Is it smarter to buy in bulk, or only as needed?
For years, consumers have been stocking up at big box stores, confident that bulk shopping offered the best value for their money. But a seemingly never-ending recession is altering the way many people think about shopping.
More and more consumers are saying no to bulk buying, picking up only what they need now and for the immediate future instead, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Manufacturers and retailers report that people are buying less, shopping more often, and are more interested in having cash, rather than goods, on hand.
The new shopping behaviour is having a big effect on club stores, in particular. Costco, for instance, has reported increased shopping-trip frequency and decreased transaction sizes in what some observers dub "pantry deloading."
The average household had 369 unique items in its medicine cabinets, pantries and cosmetics bags this year, compared with 404 in 2006, the survey found.
There are clearly several items that lend themselves to bulk purchasing. But there are also several misconceptions we typically make when trying to rationalize our bulk buying.
If you're really keen though, you could actually go one step further and form your own food group to do your bulk buying, suggests Mint.com.
While not as formal as a food co-op, a food group can be a good way of saving money and getting together with your local community, particularly if not everybody you know drives a mini van.
Once the food is purchased, the group will have to decide where it will be stored, when it will be split up and how it will be delivered. But the savings can be significant, participants report.
Which is the way to go? Loading up at Costco, banding together to scour grocery stores or simply buying what’s needed when you need it?
By Gordon Powers, MSN Money
Posted by: K | Nov 26, 2021 8:45:20 AM
I do a combination of "only as needed" AND bulk buying, depending on how deep the discount is.(50% or more) Over the past few years, I've made a habit of watching the regular pricing and sale pricing and the timing on those sales. Some items only have the deepest discounts a few times a year so I'll stock up on those items to carry me through to the next sale. Otherwise - I pretty much only buy for a week or two and set my menus on what's on sale.
Posted by: Jeff Lewis | Nov 26, 2021 10:05:21 AM
Wow - maybe CostCo will finally clue in and open an express checkout line. I'm in the 'shop often and buy just what I need' group and not surprisingly, CostCo doesn't work for me. In fact, I finally gave up my membership when I had to stand in line for almost half an hour with a loaded basket in hand and my back went out.
Of course, that's when they have more than two out of twelve tills actually staffed with someone.
I appreciate that CostCo is geared for bulk and corporate purchases, but if they're going to sell single person memberships, they should make accomodations for those shoppers as well. One express line isn't going to kill them - but it would definitely make some of their customers happier - and from what I recall - a LOT of their customers have 10 items or less...
Posted by: I | Nov 26, 2021 11:02:09 AM
I know Cosco in some stores now have a self checkout, that makes it quicker for people with less items. Which is not the same as an express checkout but I guess its better than nothing.
Posted by: Grouchy | Nov 27, 2021 5:21:08 PM
Costco is not the be all end/ all it used to be. If you do not know your pricing, you will pay too much for most things there. I only buy sale items that are actually on sale, smokes, toilet paper, and gas there. Most items I can get for less at the grocery stores.
Posted by: TRuther teller | Nov 27, 2021 9:56:26 PM
i only buy whats on sale so i got more money for booze and smoke for my leisure time
Posted by: Dr. Steed | Nov 28, 2021 2:45:06 AM
I buy only what I need, regardless of whether or not it is on sale. I regard sales as gimmicks to entice people to purchase what they do not need or just purchase more. I hate bulk, but I refuse to consume stale food.
Posted by: CuckholdDon | Dec 2, 2021 11:25:14 AM
I believe that the "Real" reason for folks buying a little less at a time at Cosco is that quite a number of things are lower priced at the grocery stores(regular prices-not specials)!(canned pop for instance!
As far as lineups go, it's not just happening at Cosco!
I've walked out of many stores because of "ridiculous" lineups(Cosco/grocery/department/coffee shops/fast food places/big box stores ect ect)& even paid a little more at places where I got "REAL" service!
I DO know that I'm not the only one who thinks that these companys make enough money to give "PROPER" service!