Unlock massive savings at the supermarket with these savvy bulk-buying tips
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Navigating the labyrinth of supermarket aisles can be daunting, especially when you're on a mission to save money.
But fear not, fellow shoppers!
We're here to arm you with insider tips that could help you save $20 to $30 per week on your supermarket shopping.
Let's start with a common pitfall: the allure of bulk buying.
It's easy to get swept up in the excitement of a Costco trip, where everything seems like a bargain.
But as one Aussie shopper recently discovered, not all bulk buys are created equal.
During a recent Costco expedition, she spotted a package of 12 tinned diced tomatoes on sale for $14.99.
Given that her family uses tinned tomatoes frequently, she thought it was a great deal.
However, upon returning home and calculating the per-unit price, she realised she'd paid $1.24 per tin.
A quick online search revealed that both Coles and Woolies were selling them for as little as 95 cents per tin.
The lesson here?
Always calculate the unit price before making a bulk purchase.
And remember, just because you're at a discount retailer or buying in bulk doesn't automatically mean you're getting the best deal.
Another key piece of advice is to only buy the cheapest version of items that don't fluctuate in quality.
Basic items like tinned tomatoes, rice, pasta, and canned beans are usually the same quality regardless of the brand.
Now, let's delve into a step-by-step guide to maximise your savings when buying in bulk:
1. Identify Your Staples: Chat with your family about the products you use most frequently. You'll want to focus on these items when looking for bulk deals.
2. Do Your Research: Use online resources to compare prices across different supermarkets. This will help you find the most affordable version of your staple items.
3. Devise a Plan: Once you've identified the best deals, devise a plan for dividing the items among your family members. Everyone can contribute to the cost and benefit from the savings.
4. Store Smartly: Make sure you have enough storage space in your pantry or freezer for bulk purchases. If you're buying fresh products, consider dividing them into usable servings before storing them.
5. Meal Plan: Create a meal plan incorporating your bulk items. This will ensure you're using them regularly and not wasting any food.
6. Stick to Your List: Don't include your bulk items when making your weekly or fortnightly grocery list. Resist the temptation to replace the cost of these items with other unnecessary purchases, too. The goal is to see a saving of $20-$30 per shop by stocking up on these items in advance.
7. Think Beyond Food: Don't limit your bulk buying to just food products. Cleaning supplies, toiletries, and other household items can also be bought in bulk for significant savings.
One of the best things you can do is start to bulk buy cleaning products from wherever they are the most affordable.
Sometimes this is Costco or ALDI, sometimes it is another supermarket, oftentimes it is Chemist Warehouse or The Reject Shop, and then there are those discount websites that sell them too.
Remember, the information provided here is general in nature and does not constitute personal financial advice. Always consider your personal objectives, financial situation, and needs before acting on any information.
What are your thoughts on these tips, dear members? Let us know your thoughts and some of your own tips in the comments below!
But fear not, fellow shoppers!
We're here to arm you with insider tips that could help you save $20 to $30 per week on your supermarket shopping.
Let's start with a common pitfall: the allure of bulk buying.
It's easy to get swept up in the excitement of a Costco trip, where everything seems like a bargain.
But as one Aussie shopper recently discovered, not all bulk buys are created equal.
A Costco shopper discovered that her purchase at the store was more expensive. Image source: Shutterstock.
During a recent Costco expedition, she spotted a package of 12 tinned diced tomatoes on sale for $14.99.
Given that her family uses tinned tomatoes frequently, she thought it was a great deal.
However, upon returning home and calculating the per-unit price, she realised she'd paid $1.24 per tin.
A quick online search revealed that both Coles and Woolies were selling them for as little as 95 cents per tin.
The lesson here?
Always calculate the unit price before making a bulk purchase.
And remember, just because you're at a discount retailer or buying in bulk doesn't automatically mean you're getting the best deal.
Another key piece of advice is to only buy the cheapest version of items that don't fluctuate in quality.
Basic items like tinned tomatoes, rice, pasta, and canned beans are usually the same quality regardless of the brand.
Now, let's delve into a step-by-step guide to maximise your savings when buying in bulk:
1. Identify Your Staples: Chat with your family about the products you use most frequently. You'll want to focus on these items when looking for bulk deals.
2. Do Your Research: Use online resources to compare prices across different supermarkets. This will help you find the most affordable version of your staple items.
3. Devise a Plan: Once you've identified the best deals, devise a plan for dividing the items among your family members. Everyone can contribute to the cost and benefit from the savings.
4. Store Smartly: Make sure you have enough storage space in your pantry or freezer for bulk purchases. If you're buying fresh products, consider dividing them into usable servings before storing them.
5. Meal Plan: Create a meal plan incorporating your bulk items. This will ensure you're using them regularly and not wasting any food.
6. Stick to Your List: Don't include your bulk items when making your weekly or fortnightly grocery list. Resist the temptation to replace the cost of these items with other unnecessary purchases, too. The goal is to see a saving of $20-$30 per shop by stocking up on these items in advance.
7. Think Beyond Food: Don't limit your bulk buying to just food products. Cleaning supplies, toiletries, and other household items can also be bought in bulk for significant savings.
One of the best things you can do is start to bulk buy cleaning products from wherever they are the most affordable.
Sometimes this is Costco or ALDI, sometimes it is another supermarket, oftentimes it is Chemist Warehouse or The Reject Shop, and then there are those discount websites that sell them too.
Remember, the information provided here is general in nature and does not constitute personal financial advice. Always consider your personal objectives, financial situation, and needs before acting on any information.
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