The Ultimate Guide For Shopping At Harris Teeter
Harris Teeter grocery stores can be found in eight different states and territories along the East Coast. While the grocery chain may not be one of the most well-known stores in America, they have a lot to offer and are quite popular with local customers. Whether you just moved into a new area with a Harris Teeter or have been a regular customer for years, it is always a good idea to know how to make the most of each shopping trip and save the most money possible.
If you're thinking, I've shopped in one grocery store, so I've shopped in them all, you're making a mistake. While there are several similarities between different grocery chains, each one takes their own approach and runs things a bit differently. Understanding how Harris Teeter's sales work, whether it is worth signing up for their loyalty program, exclusive offers available only to their customers, and what makes them different from other grocery stores will help you prepare for your next (or first) shopping trip.
Sign up to be a VIC and e-VIC club member
If you're going to shop at Harris Teeter, you need to join the VIC and e-VIC clubs. Let's take a look at the VIC club first. When you sign up for a VIC membership, you'll be eligible to participate in various special promotions and rewards opportunities run by Harris Teeter. VIC club members can earn fuel points with each purchase they make. These fuel points can then be redeemed, allowing you to save as much as $1 at Harris Teeter Fuel Centers and some Amoco or BP gas stations. As a VIC club member, you're also automatically entered into any sweepstakes that Harris Teeter is running.
After you sign up for a VIC membership, you should upgrade your membership by joining the e-VIC program. As an e-VIC member, you can receive lots of digital benefits directly linked with your account. Link your manufacturer coupons to your account for a faster checkout experience, browse through exclusive e-VIC coupons and add them to your account, and be eligible to win the weekly drawing for free groceries (a minimum of $100 is given away each week). Harris Teeter also runs e-VIC-only specials, where members can take advantage of exclusive discounts. You can also receive personalized offers when one of the products you regularly purchase is on sale for the week.
Download the Harris Teeter app
After you join the VIC and e-VIC programs, you're going to want to download the Harris Teeter app. You'll find that it greatly simplifies and improves your overall shopping experience with Harris Teeter.
You can use the app to browse through the weekly ad and create a shopping list. The special e-VIC coupons are also available through the app, and you can save them directly to your account so that they'll be ready to use when you check out. If you are looking to place an order for curbside pickup or delivery, you can do so directly through the app. The app also allows you to order pizzas, subs, and other prepared foods through Harris Teeter so that they'll be ready when you arrive. Another benefit of the app is that it makes it easy for you to keep track of your fuel rewards and decide when you want to cash them in.
Bring those coupons
Coupons can help you save a lot of money at Harris Teeter, so you won't want to start a shopping trip if you don't have them ready to go. We've already touched on one of the types of coupons you can use at Harris Teeter: e-VIC coupons. These are the digital coupons that you can find through the website or app and download directly to your account. Once they're loaded, you won't need to worry about handing the cashier anything to scan; the savings will automatically be applied when you purchase the required items.
You can also use manufacturer coupons at Harris Teeter, so always be sure to check your local paper or mailers, and pull out any that you think you'll be able to use. Harris Teeter doubles manufacturer's coupons up to $0.99 for up to 20 double coupons each day. You can even bring coupons from competitors on your shopping trip to Harris Teeter. They accept both individual product coupons, along with coupons for a discount on the entire order. Just keep in mind that Harris Teeter only accepts one coupon per individual item, so you can't double-dip on the same product (unless you buy more than one).
Look for Buy 2, Get 3 Free sales
Keep your eyes peeled for buy two, get three free sales when you're browsing through the Harris Teeter ad or walking around the stores. These sales offer a better value than popular BOGO (buy one, get one free) sales. Instead of ending up with just two free products after purchasing two, you'll get an additional one for free. Harris Teeter does require customers to buy five of the items (or other participating items) to receive the discount, and you cannot purchase more than 10 of the same buy two, get three free items with each purchase. However, there is no weekly limit, so you can always go back for more if you want to stock up.
