Check a supermarket special before adding it to your trolley
Use recorded price history, check the offer conditions, and work out whether buying extra fits your shopping list.
Start with the price you would pay
A special label is a reason to check an offer. Read the price and its conditions before adding the product to your trolley. Look for membership requirements, an end date and any minimum quantity.
The Commerce Commission called for accurate, clear supermarket promotions in a statement on 13 December 2023. That dated statement provides background for this guide; it is not a new announcement.[1]
Put the offer beside recorded price history
On shoparound, open the product and check the available price history. Make sure you are looking at the same product and pack size, and check which retailer or branch the recorded prices refer to.
Look for recurring lower prices as well as recent increases. A price below last week’s price may still be higher than an earlier recorded offer. History can help you decide whether to buy now or wait when the purchase is optional.
Recorded history cannot tell you the next sale date or guarantee that every past price was captured. Check when the current listing was last updated and confirm the retailer’s offer before buying.
Work out the cost of buying extra
For a fictional example, suppose an item costs $3 on its own or two for $5. Buying two lowers the cost per item to $2.50, but increases the amount you spend today from $3 to $5.
If you need both items and can use or store them, that may suit your list. If the second item will go unused, consider buying one. Keep any dietary needs and storage limits in the decision.
Check the checkout total
Before paying, check that the quantity and conditions match the offer you chose. If the charged price differs from the displayed offer, ask the retailer to check it and keep a receipt or screenshot of the offer.
Compare the amount you would spend on your planned shop before deciding to stock up. A lower per-item price can still mean spending more than you intended.