Frequency of Loss Leaders?

**brennasmom** · 10-26-2008, 05:52 PM

I have noticed the frequency of time betwenn loss leaders is increasing. Once example I have noticed is Hunts Spaghetti Sauce. This used to be a store coupon item every 7 to 8 weeks for .69 or .79. Now, I haven't seen it on ad for months. My stash is down to only 3 cans. I keep thinking every week that it will be on but not yet.... Anyone else seeing similar trends?[/

**Lori Biever-Launder** · 10-26-2008, 06:09 PM

Yep, I have noticed it too. I have been waiting and waiting for a loss leader of Ajax cleanser. It FINALLY came and it was 2/1.00 instead of .39 a can! EEP!

**ironmaiden** · 10-27-2008, 08:59 AM

I was watching pasta prices for many, many, many months. I hadn't seen it under a $1 a box in a very, very, very long time. It finally went on sale for 2/$1 with a limit of 8. I went back 4 days in a row.

And the only two stores I'm seeing any good sales are the two stores that everyone predicts will go out of business. One is a town store that has way too much competition now that 3 new very big stores have opened up. Another is a part of a chain that built another of the same store a few miles away and the newer store took all it's business.

**DonnainME** · 10-27-2008, 09:04 AM

I've noticed that Loss Leaders aren't as good also. Things that used to be 3/$1 are now 2/$1. Using coupons on what I can is becoming more and more necessary.

I have also started buying my toilet paper from the Dollar Tree. I can't find a better deal on that at the drug stores where I used to be able to occasionally get it for .99 or even .89. Knowing your prices is becoming more and more important.

**IntlMom** · 10-27-2008, 09:15 AM

I've totally noticed that not only are they further and futher between, but they are higher and higher and higher.
EX: canned veggies/canned tomatoes/canned beans would periodically go 3 cans for 1.00 on loss leader.......but the best I have seen them as of late is .45 can UGH!!!!

**brennasmom** · 10-27-2008, 09:43 AM

Regarding pasta, we love Barilla and I used to be able to get it for $1.00 pretty frequently. Lately the best sale is 2 for $3.00. I keep hoping the price will drop and I will stock up like crazy... but so far, no luck...

**Pemberleyan** · 10-27-2008, 09:59 AM

Our local store had green beans 2/$1.00, when it used to be 3 or 4 for a dollar. The spaghetti sauce still goes on sale as often, I think, but has gone from 88 cents to $1.00. For the longest time it seemed like we could get DH's favorite sausage on sale for 98 cents a pound or $1.38, but now it's $2.00 on sale.

At Big Lots last week I was thrilled to find peaches and pears for 50 and 60 cents a can, and tuna for 50 cents also.

**frugalbabe** · 10-27-2008, 10:04 AM

I just watched something about this very subject on one of the big news stations. Since more and more people are using coupons companies are not only putting out fewer, and for less cents off, but the expiration dates are also being shortened. I guess now that more are jumping on the frugal bandwagon it's gonna get a little harder for us "original frugalistas"

**MysticEagle** · 10-27-2008, 10:16 AM

I've noticed that sale prices nor the items are as good. My shopping has basically become SaveALot for canned/boxed stuff and the rest comes from Costco. We pick up milk, bread, coke and fruit locally but that's it.

**anna021** · 10-27-2008, 10:18 AM

stores around here have started this annoying thing, you can get the loss leaders, but their only on sale Fri, Sat, Sun. and Mon., what's up with that? The other new sale approach is you must spent 25.00 to get the sale items. That one really annoys me, as many times I've been known to go back in for my limit of 4 a couple of times. No smiling faces in the grocery stores, that's for sure.

**angelbumpkin** · 10-27-2008, 10:25 AM

Its happening everywhere it seems.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 10-27-2008, 10:47 AM

I noticed this alot with toilet paper. Safeway used to be BOGOF, but now it's $5.99 per 24-pack. When it was BOGOF, it was $4.99. I haven't seen that one in months. I had to start getting my toilet paper stash from Superstore who had 12-pack rolls for $3.00.

**fixer** · 10-27-2008, 10:52 AM

It seems here the time of month has a lot to do with the sale prices. The first of the month when people are paid, sales are hard to come by. Towards the end of the month when money becomes scarce, sales become more plentiful. Has anyone else noticed this?

**Momof3girls** · 10-27-2008, 12:20 PM

I had noticed the shorter expiration dates for coupons and the lack of loss leaders.

**Cricketlegs** · 10-27-2008, 02:15 PM

In my pricebook I write down the normal prices of the items I buy in the brand I buy that way I don't have to depend on a sale.

If I get it cheaper I am thrilled but I am a "less is more" girl when it comes to unpleasant food prices lol.

Another thing is I get %5 off every Food Club brand item I buy after I buy 5(and I get those 5 at %5 off too) so in my pricebook I just have the regular price so I always get a little bit of a boost there on the bottom price.

I also round everything up to the nearest dollar when I shop. I add it up on paper rounding up and when I "run out" of money I check out. Then I have a few dollars left to run back during the month for items I need, run out of, or are on sale at a later date.