With a buy two, get three free sale, you can save a substantial amount of money. To help illustrate this point, imagine that a pack of applesauce sells for $2, but is part of a buy two, get three free sale this week. If you purchase five packs, you'll be paying for the first two packs, but getting the last three for free. This means that you're spending $4, but receiving $10 worth of products. This works out to an impressive 60% savings. These sales are the time to stock up when they're run on products that you know you'll use.
Take advantage of the yourplus and yourdouble guarantees
Harris Teeter wants to make sure that their customers are happy with their purchases, specifically with the Harris Teeter brand products they carry. They offer two different guarantees to back up their beliefs in the taste and quality of their brands. One of these guarantees is the yourplus guarantee. This guarantee applies to several different Harris Teeter brands, including Harris Teeter, Harris Teeter yourhome, H.T. Traders, Harris Teeter yourpet, Harris Teeter yourtot, Harris Teeter yourbaby, and Harris Teeter Naturals. If you try a product from one of these brands, and are not satisfied with your purchase, Harris Teeter will replace the item with a comparable product from another brand and refund your money. You'll need to have your receipt and a valid VIC card to take advantage of the guarantee.
Some Harris Teeter brands — such as USDA Choice Harris Teeter Reserve Angus Beef, Harris Teeter Rancher, Harris Teeter Fishermans Market, Harris Teeter Fresh Foods Market, and Harris Teeter Farmers Market — come with the yourdouble guarantee. If you are not satisfied with your purchase of one of these items, you can receive a refund for double your money spent on these items provided you have a valid VIC card and your receipt.
Pay attention at the register when checking out
It's always a good idea to pay attention at the register when you're checking out at any grocery store. Sometimes the products you are buying may not ring up for the correct sales price, or the coupons you pass the clerk may not come off properly. However, there is an additional reason to pay extra close attention when you're shopping at Harris Teeter: the scan guarantee. With the scan guarantee, you can receive one of the incorrectly-scanned items for free. Plus, the rest of what you purchased will be marked down to the correct sales price.
Customers are eligible to receive up to five scan guarantees on each shopping trip. If you know the prices you should be paying for each item, it will be easier to spot them at the register. Who knew that paying attention when checking out could be so valuable?
Shop on Thursdays if you're 60 or older
Did you know that being of a more advanced age can help you save on your next Harris Teeter shopping trip? The store offers a 5% discount to anyone that is 60 or older through their Club 60 program. However, you must shop on Thursdays in order to qualify for the discount. Moreover, you'll also want to make sure that you've signed up for the VIC club, as you must use your VIC card to receive the discount.
While 5% doesn't sound like a lot, anything is better than nothing when you're trying to keep your spending as low as possible. Plus, 5% can really add up when you're talking about some more expensive grocery purchases. It works out to $5 off for every $100 you spend. Keep in mind that the discount is not automatically applied to your order. Make sure that you alert the cashier of your eligibility when shopping on a Thursday. While you can use the discount for most departments, there are a few exclusions, including the pharmacy, fuel, gift cards, and tickets.
If you don't see something you want, just ask
Harris Teeter strives to do everything they can to keep their customers happy. They know that wandering around the grocery store searching for one of the items on your shopping list can be frustrating. If you can't find something you want, just ask. One of the team members will be available to direct you to where it is located or walk you to the correct shelf. Because the store introduces approximately 20,000 new products each year, it is likely that something on your shopping list will end up in a new location at some point, so don't be afraid to ask for some help.
If the item you want isn't something Harris Teeter offers, they still may be able to help you. Each store has special request forms. Fill out one of these, and Harris Teeter can place a special order for the specific product(s) that you're looking for. You never know, if enough people request the same item, it could prompt Harris Teeter to start carrying it.
Get a raincheck for out-of-stock sale items
When you're looking to save as much money on your groceries as possible, it can be very exciting to see some of your favorite products on sale at a great discount. However, these feelings of elation thinking about how much money you'll be saving on your bill can quickly turn to deflation if the shelves have been cleared off by the time you get to the store. If you're shopping at Harris Teeter, you won't have to wait several weeks for the products you want to go back on sale, though.
