Thursday, October 30, 2008

Save on Groceries By Buying In Bulk

By Judy Turner

Buying in bulk is by no means a new method of shopping though it seems to have been somewhat forgotten. There are so many perks to this form of shopping that it's astounding more people aren't doing it regularly. Buying certain products in bulk is a fantastic way of saving both money and time. Most large towns and cities have some form of bulk grocery store or distributor. Often a membership fee is applicable but it's reasonable and not without reason. Quite often a bulk buying 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.

There are always some products that are not recommended for buying in bulk. Perishable items such as ingredients for a salad that don't freeze well should be purchased in smaller quantities. Check for sales on these items and buy only what you know will be used up quickly.

Many families find themselves running to the grocery store way too often. If you find yourself constantly stopping at the store in between shopping trips then that is your first indicator that buying in bulk may be best for you. Buying large quantities and breaking them into smaller ones will save you money and the time it takes to stop at the store frequently. Try to plan your menus in advance to avoid getting into a rut.

With the rising costs of fuel then it makes sense that making less trips means you will save money on 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. 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. - 15432

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