Like many South Africans, you may've had to tighten your belt to survive on your income in tough economic times. Most of us are shopping more carefully than ever – but we're not the only ones feeling the pinch. Retailers are also under pressure from tighter margins and must fight harder for every sale.

It's just good business to use a full range of marketing tactics – from how products are displayed to how prices are framed – to encourage customers to buy more. And while many of these gimmicks may be tempting when you’re shopping, remember: they're designed to nudge you into spending more than you meant to.

8 ways to check if you're really saving money

Marketing isn't some dodgy business practice – how else could stores let you know about exclusive brands, genuine bargains, or real discounts? It's an essential part of retail. But marketing is also about framing and perspective – and the retailer's version is always the best-case scenario. To work out whether a deal truly saves you money, you need to reframe it to fit your situation. These 8 tips can help:

1. Check the expiry date

That special on chicken fillets or yoghurt might look like a win – until you realise it expires tomorrow. Retailers often mark down stock nearing its sell-by date, hoping someone will snap it up. That's fine if you plan to use it the same day (or freeze it), but otherwise, it might just end up as waste in your fridge.

2. Resist end-of-aisle temptation

Ever noticed how you suddenly crave salty crisps, sugary snacks, or soft drinks – at the exact moment you spot them, where they just happen to be stacked in a standalone display at the end of the aisle? These prime spots are designed to tempt you. The products there aren't always on special, and they're not necessarily better value – they're just harder to ignore. Resist the urge.

3. Beware of bright sale tags that mean nothing

A big tag reading 'SALE!' or 'NOW R99!' makes it look like a bargain – but unless you can compare it to the regular price, it means nothing. Sale signage is there to create urgency, even if the price hasn't changed. Always compare an item on sale with similar products to check if it's truly a good deal.

4. Know when bulk buying isn't better

Buying 2-for-1 deals or grabbing that 10 kg bag of rice because it's cheaper per kilogram than smaller packs can be smart – but only if you'll use it all. Non-perishables like tinned food, cleaning products, and dry grains are worth stocking up on if you can afford the upfront cost.

But for snacks, spices, or fresh produce, think twice. If they go stale, lose flavour, or sit in your fridge till they rot and end up in the bin, that's not saving – it's wasting. To avoid this, form a bulk-buying group with others. Splitting costs and perishable goods with family or friends lets you get the value without the spoilage.

5. Watch out for smaller amounts in same-size packaging

Sneakily, some brands reduce product quantities while keeping the price – and package size – the same. A 1-litre carton becomes 900 ml, or a 250 g pack drops to 200 g, often with only a small label noting the change. This is called 'shrinkflation', and it's real. Always check the price per litre or kilogram (usually printed on the shelf tag) to see what you're really paying. Don't be embarrassed to work out real price comparisons on your phone's calculator.

6. Spot decoy pricing

Here's how it works: a premium item is placed next to a slightly cheaper one, making the second look like a deal. For example, if a litre of olive oil costs R350, the R280 bottle next to it feels like a steal – even though it's still more than you'd usually spend. That's decoy pricing, and it's all about shifting your perception. Set your budget before you shop, and try not to be swayed by any 'specials' that aren't on your list.

7. Don't fall for the loyalty nudge

Rewards programmes can be fantastic – Nedbank's Greenbacks, for example, genuinely rewards better money habits. But loyalty programmes can also lure you into spending more just to earn points. If you catch yourself adding random items to your list just to earn bonus rewards, pause and ask: 'Do I really need this, or am I just chasing points?'

8. Recognise the urgency trap

'Limited time only!' 'Last chance!' 'Only 3 left!'

We see the 'buy it while you still can!' gimmick both in-store and online – it's rife in social media ads. These emotional triggers are designed to make you panic-buy. Urgency can cloud your judgment and push you into hasty, expensive decisions. Breathe. Take a second. Most deals come around again – and if it's not in your budget, it's not a bargain.

Shop smart with confidence

Keep these tips in mind when you're shopping, and you'll spend less, waste less, and get better value for your money. Want to skip the gimmicks and get real discounts, promotional deals, and delivery to your door – all while earning and spending Greenbacks? Save yourself time and head over to Avo SuperShop now.