A supermarket worker has revealed handy tips and tricks he uses to score 90 per cent off groceries - and it's easier than you would think.
48-year-old Al Baker made headlines after showing how he lived solely on yellow sticker bargains, after his £300,000 debt forced him into bankruptcy - and he's managed to save over £10,000 over two years as a result.
Now, the dad-of-two - who worked in his local supermarket up until May - has shared his tips on how to get the best bargains while shopping for other groceries.
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The penny pincher, said: “Having previously been in a position where I wasn't sure how I would pay for our next grocery shop, I can relate to anyone having sleepless nights, wondering how they will feed their family." One of the most cost-effective methods for Al was identifying what time he could score reduced items - particularly popular yellow sticker products.
Wales Online reports that Al, who worked at his local supermarket as part of his “side hustles”, says the demand for such items has increased “dramatically”, but for many, it's very much a case of hit and miss - unless you know the best time to buy.
He continued: “You may have to contend with more significant numbers of rival bargain hunters, but it's still very much worth the trip to grab a yellow sticker deal. Every supermarket will have different times for reducing their clearance food, so it's always worth asking a staff member in your local supermarket what time they bring out the reductions.
“You will see the first reductions in the supermarket I work at – around 30% off regular prices – from about 9 am. The final reductions start at around 5.30 pm, hitting the shelves around 6.30 pm.
“Every store department will have a different maximum reduction rate, typically varying from 70% - 90% off of the regular price.”
To manage to be successful in your bargain hunting endeavours, Al has given a couple of pieces of brilliant advice.
Timing is everything:
Al says that it's imperative to avoid the hustle and bustle by arriving early - and that you should get to the front of the shop when the bargains are brought out. Interestingly enough, there is actually a specific time of the week that can bring the best deals for savvy shoppers - but there's a reason it's not a popular pickup point.
Al said: “Saturday night tends to be the best night for the sheer number of reductions, and Monday night is usually the quietest night, in regards to the number of people in the store, so it's an excellent night to pop in and try your luck. Friday tends to be the busiest night, as lots of people in the store grabbing bits and bobs to get the weekend started.”
So if you’re happy to ditch your weekend tipple, Saturday night could prove very fruitful.
Bring a partner in crime:
Having a partner while you go about your business can benefit you massively when scoring deals.
Al continued: “Take someone with you if you can, then you can split up to try and be in two places at once, as often you may find reductions being put out in separate areas of the store at the same time, and this way, you have more chance of grabbing something from more than one section on your visit.”
Watch out for competition:
Although you might not think that the supermarket is a place to be on your guard, competition for the best bargains is definitely heating up with the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Al added: “Keep your basket/trolley with you at all times. Unfortunately, I've seen many a person grab a yellow sticker item out of someone's trolley when they weren't looking!”
Don't be greedy:
Equally, the former shop attendant advised not to overdo it and splurge on good deals.
He said: “Take only what you need! I know it can be tempting to grab loads of a product, especially if there is an excess stock of one particular item, but if you aren't going to be able to use it all, then leave some for others to make use of. This also keeps your bill low and means you aren't stuck with loads of something that may spoil before using it.”
Shop smarter:
Being mindful of which products you need, as well as what you have room for at home is vital according to Al, who continued: “Most vegetables, meat, ready meals, bread and even dairy such as butter and cheese can be frozen, so that's worth remembering when looking at the reductions.
“Remember, larger items such as joints of meat or large packs of food can always be cut up/split into a smaller quantity, therefore potentially taking up less room, but also allowing you to use that purchase for several meals, rather than just one. Invest in a supply of freezer bags.
“But also, know how much spare room you have in your fridge/freezer before you head out shopping, the number of times I've come home with items, opened the freezer to find it already full, causing a significant re-organisation necessary, and that's not fun!”
And finally, Al says you should be kind and courteous to staff members and fellow shoppers alike - as nobody likes a busy body.
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