Shopping for groceries is a necessary expense, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay full price like everyone else. With the right strategies, you can consistently score the best deals, take advantage of hidden discounts, and even outsmart the stores at their own game. Here’s your ultimate grocery store cheat sheet to ensure you always pay less than the average shopper.

1. The Best Days & Times to Shop for Markdowns

Timing is Everything

Most grocery stores follow a predictable markdown schedule. Knowing when to shop can mean the difference between paying full price and getting a 50% discount on the same items.

Meat & Poultry: Marked down early in the morning (between 6 AM and 10 AM) when the butcher updates inventory.

Bakery Items: Best markdowns happen late in the evening when stores try to clear out fresh-baked goods.

Dairy & Deli: Often discounted a few days before the expiration date—check midweek for the best finds.

Produce: Look for markdowns in the late afternoon, especially if a store restocks overnight.

PRO TIP: MASTER THE ART OF “REVERSE GROCERY SHOPPING”

Most people make a shopping list first, then go looking for deals.

Learn to flip the script. Instead of planning meals before shopping, base your entire menu on clearance and overstock markdowns.

Scan the “Manager’s Special” section first, you’ll often find this section in the back of the store for meat and produce.

Find the deepest discounted item (e.g., a 10lb bag of potatoes for $2) and build your meal plan around it.

Google “[ingredient] + recipe” if you need some inspiration. Stack this with shopping at multiple stores—hit grocery outlets and discount stores first before heading to traditional supermarkets.

The 3 Best Days to Shop

Wednesday: The first day of a new sales cycle at most grocery stores.

Friday: Stores stock up for the weekend rush, sometimes discounting older inventory.

Sunday evening: Leftover weekend inventory is often marked down.

2. Store-Specific Savings Tricks

Each major grocery store has its own savings quirks. Here’s how to maximize savings at the most popular chains:

Target

Stack Target Discounts: Combine store coupons, manufacturer coupons, and Target Circle app deals.

Buy Discounted Target Gift Cards for Groceries: Every December, Target offers 10% off Target gift cards (up to $500). Buy a year’s worth to get 10% off all your groceries for months. Bonus: You can also buy discounted Target gift cards from sites like CardCookie, CardCash, or through Kroger’s fuel points program.

Buy in Bulk & Return What You Don’t Need: Some multi-pack grocery items at Target are cheaper per unit. Buy the bulk pack, keep the cheaper per-unit price, and return extras if allowed, without your receipt if need-be.

Look for Target’s Secret Grocery Clearance Tags: In the grocery aisles, look for yellow clearance stickers (often on end caps or near freezer doors). Clearance food is usually marked down 30-50% off and goes even lower before being pulled.

Check for Expiring Perishables at Deep Discounts: Target discounts soon-to-expire meat, dairy, and bakery items early in the morning. Check the “Reduced for Quick Sale” section for half-price steaks, milk, yogurt, and more.

Target Circle Bonus Offers for Grocery Shoppers: Sometimes Target Circle offers extra bonus rewards when you spend a certain amount (e.g., Spend $50 on groceries, get $10 back). Keep an eye out for these to stock up strategically on pantry staples.

Subscribe & Save on Essentials (Then Cancel!): Some grocery items (like coffee, baby food, or snacks) qualify for Target’s subscription discount (often 5-15% off). Hack: Subscribe to get the discount, then cancel before the next shipment.

PRO TIP: “$5 OR $10 FILL RULE” AT FARMER’S MARKETS

Toward the end of a farmer’s market day, many vendors would rather sell cheaply than pack up everything. Offer a flat $5 or $10 for all the remaining produce in a particular bin or basket.

It takes a bit of negotiation and timing. But if the seller has surplus, you can walk away with bags full of fresh goods for next to nothing.

Arrive late (within the last 30-60 minutes) and be friendly and direct and say something like: “Can I take all the cucumbers of your hands for $10?”

Walmart

Use Walmart’s Price Match: Not officially advertised, but some stores will price match nearby competitors.

Check for “Rollback” Prices: Rollback prices are typically short-term price reductions, not clearance items. These discounts can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, but they’re not guaranteed to stick around.

