SHOPPERS have recently been finding items scanning for way less than their price tag suggests.
But what if we told you there’s an easy way to find these items? From supermarket scanners to apps, here’s how to find cheaper products on the shelves.
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There have been a few products flying of shelves these last few weeks because they’ve been charging shoppers way less than what the price tag says.
For example, customers recently spotted a Tower air fryer that scanned for £40 rather than its RRP price of £139.
Another instance was this week when Asda fans saw a £16 twin duvet set that checked out for just 50p.
You’ll be wanting to know how to find deals like that more often – and it’s easy to do.
Here are a few ways to spot hidden discounts.
Asda scanners
If you shop at Asda, you can pick up a handset in store and use Scan and Go.
This way, before you pop any item into your basket, you can double check its price by scanning the barcode with your handset.
Not only will this alert you of any hidden deal, but you’ll be able to keep track of your total as you continue browsing.
This is great for anyone who likes to keep a budget when they shop.
You’ll need to have the Scan and Go app installed, but that’s quick and easy to do.
You’ll just need to pop in a few fast details and it’s free to install.
There’s also a dedicated checkout area for those using handsets so it’s quick and easy to finish your shop.
You can find your nearest Asda using the store locator on its website.
B&M barcode scanner app
B&M has a barcode scanner app which could help you save hundreds while you shop.
Usually staff will reduce items during seasonal holidays or they’ll stick labels on items reading “big brands” and “big savings”.
This typically happens with old stock that B&M is trying to shift too.
But the scanner app lets you see discounts before staff have even made reductions.
It’s completely free to use – you just need to download the B&M app – and you’ll find the B&M scanner once you click “scan” at the bottom of the homepage.
This will then bring up the camera on your smartphone, which you’ll need to use to scan barcodes.
Previously, shoppers have spotted bargains for £1, 50p or even 10p through the app.
Sainsbury’s scanners
Similar to Asda’s Scan and Go, Sainsbury’s has a setup called SmartShop.
This will also tell you if an item is discounted before you go to buy it.
But you’ll need to already have a Nectar card to use this one – if you don’t, you can sign up for free on the Sainsbury’s website.
Once you have your Nectar card, you need to download the SmartShop app from the App Store or Google Play and register an account.
You can also do this in stores at the handset wall.
Once that’s done, you can scan away. Once again, there’s a whole checkout area for handset users once you’re done.
Just search for your nearest Sainsbury’s using its locator tool on the website.
Tesco – Scan as you Shop
If you have a Clubcard, you can use Scan as you Shop at Tesco by picking up a handset at the door, like Sainsbury’s and Asda.
If you don’t have a Clubcard, it’s easy to register for on the Tesco website.
You’ll just need small details like a name and email and it’s free to sign up for.
Again, this is fantastic for sticking to a budget and finding hidden deals where it’s not obvious, and there’s a special place to checkout with your items by the normal self-checkout tills.
Just use your handset to scan the barcode on the till’s screen, pay and you’re all set.
Other ways to save while shopping
There are amazing surplus food apps which are free to install and can fetch you supermarket food for free.
But remember it won’t be as fresh as normal groceries you buy – the idea is to take home supermarket leftover products, which would otherwise go to waste, for free or for a discounted price.
Some examples include Olio and Too Good Too Go which are both on the App Store and Google Play.
Do keep in mind, however, that what’s available will be subject to your local area.
It may be different every day.
And you need to be fast if you want something – usually items are snatched up quickly and there’s limited produce available.
Keep an eye out for loyalty schemes in stores as well – for example, Tesco has its Clubcard scheme which lets you buy selected products at a discounted rate.
You’ll see yellow tags under prices where there is a subsequent Clubcard price.
There’s also the Asda Rewards scheme which lets you collect Asda Pounds and use them to get money off your shop.
One shopper saved a whopping £40 just by using this scheme.
There are also grants available through the Household Support Fund, for instance, which ends this month.
It’s where local councils dish out their share from a massive £421million government pot to local residents – each council decides what it’s for and who needs it.
But remember you don’t have long until this runs out, so be fast to contact your local council if you’re interested.
