July 19, 2008

Save on Groceries By Buying In Bulk

by Judy Turner

Although buying in bulk is a great way to save money it seems to have been somewhat forgotten. There are so many good reasons to shop this way that its astounding more people aren't doing it regularly. Most large towns and cities have some form of bulk grocery store or wholesale club. You may be charged a membership fee but it is usually reasonable. Quite often a membership pays for itself with the first shopping expedition.

If you take the time to compare and contrast different products on the regular grocery shelf with products from a bulk store, you will certainly see a viable difference in cost. Purchasing a bulk sized package of bottled water often breaks down so that each bottle is almost fifty percent cheaper than it would be to buy just one from the convenience store. Not only do the savings already apply but buying bulk products that are also on sale is an added way to increase your savings.

There are definitely certain types of food and household products that are the most beneficial to purchase in bulk. Non perishables such as toilet paper and paper towels, canned goods and boxed goods are just a few examples. The items that you go through daily are the ones that you spend the most money on. Consider switching to bulk in order to have more at a time while saving a little extra. Many people may not find meat or other fresh products to be a worthy bulk investment. The truth is that anything that can go into the freezer is a fantastic choice. If you need to purchase a large freezer you will find that it pays for itself rather quickly.

Most certainly there are some products that are not recommended for acquiring in bulk. Perishable items that don't freeze well should be purchased in smaller quantities. Check for sales and plan your meals accordingly around these items to use them up quickly.

Many families get stuck in a rut where they do the grocery shopping and still end up having to stop at the store frequently for things. While you may have to make a few in between trips, try planning your meals in advance so that you know just how you plan to use up that 10 pounds of chicken you purchased. Buying large quantities and breaking them into smaller ones will save you money and the time it takes to stop at the store frequently.

With the rising costs of oil and gasoline, saving time also equates to saving gas. If you take fewer trips to the store for meal items and buy more at one time, the need to run out for groceries will be less frequent. This certainly means less gas use. Making grocery purchases in bulk is effective in cutting a variety of costs. Consider the ways it can help your family save time and money that can be better spent in other ways.

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