Not the Lowest Price: While Rollbacks offer savings, they may not always be the lowest possible price. Walmart often adjusts pricing based on competitor trends, so it’s still worth comparing prices before buying.

Hidden Clearance Trick: Scan items with the Walmart app as some items ring up cheaper than marked. You’d be amazed how often this happens.

Price Tag Code Employees Don’t Want You to Know: When you find an item with a yellow clearance sticker, check the original barcode under it to see if there’s an even lower price hidden underneath. You’d be surprised how often this happens.

Shop on the Right Day: The best day for grocery markdowns at Walmart is Wednesday morning, this is when meat, bakery, and produce get discounted before new shipments arrive. Early morning (6-9 AM) or late at night (after 9 PM) is when markdowns happen.

PRO TIP: LEARN TO READ PRICE PER UNIT (PPU)

Price tags always include 2 numbers: the actual cost of the item and the price per unit (such as per ounce or per pound).

Many people assume that buying in bulk or purchasing larger packages always leads to savings, but that’s not always the case.

Checking the unit price helps confirm whether you’re truly getting a better deal—especially if doing math on the spot isn’t your strong suit.

For instance, let’s take a bag of shredded cheese. A 12-ounce bag costs $3.99, which breaks down to about $0.33 per ounce. Meanwhile, a 2-pound (32-ounce) bag is priced at $10.99, making it roughly $0.34 per ounce. At first glance, the bigger bag might seem like a better deal, but in reality, you’d be paying a little more per ounce compared to the smaller package.

This strategy is also helpful when comparing brands with different packaging sizes. Let’s say you’re buying coffee. Starbucks sells a 12-ounce bag for $7.99, while Peet’s bag is 16 ounces and costs $10.99. At first glance, the bigger bag might seem like a better deal, but checking the unit price makes things clear—Starbucks costs about $0.67 per ounce, while Peet’s comes out to $0.69 per ounce. Even though the price difference is small, Starbucks actually gives you more coffee for your money.

Aldi

Shop on Wednesdays for the Best Deals: Aldi typically restocks on Wednesdays, and that’s when their fresh meat deals drop. Look for family packs of meat with “$5 Off” or “50% Off” stickers—these are manager markdowns that will slash your bill in half.

Know Which Name Brands Sneak Into Aldi: Some Aldi store brands are actually big-name brands in disguise.

Examples include:

Millville Cereals = Made by General Mills
Aldi Coffee = Some come from the same roasters as Starbucks
Frozen Pizzas = Some are from Palermo’s (same as Costco’s Kirkland brand)

Skip Paper Products & Cleaning Supplies: Not everything is a bargain at Aldi. Paper towels, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies are often cheaper at Costco, Walmart, or even Dollar Tree. Stick to Aldi for groceries and buy household essentials elsewhere.

Bring Your Own Bags: Save by avoiding bag fees.

Look for the “Red Sticker”: These mark clearance items that are up to 50% off.

Kroger (and Kroger-owned stores)

Check for Yellow & Red Tags: These indicate clearance and final markdowns. Also, look for white shelf tags with red prices, these are final markdowns and won’t be restocked.

Buy on Mega Sale Weeks: Purchase a certain number of participating items for huge savings.

Stack Coupons for Maximum Savings: Kroger allows stacking digital coupons, manufacturer coupons, and store promotions for extra discounts. Be sure to look for double or triple stack opportunities.

Go Wednesday for the Best Deals: Kroger’s weekly ad resets on Wednesday, so you’ll see fresh markdowns and clearance. Also, be aware that many Kroger locations honor last week’s and this week’s deals on Wednesdays for double-dipping discounts.

Buy Meat in Bulk & Have the Butcher Split It for You: Buying family packs of meat saves up to 30% per pound. Ask the butcher to split the bulk pack into smaller portions (for free of course). Also, amazingly, some locations season and marinate meat for free—just ask.

See Also: 11 Badass Ways to Save Even More at Kroger

Costco

Know the Secret Pricing Codes at Costco:

Prices ending in .97 = Clearance

Prices ending in .00 or .88 = Store manager markdown

Asterisks (*) on price tags = Item won’t be restocked

The secret sauce is to find something ending in .97 and has an asterisk and it’s typically a great deal.

