not give you the difference from Great Value milk. So, it's worth it to still ad-match and then use the app on top of that.
Q: Are there ad-matching restrictions?
A: Yes, there are some. Pretty basic but here's there policy http://corporate.walmart.com/ad-match-guarantee
Q: Does Walmart match online prices for items?
A: YES! Even Amazon etc. Check out their policy here http://corporate.walmart.com/ad-match-guarantee
Q: How much do you spend on groceries per week?
A: I have a family of 5. I typically spend $100/week give or take a little. I also spend MAYBE $100/month at costco. We eat well. And this includes stocking up on foods when they're on a great sale.
Q: How often do you go grocery shopping?
A: I go once a week. On Wednesday because Sprouts Market does "Double Ad Wednesday" where you can get the deals from both weeks on Wednesday, and Rancho Market does certain deals that are WED/THURS only. So I think Wednesday is a great day to go.
Q: Do you bring all 3 kids grocery shopping?
A: No. I set up a deal with my wonderful mother where she watches the kids (I usually do take the baby shopping unless he's napping) while I grocery shop. I also get her ad-matched items for her so it's a WIN WIN :). Maybe something like this would work for you too! Try your best to grocery shop without kids. While they're at school, when your husband watches them (or wife :)), or get a sitter if possible. It will make your grocery shopping experience so much FASTER and easier.
Q: Do you actually find good produce and meat at WALMART?!?
A: Yes. I've had some tell me that they never find good produce or like the meat at Walmart. Well, maybe I'm not picky but I find that since I know how to pick fruit and vegetables fairly well I get good produce! And as far as meat goes-haven't had a problem-we like it :).
Q: What are some tips/techniques you'd have for me?
A: See above :). Really though, this is a great way to save money without having to work super hard at it. And who doesn't like to keep their $$?
Q: How does ad-matching work?
A: Here's some simple steps for you to get started:
1. Print out "the list"
2. Familiarize yourself with the list. Highlight items you want.
3. Bring your list to WalMart and pick up the items you want.
4. Pick your cashier carefully if possible. Some cashiers are much faster and not as picky as others. In my experience, I first pick young male cashiers, then young female, then older male, then older female. This is not always the case-just a very reliable point of reference :). No offense! Familiarize yourself with the cashiers at your WalMart. Know which ones are faster and better.
5. Separate your non-ad-matched from your ad-matched. I usually put my non-admatched first, then a divider, then my ad-matched and tell the cashier that past the divider is all ad-matched.
6. When it comes time to ad-match, tell the cashier which items are which prices as he is ringing them up one by one. If you want it to go even faster, don't tell them what store it's ad-matched from unless they ask.
7. Marvel at how much you saved and be proud!
Q: Do you have every single item in every ad on your list?
A: No. I am familiar with WalMarts retail prices from experience. So I have the deals from other retailers listed that are better prices than WalMarts. I
do my best to list all the best deals out there.
Q: How hard is it to ad-match?
A: Not hard at all! The hard part is knowing what the prices are and that work is done for you! I wont lie-it's a bit scary the first time you do it. I remember I was sweating and scared that "it wouldn't work"...well, it did :). Keep it up and soon it won't be scary at all! All you have to do is tell the cashier what items are what prices!
Q: Don't I need to bring in the ads?
A: No. It states on WalMarts website that you do NOT need to bring in the ads. Each WalMart has their own set of ads. If they question the prices you tell them they can look it up for themselves in the ads they have at the store. For the most part they will not question you or check the ads. This is where the honesty policy comes in :).
Q: Why are some items BOLD and some not?
A: I purposely BOLD the items that are the best deals and the items that are still good deals (better than WalMarts prices) but not incredible will not be bold.
Q: What does it mean when the list says something like "Buy 6 participating items"?
A: Some stores run promotions where they say you have to buy 10 participating items/5/4 or whatever the case may be in order to get the deals. Some WalMarts/cashiers want you to get the 10/5/4 etc items and some could care less whether you get all the items. They'll usually still give you the listed price.
Q: How much can I save?
A: This depends on what you're getting obviously. But I took a youth group shopping recently to do my normal weekly shopping for my family of 4 +baby and show them how to price match and how much you can save. In this particular shopping trip (just my normal weekly shopping) we calculated I saved over $50. Times that by 4 weeks and you're saving $200+ every single month just by ad matching which is free and easy!
Q: Is there any other way I can save on my grocery bill in addition to ad-matching?
A: Yes! Here are some ways I save money:
1. Plan your weekly menu around items that are ON SALE! Look at the list I post, see what's on sale, and use what's on sale! Use the meats and produce that are great prices to save a lot of money.
