raeoflyte
Senior Associate
Joined: Feb 3, 2011 15:43:53 GMT -5
Posts: 14,631
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Post by raeoflyte on Apr 17, 2011 6:31:38 GMT -5
Could anyone share their price book template with me? I really need to cut our grocery bill down, but I can't devote hours a week to it. My thought is that if I just track what we buy, where, and for how much for the next 6 months that I'll start to be able to see the sale patterns. Once I have that in mind, then I might be able to add couponing.
I've tried price books before, but I've never found a format that makes it easy to continue using and really build up a history.
Thank you!
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ses
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:18:37 GMT -5
Posts: 654
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Post by ses on Apr 17, 2011 18:19:20 GMT -5
I just use an excel spreadsheet with my commonly used items down the right side and a date/store heading for each column. If I use a coupon I will note it --like $3.14*. I just use the grocery receipt the next time I sit down at the computer and enter the info for that date. after enough weeks you will see a trend. A friend breaks it down to cost per ounce or piece. That is a bit much for me, since I usually buy the same size every time.
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mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,958
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Post by mizbear on Apr 18, 2011 14:59:09 GMT -5
If you have a day where you can just go walk through the store, take a plain notebook or legal pad (if you're tech savvy you can go through and put it in your notebook or laptop- but to me that's too much like work) and write down all of your regular grocery items and the regular prices. Jot down the sizes you regularly buy too if possible. If you shop at more than one store, get the prices at all the stores for these items.
I have stores that beat my regular store on cost- but they can't beat the coupon policies or selection. Because I eat on a per serving scale (it's just me) I do count the per serving cost on meats when I buy them. I also note things like where quality store brands are available or when coupons are regularly available.
I keep everythin on paper so I have it with me usually, but like how it looks on a spreadsheet better.
I am getting ready to do a new price book because my old one has not only fallen apart, but my eating habits have changed dramatically since that one was done.
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raeoflyte
Senior Associate
Joined: Feb 3, 2011 15:43:53 GMT -5
Posts: 14,631
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Post by raeoflyte on Apr 18, 2011 16:34:31 GMT -5
I think I figured out a template that works for me. I asked dh to save receipts for me, so I can take a few minutes to add them to my spreadsheet. It will be kind of big once I print it, but I think it will be better than a notebook that I could lose too easily. ;D
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mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,958
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Post by mizbear on Apr 18, 2011 17:02:55 GMT -5
raeoflyte- That's the key- finding what works for you. I am pretty good with remembering numbers, but I also feel the need to be able to put my hands on the lowest price available when shopping since I shop for 3 households (mine, DGM and DM). Even when I do the spreadsheet, it ends up in a 3 ring binder that I carry with me.
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