7 Big Perks of Shopping at Trader Joe's

With so much to love, it's no wonder why so many shoppers are Trader Joe's loyalists. 

Most shoppers are looking for ways to keep more money in their checking accounts. If your grocery spending is getting out of hand, you may want to try shopping at a different store. You may find a new-to-you retailer with better product offerings and lower prices. Many people with Trader Joe's stores in their community prefer to shop there to keep their spending in check. If you're new to the brand, here are some of the perks of shopping at Trader Joe's. 

1. Generous return policy

Not all grocery stores have a generous return policy, but Trader Joe's does. If, for some reason, you're unhappy with a purchase, you can take advantage of the retailer's return policy. Most products can be returned for a refund -- even if you already opened the item. Keep this in mind if you're a first-time shopper. 

2. No need to wait for sales 

Many grocery stores have weekly sales. Shoppers can plan their shopping trips by browsing the sales flier before filling their carts. One perk that makes Trader Joe's stand out is the retailer doesn't have sales. You can expect similar product pricing every time you shop. That means you won't have to worry about missing out on a big sale. 

Plus, sticking to a weekly grocery budget can be easier since you'll have a better idea of what prices you'll pay after shopping there regularly. If you like to review prices before you go to the store, you can use the Trader Joe's website to check prices for the products you plan to buy. 

3. Everyone is welcome 

Unlike some retailers like Costco, you don't need a membership to shop at Trader Joe’s. Many households struggle to afford rising food costs, and paying a yearly membership fee for lower prices is a deal breaker. But anyone can shop at Trader Joe's to take advantage of the many deals. 

4. Most products are store-brand 

Most of the products sold at Trader Joe's are its own brand. One benefit is that choosing what items to put in your cart can be easier as you'll have fewer brands and prices to compare. Selling store-brand items helps Trader Joe's keep prices low. If you don't need to buy name-brand products and like to get a good deal, shopping there may be a good way to save more money. 

5. Fun atmosphere and friendly staff 

Trader Joe's is also known for its welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff -- which can be a rarity. You may want to visit your local Trader Joe's store if you've had poor customer service experiences at other stores. I always leave the checkout line at Trader Joe's in a better mood. 

6. Get a great deal

Trader Joe's has a reputation for its affordable prices. While not every product sold at the store is a steal of a deal, many are. Exact prices can vary by location, but below are a few impressive deals you can score by shopping here:  

• Individual Greek yogurt cups cost $0.99 each 
• Many spices and seasoning mixes are priced at $2.99 or less 
• Bananas cost $0.19 each 

7. Meal planning is easier 

Planning out what you'll cook can be beneficial as you make your weekly grocery list. Doing this can help you spend less and reduce waste. Trader Joe's takes the stress out of meal planning thanks to its Fearless Flyer. This free newsletter is filled with product recommendations, recipes, and meal ideas so you can spend less time planning and more time living. 

Give Trader Joe's a try

If you have a Trader Joe's store in your community and have yet to shop there, now is the perfect time to visit to see what you're missing. You may find it's easier to stay on budget and honor your personal finance goals by shopping at this fun and affordable grocery chain.