Money-saving expert Jordon Cox, known as the 'Coupon King', has shared a Tesco shopping hack that could make supermarket trips much quicker by using the self-scanner handsets available in many branches.
The trick involves linking your Tesco Clubcard to an online shopping list, which then displays aisle locations and stock availability on the scanner as you shop.
How the Tesco self-scanner hack works
In a video posted to his social media accounts, where he has a combined following of more than 750,000 people, Cox demonstrated the tip with the caption: "Hack to save HOURS at the supermarket." He explained that shoppers should add all their items to their online shopping list before using one of the self-scanner machines.
Cox said: "Before you ever go shopping at Tesco and use one of these scanners, add all your items into your online shopping list and look what happens to the scanner. It tells you where all your items are in which aisle, and which ones are out of stock, which makes shopping a hell of a lot easier."
The scanners require a Tesco Clubcard membership to use, as shoppers scan their card at the front of the store to release a handset. Because the scanner is linked to the Clubcard, it can retrieve more than just personal information.
Additional tip for non-online shoppers
In the comments, Cox added: "If you never shop online - just add your weekly shop to your online basket (and never buy it) - and it'll be on the scanner every week!"
The scanners also provide a running total of the cost of items as shoppers go, avoiding the need to scan items one-by-one at the checkout.
Reaction from shoppers
Followers were impressed, with many suggesting other supermarkets should adopt the idea. One wrote: "Love this tip." Another said: "Clever. A list and a short visit are half of any grocery budget. The aisles are designed to keep you browsing."
Someone else commented: "I have recently discovered this! It's amazing, saves me from over buying so much and telling me what's in stock, stops me from buying half the shop to replace what it was I originally wanted. Honestly feel so much more organised with this."
However, some raised concerns. One shopper said: "This just adds time overall as you have to select the specific item, what happens when you want 'nice cheese', soup, bread, something for dessert, but don't know the exact option until you see what is available?" Another wrote: "Why on Earth would you sit there for 10 minutes putting your shopping in on the app when you could just spend that 10 minutes walking around the shop putting the items in your basket or trolley?"
Others reported mixed experiences with stock accuracy. One said: "I did that the other week and I wanted a 24 box of Diet Coke, it said it was in stock, when I got to the aisle where it was it was out of stock, useless." Another replied: "I had the opposite, it told me something was out of stock so I didn't bother looking, happened to pass the aisle anyway and it was in stock!"
Some suggested an alternative approach, with one person saying: "Or just add all the items to your online shopping list... then get them delivered." Another agreed, stating: "Have it delivered, that's the cheapest possible way because you don't fritter when you are tempted in store. The savings mount up over the month let alone the year it really is dramatic."