You can request a raincheck for out-of-stock items. This means that once the product you want is back in stock, that you'll be able to get it for the discounted price, even if the sale is officially over. Rainchecks issued by Harris Teeter are accepted at any Harris Teeter location for 60 days after they were issued. You can get a raincheck for up to three items for each promotion or for three "deals."
Get a free smash cake for a baby's first birthday
If you have a baby (or know someone who does) who will be turning one soon, you'll want to pay close attention to this special offer from Harris Teeter. Harris Teeter offers free smash cakes for first birthday celebrations. The cakes are even totally free — you don't have to purchase anything in order to get the smash cake for free.
To request a free smash cake for your little one, complete the online form on Harris Teeter's website and bring it to the customer service desk the next time you shop in the store. Harris Teeter will process your application, and then you'll be issued the coupon for the 5-inch Patti-Cake for free. Don't wait until the last second to apply for your free cake, however. It can take up to six weeks to process the application. So, make sure to plan ahead to ensure that you'll have the smash cake in time for the big event.
Don't miss out on the Taste & Tells
Do you like getting free food? If so, you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for the next Taste & Tell from Harris Teeter. Taste & Tells are special promotions the store runs every now and then that give customers the chance to try a free item and share their feedback with the company. However, these promotions are limited — the maximum number of offers can vary, but it typically only gets offered to a few thousand customers total. Harris Teeter typically posts these special promotions to their social media pages, so it is a good idea to check on them periodically to avoid missing the chance for your freebie.
The specific products that are available for a Taste & Tell will vary depending on what the retailer decides they want to offer. Some past promotions have included Italian sausages, flavored water, a chocolate bar, pasta, and yogurt. You must be a VIC member to sign up for a Taste & Tell. Make sure to complete your registration so you're ready to snag the next offer.
Sign up for the Fresh Catch Club
If you like preparing your shrimp, salmon, scallops, and other seafood meals, you won't want to miss out on signing up for the Fresh Catch Club. This club is designed to help members save money on their favorite seafood items, gain new inspiration for cooking seafood, and learn about the Fishermans Market Fresh Catch item of the week available at the seafood counter in Harris Teeter. As a member, you'll stay up to date on all of this information and more through the weekly newsletter that will be emailed to you.
Fresh Catch Members can also earn points, which can be redeemed for electronic coupons on their seafood order. For every dollar of seafood you purchase, one point will be added to your account. Once your point balance reaches 50, you will earn a $5 coupon toward a future seafood purchase. The current promotions run through December 31, 2023, but after that look for information about how or if Harris Teeter will be modifying the program.
Use cash back grocery apps to increase your savings
If you're not using cash back apps when you shop at Harris Teeter, you might as well be leaving money on the table. There are so many different apps today that everyone can find the one that works best for them. These apps make it possible to save more on your groceries by rewarding you with cash back for shopping. With some, you'll need to scroll through the list of offers, select the products you know you'll use, purchase them at the store, and then scan them through the app to receive the reward. Others simply require you to scan any receipt and reward you with points or in some other fashion.
You can let the rewards you earn for your purchases accumulate. Then, once they've built up some, redeem them for your reward. Depending on the app you're using, you may be able to choose from options such as a direct purchase to your account or a retail or dining gift card. Some of the best grocery store apps you'll want to check out include Ibotta, Fetch, Checkout 51, Flipp, and Receipt Hog.
Apply for the Harris Teeter Rewards World Elite Mastercard
One more way to maximize your savings when shopping at Harris Teeter is to apply for the Harris Teeter Rewards World Elite Mastercard. Each time you use the card at Harris Teeter, you'll earn 2% cash back. That works out to an extra $2 savings for every $100 you spend, or an extra $20 savings for every $1,000 spent. Shopping at Harris Teeter isn't the only way that you can earn rewards. You'll also earn 5% cash back on your mobile wallet purchases for the initial $3,000 you spend (and 1% cash back after that), 3% cash back on fuel and dining on the first $6,000 you spend (and 1% cash back after that), and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
The Harris Teeter Mastercard does not have any annual fee. New card members can also earn a $100 statement credit after they charge $500 worth of eligible purchases to the card within the first 90 days. If you want to calculate your potential reward earnings, you can use the spending and earning calculator on the company's website.