Aldi is so cheap primarily due to a combination of efficiency-driven strategies including its heavy reliance on private-label products (about 90% of their stock), minimal staffing with employees performing multiple roles, customers bagging their own groceries, and a smaller selection of core items which reduces overhead costs. Aldi also charges a quarter to use shopping carts, which saves labor costs as customers return carts themselves. The stores are typically smaller with minimal decor and products are often displayed in their shipping boxes to speed restocking. Additionally, Aldi sources meat and other products regionally to reduce transportation costs and buys overstock or discontinued name-brand goods at discount prices. All these factors allow Aldi to operate with low operating costs and pass those savings to customers through lower prices.