Don't fall for these supermarket promotions: How can I tell if they're not right for me?

Supermarkets are useful for their ability to centralize basic needs and offer economic benefits, although their promotions are often misleading. Markets often take advantage of the distortion generated by inflationary situations and consumers' urgency to save, so it's important to pay attention. How can you identify an unfavorable price?

The "Pricing" page offered some tips to help customers of large supermarket chains quickly spot discounts and false promotions. Some useful recommendations when shopping: 1. Always translate quantity promotions into net price per unit. "Price communications are designed to tempt consumers, although they are not always expressed clearly and directly. Calculations must then be performed to determine the true impact on the price we will end up paying per unit," they explain. This is often common in "3 for 2" or "2 for 1" offers. 2. Compare all prices by unit of measure . "Signage indicating the price per unit of measure is very helpful, but when this information is missing, there is no other option but to calculate. It is always a good idea to compare the price per kilo, liter, meter, or whatever unit of measure corresponds to the product we are buying." (READ MORE: Don't do it: The worst mistake many people make when cooking meat, according to AI )

3. Carefully read the fine print of offers and promotions . "Restrictions and the scope of discounts and promotions should be taken into account. Sometimes discounts only apply to certain product varieties, or in certain stores, or there is a limit on the purchase quantity."

4. Analyze expiration date and expected consumption, in purchases by quantity

"In addition to evaluating the net price, it's important to consider the intended use of the products. Sometimes buying more than necessary involves hidden costs, such as the expiration of perishable items."

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What are the recommendations to protect yourself from misleading offers?

The Consumers' Union of Extremadura, Spain, offers other complementary recommendations to make shopping a planned activity with minimal financial risk. ▪️Shopping list: Avoid impulse purchases and optimize your time.

▪️Fixed budget

Set a spending limit to avoid indulgences.

▪️Space at home

Make sure you have storage before taking advantage of massive deals.

▪️Prioritize non-perishables

On sale, choose products like legumes, rice, or canned goods with long shelf lives.

▪️Check expiration dates

Many promotions are for products that are close to expiring.