Price Comparing - Schinnen Commissary

I tend to be a thrifty person and I always look for the best deal. So I compare prices on everything I buy. The commissary has little control over their prices; they are set at the distribution level somewhere else. Some of the prices make no sense at all so you have to be careful.

One problem with trying to compare prices is that the commissary is not consistent. Some of their products are marked in $ per ounce and some are marked in $ per kilogram. I understand how that happens but it is just laziness on the part of the commissary not to convert everything to one standard. I am fairly sure that their computerized system can do this easier than I can do it in my head. Unless you have a calculator you cannot really compare prices to get the best deal.

The commissary also utilizes the same manipulations and tricks that commercial grocery stores use. That is they move items to the ends of the aisles and make it look like they are sale. Sometimes they are indeed on sale. A few weeks ago they had a few of their energy drinks on sale for a pretty good discounted price. But today when I was there I noticed they had boxes of energy drinks out on the end of an aisle that were actually 30 cents a can MORE expensive than the normal price. A box of ten cans was "On Sale" for $14.67 ($1.47 a can) but the per can price is normally $1.19. The Shopette was selling this same product at four cans for $2.00. 

Several times recently I have been charged more than the price listed on the item in the aisle. This has happened so often that I pay close attention when I am at the register. Luckily, the store policy is to go by the price on the shelf but you have to bring it to their attention.

I'm not knocking the commissary, the people there will do everything possible for you if you ask. But the misleading pricing makes it hard to stretch your shopping dollar. Also, be careful of the fake sales. They can cost you extra money. And always remember to check prices at the shopette and the PXtra as well. Lastly, don't forget that the commissary charges you a 5% tax so you have to add that to your pricing.

Are you aware that you can use coupons up to six months after they expire? (Only at Overseas Commissaries)