Also, Costco’s meat and seafood prices per pound are already low, but buying primal cuts (larger portions) and slicing them yourself can save you even more.

TIP: Ask the meat department to cut down bulk meat into smaller portions, they’ll typically do it for FREE.

Trader Joe’s

Shop on Tuesdays & Wednesdays: Fresh shipments arrive, meaning better selection and deals.

Love TJ’s Private Label: Also, almost everything at TJ’s is a private-label product, meaning it’s made by big-name brands but sold under the Trader Joe’s name for way cheaper. Example: TJ’s pita chips are actually made by Stacy’s, and their Greek yogurt? It’s FAGE.

Hoard Seasonal Products: Trader Joe’s seasonal favorites sell out FAST, and they usually don’t restock them until the next year. If you love a limited-time item (Pumpkin Kringle, Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s, etc.), grab multiple before they disappear.

Be Careful of Prepacked Produce: Trader Joe’s pre-packaged produce isn’t always the best deal—prices on things like apples and avocados can be higher than local grocery stores or Aldi. But bananas at 19¢ each? That’s always a win.

2-Buck Chuck: The infamous Two-Buck Chuck (Charles Shaw Wine) is still one of the cheapest wines around at ~$3-4 per bottle. But if you want better quality, Trader Joe’s exclusive-label wines ($6-$10) often match the quality of $20+ bottles from other stores.

PRO TIP: SCORE WITH BARTER & TRADE NETWORKS

Trade your surplus or your skills (e.g., homemade baked goods, yard work, tutoring) for someone else’s garden produce, eggs, or bulk items.

This is some very old-school resourcefulness—skipping currency altogether for direct exchange.

Check local Facebook groups, Buy Nothing groups, or neighborhood apps (like NextDoor) to see who might be open to trades.

3. Cashier Secrets & Price Hacks

Many stores allow cashiers to manually adjust prices in certain situations.

Know When Cashiers Can Override Prices

Here’s when to ask:

If an item rings up higher than the shelf price: Stores will often honor the lower price.

If an item has a minor defect: Stores like Target, Walmart, and Kroger often offer 10-20% off for damaged packaging.

If an expired sale tag is still displayed: Some stores will extend the sale price if you mention it.

PRO TIP: INSIDER TIPS ON STORE BRANDS

One of my favorite insider ways to save at the grocery store is to sleuth out which store brands are actually made by the more expensive name-brand.

I’ve done this at many big name stores, resulting in some great ways to save and not sacrifice quality.

Here are the articles that I’ve written that you should check out:

– Who Makes Member’s Mark Products at Sam’s Club – We figure out who makes Member’s Mark batteries, water, jeans, dog food, and peanut butter to name a few.

– All The Store Brands Made By Name Brands – We breakdown Costco’s Kirkland brand, Walmart’s Great Value, Trader Joe’s products, and several more.

– Name Brands Vs. Store Brands: Which Items Provide the Best Value – Insider tips on what grocery product categories where you should be buying the store-brand every time you shop.

Coupon Stacking Secrets

If you’re not using stacking, you’re leaving money on the table.

Manufacturer Coupons + Store Coupons = Big Discounts. Target, Walgreens, and CVS allow stacking store coupons with manufacturer coupons.

Digital Coupons + Paper Coupons: Some stores (like Kroger) allow one of each per item.

Catalina Coupons: These are printed at the register and can be used like cash on your next purchase.

Self-Checkout Hacks

Scan clearance items last: Some stores require cashier approval for big markdowns—scanning them last speeds up the process.

Watch for automatic discounts: Sometimes discounts don’t apply automatically, so double-check your total before paying.

PRO TIP: BECOME A STORE VIP W/O SPENDING A DIME

Grocery store managers give special discounts to regulars who know how to ask.

Talk to the butcher, bakery, and produce manager and politely ask about markdown schedules.

Say something like, “Do you ever mark down items at certain times? I’d love to shop during those windows.”

Many managers will markdown items for you on the spot if you ask nicely (especially meats and baked goods).

If you shop consistently, you’ll get tipped off about upcoming discounts before they’re posted.

