Compare the member price with real alternatives

Look at the exact size and product, then compare its unit price with a suitable alternative. A reduction from the same shop's regular price does not establish that it is the lowest available price elsewhere. The CMA's review of grocery loyalty pricing found genuine savings against usual prices in most of the products it examined, but that does not replace a comparison for today's purchase.

For an example, a branded 500g product at a £2.40 member price costs £4.80 per kilogram. A suitable 750g alternative at £3 costs £4 per kilogram. The member offer may still suit you if you prefer that brand or need the smaller pack, but its badge does not settle the choice.

Check how to receive the price

Confirm whether your membership is active and whether the card or app must be scanned before payment. Online, check that the account is linked correctly. Read any quantity limit and the promotion dates; a price shown on a shelf or earlier visit may not apply indefinitely.

If you prefer not to join, compare the non-member price with other shops rather than treating registration as unavoidable. Read the scheme's privacy information and account choices before deciding whether the benefits are worthwhile to you.

Avoid moving the whole shop for one item

A £2 saving on one product can disappear if the rest of the basket costs £4 more. Include travel, delivery minimums and other items you would buy during the same trip. For a regular route, a small detour may be easy; a separate journey deserves its own calculation.

Do not count unused points as an immediate discount. Check how rewards can be redeemed and whether they expire or require a further purchase. A member price taken off at checkout is different from points that may be useful later.

Keep the receipt for a quick check that the expected price applied. If it did not, raise the specific discrepancy with the shop using the product, date and membership details it needs. A loyalty scheme should support your shopping list, rather than become the reason the list keeps growing.