-
.
- Ελληνικά
Shop smart, shop cheaper
It is a fact that inflation in the food sector has been steadily increasing in recent years, resulting in an additional financial burden on households. But even in this difficult period, the market offers a wealth of choice, both in terms of products and outlets, from which consumers can choose and make the most advantageous choices.
In this context, the Consumer Protection Service yesterday carried out an investigation in which its inspectors visited two supermarkets and made a virtual purchase of 44 basic consumer goods. Two shopping baskets were set up in each supermarket: the first basket contained the cheapest and the second the most expensive identical products from the same shelf. The summary results of the research are as follows:
|
Supermarket 1 |
[TD]
Supermarket 2
[/TD][TR] [TD]
Cost of Cheap Basket
[/TD] [TD]Cost Expensive Basket
[/TD] [/TD] [TD]Cost of Cheap Basket
[/TD] [TD]Cost of Expensive Basket
[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TR] [TD]€131,27
[/TD] [TD]€177,94
[/TD] [TD]€142,52
[/TD] [TD]€199,39
[/TD] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Basket difference: €46.67
[/TD] [/TD] [TD]Basket difference: €56.87
[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Percentage deviation: 35.55%
[/TD] [TD]Percentage deviation: 39.90%
[/TD] [/TR]
This survey demonstrates that, with careful choices, there is scope for households to save a significant amount of money on their purchases. For the full results of the survey click here.
Adopt rational consumption habits
Rational consumption habits, based on real needs and reflecting consumers' real economic capabilities, lead to smarter and cheaper purchases. Therefore, the Consumer Protection Agency urges consumers to consider the following tips, which aim to save money when purchasing food and other items, regardless of the economic conditions of the market:
- Conduct the necessary market research to identify the most advantageous supermarket and products according to your needs.
- Before your visit to the supermarket, prepare a shopping list, based on your actual needs, from which you will not deviate.
- Buy only the necessary products you have listed, without being influenced by promotions.
- Do not buy products just because they are on sale.
- Buy products in the predetermined quantity.
- Check the unit price of the products you intend to buy, i.e. the price per kilo, per litre, etc. The final price between similar products is not a benchmark, as the quantity of their packaging may differ.
- Check the purchase receipts carefully before leaving the checkout. If you find differences between the prices on the receipt and those on the shelf, ask for the error to be corrected immediately and make a complaint to 1429.
- Use the internet to make purchases, but also to identify and compare prices between different supermarkets.
- Choose the cheapest products by comparing products on the same shelf.
The Consumer Protection Agency, for its part, is continuing its efforts to adopt the e-kalathi online platform, which it considers to be an important tool for consumers for transparency, price comparison and more advantageous choices.
(EP/EXP)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
