Recently I saw the acronym BOGO in reference to stores ads that offer buy one, get one free deals. I am a regular BOGO shopper. Taking advantage of buy one get one free offers can be a frugal way to shop but it must be done in a careful, logical manner. There are a few basic tips to follow to be a good BOGO shopper.
Check the expiration date of the product you are buying. You won't be saving money if you buy items that you can't use before their expiration date.
Check the size and weight of the BOGO package. Once in a while you will find that the two items you are about to purchase do not have a weight equal to a similar product of a different brand that sells for a lesser price.
BOGO items are often placed on special displays surrounded by complimentary products that you might be tempted to buy. Purchase the BOGO item but don't be lured into extra purchases or you will cancel out your savings on the free item.
There's more than one advantage to BOGO shopping
Of course saving money is one advantage to BOGO shopping.
BOGO shopping allows me to try a new product that I might not have been willing to buy at full price.
BOGO shopping encourages me to do creative cooking and meal planning in order to take the best advantage of the items offered.
One big advantage for me is that by purchasing two of each item I can almost avoid an entire shopping trip at some point in the month. I store the “extra” items I've acquired during my BOGO free shopping trips. After a few BOGO free sprees I can skip the grocery store for a least one week, sometimes more, with the exception of a quick dash into the store for milk or fresh produce. A week free of grocery shopping means extra money in my pocket.