4. Hidden Ways to Save Even More

Use Rebate Apps for Extra Cash Back

Ibotta: Offers cashback on grocery purchases when you scan your receipt. (full review)

Fetch: Earn points by scanning any receipt and redeem them for gift cards. (full review)

Rakuten: Use it for online grocery orders. (full review)

Sign Up for Store Emails & Texts: Stores like Albertsons, Safeway, and Publix send out exclusive discounts to email and text subscribers.

Ask for a Rain Check

If a sale item is out of stock, ask for a rain check—this lets you buy the item at the sale price when it’s back in stock.

Watch for Clearance in Weird Places

End caps & bottom shelves: Some markdowns aren’t placed in the normal clearance section.

Near registers: Some stores discount seasonal items near checkout lines.

5. Checklist for Out-Saving Everyone Else

✅ Always scan your receipts for cashback (Ibotta, Fetch, etc.)
✅ Shop with a list to avoid impulse purchases.
✅ Check unit prices—sometimes bigger packages are NOT the better deal.
✅ Buy store brands—they’re often made by the same manufacturers as name brands.
✅ Use loyalty cards to access exclusive store discounts.
✅ Check the store’s website before shopping—some deals are only available online or in-app.

With these cheat sheet secrets, you’ll never overpay for groceries again. Bookmark this guide, apply these tricks, and start saving more than everyone else at checkout.

Ask the Reader: What’s your favorite grocery store hack? Share it in the comments.

By Kyle James

Have you been blacklisted from making a return by a big-name retailer? Maybe you made too many returns, or maybe you triggered some sore of “fraud filter”, unbeknownst to you. It seems to be a thing these days. Here’s how it all works right now.

Why Do Stores Blacklist Some Returners?

Here are some explanations that might flag your return:

Frequent Returns: Those who frequently return many of their purchases may be viewed as taking advantage of the system.

Wearing or Using Items: This is referred to as wardrobing, where people purchase an item, use it, and then take it back to the store.

Returning Without a Receipt: Most stores track those who make multiple purchases without a receipt.

Stolen Goods: This includes instances where criminals try to exchange stolen goods for cash or store credit.

PRO TIP: HOW TO AVOID GETTING BANNED

If you have a history of returning items, these tips will help you to reduce your chances of being blacklisted.

Keep Your Receipts – This is important because providing a receipt decreases the chances of being flagged because you can prove you’re a legit shopper.

Space Out Your Returns – Avoid making multiple returns within a short period of time.

Avoid Large or Frequent Returns – This is because making multiple high-value returns is likely to set off the tracking systems.

Use Store Accounts or Loyalty Programs – A number of stores are more likely to allow returns for loyal customers.

The Major Stores That’re Banning Some Returners Right Now

I’m trying to get in touch with people from all of the stores mentioned below about being banned or having the threat of a ban.

I have talked to a few and included their stories below, but if you have personal experience with any of these stores please reach out to me.

1. Target

Target has a close eye on returns and has banned customers who make excessive returns, especially those without a receipt.

Those who depend on Target’s return policy for non-receipt returns may be limited at some point.

Target’s Policy: Every non receipted return is recorded and there is a limit of $150 per year for each customer.

Common Reasons for a Ban: Too many returns, too many receipt-less returns, or too many high value returns.

Tracking System Used: Target reportedly uses The Retail Equation (TRE) to analyze return data.

REAL LIFE EXAMPLE: TARGET GETTING STRICTER ON SOME RETURNS

I chatted with Tina from Stockton, CA about her last experience at a Target store.

She thought she had identified a loophole in the system with Target’s rather generous Cat & Jack return policy which allows for the return of children’s clothes that are worn out within a year.

However, after making multiple trips to the customer service with her worn out sneakers and worn out leggings, she was told politely that any further return of worn clothes would be rejected, unless there was a manufacturer’s defect.

The reality check made her change her perspective on her shopping behavior at Target and she now tries to pass on the items instead of returning them.

She said, ”I thought I had an endless credit, but I guess even Target has its limits — I guess I’ll just donate their used clothing instead.”

2. Walmart

Walmart has a pretty good return policy but it also has a system in place to identify and prevent return fraud.

