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Community > Helping Hand > Grocery Couponing Questions

October 7, 2012

meganriot

  • Joined: Oct 2012

Does anyone use a price book? What about a price book app?

So I am trying to use a price book and I am having a really hard time with it. I love the concept of a price book but I am having a few problems with it. Is there anyone using a price book that can help me out? How do I determine what is the highest price I am willing to pay for am item. Does anyone have a list that I can look at? Does anyone use a good app for their iphone or a computer program or spreadsheet? I'm finding it really daunting to not only write everything out but then try to figure out of the price with or without a coupon is a good price.

Thanks in advance.

megan
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October 9, 2012

JustHazel

  • Joined: Apr 2012

Re: Does anyone use a price book? What about a price book app?

Not to seem like a total maroon, but, what's a price book? Is that some type of app for a phone or something?

Here in Colorado we have Bargain Blessings and when Jennie posts match-ups, she gives a grade. So, when you see an A, you know it's not going to get much better than that. This was an enormous help because I had no idea what was a good price, what wasn't.

I'm a spreadsheet siko, err, psycho. I have a honker that I set up when I started couponing. I'm beyond faithful to it. Not only can I refer back to it to check prices on items that I don't buy that frequently, but it's a great reality check. If I see I'm coming close to my budgeted grocery amount, then I know to be careful.

But, I've found that when I've gotten a great price, it stays in the brain. Then when I see that item on sale again, my brain says don't buy it goose ya got it for such and such two months ago. It's an amazing thing considering I can't remember my name half the time.

Hope that helps - welcome aboard!
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October 13, 2012

iamthatlady

  • Joined: Oct 2011

1 of 1 people found the following reply helpful:

Re: Does anyone use a price book? What about a price book app?

I don't have a price book but over the years I have learned what a good deal is on something - I do have a stock up price list that you can find here - http://www.iamthatlady.com/do-you-ever-w…

But I do know that stock up prices can vary depending on where you live. I guess I just keep the prices in my brain and know when a good sale is. Many people start a price book in the beginning but I think just learn and keep track in their mind over time.
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October 19, 2012

savingsmania

  • Joined: Aug 2010

Re: Does anyone use a price book? What about a price book app?

I don't use a price book but I should! It seems though grocery prices are increasing so much, I'd have to update often!
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October 23, 2012

bargainbriana

  • Joined: Oct 2009

Re: Does anyone use a price book? What about a price book app?

I don't use a price book - it's just all in my head! What I suggest is to start out with something simple - write down 20 items that you regularly buy and the price you are paying now. As you find a lower price each week with coupons and sales, mark out that price and write the lower price...eventually you will get to your own stock up prices!
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October 24, 2012

GettingFreedom

  • Joined: Mar 2012

Re: Does anyone use a price book? What about a price book app?

When I first started couponing and trying to slash our grocery budget I started using a price book. It was hard for me to keep track of all of the good prices in my head {they were all beginning to run together}. I also used my price book to figure out how m my meals were costing us each week so I could try to lower the overall cost of our dinner meals.

I do think that they are important tool to get you going. I agree with what Bargain Briana said and start with a handful of items that you regularly buy and track the prices of those items for about 6 weeks. It doesn't have to be anything elaborate, either. I just set up a simple spreadsheet in Excel and tracked that way. Eventually the stock prices will be etched in your brain! :)
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October 29, 2012

HelpMyBudget

  • Joined: Sep 2010

Re: Does anyone use a price book? What about a price book app?

I agree with Briana, it can be overwhelming to try and write everything you are buying down and find the best prices initially, so I'd say try and get those staple items that you buy weekly down first. Write down what you pay for them, if you've seen coupons or good sales for them...some brands regularly have coupons and others don't. Once you get your staple prices down, you can expand out to other items!
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October 30, 2012

debtfreespending

  • Joined: Jun 2011

Re: Does anyone use a price book? What about a price book app?

I actually do use a price book, and I wrote a post about it at http://www.debtfreespending.com/keeping-… Check out the post, and there are printables you can just print off and put into a three ring binder!! :)
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October 31, 2012

GiveMeNeither

  • Joined: Nov 2010

Re: Does anyone use a price book? What about a price book app?

My price book is in my head too. It takes a while to get a handle on what stockpile prices are for each item and it's going to vary from area to area. There are still things that get me frazzled, eg. toilet paper...double roll, mega roll, 3-ply, 2-ply and number of sheets per roll.

You'll get there.
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November 14, 2012

crazydavid

  • Joined: Nov 2012

0 of 1 people found the following reply helpful:

Re: Does anyone use a price book? What about a price book app?

what is a price book? can anyone explain me
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November 15, 2012

GettingFreedom

  • Joined: Mar 2012

1 of 1 people found the following reply helpful:

Re: Does anyone use a price book? What about a price book app?

CrazyDavid--A price book is basically a notebook or spreadsheet that tracks the prices of the items you purchase on a regular basis. Typically they include the stores name so you know where you got that price, as well as the date. This helps you to learn the sales cycles of the items you purchase so that you never have to pay full price.
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November 22, 2012

debtfreespending

  • Joined: Jun 2011

Re: Does anyone use a price book? What about a price book app?

Yep, it's a spreadsheet I do mostly have in my head now. However, every year or so, I update my list because manufacturers change packaging sizes which changes all of the unit pricing! :)
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