Supermarket secrets unveiled: the little-known grocery savings trick
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Price matching sounds complicated, but it could be the key to extra savings in your weekly shop. For those looking into cutting costs at the checkout, understanding supermarket price-matching policies could unlock discounts you didn't even know about.
Price matching is a policy when a supermarket agrees to sell an identical product at the same price as a competitor.
For example, if you see bread on sale for $2.50 at Woolworths, you could ask Coles to match that price.
We have a previous article on how you can have extra savings on items through retailers that also offer price-matching. You can read more about it here.
Several major supermarkets have some form of price matching in place, but policies vary. To score savings, it pays to understand the fine print.
So, what are the major supermarkets’ policies on price matching? Here's what you need to know:
IGA
IGA's long-running Price Match program is one of the most straightforward policies in supermarkets. This promises to automatically match the regular shelf prices of identical products at stores and across hundreds of staple items nationwide.
You can simply check online or in competitor catalogues and pick up the matched products in-store.
Coles and Woolworths
Unlike IGA, Coles and Woolies don't advertise formal price matching. But several shoppers reported independently asking for a match at the checkout and getting the discount.
The key is having proof of the competitor's price. Approach any of the staff at the store and ask if they can match the price.
Pro tip: price matches usually can't be applied at self-service checkouts, so head to a staffed register.
‘We are always monitoring prices in the market to ensure our prices and promotions are highly competitive,’ A representative from Coles stated.
Bunnings
Another generous price-matching policy can be found at Bunnings, where presenting proof of a lower price not only secures a match, but gives you an extra 10 per cent off! This applies to cleaning, pet and food products—great news for those who regularly shop for groceries and household essentials.
ALDI, Costco
ALDI stocks mainly homebrand products so price matching is rare. Costco also doesn't promise to match for its bulk-size products. Instead, you have to shop their regular special buys for the best deals.
Outside designated policies, some stores may match prices at their own discretion. If you’re unsure, it never hurts to ask! The key is staying informed on competitor pricing and having evidence ready to show staff.
Beyond price matching, there are here are other more ways to trim grocery budgets:
With the insider knowledge of how price matching works, plus savvy shopping habits, you can uncover savings they never knew existed.
What are your supermarket savings trick? Share them on the comments below!
Price matching is a policy when a supermarket agrees to sell an identical product at the same price as a competitor.
For example, if you see bread on sale for $2.50 at Woolworths, you could ask Coles to match that price.
We have a previous article on how you can have extra savings on items through retailers that also offer price-matching. You can read more about it here.
Price matching is a supermarket policy that could help you save more. Credit: Unsplash
Several major supermarkets have some form of price matching in place, but policies vary. To score savings, it pays to understand the fine print.
So, what are the major supermarkets’ policies on price matching? Here's what you need to know:
IGA
IGA's long-running Price Match program is one of the most straightforward policies in supermarkets. This promises to automatically match the regular shelf prices of identical products at stores and across hundreds of staple items nationwide.
You can simply check online or in competitor catalogues and pick up the matched products in-store.
Coles and Woolworths
Unlike IGA, Coles and Woolies don't advertise formal price matching. But several shoppers reported independently asking for a match at the checkout and getting the discount.
The key is having proof of the competitor's price. Approach any of the staff at the store and ask if they can match the price.
Pro tip: price matches usually can't be applied at self-service checkouts, so head to a staffed register.
‘We are always monitoring prices in the market to ensure our prices and promotions are highly competitive,’ A representative from Coles stated.
Bunnings
Another generous price-matching policy can be found at Bunnings, where presenting proof of a lower price not only secures a match, but gives you an extra 10 per cent off! This applies to cleaning, pet and food products—great news for those who regularly shop for groceries and household essentials.
These supermarkets offer price-matching policies. Credit: Seniors Discount Club
ALDI, Costco
ALDI stocks mainly homebrand products so price matching is rare. Costco also doesn't promise to match for its bulk-size products. Instead, you have to shop their regular special buys for the best deals.
Outside designated policies, some stores may match prices at their own discretion. If you’re unsure, it never hurts to ask! The key is staying informed on competitor pricing and having evidence ready to show staff.
Beyond price matching, there are here are other more ways to trim grocery budgets:
- Compare prices of supermarket homebrands to big-name brands, as some might be cheaper but work just as well.
- Search for discounted labels on products with near expiration dates.
- Know the ‘hidden locations’ of the most affordable items. We have an article about this supermarket trick. You can read more about it here.
- Check catalogues and shop the weekly specials.
- Buy larger or bulk sizes of everyday items
With the insider knowledge of how price matching works, plus savvy shopping habits, you can uncover savings they never knew existed.
What are your supermarket savings trick? Share them on the comments below!
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