In some cases, Walmart has prevented shoppers from making any returns at all, including for defective products.

Common Reasons for a Ban: Frequent high dollar returns, frequent returns with no receipt, or suspicious refund requests.

Tracking System Used: Walmart uses The Retail Equation (TRE) to identify returns and catch unusual patterns.

Some customers have reported being banned after buying and returning expensive electronics or several high-end items within a short period of time.

30% RETURNS COULD TRIGGER WALMART BAN

I talked with Theresa, a mom of 3 from Texas, who recently got her Walmart account banned for excessive returns.

Over the course of a couple years, she made around 250 online purchases and returned or canceled about 75 of those orders—sometimes because she changed her mind, other times because Walmart shipped her the wrong item.

One day, she logged into her Walmart account and was met with an unpleasant surprise: her account had been deactivated. Confused, she called customer service, only to be told that her high return rate violated Walmart’s return policy, and as a result, she was banned from making future returns. Even her Walmart+ membership had been revoked.

Frustrated, she tried to explain that many of her returns weren’t her fault—some items arrived broken, while others were out-of-stock substitutions she didn’t want. But Walmart stood firm. Her case was closed, and there was no way to appeal the decision.

3. Best Buy

Best Buy has a very strict 15-day policy for returns. Customers who make frequent purchases or cancel orders may also be prohibited from doing so again.

Common Reasons for a Ban: High-value returns, returning items missing accessories, or multiple returns within a short timeframe.

Tracking System Used: Best Buy has partnered with The Retail Equation (TRE) for return monitoring.

In some cases, customers have received emails or in-store notifications that they are no longer allowed to make returns at Best Buy.

REAL LIFE EXAMPLE: BEST BUY IS WATCHING YOU

I spoke with Eric from San Diego, CA about his recent “return experience” with Best Buy.

In recent years, he has leaned pretty heavily on Best Buy’s return policy for big tech purchases, especially when buying laptops for his college aged kids.

But after returning two laptops that were pieces of junk, a pair of headphones his son didn’t like, and a TV that was “too big for the wall” all within a few months, he was pulled aside at customer service.

A manager politely but firmly told him that his return activity was being monitored and that he could face restrictions if it continued.

“I wasn’t trying to abuse the system—I just have bad tech luck. But message received. I’ll think twice before ‘testing out’ another laptop,” he says.

4. Sephora

Sephora is one of those retailers that also has the ability to restrict customers based on return frequency and may prohibit some shoppers from making returns.

Since beauty products are for personal use, too many returns are cause for concern.

Common Reasons for a Ban: Used makeup, too many online orders returned, or without a receipt.

Tracking System Used: Sephora uses internal data analysis and The Retail Equation (TRE) for its tracking system.

Some customers have been informed that they are no longer permitted to make returns even if the returns are valid.

5. Home Depot

Home improvement stores like Home Depot also track returns, particularly on high-value items like tools, appliances, and electronics.

Common Reasons for a Ban: Frequent returns of high-dollar tools or items without receipts.

Tracking System Used: Home Depot reportedly uses The Retail Equation (TRE) and internal monitoring systems.

Customers making multiple high-value returns, even with receipts, have reported being flagged and banned from further returns.

REAL LIFE EXAMPLE: TREATED LIKE A SCAMMER

I spoke with DIYer Louis about his recent experience with The Home Depot.

After returning a few extra light fixtures, the wrong shade of paint, and a power drill he never ended up using, he was shocked when the cashier told him he couldn’t return anything else for 3 months—because he’d been flagged.

Even with receipts in hand, he felt he was treated like a problem customer and told his returns were “excessive.”

“I wasn’t flipping tools for profit—I just made some mistakes. But apparently, Home Depot has decided I’m a return criminal,” he says.

6. Lowe’s

Lowe’s has a return tracking system that covers high value returns and frequent returners without receipts.

Common Reasons for a Ban: Frequent no-receipt returns, abuse of the return policy, or suspected fraud.

Tracking System Used: The Retail Equation (TRE).

7. CVS and Walgreens

Pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens also track returns. Due to health and safety concerns, they have strict policies for returns, particularly on prescription medications, beauty products, and opened items.

