How to Make the Most Out of Your Wholesale Club Membership

Shopping at the local wholesale club can be a great way for large families to save money. But even small families can save enough money to offset the cost of club membership. Here are some tips to make the most out of your wholesale club membership.

Take advantage of sales and coupons

Some clubs, such as BJ's offer club coupons to save money on certain items. These clubs may also honor manufacturer's coupons like the ones in your Sunday paper. Add these savings to the already low wholesale prices, and you will get some really great deals.

Not all wholesale clubs honor coupons in this way, but they will occasionally run sales and specials. Keep an eye out for these money-saving opportunities. Most wholesale clubs have flyers near the door picturing their weekly deals - pick one up and look it over before you begin your shopping.

Only buy what you can use

Sure, they may have a great deal on peaches, but unless you're planning to either eat or can two pounds of peaches in the next week or so, you'll just be wasting money. Some perishable items, such as meat, can be purchased in bulk and then frozen for later use. But if you will not be able to use an item before it expires, it may be best to purchase it at a normal grocery store.

Also, don't buy an item just because it's a good deal if it isn't something that you would normally purchase. For instance, if you see a great deal on granola bars, but nobody in your family eats granola bars, don't buy them. Yes, it may be a healthy snack that you want your kids to eat, but if they won't eat them, the entire box will go to waste. Purchase only those items that your family will use.

Buy all your bath and hygiene products exclusively at the wholesale club

Wholesale clubs generally have good deals on paper products such as toilet paper, facial tissue, and soap. These things will not "go bad," so buy them in bulk every time you are running low. Even if you only have one or two people in your household, you can store the extra product - it will not go to waste. Toothbrushes, razor cartridges, mouthwash, shampoo, hair spray, hand lotion - all of these things can be purchased in bulk at the wholesale club for a great price.

In the same token, many household cleaning products can be purchased in bulk at your wholesale club for a much smaller unit price than what is offered at your local grocery.

Don't forget the electronics, housewares, and clothing sections

Many times, we forget that our wholesale club even sells anything other than food and other grocery store items. But great savings can be found in other areas of the wholesale club as well. If your family takes a lot of home movies, consider purchasing your blank tapes or DVDs in bulk at the wholesale club. Wholesale clubs also often sell bundle packs that feature a video game system, extra controller, game, and possibly other accessories. These bundle packs can be a big money-saver for Christmas gifts.

You also can find great deals on household appliances at your local wholesale club. Coffee makers, toaster ovens, steam irons, blenders, and even larger appliances such as kitchen stoves can all be found at low prices at your wholesale club.

Clothing items such as socks and underwear are usually found at a good price. You may also be able to find deals on larger clothing items such as pants, shirts, and even jackets. Take a look around. Many times, you can find items from brand-name designers such as Bill Blass for a fraction of what a department store would charge.

Purchase items for your next party at the wholesale club

Most of your party items can be purchased at the wholesale club for much less than you would pay for the same amount of items at the grocery store. Potato chips, soda, chicken wings, hamburgers and hot dogs, buns, condiments, even cakes and other party foods can be purchased in bulk at the wholesale club for a great price. Other party essentials, such as paper plates, disposable cups and flatware, napkins, and even decorations are all great items to look for at the wholesale club. You may find that you can throw a party and still have money left over in your budget to buy an extra gift for the guest of honor.