4 Great Tips for Buying in Bulk
Save Money on Your Stockpile
Buying items in bulk has been very popular since the opening of Sam’s Club and Costco in 1983. Value shoppers just can’t resist a good deal when they see one. They’ll see 20 bottles of ketchup for a great price and the ketchup will end up in their pantry at home. The unfortunate part? Half of the bottles expire before they can be opened and one’s hard earned money has been wasted.
The true value in shopping in bulk, in my opinion, is buying items that withstand a long shelf life, whether it be food items or toiletry items such as toilet paper and shampoo. Also, items that you are certain will not go to waste for you and your family (any items that you use daily), are great choices as well.
Pros
- You get more product for your money; items cost considerably less individually when you buy them in bulk.
- You almost never run out of items.
- Fewer shopping trips.
- A huge plus when buying in bulk is that it shrinks the carbon and energy footprint on the product packaging.
Cons
- Membership fees can be quite costly.
- Paying more money upfront for items bought in bulk.
- Some items can expire before you get a chance to sue them.
- Insufficient storage space, which can be inconvenient for those who live in apartments or townhomes.
- The number of pros and cons are about even, but for me personally, I think buying in bulk is great as long you shop smart.
Here are 4 great tips for buying in bulk:
1. Only buy items that you know you will use.
Toilet paper and non-perishable food items (i.e. canned goods, etc.) are good examples.
2. Make sure that you have sufficient storage space.
Nothing is more of a headache than realizing after the fact that you don’t have the space needed for your items!
3. Don’t overdo it.
By that I mean don’t buy 200 rolls of paper towels when you can just buy 20. Remember, buying in bulk is mainly about saving money.
4. Compare prices.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuB-J9VhuWU Research online. Even check out Amazon and Ebay. They, too, are great resources for buying in bulk. Look at the store flyers when you receive them in the mail. Again, buying in bulk is about saving money.
Save money by buying your prepper supplies at Costco. https://t.co/rC61bCvqjU pic.twitter.com/DuIpdfSTg0 — Survival Life (@SurvivalLF) May 2, 2016
If you are new to the “The Bulk Buyer’s Club” here are some good examples of items that are great to buy in bulk:
- Oats, lentils, uncooked beans / rice, and nuts
- Canned goods (vegetables, soups, canned meat, and canned fruit)
- Tea & coffee
- Bottled water
- Honey (extremely long shelf life)
- Mason jars (they make great storage!)
- Toilet paper and paper towels
- Dish washing liquid
- Laundry detergent
- Toothpaste
- Soap & shampoo
- Hand washing liquid
- Batteries (but not too many; they do carry an expiration date)
The key is to shop realistically. Shop for the “needs” of yourself and your family. Happy shopping, everyone!
Have a ‘shopping in bulk’ tip you would like to share? Share with us in the comment section below.
BONUS: Check out my other article 10 Prepper Supply Items You Can Buy at Costco.
