Time-Saving Tips for Working People

"I just don't have the time to shop." If this is your motto, or if you find that a quick bite on the way from (or to) the office suffices for a meal, take heed of these tips:

#1 Shop daily Shop every day, if you can. This is a habit Europeans have used for centuries, and their average shopping trips require only a few minutes. Shopping every day allows you to focus on that day's meals and not get distracted. Take just a few minutes on your way home and think about dinner for that night and breakfast for the next morning. Stop at a supermarket that's on your way home. Don't shop the entire store -- cherry pick! Go directly to the items you need. Never buy more than 10 items. The express lane was created just for you!

#2 Shop during moderately busy times Make sure not to hit the peak times, but go when the market is moderately busy so that you can be sure there will be a full staff on duty.

#3 Pick the fastest checkout lane Stores usually have multiple express lanes open. These are your best, fastest route out of the store, but some don't take checks or ATM/credit cards. So now, what's the fastest checkout lane? Find a checker that has a bagger helping. Try to make eye contact with the cashier. Find the one that looks quick, alert and focused. Don't automatically go to the first or last checker. Many people end their shopping trip in the last aisle and go immediately to the closest line. These tend to back up.

#4 Shop when you're in the mood You've heard the rule: Never shop when you're hungry. You'll end up with all kinds of impulse items in your cart. Another rule is not to shop when you're stressed out. The crowds and lines will only make you more frustrated. Some people, however, find the supermarket to be therapeutic. Figure out which type of shopper you are, and shop when it suits your mood.

#5 Fax your order More and more supermarkets are accepting fax orders. Just write up your list, fax it in, and your order will be ready for you to pick up at the time you designate -- or the store will deliver it to your office or home. Usually you pay for the groceries when you receive them. To make the process easier, get the catalog with the fax order form at your local store. That way you can use the catalog numbers to identify products. Don't forget to indicate whether you'll accept substitutions and whether you'll be using manufacturers' coupons. Even if your store does not have a formal fax ordering service, it's worth asking the manager if you can order by fax anyway.

#6 Order on-line As supermarkets embrace this new medium, there are more and more opportunities for shopping on-line. Several services already offer personalized ordering services on-line, and more are soon to follow. For more information, read about Shopping On-line.