I’m borderline obsessed with getting the best deal and it’s a fact that buying in bulk can be a great way to save money. If you share a place with other people or team up with the apartment across the hall, that's even better! This is a great way to save cash and stock up the pantry or gear up for your next party (here in CA they have great prices on beer, wine and liquor - although I’m still a HUGE fan of BevMo!.) Because I love saving money, I’m a huge proponent of shopping at bulk discount stores.
I really, really like Costco and Sam’s Club. Even though both stores require a yearly membership fee (Costco $50, Sam’s $40) which is totally worth it if you are splitting the cost with at least one other person. Bulk shopping doesn’t always make sense if you’re just cooking for yourself. Thankfully, both Costco and Sam’s let you split your membership and get two cards the second for “a member of your household.” You just have to prove you have the same address (any bill works fine). I tend to hit up Costco about once a month so I can realistically see sharing two cards with more people.
Roommate, Friend Bonding or Cheap Date?
Remember you’re buying big here so don’t think of this as a quick trip to the market. If you’re going to go as a group, block out an hour or so and embrace the full experience. If you head out at peak times (Weekends 11:30-2:30) you’re in prime FREE sample time and boy do they LOVE their free samples. I’ve definitely enjoy the bonding time and maybe it’s because my relationship is going on almost 5 years now, but if we can shop for stuff we need, snack and hang out, sign me up...I know how romantic!
Cheaper Gas
Some of the memberships will get you access to deals on gas, but if you go at the wrong times it’s definitely not worth the wait. Keep in mind that even 10 cents / gallon savings only equates to about $1.20 in overall savings. Not really worth waiting around for 20-30 minutes in my opinion.
Survival Tips
1. Everything is NOT always cheaper, be aware of what you’re buying and the normal cost. If you’re not sure of the deal use that handy smart phone or just hold off till next month.2. Skip the Unfreezable Perishables: No matter how good of a deal it is, odds are you’re never going to finish it all. Trust me!
3. Forget Good Parking: Skip all the stress and frustration of driving around in circles and head straight for the back of the parking lot. We all need to be walking more anyway.
4. End of the day on weeknights are the best times to get in and out. Keep in mind you’ll be missing out on all the free samples.
5. The Costco Frozen Yogurt (vanilla / chocolate / swirl) is delicious, huge and only $1.65.
6. There are no bags to be found, so be sure to grab those reusable bags you should have anyway. They’ll also hook you up with some boxes for easier carrying.
7. If you’re really looking to save money you could scrape together a free lunch here albeit wouldn’t be the healthiest choice.
Non-Membership Bulk Stores
There are some bulk stores out there that you don’t need a membership and you should definitely check them out if they’re in your area and see how they compare. The one that I’ve been to is Smart & Final and I was happy with their selection and prices as well.
Bottom-line: Know what options you have and know how they compare. You can’t save money if you don’t know what’s out there.
Lazy Bum is Mike DeHart- borderline obsessed with new media and harnessing emerging technologies to make people's lives easier and more cost effective. With an urge to one day retire and open up a half baked dessert shoppe, old Italian style pizza place (the rectangular kind with the thick crust) or maybe both under the same roof; he's learning all he can about personal finance and savings all while keeping up with the Jones' in the online world. Spelling and sometimes homonyms tend to become afterthoughts for Mike and if caught should be swept under the virtual rug. Mike is also passionate about socially responsible businesses and you can read more about that at FromDeHart.com.