Using coupons is a popular and effective way to reduce your grocery bill and household expenses. When used mindfully, it’s a smart financial habit. However, for some, the pursuit of savings can become an obsession. This can lead to unintended negative consequences. This “over-saving” mentality, often inspired by extreme couponing, can have hidden costs that…
Waiters and restaurant servers work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Their goal is to provide a positive experience for all guests while juggling multiple tables and tasks. While most diners are polite and considerate, certain common habits can make a server’s job significantly more difficult and stressful. Being aware of these habits can help you…
“Buy One, Get One Free,” or BOGO, is arguably one of the most powerful promotional phrases in retail. The word “free” triggers a strong emotional response in shoppers. It creates an immediate perception of unbeatable value. Retailers love using BOGO deals because they are incredibly effective at moving inventory and increasing sales. However, a closer…
Our calendars are filled with holidays celebrating historical events, seasons, and people. We also have fun, informal “food holidays” for things like pizza or donuts. However, some entire global cuisines are so rich, culturally significant, and beloved that they arguably deserve their dedicated day or week of international recognition. Creating such a holiday would encourage…
Buying in bulk can feel like the smartest move in the supermarket. The low unit price on a large “family size” package seems like an undeniable bargain. Supermarkets understand the appeal of bulk buying. They use specific merchandising and pricing strategies to encourage these larger purchases. This is because selling in bulk increases the total…
For frugal shoppers, “coupon stacking” is a celebrated strategy. It’s the art of combining multiple discounts—like a manufacturer’s coupon with a store’s coupon on a single item—to achieve maximum savings. For years, this practice was a key way to get deep discounts. However, many shoppers have noticed that stores are increasingly restricting this practice. While…
Making a restaurant reservation can feel like the first step to a wonderful dining experience. It promises a guaranteed table and a thoughtfully planned outing. However, not all reservations lead to a perfect evening. Sometimes, the type of restaurant, the timing of the reservation, or the occasion itself can create a disappointing or stressful experience.…
Retail loyalty programs seem like a clear win for consumers. You sign up, often for free, and get access to exclusive discounts, points, and personalized offers. In return for your repeat business, you are rewarded. While these programs can offer genuine savings, there is a less visible, “darker” side to them. They are sophisticated tools…
“Secret menus” are one of the most intriguing parts of modern restaurant culture. They are collections of unofficial, unadvertised dishes that customers can order if they are “in the know.” These items often start as employee experiments or customer modifications that become so popular they spread through word-of-mouth and the internet. Ordering from a secret…
Dining out involves an unwritten social contract between the guest and the restaurant. While customers expect good food and service, restaurants expect guests to be respectful and reasonable. Most diners are wonderful. However, certain behaviors can strain this relationship, making things difficult for staff and management. While it’s rare to be formally “blacklisted,” consistently engaging…