Common Reasons for a Ban: Returning opened beauty or health products, excessive return frequency, or refund abuse.

Tracking System Used: Internal tracking combined with The Retail Equation (TRE).

Some shoppers have been banned after multiple returns of personal care items, even when unopened.

8. Amazon

Amazon, while known for its customer-friendly policies, has also been reported to ban accounts that make too many returns.

Common Reasons for a Ban: Excessive returns, returning high-value items frequently, or abuse of free returns.

Tracking System Used: Amazon uses internal analytics to track return behavior.

Customers who return a large percentage of their purchases have had their accounts flagged, restricted, or even permanently banned.

REAL LIFE EXAMPLE: BUSY MOM GETS THE DREADED EMAIL FROM AMAZON

I talked with Melissa, a busy mom from Austin, TX, who received an unexpected email from Amazon warning her about too many returns and the risk of account limitations.

The email said, “We’ve noticed an unusually high number of returns on your account. Please review our return policies to avoid potential account limitations.”

She hadn’t realized her frequent returns—mostly kids’ shoes, bad-fitting clothes, and impulse buys—were being tracked, though she did admit to returning about 25% off the stuff she bought.

The warning made her rethink her shopping habits, leading her to double-check sizes, read reviews carefully, and resist impulse purchases.

“Amazon basically told me, hey, cool it with the returns, or we might have to break up,” she says.

9. Apple

Apple has a strict return policy for devices and accessories, and excessive returns may result in account restrictions.

Common Reasons for a Ban: Returning multiple Apple products within a short time, abuse of return periods, or returning used devices.

Tracking System Used: Internal tracking through Apple IDs and purchase history.

Some customers have reported being blocked from making future purchases after too many returns.

REAL LIFE EXAMPLE: APPLE IS BUCKLING DOWN

I talked with a Olivia, a college student from Georgia about her run-in with the return policy at Apple.

After exchanging an iPhone for a different color, returning an iPad she never used, and swapping AirPods that didn’t fit well—all within a 6 months—she got a little surprise from Apple.

After her most recent return, a store employee actually pulled her aside and told her that Apple “closely monitors return patterns” and that she might be restricted from future returns.

“I wasn’t running a black-market Apple resale business—I just changed my mind a few times. But I guess Apple expects you to commit, no take-backs,” she says.

10. Nike

Nike has a policy that allows for returns within 60 days, but excessive returners have reported being banned from future returns.

Common Reasons for a Ban: Multiple returns in a short period, frequent exchanges, or suspected abuse of return policies.

Tracking System Used: Internal analytics and customer purchase tracking.

11. Victoria’s Secret

Victoria’s Secret tracks returns and may ban shoppers who frequently return lingerie, bras, or swimwear.

Common Reasons for a Ban: Returning high volumes of worn or unworn merchandise.

Tracking System Used: Internal data monitoring and The Retail Equation (TRE).

12. REI

REI is known for its generous return policy, but the company has also started banning customers who it believes abuse returns. The screenshot above is the exact email they’re sending those they feel have abused their policy.

Previously, REI had a legendary “no questions asked” return policy, but due to excessive abuse, they recently changed their policy and now track returns closely.

Common Reasons for a Ban: Excessive returns of used outdoor gear or clothing.

Tracking System Used: REI uses internal tracking systems and customer account purchase history.

Some REI shoppers have reported having their membership revoked after returning too many items, particularly expensive outdoor gear like hiking boots, tents, or bikes.

If REI believes you are using their return policy as a “rental program” (buying items, using them for a trip, and then returning them), they may permanently ban you from making future returns or even shopping at REI.

WHAT’S THE TIPPING POINT FOR REI?

I was recently included in a news story talking about REI returns. The gal that was the focal point of the story had been banned from making any more REI returns.

To give you an idea, since 2014 she spent about $11,000 on REI gear and had returned about $3,100 of that.

So after doing a little math, if you’re buying frequently from REI, and returning about 25%-30% of the stuff you buy, there’s a good chance you’re going to be getting the same “banned” email.

The Retail Equation (TRE): The Software Behind Return Blacklists

One of the most “controversial” return-tracking tools used by major retailers is The Retail Equation (TRE).

