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If you’re here, reading this blog, we already know that buying in bulk is something you love. And who doesn’t like saving money, especially when buying something you’ll frequently need especially everyday items? However, even buying in bulk comes with its own set of questions, like, how to buy in bulk, what not to buy, and how much bulk is bulk? To make bulk buying easier for you, we’re breaking down all the dos and don’ts. Come, let’s dive in!
Related: Household Supplies Checklist: Everything You Need For A Well-Stocked Home
The DOs
1. Make Space
Always make sure to have a designated space for your bulk items. This will make it easier to find what you need when you need it. You can use storage boxes, shelves, or closets to store your bulk items—just be sure to organize them to prioritize usage, especially for items with a shelf life.
2. Compare Unit Prices
Before purchasing items in bulk, be sure to compare unit prices. You may think you’re getting a great deal, but if the cost per item is more expensive in the bulk purchase, it’s not worth it.
For example, you’re buying a pack of 4 toilet rolls worth $5. You decide to take a look at the combo pack of 18 toilet rolls, which is worth $22. Buying the individual pack would cost you $5 while a bulk pack costs $22.
So, in this case, you’d be at a loss if you went with the bulk option.
Bulk-buying only makes sense if it helps you save money rather than spend more of it.
Related: The 4 Best Price Tracking Tools Get More for Your Money
3. Check the Expiry
Checking the expiry date is extremely important when you’re buying groceries, especially when buying in bulk. If it’s an item you don’t use up too frequently, make sure that its expiry date is much later. Similarly, if it’s something you’ll end up using within less than a month, the date can be slightly closer.
The DON’Ts
1. Don’t Compromise on Quality
Just because something is cheap, don’t assume it’s a good deal. Always compare the quality of the product with its price to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. Sometimes it’s worth spending a bit more for a product that will perform better or taste better.
2. Don’t Over-Buy
Yes, even buying in bulk has a limit. Don’t buy a product, no matter how good of a buy it is, if you will not use it in time. Nothing is a good deal if it’s wasted. You can start bulk storage by just buying a few well-used items a month.
Related: The Best Days To Shop: A Comprehensive Guide to 2022’s Upcoming Sales
3. Grab deals online
Buying items in bulk from online shops can help you save both money and the environment. Physical stores require a lot of energy to run, which produces more carbon emissions and waste than online stores, which often only require warehouses and office space. Also, online stores offer great discounts almost all year round, with mega sales during the holiday season.
Related: 7 Pro Tips on Finding The Best Deals Online
What To Buy In Bulk
Bulk-buying, while it saves money, comes with its limitations. With perishable goods, there are obviously a lot of items that you can’t purchase in bulk because they’ll get spoilt. Here are the products that you CAN buy in bulk:
- Breakfast items
- Canned food
- Cheese
- Cleaning supplies
- Spices and condiments
- Staples like rice, flour, and sugar
- Packaged Meat (if you have the freezer space to store it)
- Beans and Lentils
- Diapers and wipes
- Food storage bags
- Olive oil
- Paper products
- Pasta
- Pet food
- Protein bars
- Packaged snacks
- Toiletries
What NOT To Buy in Bulk
- Eggs
- Veggies
- Bread & bakery items
- Cooking oils
- Whole grains and nuts
- Bleach
- Cosmetics
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder
These are the most common grocery goods people generally buy during their weekly or monthly grocery runs. Out of these goods, we’ve helped you classify the ones that are safe to buy in bulk and those that aren’t. We hope this blog helps you buy better bulk goods in the future!
Grocery shopping on the go has never been easier or more affordable. Nearly all of the major grocery retailers have an online platform these days, making it easy to find what you need and get it delivered to your doorstep.
Buy Groceries Online Without the Hassle
Carrot is a great tool to help you organize and plan your next bulk buying sesh. Whether you’re watching your budget or compiling a list that includes everyone’s favorites, Carrot has you covered. This super cool Chrome extension helps you track the prices of your bulk combos, organize your shopping list and share it with people(esp. your fam) so they can add their items! Install Carrot today and never miss a good deal!
