Warehouse Club Wallet Busters - Tips to Avoid Club Rip-offs

Buying in bulk at warehouse clubs always equals big savings. Not always. Warehouse clubs have traps set for their customers so you will spend more on items that aren't necessities. Avoid the wallet busting rip-offs and save money buying in bulk with these tips for successful warehouse club shopping.

Avoid the Staged Treasure Hunts

Treasure hunts are staged throughout the day at warehouse clubs. These treasure hunts will be announced as some random item, like designer jeans or sunglasses, being significantly marked down with only a few of the item left and once they're gone, they're gone. As luck (or a well-planned treasure hunt) would have it, the marked down item is on the other side of the store from you, fueling the sense of urgency to get to the item. Once the treasure is located, a convenient cash register is also there so purchases can be made on the spot, before you have a chance to think it through and reconsider the purchase.
Make a list for warehouse club shopping and stick to it so you will be less tempted by a staged treasure hunt hawking items that you don't need.

Avoid Piles of Merchandise

When our eyes see merchandise piled high on a table or the middle of isle, our subconscious interrupts the pile of 'stuff' as being desirable and cheap. We start digging in the pile of stuff before looking at prices or signage. Warehouse clubs count on that and play this mind trick on customer, intentionally creating piles of merchandise that is not on sale or discounted. Stir clear of pile of merchandise or at least read the price tags before spending time digging through the pile.

Avoid Free Samples

Hard to resist a free sample of food, even harder to resist buying the food after enjoying a free sample. Warehouse clubs know this and use it to sell new products. It will be in the best interest of your wallet and waistline to politely take the free sample snack and keep walking. The longer you stand around and engage in conversation with the employee offering the free sample, the more likely you are to purchase the product.

Shop at Home

Most warehouse club customers have to travel to reach the nearest store, and studies have shown that the farther you have to drive to the store, the more you'll spend. Another tactic that warehouse clubs use to separate customers from their money. Plan bulk buying trips to warehouse clubs and stick with your plan, and when possible, shop at home and save money.