Bargain Quest

Do you ever wonder how the cash register at the grocery store decides what store coupons to print out for you? I do. I assume it’s some complex algorithm involving my discount card spending history and the cycle of the moon.

Sometimes there is an obvious, logical connection. If I buy Lean Pockets (which I frequently do) I get…. Lean Pockets coupons! I even have the matrix worked out: Buy 1 box, get a coupon for $1 off 2 boxes. Buy 2 boxes, get $1.25 off 3. Buy 3, get $1.25 off 4. Buy 4, get $1.50 off 5. I haven’t tried 5 boxes, I usually just work through the cycle again, starting with 1 box.

A month or two ago, I bought 3 bags of 12 Cascade dishwasher gelpacs (We had to switch from powder detergent because on 1 out of every 2 loads, the compartment didn’t open). They were at least 50% off, about $1.50 each, so time to stock up! Anyway, I think that’s what triggered a checkout coupon for $4.29 off a 20 ct box of Electrsol Powerball tabs. Coincidentally, the regular price of Electrasol tabs is $4.29. Free detergent!

Even better, Electrasol soon went on sale for around $3, so I bought one that included 5 free tabs and actually reduced my grocery bill by $1.29. That transaction gave me another $4.29 coupon, which I got around to using yesterday. The tabs weren’t on sale, but I did have a $.75 manufacturer’s coupon. More free detergent and being paid $.75 to take the box out of the store!

Sadly, Kroger’s algorithm did not see fit to print me another Electrasol discount, which is probably just as well considering I’m now storing under my sink enough detergent to last 81 loads (40 weeks @ 2 loads a week). Net cost: ~$2.50.