We've all been there – you go to the supermarket for one item, and come back with 10 things you really didn't need, but for some reason now desperately want.
According to Richard Price, money expert and and director of online supermarket Britsuperstore, all supermarkets have their own clever little tricks for getting us to buy items – and you're probably not even realising it's happening.
For example, a nationwide survey showed that 83% of parents have been pestered by their children to purchase junk food at supermarket tills – where they've been been purposefully placed to tempt you.
The average Brit makes over 200 trips to the supermarket each year, so Richard has put together some of the main ways supermarkets are tricking us so you can avoid spending more money than intended.
It starts before you even enter the shop. According to Richard, the average size of a supermarket trolley has grown over the past years, meaning you're more likely to spend more. He recommends sticking to a basket instead.
Research has shown that when the size of their trolley doubled, shoppers spent a whopping 40% more.
Now you've got your basket, you might be lured by the sweet smell of baked goods by the entrance. Richard explained: "Flowers and other pleasant-smelling items like baked goods are often put in the front of the supermarket, so you'll be smelling them when you first walk in.
"This will also trigger your salivary glands, making you more prone to impulse buys. Make sure to eat before you shop as this will avoid buying anything due to hunger."
As you wander round you'll notice that there's music playing – this is usually slow music to give a "calm no rush atmosphere, leaving you in the store for a lot longer".
Richard added: "To battle this when you are doing your weekly shop make sure to set yourself a time to carry out the shop (an hour is a great starting point)".
You'll also notice that the products the supermarket wants you to buy are priced at eye level. These are usually pricier name-brand goods.
Richard recommended: "Check out the lower shelves for similar items that have lower prices and fewer markups."
Eggs are usually on people's shopping list, but they are normally placed in strange areas around the store. This is so you have to go up and down the aisles looking for them, Richard explained.
He added: "To help make a list at the start of your shop and don’t buy anything else even when you are looking for other produce!"
You might be tempted to buy pre-cut vegetables and fruits, but they are more expensive. Richard explained: "Precut food looks so attractive, with its colourful packaging and promise of less work. However, when you see pre-cut produce, think about the price difference and double-check, as it's normally more expensive."
When you're at the till, you'll no doubt notice all the chocolate and other sweet stuff around you – there's a reason for this. Richard said: "Try and use self-service tills that have a faster checkout time or set yourself a challenge to not buy anything placed at the tills."
Did you know any of these tricks before? Let us know in the comment section below.
