Catherine Hoge has proven she is a pro when it comes to finding a bargain, however even she was shocked to realise how much cheaper her produce is from a local grocer rather than a major supermarket.
The 52-year-old nurse from Manly, Brisbane, says she often bulk-purchases when it comes to fruits and veggies for herself, her pet pig and her friend’s 10 miniature horses.
Ms Hodge says she can easily become carried away and spend much more than she needs to every few weeks, so believes it is important to keep a steady plan when it comes to large purchases.
“I always keep an eye out for the Woolworths catalogue and print off the half price specials and buy that,” she says.
However, not even Ms Hoge realised just how “crazy” the price difference was when she compared her local grocer’s prices to woolies.
Sharing her huge savings to the popular Facebook group Simple Savers, Ms Hoge revealed that for 11 different types of items including bananas, rockmelon, strawberries and oranges, she managed to save $129.75.
How she managed to do it was by simply opting to shop at her local Birkdale Farmers market in Brisbane.
“The differences are crazy,” she said.
“Price comparison. Suburban fruit ’n’ veg market vs local Woolies. $79.33 saved … 61 per cent cheaper!”
She later edited the post to reveal she in fact saved about $130.
The list showed insane price comparisons including lady finger bananas to be $1.99/kg at her local grocer but $7.50/kg at Woolworths Mayfair Village.
Respectively strawberries cost her $6.98/kg compared to $11.20/kg.
Rockmelons were what shocked her the most.
At just 9 cents each, she decided to buy 12, but the price left her so stunned she asked a staff member if it was correct.
“I asked the lady it was a mistake, if they actually were 9 cents … it’s just crazy. I knew I was saving a massive amount but I never expected it to be this much,” Ms Hoge told news.com.au.
She says her woolies didn’t have candy melons and instead used the cost from Coles to make the comparison.
All in all, choosing to buy from Woolies would have set her back $180.17.
“I buy whatever is cheapest,” she said, “which is mainly for the animals.
“I have a pet pig and while he stays at my friend’s place, he is my responsibility. But on his acreage he also has 10 miniature horses so anything they like which is usually apples and carrots, I also buy.
“I just started stockpiling recently and it’s not at all about panic buying – I just see huge benefit in buying in bulk.”
This article originally appeared on Over60.