Grocery stores, like any business, have tricks of the trade. They've researched and experimented and they have come up with some surefire ways to make money from consumers. Here are a few of the games they play and how to avoid losing out to their trickery.

1. Look high and low. Stores usually put the items that will give them the most profit right at eye level. The cheaper products are often placed way up high out of shoppers' reach, or down on bottom shelves where most people won't look. Did you know that items that are being discontinued are often placed in these overlooked places? These are usually marked down as well.

2. Look left and right. Stores put a lot of thought into how they stack those displays and endcaps. They will often surround the product they are pushing by a store brand (lower priced) and a premium version of the brand (higher price). Time and time again consumers will choose the middle of the road. Many times they do so without even considering that the unit price may actually be lower for the higher priced good (as it may have a larger amount in its package than the middle grade).

3. Avoid the panic. Stores frequently write in statements like "Limit 4" on sales signs and ads to psych you into buying their "deals". Surely it must be an excellent deal if they are putting a cap on how much you can get, right? Wrong. Look carefully at how much you will save off the regular price. A better sale may come along another week soon, so it isn't your last chance to stock up.

4. Bring a list and stick to it. You know what they say...location, location, location! The basics many people need to run in for are usually placed all the way at the back of the store. The longer they can keep you in the store, the more likely they can influence you to pitch in some extras in the cart. What's in the front of the store and through the center? Junky snack foods and seasonal items. They are hoping you just might toss these in on a whim while passing by on your way to pick up what you actually came into the store to get.

5. Don't be bullied into buying in bulk. Numbers jump out at you: 10 for $10! and BUY 2 GET 2 FREE and 4 for $5! What many shoppers don't know, however, is that unless the sign specifies it you do not need to buy 10 items to get the deal.

6. Go out with a full belly. If you go to the store hungry you are more likely to put more into your cart. Many stores put their bakery right up front so they can tantalize your sense with the smells of fresh baked cakes and breads, making your mouth water. And they station those sweet older ladies throughout the store cooking up samples of high-priced foods, hoping you'll pick up a package or two of whatever they are serving up. And it is no mistake that there is no price marked at their little stands. If you take their sample and like it, you'll be less likely to say no to buying some.

7. Leave the little ones at home. Stores often place the sugary character cereals and snack boxes right at kiddie eye level. And then there's all that colorful candy staring back at them while you wait on line to check out. Trust me...you're better off alone on this shopping trip.

8. Tune out. Grocers love to play slow songs to relax you and make your time in the store drag. It can make you zone out and not even notice when they add in commercials promoting "deals". So subliminal! Perk up with some caffeine before you go, and maybe bring along your headphones.

9. Pass up these endcaps. Many people wrongly assume that just because a nice display of goods are at the ends of aisles that they must be on sale. Some are, but most are not. Study up on the weekly circular and know what the real bargains are before you head to the store.

10. Avoid buying non-food items like movies, pots and pans, and batteries at the supermarket. These items are often overpriced compared to places like Target and Walmart. Also, lots of grocery stores are expanding their services to selling stamps, coffee shops, film development, banking, etc. all of which keep you in the store longer and get you to buy more.