This software analyzes return patterns and assigns a risk score to each customer.

If a shopper’s return activity exceeds an unspecified threshold, they may be banned from returning items altogether.

How TRE Works:

Data Collection: TRE collects data from participating retailers every time a customer makes a return where they have to show their ID. This happens most often when making returns without a receipt or when you’re beyond the stores return window, which means you’re returning for store credit.

Pattern Recognition: It evaluates how often someone returns items, the value of the items, and whether a receipt was provided.

Scoring System: If a customer’s return behavior is suspicious or excessive, TRE may send a signal to the retailer to blacklist the customer from returning items.

TRE operates in secrecy, meaning consumers are often unaware that their returns are being tracked until they are banned.

PRO TIP: HAVE YOU BEEN WRONGLY BANNED?

Even customers who genuinely follow store policies can be blacklisted if their return habits trigger TRE software.

You have the right to request a copy of your return history from TRE to see what triggered the ban.

How to Request Your Report:

• Visit The Retail Equation’s website.
• Look for the Return Activity Report Request form and pick Online, Phone, or Email.
• Submit your request and review your history.

Ask the Reader: Have you wrongly been banned from making returns? What was the store and what was the final outcome? Let me know as I’m trying to get an account from shoppers for all the stores included in this article.

By Kyle James

Sam’s Club is a great place to save money, but aside from the bulk buying aspects, there exists some clever out-of-the-box ways to save even more. Many of these insider tips will change the way you shop at Sam’s and make you wish you knew them WAY sooner.

Shop Online Without a Membership

Believe it or not, you don’t actually need a membership to shop at Sam’s Club.

Non-members can shop online, but they will incur an extra 10% fee.

However, there is a way around this: if a Sam’s Club member purchases a Sam’s Club gift card for you, you can use it to shop in-store without needing a membership.

PRO TIP: TOP NAME-BRANDS MAKE MANY MEMBER’S MARK PRODUCTS

Similar to the Kirkland brand at Costco, many name-brand manufacturers make the Member’s Mark in-house brand products for Sam’s Club.

They include the following:

• Batteries = Energizer
• Bottled Water = Niagara Bottling
• Jeans = Wrangler
• Dog Food = Purina
• Peanut Butter = Peter Pan (ConAgra)
• Cheese = Sargento

Decode Sam’s Club Price Tags to Know When to Buy

Big thanks to loyal reader Chris for shedding light on how to read price tags at Sam’s Club’s.

Here’s what you need to know to spot deals and clearance items like a pro.

Prices Ending in 1 (e.g., $8.71 or $125.01) = Clearance & Sale Items. It’s a clearance item and marked down for a final sale and typically represents a great deal.

Decode the Shelf Tag Letters

Look at the upper right-hand corner of the shelf tag, where a letter next to the item number provides key insights:

A = Active Item – A regularly stocked product.

N = Never-Out – Always expected to be in stock.

C = Canceled – Will no longer be carried. If it’s not already on clearance, markdowns are coming soon.

S = Seasonal – Available for a limited time, but may be restocked a few times before it’s gone.

O = One-Time Buy – Limited stock, one shipment only. If you want it, grab it now—it likely won’t be restocked.

Score Extra Discounts on Display Models

If an item’s shelf tag has a C (for Canceled) and it’s the last one in-store, ask a manager for a discount on the display model. You can often negotiate at least 20% off!

Watch the Date on the Price Sign

At the bottom of the price sign, you’ll find a date indicating when the sign was last printed. This is a great way to track markdowns and time your purchase for the lowest possible price.

Shoutout to Jenn for this super useful tip.

PRO TIP: SHOP ON A TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY

There is little doubt that shopping at Sam’s Club on a Tuesday or Wednesday means fewer crowds, shorter checkout lines, and a more relaxed shopping experience compared to the weekend rush.

I’ve also found that midweek shopping also increases your chances of finding fully stocked shelves, especially for high-demand items like fresh produce, meats, and popular household essentials.

Sam’s is gonna be much quieter, allowing you to take your time to compare prices, browse markdowns, and spot hidden deals without feeling rushed.

