It Pays To Check Prices. It certainly does.
I buy a certain food item. On the shelf in a local large company store, the price is $2.28.
Recently, I looked up this item on the store’s website to see if it could tell me if the item is in stock in my local store. Indeed, I found that the website does tell me if it is in or out of stock.
However, I found the the price of the item if ordered on line is $1.96. Same item.
Not only that, but I could order it on line and pick it up at the store, no extra charge. No shipping charges. No waiting in line at the cashier.
And so I did. I ordered two items. I saved myself 64 cents.
So the math shows that I am getting one item “free” if I order six or more.
Now, thirty two cents saved per item might not sound a lot, but in reality it is. It is not often that I notice items where the exact same item is 32 cents cheaper from the same store.
Sometimes I notice small and large price differences at different stores for the same item. That’s not unusual. But in this case it was the same store.
I surmise that this company is desiring to grow its on-line presence, hence the difference in price. But that is only my supposition. What is yours?
From a time-saving point of view, it is worth it to order on line: I get confirmation the item is in stock. I get an order number. If I just went to the store without ordering on line, I would never know if the item is in stock until I arrive there.
From a financial point of view, 32 cents may not be much, but it is. Why? Because it is 32 cents. Because for every three I buy, I save almost a dollar. Because it helps me perceive that I can find ways to save money. Because it gives me a sense of accomplishment. Because keeping costs low is one of the ways to have more.
Is saving thirty-two cents important to you? How did you save money today? Let me know here.
Which Product? Which Store?
I find that the price for this item varies based on the location of the store! It is a national chain. So there is no guarantee what that the price will be at any time and in any location.Since you can enter your zip code on their website, the site will determine the closest store to you. You can try different zip codes to see possible price differences at different locations. I also notice that the price varies based on availability, so if stock is low, price goes up.
The Product
The product I am referring to is “Lala UHT Ultra-Pasteurized Whole Dairy Milk – High in Calcium and Protein, Great Source of Vitamin D, 32 oz.” , Walmart # 555560699. It is available in one-pack, two-pack, or four pack options.A direct URL to the product on their website (valid as of this writing) is here. You can click on the Pack Size: One-pack, Two-pack, Four-pack to see the option prices and if in or out of stock.
The illustration is of a beast from the late 15th century Book of Hours. Courtesy Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Yale University.
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