Buying in bulk
From FruWiki, The Frugal Wiki
Buying in bulk can mean multiple things. As it is often used, it means buying large quantities of an item, whether in one or multiple containers. Another type of buying in bulk is buying from bulk bins. Such bins are often self-serve and enable you to buy only the amount you need.
[edit] Buying large amounts
Buying large amounts of an item may be help you save money -- if you buy something that you will actually use. Warehouse stores like Sam's Club and Costco are known for selling large containers of items, but even at a regular store you are often given the choice to buy containers holding larger quantities. And you may want to buy large quantities of loose items if you get a discount for doing so or if there is a really good sale going on.
Here are some tips to help you to buy in bulk frugally:
- Ask yourself, "Do I really need this?" As with any great deal, it's easy to get swept away. Money spent is not money saved, though.
- If you're tempted by what seems like a great sale, ask salespeople how often such sales actually occur.
- Remember to check prices. Just because a store sells things in bulk or is having a seemingly great sale, that doesn't mean that they have the best prices. Also, sometimes smaller containers are cheaper than larger ones -- even within the same store.
- Check expiration dates.
- Ask yourself, "Will I still save money if I don't use it all?"
- Split bulk purchases with friends and family.
- Be careful about trying new things. Get a smaller size to try, or better yet, see if you can find a free sample.
- Ask yourself, "Can I store this properly?" Do you have enough space for it where it needs to go?
[edit] Buying from bulk bins
Buying from bulk bins is usually a great way to save money and reduce waste. Items in bulk bins are often (though not always) sold for cheaper than in individually packaged products, there is less packaging waste, and you can usually buy just what you need which is usually cheaper and less wasteful in itself.
Here are some tips for buying from bulk bins:
- Know how much you want ahead of time and use scales or other measuring tools to check how much you have as you go along.
- If in doubt, ask salespeople how long it has been since the bins have been refreshed.
- Remember to check around to see if items are sold cheaper elsewhere -- even elsewhere in the store in different packaging.
- To further reduce waste, bring your own reusable bags and containers!