Score a Club Membership for 50% Off

Sam’s Club frequently runs promotions where new members get 60% OFF the cost of membership.

The current offer expires February 26th, 2025 and gets you a 1-year Club Membership for only $20 (60% off).

I’ll be sure to keep this article updated with the newest membership coupon.

Use the Scan & Go App to Save Time and Money

Sam’s Club members have a game-changing tool at their fingertips: the Scan & Go feature in the Sam’s Club app.

This app not only eliminates the hassle of checkout lines, but also unlocks exclusive digital discounts you won’t find at the register.

Here are the steps to make it happen:

1. Open the Sam’s Club App – Download and sign in with your membership.

2. Scan Items as You Shop – Use your phone’s camera to scan barcodes while adding items to your cart.

3. View Instant Savings – Some products have digital-only discounts that apply automatically.

4. Pay Instantly in the App – When you’re done shopping, complete your purchase with your phone.

5. Skip the Checkout Line – Show your digital receipt to an associate at the exit, and you’re on your way.

PRO TIP: USE SCAN & GO AT SAM’S GAS STATIONS

Members should definitely use the Scan & Go app for fuel purchases, making fill-ups faster and more convenient.

That means no more waiting in line at the pump or fumbling with your card at the payment terminal—just scan, pay, and fuel up effortlessly.

How to use Scan & Go for fuel:

1. Open the Sam’s Club App and select Scan & Go.
2. Choose “Fuel” when you’re at a Sam’s Club gas station.
3. Scan the QR Code on the pump to activate it.
4. Select your payment method and confirm your purchase in the app and start fueling.

Also, some Sam’s Club locations offer exclusive Scan & Go fuel discounts, so keep an eye out for extra savings.

Take Advantage of Tire Services at Sam’s Club

Sam’s Club offers free tire repair to all active members, regardless of where the tires were purchased which is kinda awesome.

So whether your tires came from Sam’s Club or another retailer, take advantage of this valuable perk.

You get lifetime tire repair services for all types of tires, as long as the tire has at least 2/32 inches of tread remaining and is deemed repairable.

Tire repairs at most shops range anywhere from $20 to $30 per repair, meaning that even a single flat tire could make your Sam’s Club membership pay for itself.

In addition to free tire repair, Sam’s Club provides other complimentary auto services to help you maintain your vehicle:

Air pressure check – Properly inflated tires improve gas mileage and ensure a smoother ride. Stop by Sam’s Club for a free air pressure adjustment.

Tread depth check – Worn-out tires can be dangerous, especially in wet or icy conditions. Sam’s Club will measure your tread depth to ensure your tires are safe to drive on.

Battery check – If your car is slow to start, Sam’s Club has free battery checks to determine if your battery is in good shape or needs to be replaced.

PRO TIP: HAVE A WALMART GIFT CARD COLLECTING DUST?

Maybe you don’t shop often at Walmart. Or perhaps you often forget to use your gift cards.

If you have unused Walmart gift cards laying around, get them in your wallet and use them the next time your shopping at Sam’s Club.

Yes, Walmart owns Sam’s Club. Yes, your Walmart gift cards will work at Sam’s.

Sam’s Club Unofficial 7-Day Price Protection Policy

Sam’s Club does NOT have an official price adjustment policy.

BUT….many members have reported to me that they often receive a price adjustments within 7 days of purchase, this practice is subject to the discretion of individual clubs.

But I’m here to tell you that YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE by trying. This works especially well if you plan to buy high-ticket electronics or appliances that you may return later.

If a price drops shortly after your purchase, and a price adjustment is not honored, consider returning the item and repurchasing it at the lower price.

I’ve been told that many employees don’t want to deal with a “return and rebuy” situation and will often give the price adjustment on the spot, especially if you’re persistent…but polite.

PRO TIP: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SAM’S RETURN POLICY

Their return policy is pretty darn good as the give you unlimited return days on the majority of products they sell.

Plus, I was told by an employee that they give you an “unofficial” lifetime warranty on Member’s Mark items that lets you return it for a full refund whenever you want, no questions asked.

Ask the Reader: What not completely obvious Sam’s Club savings hack did I miss? Let me know in the comments. 

By Kyle James