Buying in Bulk…Does It Make Sense?

Buying in Bulk…Does It Make Sense?

Every time I renew my Costco card I wonder if I should. I'm single and although I love to cook and entertain a lot, I really don't buy much at the warehouse stores because there quantities are always so large.

However, the only way I can afford to entertain is because I do buy on sale and in fairly large quantities when I can. For example, I use a lot of tomato sauce (it must be the Italian in me!) so I'll buy 30 or 40 cans when they go on sale (Normally at .33 to .59 cents each, on sale they'll go down to $ .10 to $ .25 each depending on the brand.) I do the same thing with tuna, margarine, cream cheese, chocolate chips and all the things I use a lot of. I also purchase chicken and beef when it's on sale and freeze it. I do take advantage of our new Winco store and purchase my flour, sugar, cocoa, dog biscuits and similar items in their bulk bins. But that's about all the bulk buying I do.

The area I live in has several different grocery store chains and with their weekly sales, I've never noticed that the prices at Sam's or Costco are much lower than the other stores merchandise on sale. And, I hate the long lines at those big box stores.

But, buying in bulk does make sense for some of us. Here are a few tips to help out.

If you're like me and find the quantities at the warehouse stores too big, get together with a neighbor and split the items you both purchase. Or, make sure when you do purchase a large quantity, that you have the place to store it and use it up before the "use by" date on food items. Also, try to take the items from the back of the shelf-they're usually fresher.

Check out the bulk food bins at stores like Winco but watch the prices. I've noticed on some items, the normal packages of food are less expensive. You also might want to ask the store if you can sample an item prior to buying it.

Certain items are a good deal at Costco or Sam's Club. Roasted and salted nuts, and candy, especially just prior to the holidays are usually a great deal. And, their ribbons for crafts and decorating are usually a good buy also. Luxury items are frequently a good deal at these stores - smoked, salmon, caviar, etc. One couple I know has started buying their meats when they BBQ at Costco and say they save quite a bit. And, Trader Joe's has good prices on many of their items. But, again I would either ask for a sample or just buy one box to try something new. Their brand of Raisin Bran went straight into the trash a few years ago. I've found plants are a good buy there.

Getting ready to entertain? You might consider a keg of beer, but only if you're going to drink it all. Even if it's cheaper than buying it by the six-pack or the case, it's a waste of money if you don't finish it. Talk to the discount liquor stores about buying your wine and liquor for parties - most of them will take back full and sometimes, partially full, cases of wine and liquor.

After each holiday, I check out all the stores and buy items for the following year at a percentage off, sometimes as high as 90% off the regular price. This works well for paper and party supplies, decorative holiday (and not just Christmas) bags & wrapping paper, candles, seasonal decorations and the like. I also shop at the Dollar Stores for certain items. I find Hane's socks, and underwear, name brand shampoo, conditioner, hand soap and toothpaste there on a regular basis. And, greeting cards for only fifty cents each, at some of those stores. I do make sure any food items I purchase are name brands only, and with a "use by" date that has not already expired.

With meats you can buy the large bulk packages for less money and repackage them in smaller quantities. Be sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn and label them so you will use the oldest packages first. Likewise, buy whole chickens and cut them into pieces for various dishes. Check with a custom butcher shop to see if it would make sense to purchase a quarter of half side of beef. Again, you could split this with family or friends if it's more than what your family can use. Be sure you'll use all the different cuts of meat that are included with that type of meat purchase.

In season be sure to visit your local Farmer's Markets. Sometimes, the prices are not less than the grocery store, but the quality is usually much better and very fresh.

Store your dry goods in glass jars with screw on lids and/or airtight plastic containers in a cool, dry place. Wine should be kept in a cool, dark place and white wine should be used within two years. Be sure to store it laying down so the cork doesn't dry out.