How Gaurmon counts savings

For each item you record, Gaurmon looks at what the same item cost at grocery stores near you that week, from flyer deals and everyday shelf prices, and compares what you paid with the typical (middle) price. It only compares like with like: the same unit (per kilo, litre or item), a similar package size (no more than 2.5 times bigger or smaller than what you bought), and the same product, so chocolate milk isn't compared with plain milk. An item only counts toward your total when there are at least 3 local prices from at least 2 different chains; otherwise it's shown but left out. Paying more than typical counts too, so your total can go down as well as up. Member-only and coupon prices aren't used, and a flyer's printed "regular price" is never what we measure against. Each comparison is saved when you record it, so your record doesn't change later.

The rules, in short

• —Compared with stores within about 5 km of where you shop, for the week you bought it.
• —Same unit (per kilo, litre or item) and a similar package: no more than 2.5 times bigger or smaller.
• —Same product: chocolate milk is never compared with plain milk.
• —Counted only with at least 3 local prices from at least 2 different chains.
• —Measured against the typical (middle) price, with the cheapest and priciest shown alongside.
• —Member-only and coupon prices aren't used; a flyer's printed "regular price" is never the benchmark.
• —Paying more than typical counts too, so a total can go down as well as up.
• —Each comparison is saved when you record it, so your record doesn't change later.