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Preparing for, and teaching your class:
storegslogo

3. Print out an entire shopping list. WRITE example quantities in the margin next to some items, and write in some additional items at the top. MAKE PHOTOCOPIES (for each person) of this shopping list with your notes on it.

Teaching

1. Introduction: Show some actual reciepts if possible. Explain that since the store puts different things on sale each week, they will be stocking up on DIFFERENT things they know thier family will use, each week.

2. Use a binder WITH your coupon packets inside (Teach with a binder even if YOU actually use a hanging file box). Show them how you have organized the packets by date, and you do not cut out coupons on Sunday afternoon (Point out how much time is saved). Stress the importance of getting more than one Sunday newspaper just for the coupons so they can stock up thier pantry or food storage with items they know they'll use. (Hint- To avoid distractions, Do not pass out the photocopied shopping lists or thier binders yet, but do let them know that there is no need to take notes because of the back page of thier binder!)

3. Make sure they all understand that the website is free. Pass out the photocopied shopping list. Review how easy it is to use the printout to WRITE your actual shopping list on. (Point out some of the dramatic savings on certian items and tell them that's why they should get more than just 1 Sunday newspaper.)

4. Explain the "Shopping Sleeve" (Where you file things like mailers, and register coupons). Show how you only take that sleeve to the store because you only cut the coupons for items you are buying today. Show how you put your list and the loose coupons inside and now you have a complete trip planned in one pocket. Explain that you don't forget to use mailers and other things at checkout because they are already in the sleeve and in front of you as you are paying. Now pass out the binders.

You should focus less on savings and more on HOW to do it. If you don't spend sufficient time on HOW to do it people will miss the fact that it's so easy, and you will hear things like: "I dont have time", or "I'm not that organized". Remember: "Simplicity first, Savings second".

Teaching tips:

Keep it simple! This is about making life easy and saving big money, NOT bargain shopping from store to store.

Cutting ONLY the coupons you plan on using today and shopping according to your plan at one store is BY FAR the best way to introduce people to Grocery Smarts.

People who shop store to store do it for one reason: They want the lowest price no matter what it COSTS them (in time and effort).
People who cut ALL thier coupons every Sunday so they have ALL thier coupons at the store, do it for one reason: They are to worried they might be "missing out" on some unadvertised bargain. They place the value of the unknown bargain above the value of thier own time spent in constantly cutting and sorting out expired coupons.
Do your friends a favor and teach them big savings with simplicity, not chasing bargains to save a few cents more. Then they'll be converted for life!

Feel free to email us with specific questions if you want more pointers about effective ways to teach others to use Grocery Smarts.