Saving Money Starts with Not Being ‘That Customer’

 

Super Savers, gather 'round! Today’s sermon from the discount aisle comes with a healthy dose of manners, mischief, and mystery meat left to defrost in women’s wear. That’s right — we’re talking about how being a kind and courteous customer actually helps everyone save money. That includes you, bargain hunter.

Let’s start with an all-too-common grocery store crime scene: a lonely frozen lasagna melting its way through a stack of tank tops in the clearance rack. Y’all, that lasagna didn’t ask to be left there, and now it’s destined for the dumpster. Once frozen food thaws — or refrigerated food warms up in the freezer — stores are legally required to toss it. Not only does that mean lost inventory, but if it leaks or spoils on other merchandise, those items have to be tossed too. That’s a double whammy to the store’s bottom line and ultimately results in higher prices for the rest of us. So unless your shopping cart includes a dry cleaner that specializes in Alfredo sauce, please return perishable items to their rightful refrigerated homes.

Speaking of returning things, if you change your mind about buying something — a can of beans, a bottle of shampoo, a gallon of oat milk — don’t just dump it on a random shelf like it’s in retail time-out. Put it back where you found it. Store associates are busy folks, and they’re not paid extra to play a frustrating game of hide-and-seek with misplaced condiments.

Now let’s talk carts. Specifically, the roaming shopping carts that end up halfway to Narnia or parked like a bumper car in a neighboring lot. Returning your cart to the corral isn’t just courteous — it saves stores time, labor, and potential damage to other vehicles. And if you’re tempted to roll that cart all the way home like it’s your new roommate? Don’t. Stores have to replace stolen carts, and those costs get passed right on to us. So let’s leave the grand theft grocery games to GTA.

Returned food is another tricky topic. Once you bring it back — even unopened — it can’t go back on the shelf. That’s right: your regretful impulse buy is now store trash. Instead of turning your cart into a rolling regret-mobile, try doing a little homework before you head out. Know what you need, use the store app, and you’ll make fewer return trips and fewer literal returns.

And hey, speaking of apps — use them! Most store apps can tell you what’s in stock, what aisle it’s in, and how much it costs. Some even let you check out from your phone! That means less time in line, more time binge-watching reruns of "The Price Is Right," and more room for employees to tackle real problems instead of explaining for the 97th time where the peanut butter is hiding.

Bringing your own bags? Gold star for you, eco-warrior! Not only are reusable bags better for the environment, they help stores cut down on plastic bag costs — savings that might trickle down to you. And no, your trunk does not need another ball of crinkled plastic bags.

Here’s a hot tip: try not to treat store closing time like your own personal Black Friday. If you’ve got a massive shopping list or you’re in the mood to casually browse every shampoo bottle like it’s a museum exhibit, maybe don’t stroll in five minutes before closing. Employees have lives, too. They’re not NPCs — they need sleep, tacos, and reality TV like the rest of us.

And while we love a good dog video, please leave pets at home unless they’re legit service animals. Not everyone is a fan of your furry sidekick, and a store is no place for accidents — of the canine or lawsuit variety.

Oh, and if you see a spill? Report it, don’t ignore it. Because nothing says "lawsuit waiting to happen" like slipping on a rogue pickle slice. Trust us, store insurance premiums aren’t cheap, and higher risk = higher prices.

Lastly, let’s channel our inner Spider-Man responsibly. Don’t climb shelves, don’t enter stock rooms, and don’t treat the store like an episode of "American Ninja Warrior." There are professionals (with ladders!) to help you reach that top-shelf salsa.

So remember, Super Savers: being a kind customer doesn’t just make you a good person — it helps keep prices low, staff morale high, and the store a little less chaotic for everyone. Courtesy isn’t just free — it’s a deal we can all benefit from!