Shopping While Impaired – An Unorthodox Approach to Frugality

Recently, I traveled on short-notice to Juneau, the nearest “big” town for medical attention. The experience created some rather unorthodox and unintended frugality strategies that might be worth considering—should the opportunity arise.

Costco is a regional shopping magnet. We recently canceled the membership we’d had since they opened. Because of its unique location, the Juneau Costco has always had different rules. Rumor held that non-members could get a day pass. One can, but only to tour the store; one can’t purchase anything. For the first time ever, I “visited” Costco to look for list items, and to see what else was available. I was forced to merely look at “impulse” items. If I wanted them, I had to come back with a member friend to purchase them, which forced a reconsideration period.

Ironically, this is the first time I’ve been to this Costco without seeing a bunch of people I know. I’d expected to find a friend to help me make purchases, but it didn’t happen.

This restriction on purchasing followed me out of the store and carried over to the rest of my shopping day. At every other store I visited, I kept thinking that I could only look without purchasing. That slowed me down considerably.

Another unexpected frugality measure is shopping after the appointment to check my eyes for a possible retinal detachment or tear. The doctor administered dilating drops, which take about 8 hours to wear off. Dilated eyes can’t focus well enough to browse effectively! I could find the items on my list, largely by pattern recognition, but impulse items were pretty much out of the question.

I had to ask other shoppers to read a few labels for me. Once, the only person available was a very attractive young lady, a dead ringer for the actress Bridget Moynahan—my eyes weren’t too blurry to notice that! When I explained my predicament, she patted me on the shoulder, exclaiming, “Oh, you poor thing!” and patiently read the label to me.

This is what I call added value.

Incidentally, I was talking to Michelle on the cell phone at the time, so I was behaving myself, but also having a really good time.

These are rather unorthodox methods. I can’t even really recommend them, but they do work. I don’t think I’ve ever spent less on a trip to Juneau, including the cost of the ophthalmologist visit!

This post has previously appeared in a slightly different version on the Zeiger Family Homestead blog.
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Mark Zeiger is a regular contributor to Self Reliance Works. He and his family homestead off the grid in Southeast Alaska. Learn more about their life through their photos and blog at www.akzeigers.com.