Buying in Bulk: Is it Really Worth it?

I had reader Angela, email the above the question and thought it would be a good idea to share with everyone.

With the continued rising costs of the economy, the concept of buying in bulk is getting to be more common that ever and if done frugally, can be a wise choice. But are you really saving money or not?

 The answer to this question is that yes, you can save money if you purchase the right items in bulk.

For example, you shouldn’t really purchase a case of 200 light bulbs that will last you for many, many years. Good deal or not, there is no need to buy bulk quantities of lightbulbs, items like this are best suited for buying on an as needed basis, especially when you can get light bulbs for free at stores like CVS.  But, if on the other hand you have a fairly large family , you might consider buying toilet paper and paper towels in bulk which can be cheaper in some instances per roll.

As a general rule, any item that you know you will use up in a short period of time is a good candidate for being purchased in bulk. Dry ingredients for your home including sugar and flour are good choices per pound especially.

If you find items like potatoe chips and snacks are something on your list but is more than you reasonably need, consider buying bulk items with another family member or friend. This way you can share the items and the cost. I usually go with my dad and my sister, and while we shop, we all decide between the 3 of us what to buy and then split the cost between us evenly.

Meat is probably the best item to buy in bulk to save money. So if you have an extra freezer in your garage or basement, this is definately a good money saver! I buy all of our steaks and pork chops at half the price of my supermarket, so for me this is well worth it!   And once again, this another good item to consider sharing the cost with a friend or relative.

Canned goods last a very long time,  so you can purchase them in bulk and not have to worry about them spoiling. Some good choices are soups, canned vegetables, and various sauces that you may use often for cooking. Babies are quite expensive as anyone with them can attest to. Buying diapers, baby food, and baby formula in bulk are all good ways to save money on those necessities. And finally, let’s not forget about the expense relating to feeding our pets. If you use dry cat or dog food then buying it in bulk may be a good option for you which I can attest to!

Of course, the best way to shop in bulk is to know your prices, which the majority of  us frugal divas already know. To make sure you are really getting a good deal on bulk items, take the time to read the information relating to the cost of the item per unit. This way you can compare that price with the overall cost. In knowing the average prices, you’ll know what is a good deal or not. For instance, I wouldn’t pay for toothpaste in bulk when I know I can get all the toothpaste I want for Free using my coupons! 

In most cases you will be able to find some really good deals that save you money if you make the right purchases and only buy what you really need! What other items do you think are best suited for buying in bulk?