Make Sure you Check your Receipts!
Written by Mrs Money on November 28, 2008 – 6:16 am -
I keep reading posts from other personal finance bloggers about how to save money during the holidays and other tips and tricks to cut back this year. One thing we are doing at the Money household is not purchasing gifts for each other and making many of the gifts we’ll be giving this year. I’ve decided to try my hand at soap making, which is pretty dangerous but also really fun for me. The other day I went to the health foods store to purchase some essential oils to use for my soap making.
The essential oils were all on sale. Many were almost half price, and I decided that I would purchase all oils that were on sale that I thought would be good for my soap and many people would like. I selected my oils, went up to the register, she rang me up, and told me my total. I balked. It was about $6 more than I had anticipated! I carefully checked the register, and the reason became clear to me: they were ringing up all 30% off versus the correct sale price. I told her and went back to the aisle to check the prices. I was definitely getting over charged. I told her the correct prices and she fixed my total, but I couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened to someone that wasn’t paying as close attention. They would pay more than they are supposed to!
That’s one trick my mother taught me that has stuck with me throughout the years: pay attention to the cash register. I think it’s especially important during the holiday shopping season because stores are busy and cashiers aren’t going to know the difference a lot of time unless you inform them. Make sure you double check your receipt before you pay!
In case you don’t check and realize later, a lot of stores will refund you the difference if you take in your receipt. Be an alert consumer and make sure you don’t pay more than you need to. Every little bit counts!
Posted in Save Your Money | 7 Comments »
November 28th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
In Canada, we have the Scanning Code Of Practice. If an item rings up at a higher price than what is shown, and it is under $10, you get the first item for free, and all subsequent items for the price on the shelf.
I have gotten tons of free stuff just by paying attention to prices on shelves.
This is one reason many stores are careful about price signs on the shelves.
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December 1st, 2008 at 7:29 pm
I am horrible about this. I used to watch, but then I had kids. I’m embarrassed to say that a lot of time I don’t even look at the total. I just swipe my card. Your mom would lose her mind! lol.
This really is something I need to work on.
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December 1st, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Nicole- That is awesome! I am moving to Canada. Thanks for sharing!
Ashley- Yeah, I don’t have kids yet but I am sure it will be much more hectic when I do. When I have a huge order, it’s harder for me so I just make sure it’s around what I think it’s supposed to be.
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December 5th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Go, Canada! Yes, I definitely pay attention to the total because I have to stay within my budget. It used to be an afterthought when I got home but now I do it right away in the store with a SpendTracker device.
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December 6th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
ok so today I was at the store and remembering to watch the prices… thanks to you. And a pair of pants that were supposed to be $25 and they rang up at $32. And I noticed! I’m so proud of myself. I did feel like a big loser holding up the whole mile long line but it was worth it.
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December 7th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Paulette- A SpendTracker device sounds really cool! Great idea!
Ashley- That is so awesome! That is a lot of money you saved!
Thanks for sharing!
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January 1st, 2009 at 6:22 pm
This is very good advice. I always try and do this. I have to admit it gets a bit harder when I am doing my big shopping at Winco because I don’t remember all the prices. Still, I have managed to catch some things.
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