Jumping headfirst into bulk grocery shopping can be an overwhelming task. Don’t let the huge warehouse stores and membership fees intimidate you, bulk shopping is simple when you know what to buy and what to leave on the shelf.
Here is our basic guide to bulk buying. Happy shopping!
Only Buy What You’ll Use
It’s true that bulk shopping can save you money in the long run. But that savings will only come if you use all of the product that you buy. Wasting food will ultimately set you behind in your finance goals.
Don’t let clever marketing and potential savings convince you to buy things you do not need.
Bulk According to Your Budget
While individual products may be cheaper when you buy in bulk, the upfront cost of bulk buying can be expensive. Bulk shopping should work for your budget, not against your budget.
If you have to go over your grocery budget because you think you’ll save in the long run, your bulk buy is not worth the cost.
The Golden Rule of Bulk Shopping
The most important thing to know before beginning you bulk shopping journey is the price per unit equation. The price per unit refers to the price of an individual item within the bulk package.
To find the price per unit, divide the total price by the quantity of the item. If the bulk price of a 50 pack of candies is $75, then you are being charged $1.50 per candy.
Price Per Unit = Total Cost / Quantity in Package
This equation is the center of the bulk buying universe. Use it to compare to regular market price to ensure that you are getting the best bang for your buck.
To Buy, or Not to Buy
Produce: The safe bet is to steer clear from bulk produce unless you have big plans to can or pickle your food. For the average person, produce should be left off of your bulk grocery store shopping list.
Nonperishables: This is what bulk buying is all about. If your nonperishable items are sure to be eaten and within price range, you should be in the clear. This is what bulk shopping is all about.
Meat: Just like produce, stay away from buying bulk meat products if you do not absolutely need them.
Toiletries: Guarantee that the price per unit is advantageous to you. If not, just don’t buy. If the bulk price is cheaper, guarantee that you have enough storage space for your excess toiletries.
Skip the Membership Fee
Did you know you do not have to be a member to online shop with Costco and Sam’s Club? If you’re looking for the bulk buying benefits without paying an annual membership fee, buy your bulk groceries and wholesale goods online.
You can experience the benefits of bulk buying before committing to a membership by simply buying online. But don’t stick to this method for long, nonmember prices are a bit higher than a member would pay, even online.
Costco applies a 5% surcharge on member prices, and Sam’s club applies a 10% surcharge. Be sure to factor the price increase into your price per unit calculations.
We would advise to only do this when necessary or if you’re still unsure. If bulk shopping is sure to be in your grocery routine, go ahead and get the membership.
Bulk shopping can be the saving grace to your grocery budget. Keeping yourself stocked on the items you love will give you peace of mind that there is always something to snack on in your pantry.
Elevate your grocery game and keep your budget in mind- you’ve got this.