SmartHomeOwners

One way to be a smart shopper is to stock up on food items when your local grocer is having a huge sale.  If items are half price, you can get twice as much food for your bucks!  But another approach to food savings is to buy in bulk at warehouse type stores such as Sam's Club and Costco.  Stores such as these usually require a yearly membership fee to shop, but the savings can be significant if you use your membership wisely.  Let's look at the good and bad of buying food in bulk.

Benefits of Bulk Buying

Buying food in bulk enables you to stock up on food items that you will use in the future.  You'll basically be buying in quantity, similar to how retailers buy items before selling them to the public.  You'll enjoy wholesale or near-wholesale pricing on some items.  The price of the larger quantity can be significantly less than the price of buying the items individually or in lesser quantities.  Having a bulk store membership also makes it easy to buy food for parties or family gatherings when you need to buy in large quantities.

You'll spend a little more up front by buying in bulk, but will enjoy savings on your overall monthly grocery bill.  If you remain disciplined with your spending, you'll end up spending less than ever on your usual trips to the grocery store.  Many shoppers visit a bulk store about once a month to stock up on items that can easily be stored for future use (i.e. meats, canned goods, juice, dry beans, laundry detergent, toilet paper, etc.).

Disadvantages

If you're not careful you can end up spending more than you were spending before while at the bulk store.  It's easy to grab everything you see just because the items are discounted and bulked together.  You might grab things you don't need just because it seems to be a good deal.  Keep in mind that it's only a good deal if you actually use the item.  Another drawback is bulk stores offer other items besides just food and the usual commodities.  You'll be tempted by isle after isle of inexpensive electronics, toys, etc., so it's a good idea to block all that out and concentrate only on your grocery shopping list.

Another disadvantage for many people is that the nearest bulk discount store is located in another city, perhaps an hour or two away.  This means a shopper must take several hours out of the day and use up fuel to get there.  Yet another reason to visit only once a month and stock up!

Tips:

- Do calculations for your regular groceries and bulk groceries before buying to make sure you are actually saving money.
- Make a list before going.
- Eat a meal before shopping so you're not tempted to buy more.
- Buy a freezer so you can stock up on meats and frozen goods.
- Buy a canning machine if you plan to buy fresh vegetables in bulk.
- Only buy what you know your family will use in the near future.

Buying food in bulk is a great way to save money and keep your cabinets and refrigerator stocked with delicious food.  Use these tips to get started!