by Dana H.
Member since:
January 31, 2008

Excerpt from "How to Pinch a Penny Til It Screams"

April 15, 2008 07:20 PM EDT
views: 175 | rating: 9.7/10 (18 votes) | comments: 18

I've been reading the book "How to Pinch a Penny Til it Screams" by Rochelle LaMotte McDonald. Here's a tip from the chapter "Reducing Your Grocery Bill" that I hadn't thought about:

Packages that are crushed, dented, stained or cut are often discounted and placed on a special shelf or in a shopping cart. Be sure to inspect the package carefully to determine whether any seals have been broken, if there are leaks or if the contents could have been contaminated by someone else or insects. Boxes with cuts are usually damaged while stocking shelves and typically have an inner liner that is still intact.

 Note: The author cautions that if you buy damaged packages, use them quickly and to NEVER buy cans or jars that have rounded tops or raised seals. If the top isn't flat, the contents may have been contaminated by botulin (causes botulism). Even small amounts of botulin can be fatal and it isn't destroyed easily while cooking.

After I read that, I remembered that we have a damaged freight store in our town that sells groceries. I've never actually gone there. I guess it is time for a visit.

How about you? Do you purchase products with damaged packaging?

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Comments: 18

Jo C. Apr 15, 2008, 7:23pm EDT
I really don't purchase food products with damaged packaging but have done so with other items. It really depends on the product.
Mary G. Apr 15, 2008, 7:46pm EDT
I refuse to take a chance with a food product. Saving money is great, but not if its going to make me sick.
~~ Sarina ~~ Apr 15, 2008, 7:54pm EDT
Hello Dana. We have a couple of "scratch and dent" stores in our town. I shop there occasionally. I carefully inspect each can, bottle or box before purchasing it. I also pay close attention to the expiration and sell by dates too. If there isn't a date on the item I do not buy it.
debra g. Apr 15, 2008, 11:44pm EDT
I have not bought any can goods but I can tell you that the best time to buy meat is when the store first opens thats when they mark it down.
Debra C. Apr 16, 2008, 12:00am EDT
I've bought some dry goods if I was sure the seal was not broken. The produce store also has some things that can be used immediately for soups and the like at good markdowns.
DIANE D. Apr 16, 2008, 5:14am EDT
Yes, this is important.
Ana L. Apr 18, 2008, 9:56am EDT
fun to save this way, but you do have to be very careful (as you said). For the most part I don't do much with food, only if it is out dated or soon to be outdated. Then if I use it right away then it is usually ok, but you must be selective. Thank-you for the tips!
little scotty h. Apr 27, 2008, 10:32pm EDT
Half the time my stuff gets crushed on the way home as it is. I just as well be buying it at a discount in the first place. LOL! Anyway, thanks for the tip. Sounds like something worth looking into.
Cortney R. May 4, 2008, 5:40am EDT
I agree with little scotty. I always look in the mark down carts and have found some great stuff there.
Jo C. May 4, 2008, 12:09pm EDT
I came back to check the comments and thank you for commenting on the Macy card discounts now going on.
Kelly M. May 4, 2008, 12:33pm EDT
I try not to because I am afraid of food poisoning
Ryan M. May 4, 2008, 1:34pm EDT
I still stay away from those.
Sandy (back in Ohio...blah!) May 4, 2008, 9:59pm EDT
I purchased damages items. Just as long as the can isn't dented or the item isn't leaking.
Laura C. May 22, 2008, 1:18pm EDT
I don't buy damaged cans. I will buy damaged boxed goods - as long as there's an undamaged inner package.

I also buy slightly damaged crafting products (I don't care if the pack of stickers is open as long as all the stickers are still inside) and clothing - I'm good with a needle and thread.
Jessica S. Jul 16, 2008, 12:12am EDT
eek! damaged cans are scary. botulism. ick.
H M. Jan 5, 2009, 8:20pm EST
some items but mostly dented dry goods or sealed beauty products
Miranda Showalter Jan 29, 2009, 9:47pm EST
I do shop at damaged goods stores. Generally just for dry goods, candies, and beauty products. I do have to drive 45 min to get there, so I generally include that trip with family visits or carpool with my sister. I do watch expiration dates VERY carefully because some goods are expired.
Linda R. Mar 20, 2009, 1:43pm EDT
We have a few of them stores here as well. Becareful and check the expiration dates on the cans and boxes as well. alot of times the stuff has spoiled.

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