It is a common notion among consumers that buying in bulk is a wise move because of the discounts and savings. According to Wise Bread and to Kimberly Palmer, who recently published an article in US News, this is true for some selected items, but it cannot be a general rule for everything.
Purchasing too much, even if it offers a good cut off the price, may just cause you waste of money and clutter inside your house. Here are the 10 items which, when bought in large quantities, will truly be beneficial -- both on the budget and your stock level.
1. Toilet paper
Matt Brownell wrote on Main Street that this item meets the main criteria for bulk buying -- it's used all the time and it doesn't go bad. Buying it in bulk can be cheaper by up to 50 percent than buying a few rolls at a time, Bread and Palmer advised.
2. Personal care items
Such may include your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap and shampoo. Buying these in a pack of three, six or by the dozen, saves some cents. While it may not be that much, it still adds up over time.
3. Office supplies
Pens, staples, folders are also better bought in bulk as they will also give you savings of up to 50 percent off the price. This is true even if you compare prices online, at the grocery store, or at big office supply stores.
4. Vitamins
You can save a few cents by buying these in a larger quantity, but be sure to read the latest on recommendations so as to grab the vitamins with the biggest benefits. Don't forget to check the expiry date, of course.
5. Pantry items
Choose the food items that will not perish easily like bottled drinks, canned tuna and cereal. Doing this usually gives a 30 percent discount, instead of buying a bottle, can or box one at a time. Leah Ingram, writer of the Suddenly Frugal blog, shares that she once purchased a 12-pack Propel flavored water for $6, instead of buying it for $1.50 each at Wal-Mart.
6. Coffee
Whether you grind your own coffee beans or not, buying your favorite morning drink in bulk can reduce your cost for that caffeine habit.
7. Diapers
By using Amazon Subscribe and Save, you will definitely save cash, plus have the assurance that you will have a diaper on hand once your baby needs a change.
8. Batteries
Get the best deal by buying large packages of batteries, which you definitely do not want to run out when the lights suddenly go out.
9. Detergent
This is a need for everyone, and by spending a little more for a bigger tub of detergent, you can save up to 17 cents per load.
10. Meat
Perishable goods normally should be avoided at the bulk store, unless there's quite a number of people to feed. An exception to this is meat, which has the tendency to freeze well. If you eat meat regularly, it will make sense if you find it on sale, and then buy a ton and freeze it. Be careful though, to seal and store it in the freezer properly.
