Myth or Fact: Buying in Bulk Saves You Money
Before I became a couponer, I was an avid Costco Shopper. I got everything there, from toothpaste to Toilet Paper, to Meat. I always thought I was getting a better deal because I was buying in bulk. Bulk means saving money, right?
When I got a little smarter with our money I began to really look at prices. I began to compare prices more in an effort to save money ( still before becoming and extreme couponer) I realized that some of the products were the same as buying them at any other store. The prices weren’t different and sometimes it even more expensive to buy them at other stores. I was shocked! I didn’t know what to think at that point. So I bought what was cheaper there and started to buy the other products elsewhere.
Then I discovered coupons and what they really could do for us in the way of saving money. This was a turning point for me. The amount I spend on products went down. the value of $1 went up. I tried to compare prices more and realized that there are only a few select products that are worth spending quite so much for and buying quite that much. When you use coupons, things like toothpaste or deodorant you normally get free. But since you can’t use coupons at those bulk type stores it ends up being a lot more if you buy it there. you don’t save money when shopping for those things.
Staples are a bit different. By staples I mean things like flour, sugar, some meat products. Things like this don’t usually have coupons in the other grocery stores. So unless you have a Winco, the bulk stores are usually the cheapest. I would still encourage you to compare prices. You may find that Costco or Sam’s Club has the absolute best prices on these things and you may find not. But with staples sometimes quality is forth an extra few cents. That has to be determined by each person however. Don’t feel bad for doing this. Some things are just worth it.
So it is neither a myth or a truth. Like most things in life, Bulk type stores have a place for saving money and getting the quality in items you need. It is just a matter of knowing what is worth the prices there. Be sure you compare prices and seek out the best deals and not just go and buy everything you need at that one place. This is the best way to get the best quality for the least amount of money.