2. STOCK UP when there's a great sale! Produce is not something you can necessarily stock up on unless you can/freeze/dehydrate it which are all great. But practically everything else you CAN stock up on! Meat, cheese, cereal, snacks, paper towels, toilet paper, canned goods etc are all normally very expensive. These are all things I STOCK UP on when they're an amazing price! That way you always have them on hand, you can feel good that you got great deals on them, you're building food storage, you'll have them for meals, and you won't have to spend a lot when you need that item because you're out-you already have some from when you get a great deal. For example, if I can get cereal for $1 or less a box I STOCK UP meaning buy 20 or so. If I can get cheese for $2.50/lb I buy 5-10. If I can get Chicken breast for $1.50/lb or less, you better believe I get 40 pounds and freeze or can them!
3. Coupons. Coupons are great but I AM NOT A HUGE COUPONER!!! I don't want to take 10 subscriptions to the newspaper and spend hours clipping coupons. Not worth it. BUT, I do get some coupons in the mail, some in my ONE Sunday paper, and there are a variety online. I quickly scan the coupons I get to just keep the ones I know I already buy that item or if it's on sale often. I ONLY USE COUPONS ON TOP OF SALE PRICES-NOT BY THEMSELVES. You can get GREAT deals using coupons on top of ad-matching. I also include on my list online coupons that are for items already on sale. Click the link, print the coupon and bring it with you. Save $$$ :).
4. Lastly, WalMart has a program called SAVINGSCATCHER. It's an app that you install on your phone, scan your receipt with it and in a few days it'll let you know if it "caught" any lower prices. They have a bunch of stores they compare what you paid on your receipt to. If they find a lower price, they'll GIVE YOU THE DIFFERENCE! It's super fast and easy so why not use it? I do my ad-matching, and then scan my receipt that takes 2 seconds. I've been using this app for a few months now and it's caught a savings of $3. Not a lot but I'm surprised it caught anything since I'm already ad-matching. Why ad-match if I can just use the app? They DO NOT catch everything. I'm pretty sure they don't do produce on it and they certainly don't do off-brand to off-brand comparing. Such as if Western Family milk is on sale the app will not give you the difference from Great Value milk. So, it's worth it to still ad-match and then use the app on top of that.
Q: Are there ad-matching restrictions?
A: Yes, there are some. Pretty basic but here's there policy http://corporate.walmart.com/ad-match-guarantee
Q: Does Walmart match online prices for items?
A: YES! Even Amazon etc. Check out their policy here http://corporate.walmart.com/ad-match-guarantee
Q: How much do you spend on groceries per week?
A: I have a family of 5. I typically spend $100/week give or take a little. I also spend MAYBE $100/month at costco. We eat well. And this includes stocking up on foods when they're on a great sale.
Q: How often do you go grocery shopping?
A: I go once a week. On Wednesday because Sprouts Market does "Double Ad Wednesday" where you can get the deals from both weeks on Wednesday, and Rancho Market does certain deals that are WED/THURS only. So I think Wednesday is a great day to go.
Q: Do you bring all 3 kids grocery shopping?
A: No. I set up a deal with my wonderful mother where she watches the kids (I usually do take the baby shopping unless he's napping) while I grocery shop. I also get her ad-matched items for her so it's a WIN WIN :). Maybe something like this would work for you too! Try your best to grocery shop without kids. While they're at school, when your husband watches them (or wife :)), or get a sitter if possible. It will make your grocery shopping experience so much FASTER and easier.
Q: Do you actually find good produce and meat at WALMART?!?
A: Yes. I've had some tell me that they never find good produce or like the meat at Walmart. Well, maybe I'm not picky but I find that since I know how to pick fruit and vegetables fairly well I get good produce! And as far as meat goes-haven't had a problem-we like it :).
Q: What are some tips/techniques you'd have for me?
A: See above :). Really though, this is a great way to save money without having to work super hard at it. And who doesn't like to keep their $$?
Hi Trish- Do you list "Great Value" to mean any store's generic brand? For example, isn't Smith's store brand called "Kroger?" On your list, I see "Great Value" next to many stores including Smiths. Last time I was at Walmart, I was told they no longer match store brand to store brand prices (Kroger to Great Value for example), so I was curious if there are any other stores that carry the actual "Great Value" brand. Thanks
ReplyDeleteTodd, I do list Great Value to ad match to store's generic brands. You are the third person who has told me that their Walmart won't match generic brands anymore. I have not run into this problem yet. I would try a different Walmart. A lot of times it really depends on the Walmart and which cashier you get. I'm sorry! I sure hope they don't make this permanent at all Walmarts!
ReplyDelete