Scots pay pennies for fish fingers so they can splash out on teabags
14th October 2016
Nearly two-thirds of Scots always splurge when buying teabags while many scrimp on frozen foods and cleaning products.
Consumers struggle to leave their favourite branded goods at home with 41 per cent even taking them on holiday
From Tetley teabags to Heinz Baked Beans, new research reveals the items consumers in Scotland cannot live without and the things they are willing to compromise on to be able to afford those must-haves.
The study from TopCashback.co.uk, the UK's most generous cashback shopping site, finds the majority (74 per cent) of people look to pay less for certain grocery items such as fish fingers and biscuits, with the primary motivation being to save money (60 per cent). Consumers also look to cut costs because they do not think certain items are worth paying more for (48 per cent) and because they believe the quality is not different between price points (34 per cent).
Alongside money saving efforts, many consumers in Scotland (65 per cent) are motivated to search for the cheapest price for items such as frozen foods, so they can spend more on other products, like organic fruit and vegetables.
In order to bring down costs, 89 per cent of people opt for supermarket own and cheaper alternatives to the leading brands, and 56 per cent always buy what is on offer or what they can use a voucher code for (53 per cent). Around three in 20 (13 per cent) even plan their shopping trips around the days and times they know items will be cheaper, i.e. late at night or on a Sunday afternoon.
Scrimp or splurge?
For 56 per cent of consumers in Scotland there are particular grocery items they would buy whatever the price rather than go without. When it comes to what residents refuse to compromise on, meat and fish (85 per cent) top the table, along with alcohol (64 per cent). Tea and coffee are high on the list with 63 per cent of people saying they pay a greater price for a particular brand; the same number (63 per cent) would also splash the cash on shampoo and conditioner.
Conversely, quick and convenient foods are picked up from the bargain bin as the majority (80 per cent) of people in Scotland aim to spend less on ready-made cooking kits and sauces. A further 73 per cent buy the cheapest snacks while 71 per cent scrimp on frozen foods and around two-thirds (65 per cent) tighten their belt when buying cleaning products for the home.
Quality and taste are the deciding factors in which products are worth spending more on for 69 per cent of residents in Scotland. Brand loyalty is also an important influence with 56 per cent of consumers paying more simply because they like a certain brand.
Natasha Rachel Smith, Consumer Affairs Editor for TopCashback.co.uk, said: "We all have our little luxuries we can't live without. However, shoppers need to get into the habit of not paying full price for branded goods. Supermarkets often switch between hiking up the price of popular brands - knowing consumers will pay the price - and offering discounts. This means the price is never set in stone and with a bit of forward planning and savvy bulk-buying, grocery bills can be kept down.
"Whether it's a splurge purchase or an everyday essential, shoppers should look around for the lowest priced retailer and make the most of discount codes, vouchers and cashback deals to get the best price possible."
Branded items Scots cannot live without... even on holiday
Although consumers are happy to pinch the pounds on some grocery items, there are a few they cannot and will not live without. More than two-fifths (41 per cent) of people in Scotland even admit to taking their favourite branded items away with them on holiday or for an overnight stay because they refuse to go without or use an alternative.
The most common branded items people could not live without across the UK include Heinz Ketchup, Heinz Baked Beans, PG Tips, Yorkshire Tea and Hellman's Mayonnaise. Other interesting items included Branston Pickle, Irn-Bru and Whole Earth Peanut Butter.
