Tips on Buying in Bulk

Purchase Only What You Need

It will happen. You walk by an entire display or bulk onions that are $1.99 for a thirty pound bag. While that is a good deal, you may not have onions on the list. Most things at a discount bulk store are excellent deals, but do you need it? Are you really going to use the entire bag of onions in a reasonable amount of time?

With that said, Make a List. Then, follow your list.

Food Tips on Buying in Bulk

As with the first tip, purchase perishables that you need or you can use before the food will spoil. Anything that is already sitting out will probably not last a long time in your house. The store will most likely throw it away if not purchased by a certain time. You can freeze a lot of your purchase, but then again, you must have the freezer space to do so. If you feel that you will be making regular trips to a bulk store, then perhaps it's time to purchase a low-standing freezer chest.

This is also a tip when you go grocery shopping at a normal grocery store: Eat before you step out of the house. Does this tip need to be explained? You've probably rushed out to the store on an empty stomach to go grocery shopping and found yourself thinking that everything looks good. People tend to buy fewer impulse items when not hungry than when they are hungry.

Do Some Calculations

Surprisingly, figuring out the unit per cost could open your eyes to what is and isn't a deal at a bulk buying store. First go to your local grocery store and use a calculator to find out what they are charging for each unit. Some prices are already printed on their tags. Then when you shop at the bulk store, do the same. Just because you are in bulk store doesn't mean everything will be a great deal.

Embarrassed about bringing a calculator in? Use your cell phone. Almost all cell phones include a calculator function.

Look for Deals for Businesses

Do you own a business? Then you could be eligible for special discounts and deals offered to business owners. This could be a lower annual fee, a special credit card to use at the store, or free services.

Start Easy

If you are just making the transition, here are some additional tips on buying in bulk:

• Begin with items you know you constantly use. Toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, and baking goods are an excellent place to start.
• Be prepared to have extra storage space available. This might mean buying additional containers or a free-standing pantry to add to your kitchen.
• If you've got food, don't be obligated to eat it all if you have had it a long time. It is better to just throw it out and realize that you don't need bulk this or that, then just buy what you need at the local grocery store.
• Make sure you aren't using more just because you have more. Keep your daily routine of cooking, cleaning, and basic toiletry usage the same as it was before you starting buying in bulk.

Benefits

If the above tips on buying in bulk are used, there can be long-lasting benefits. You can save time by having items on-hand rather than running out two or three times a week. You will save money in the long run, meaning extra cash. Sure the initial bulk buying investment will be higher than getting a few things here and there, but that extra money you save on the back-end will allow you to go to one more movie or put just a little more towards a house.