Supermarket apps: Savings or expensive shock through impulse purchases?

Supermarket apps: Savings or expensive shock through impulse purchases?

Supermarkets, discounters and drugstores are increasingly relying on digital customer loyalty through apps. These applications offer features such as digital shopping lists, discounts, coupons and even online brochures. But while the use of these apps is popular, the question arises: are customers really saving money or do they end up spending more than they would like? According to Radio Köln there is clear evidence that the savings potential often remains modest.

The e-commerce expert Markus Montz from “c’t” expresses concerns: The actual benefits from discounts and coupons are often less than one percent of the total purchase value. But using these apps can significantly impact the shopping experience as impulsive buying is strongly encouraged. As a result, many customers end up spending more than they originally planned. Lack of purchasing discipline further exacerbates the problem.

The popularity of apps

User behavior shows that around 82% of consumers in Germany use supermarket apps to benefit from discounts. But in many cases the reason for using it is not just to save money; ZDF shows that many buyers are also interested in a comfortable and modern shopping experience. To use all features, users must log in and indicate their preferred market.

While the apps are often free and offer many useful features, such as recipes and exclusive offers, they have their limits. The apps collect data about users' purchasing behavior to create personalized offers. This data collection is causing concern among consumers who should be aware of their privacy policies. This allows the apps to access personal data such as location and camera if the settings are not adjusted correctly.

The dark side of bargains

Despite all the advantages, the user should also be critical. The savings offers offered through the apps are not always real savings. According to Supermarkt Inside, many users find the discounts tempting, but the question remains: How much money is really saved? It is recommended to stick to the shopping list and compare offers in order to actually use the savings potential.

However, there is a positive development in the use of loyalty programs: 55% of consumers prefer grocery retailers that offer such programs. These apps not only increase purchase frequencies but also increase shopping carts and customer loyalty. According to a study, 43% of loyalty app users use the programs very intensively, with offers and discounts being the main motivation.

If you shop smart and use the right app, you can definitely manage to keep your budget under control. But be careful: the desire to always take advantage of the latest offers can quickly cost you money. The balance between bargain hunting and responsible budgeting remains crucial for anyone who goes to the supermarket. A good hand is required!