Mum-of-two says it's not "selfish" to bulk-buy marked-down groceries: "They are wise"
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Social media has been abuzz in recent weeks about customers who have started bulk-buying large quantities of marked-down goods in an effort to reduce their grocery bills in the face of skyrocketing living expenses.
In Facebook groups that, ironically, were made for the self-described "Markdown Addicts" of Australia, these shoppers have been accused of "hogging" the discounted items and criticised for their allegedly "rude," "greedy," and "selfish" behaviour.
In response to a Woolworths customer who claimed to have purchased "every single packet" of heavily discounted fish at her neighbourhood store, one user wrote the following, "Yes, that's a good deal, but wouldn't it be nice to leave some for someone else?"
A second member of the popular Facebook group for bargain hunters chimed in and added, "I couldn't agree more. Greed seems to take over."
"Putting a few packets back could have fed another family for the night, but no one thinks of others these days."
Bulk purchases of marked-down goods by some customers have drawn criticism on social media. Credit: Facebook.
Wendy Gower is an Aussie mum-of-two who runs a blog (and an accompanying Facebook page) called My Abundant Life – an online platform where she freely posts recipes for a low price as well as advice on crafts, cleaning, and frugal living.
In an interview with an online news publication, she has expressed her opinion on the subject matter and pointed out that shoppers should not be chastised for taking advantage of markdown deals when they are available.
"They are wise for looking after their family and budget," she went on to add.
When asked if she was a "budget shopper," Ms Gower responded that she has always been one due to her many years of living well below the government's definition of ‘low income’, unlike many other Aussies.
"Since we lived on a budget, we were able to pay off our mortgage and buy a new car in five years," she said.
To keep their grocery bills low, Ms Gower and her family have a habit of:
"Our meals are tasty, simple, and filling. I often bulk-cook and all leftovers are frozen for future meals," the thrifty mum said.
Ms Gower is and has always been a strong supporter of the practice of buying in bulk.
She said that keeping a well-stocked pantry and buying items in bulk when they are on sale are great ways to make sure you have enough food on hand in case of an emergency, such as a sudden illness.
My Abundant Life's Wendy Gower offers practical advice on frugal living along with recipes that are affordable. Credit: Facebook.
She noted, however, that shoppers should use "some caution" despite how convenient bulk buying might be.
"No matter how inexpensive or attractive the items are, if you don't use them frequently or the family doesn't like them, it's a waste of money," Ms Gower said.
"You should really know your prices. It may not be the cheapest price simply because it is on sale or in a larger box/tin. Be cautious about the size of your bulk purchase. It must be consumed within a reasonable time frame or else it will go to waste."
She also highlighted the importance of being mindful of what you buy and use. "Household purchases are planned and saved for. Lists are written for grocery shopping. Food is not wasted," Ms Gower said.
"In our house, we adhere to the two-light rule. I make all of my own cleaning products. We prefer to spend time at home than on expensive entertainment. Gifts are bought all year round when they are on sale."
You heard it from her, folks! Do you have some more frugal-living tips to share with the rest of us? Let us know in the comments below!
Watch the video below to find out more information about grocery store bulk food purchases.
Credit: Homesteading Family.
In Facebook groups that, ironically, were made for the self-described "Markdown Addicts" of Australia, these shoppers have been accused of "hogging" the discounted items and criticised for their allegedly "rude," "greedy," and "selfish" behaviour.
In response to a Woolworths customer who claimed to have purchased "every single packet" of heavily discounted fish at her neighbourhood store, one user wrote the following, "Yes, that's a good deal, but wouldn't it be nice to leave some for someone else?"
A second member of the popular Facebook group for bargain hunters chimed in and added, "I couldn't agree more. Greed seems to take over."
"Putting a few packets back could have fed another family for the night, but no one thinks of others these days."
Bulk purchases of marked-down goods by some customers have drawn criticism on social media. Credit: Facebook.
Wendy Gower is an Aussie mum-of-two who runs a blog (and an accompanying Facebook page) called My Abundant Life – an online platform where she freely posts recipes for a low price as well as advice on crafts, cleaning, and frugal living.
In an interview with an online news publication, she has expressed her opinion on the subject matter and pointed out that shoppers should not be chastised for taking advantage of markdown deals when they are available.
"They are wise for looking after their family and budget," she went on to add.
When asked if she was a "budget shopper," Ms Gower responded that she has always been one due to her many years of living well below the government's definition of ‘low income’, unlike many other Aussies.
"Since we lived on a budget, we were able to pay off our mortgage and buy a new car in five years," she said.
To keep their grocery bills low, Ms Gower and her family have a habit of:
- Keeping a healthy stockpile
- Cooking all meals from scratch
- Baking biscuits, muffins, cakes, and other treats (even their own bread!)
- Growing some fruit and veggies in their backyard
- Eating seasonal produce
- Buying the ingredients themselves
- Buying generic brands
- Looking and watching out for meat markdowns
"Our meals are tasty, simple, and filling. I often bulk-cook and all leftovers are frozen for future meals," the thrifty mum said.
Ms Gower is and has always been a strong supporter of the practice of buying in bulk.
She said that keeping a well-stocked pantry and buying items in bulk when they are on sale are great ways to make sure you have enough food on hand in case of an emergency, such as a sudden illness.
My Abundant Life's Wendy Gower offers practical advice on frugal living along with recipes that are affordable. Credit: Facebook.
She noted, however, that shoppers should use "some caution" despite how convenient bulk buying might be.
"No matter how inexpensive or attractive the items are, if you don't use them frequently or the family doesn't like them, it's a waste of money," Ms Gower said.
"You should really know your prices. It may not be the cheapest price simply because it is on sale or in a larger box/tin. Be cautious about the size of your bulk purchase. It must be consumed within a reasonable time frame or else it will go to waste."
She also highlighted the importance of being mindful of what you buy and use. "Household purchases are planned and saved for. Lists are written for grocery shopping. Food is not wasted," Ms Gower said.
"In our house, we adhere to the two-light rule. I make all of my own cleaning products. We prefer to spend time at home than on expensive entertainment. Gifts are bought all year round when they are on sale."
You heard it from her, folks! Do you have some more frugal-living tips to share with the rest of us? Let us know in the comments below!
Watch the video below to find out more information about grocery store bulk food purchases.
Credit: Homesteading Family.
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