Understanding the A-B-C Price Rating System

BuyersMarket's A-B-C rating system is designed to take the guesswork out of grocery shopping. Here's everything you need to know.

What Are A-B-C Ratings?

Our system analyzes 90 days of price history for each product across all stores in our database. Based on this data, we assign a rating that tells you whether it's a good time to buy.

A Rating: Grab It! 🟢

When to see it: When the current price is at or near the 90-day low.

What it means: This is the best time to buy. The price is unlikely to go lower in the near future.

Action: Buy now, especially if it's a non-perishable item you use regularly.

B Rating: Good Enough 🟠

When to see it: When the current price is within 10% of the 90-day low.

What it means: This is a fair price. Not the absolute best, but reasonable.

Action: Buy if you need it now, or wait a few days to see if it drops to an A rating.

C Rating: Hold Off 🔴

When to see it: When the current price is more than 10% above the 90-day low.

What it means: The price is currently high. You're likely overpaying.

Action: Wait if possible. Set a price alert to be notified when it drops.

How We Calculate Ratings

Our algorithm considers:

1. 90-day price history: We track prices across all stores
2. Current price vs. historical low: The percentage difference
3. Price trends: Whether prices are rising or falling
4. Store availability: Where the best prices are available

Real-World Example

Let's say you're looking at a 5kg bag of rice:

• 90-day low: $1,200 JMD
• Current price at Store A: $1,180 JMD → A Rating (Grab It!)
• Current price at Store B: $1,250 JMD → B Rating (Good Enough)
• Current price at Store C: $1,450 JMD → C Rating (Hold Off)

Tips for Using Ratings

1. Check ratings before shopping: Plan your purchases around A-rated items
2. Set price alerts: Get notified when C-rated items drop to A or B
3. Stock up on A-rated items: If it's a staple you use regularly
4. Compare across stores: The same product might have different ratings at different stores

Why This System Works

Traditional price comparison just shows you where something is cheapest right now. Our A-B-C system tells you whether that "cheapest" price is actually a good deal or if you should wait for a better one.

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