Now before you think that this is an article about extreme couponing, like the popular reality show, it isn’t. It is an article on why you should consider purchasing everyday items in bulk and how you can save money by doing so. Interested? Read on!

What is bulk?

Buying bulk typically means purchasing several of one product. Many online stores require customers to buy products by the case. A case could mean 12 or 24 items. Many times, the larger the quantity you purchase, the lower the unit price.

Why shop in bulk?

There are many reasons for shopping in bulk; the main one is to save money. For example, most everyone uses paper towels. Why spend $3.50 on a roll of towels when you can spend $1.75 if you purchase 12 rolls at a time? Unless you live in a very small apartment that has no storage space, then it only makes sense to buy some items in bulk. When buying bulk online, it saves you time. I don’t know about you, but I do not enjoy driving to a store, filling up a shopping cart, waiting in line to check out, loading the items in my car and then having to unload the items when I get home. Of course my family never seems to be home when I need help unloading the car. With online shopping, items are delivered right to your door!

Just think about the ways bulk shopping can be beneficial…

• Busy households. We’re a family of five. There are some things, such as toilet paper, paper towels, granola bars, etc. that we seem to go through a lot. It’s much easier and cheaper to purchase these things in bulk instead of running to the store once or twice a week.
• Community organizations. Are you involved with a club or group that puts on dinners or sets up concession stands? Then you’ll definitely want to purchase paper products and such in bulk.
• Special events. Whether it’s a wedding, a family reunion, or an open house for someone’s 75th birthday, you’ll appreciate being able to buy paper products, mints, nuts and more in bulk.
• At work. Do you and your co-workers chip in to keep the break room stocked with disposable products, bottled water and coffee? Instead of ordering from the office supply catalog that’s going to charge you a hefty price, get the items in bulk from an online store that deals with bulk. And what to do with the money you and your co-workers will save? Stock up on some granola bars and candy for the break room!

Popular bulk shopping websites.

There are many websites that offer products in bulk. Some deal mainly with food items, where others offer household items, office supplies and beauty supplies. Here are some of the best places for bulk shopping.

• BJs.com. Chances are you have been to a BJs warehouse. The company also has an online store with many products that are only available online. If you don’t have a membership to the store, you can still purchase online, but you’ll be charged a 5% non-member surcharge. If you decide you like the site or plan to shop at the warehouse from time to time, then it’s worth investing in the membership.
• BuyTheCase.net. It’s all about name brands when it comes to BuyTheCase.net. Each week the site has an online store flyer with popular brand name items such as Ragu, Pampers and Tide. What’s available one week isn’t necessarily available the following week. Although the site offers a discounted price, you need to check around to see if it’s truly the best price. As you add items to your shopping cart, the shipping costs will show up. This is nice if you’re working with a certain dollar amount.
• DollarDays.com. DollarDays.com offers rock bottom prices on thousands of products, ranging from food to clothing to office supplies. You have to purchase items by the case, which depending on the item, it could mean as much as 100 pieces per case. If you’re able to join shopping efforts with another person, or you’re shopping for the work setting, then this site is a good one to check out.
• DollarGeneral.com. If you typically shop at a Dollar General store, you know that the prices are usually lower than what you’ll find at the grocery store or drug store. When shopping at the online store, you’ll receive an additional discount when you buy in bulk. The site also frequently offers free shipping days or deep discounts an all products. This is a great site to stock up on paper products, food and household products.
• DollarTree.com. All items at a Dollar Tree store are $1.00 each (unless something is 2 for a $1.00). If there are items that you regularly buy from this store, then consider going online to DollarTree.com and ordering the items by the case. You won’t receive an additional discount, but you’ll have the convenience of having the items on stock in your home. If you go to the store to pick up the items, then it’s free shipping. If you’re planning a big social event and know that you’ll easily use a case of plastic-ware, plates, napkins, etc. then order it online rather than taking the chance that the store might have it in stock.

Do your homework.

Just because a website offers a “deal” on products, you need to do your homework to determine if the sale price is better than what you can find locally. For example, at a popular bulk site, a common brand of cereal has a regular price of $4.79 per box. The site sells the cereal for $3.79 per box . Sounds like a great deal right? After all, you’re saving a dollar per box. However, if your grocery store has the exact same cereal on sale for 2/$6.00, then you’ll save money if you buy the cereal from the store.

How to save even more!

Here are some tips on how to save even more money while shopping in bulk.

• Shop and swap. Is there a relative, neighbor or friend who might want to shop in bulk as well? There might be items that you have passed on because you’re not sure if you can use the entire amount before the expiration date. Yet, if you can swap half of a case of something for half of something else with a relative or friend, then chances are you’ll make the purchase.
• Wait for free shipping. Many websites offer free shipping from time to time. If you’re planning a big purchase then it’s certainly worth the wait.
• Look for coupons. Sometimes if you google the online store, a coupon will pop up. Also, if you choose to “like” the store’s facebook page, you’ll often receive good deals.

With careful planning and organized storage, shopping in bulk can save you hundreds of dollars over a year’s period of time.

Author: Barb Bergerson