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How To Save Money On Pizza
Use Coupons: Most pizza outlets distribute coupons that can save you money. These coupons can be found in numerous places: newspaper inserts, mailings, telephone books, coupon books, etc. If your pizza is delivered, there are frequently coupons pasted on the box.
Consider Eating at the Shop: Many pizza shops (especially local, family owned businesses) offer dine-in only specials, most frequently seen as lunch specials and Family Specials. A dine-in Family Special could include free drinks, free dessert, salad, or other bonuses and can make for an inexpensive occasional family night out. The bonuses of dining in are no dishes to do at home, no paper plates/cups stuffing the trash can, and no risk of a little one loosing a slice on the couch, rug, etc.
Buy a 'theme' pizza: Rather than ordering your toppings ala carte, try a theme pizza (i.e. Supreme, Veggie, Meaty, etc). The overall price of a 'theme' pizza is frequently lower than if you had ordered the same pizza and the toppings individually. If you have a good relationship with your local pizzaria, they're more likely to honor special requests such as "I'd like a large Supreme pizza, but could we get no olives on one half of it?"
Plain Cheese Please: Order a plain cheese pizza and add your own additional toppings at home.
Specials: Ordering specials rather than individually will usually save you money. Pizza shops often have a recurring special on a certain day of the week so get to know the schedules of your local shops.
Internet: Sometimes there are specials online that aren't available through phone-in orders. Always check the pizza store's website before you order.
Pick-up: Instead of having to tip the delivery driver a couple bucks, go pick up the pizza yourself. However, if you live quite a distance to pick up the pizza, it may actually be cheaper to have it delivered than having to drive both ways. An option around this is to call in a pick-up order at a pizza shop that is on your way home from work. No extra driving involed, no delivery tip, and a piping hot dinner ready as soon as you walk in the door!
Homemade: Make it yourself. This allows you to put exactly what you want on it and you know the quality of the toppings on the pizza.
- Totally Homemade: Make dough from scratch by hand or, if you have one, use a bread machine. Add sauce and toppings of your choice.
- Semi-homemade: Buy ready made dough balls or prepared crusts at the supermarket and just add toppings. Either way, it will still be cheaper and, probably, healthier than ordering out. Letting everyone individualize their own pizza can be a fun and easy activity at a party.
Take & Bake: If you don't feel like making it from scratch, you can try take and bake pizzas (at a fraction of the cost of the big franchises). Store bought pizzas are getting to be better and better quality.
Frozen From the Supermarket: Sometimes the toppings are a bit skimpy, but you can always add extra with whatever you have in the fridge or pantry.
Non Typical Outlets: If you're having a big party, consider getting your pizzas at Costco or some similar warehouse store.
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