Online Flyers: How to Use Them to Save Money

In the digital age, paper flyers are increasingly being replaced by their online equivalents. And that's good news for your wallet: digital flyers are easier to browse, compare, and use to maximize your savings. Here's how to make the most of them.

What Is an Online Flyer?

An online flyer is the digital version of the advertising leaflet you receive in your mailbox. All major Quebec food retailers — Maxi, IGA, Metro, Super C, Provigo — now publish their flyers on their websites and mobile apps. These flyers are updated weekly, usually on Thursdays, and remain accessible throughout the promotion period.

The Best Tools for Browsing Flyers

Rather than visiting each grocery store's website individually, use tools that gather all flyers in one place:

• JustShoppingSmart — Our platform automatically compares prices across different banners and shows you where each product is cheapest. No more wasting time flipping through each flyer.
• Flipp — A popular app that aggregates flyers from hundreds of retailers. Handy for searching for a specific product across all flyers.
• Banner apps — The Maxi (PC Optimum), IGA, and Metro apps offer personalized coupons on top of flyers, which can boost your savings.

How to Compare Prices Effectively

The key to saving with online flyers is systematic comparison. Here's the 4-step method:

1. Identify your needs — First make your shopping list based on your meal plan.
2. Search for each item — Use the search function to find each product across different flyers.
3. Compare per kilo — Watch out for different sizes! A 900 g bag at $4.99 isn't necessarily cheaper than a 450 g bag at $2.29. Always calculate the price per kilo.
4. Note the cheapest store — For each item, identify the best price and group your purchases to minimize trips.

Digital Coupons: A Powerful Complement

Digital coupons have become an essential tool for savvy consumers. Unlike paper coupons of the past, digital coupons load directly into your loyalty account and apply automatically at checkout.

The PC Optimum program regularly offers personalized deals of 10,000 to 20,000 points on specific products, equivalent to $10 to $20 in savings. The IGA app offers similar coupons through the Scene+ program. Make a habit of loading all available coupons before each visit — even for products you don't always buy, since you might find an interesting in-store special.

Price Matching with Digital Proof

One of the best features of online flyers is that they serve as proof for price matching. No more clipping coupons or carrying leaflets: simply show the flyer on your phone at checkout. Stores that offer price matching, like Maxi and Provigo, accept digital proof.

Mistakes to Avoid with Flyers

Watch out for common traps:

• Buying something just because it's on sale — A discount on a product you don't need isn't a saving.
• Ignoring store brands — Private labels (No Name, Selection, Compliments) are often cheaper than national brands even on sale.
• Not checking the regular price — Some "specials" represent only a minimal reduction. Always compare with the usual price.

Automate Your Savings Routine

The best way to stay consistent with flyers is to make it a weekly habit. Every Thursday evening or Friday morning, spend 10 to 15 minutes reviewing new specials, plan your meals accordingly, and make your list. Over time, this routine will become second nature and the savings will add up: up to $3,000 per year for a family of four.

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