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5 Items You Should Be Buying in Bulk

Updated on April 25, 2020
Cynthia Hoover profile image

Cynthia is a frugal living enthusiast who never pays full price for anything. She shops online and uses coupon codes for her purchases.

Buying certain items in bulk can help you save money in the long run. Imagine a fully stocked pantry of items you need during an emergency. Instead of stocking up on products you rarely use. You should stock up on key items that will save you money by purchasing in bulk or when on sale.

Overpaying is common on many products unless you purchase in bulk. Many people shop with club stores and think they are getting a deal. To be extremely frugal you have to compare prices regularly.

You must take the time to know about the general cost of items at a non-club stores its and check online. Cheaper alternatives are often found when shopping online. I've often seen item prices marked up in bulk.

You should be a smart shopper when dealing with club stores. Even though at times some prices are higher than their big box store counterparts. Over the years Specific items purchased at club locations are deals. For other products online shopping is the best.

Outside of shopping bulk clubs I use digital discount codes and purchase items online. This saves me money year-round on items I would otherwise pay full price for. Finding promotional codes to save money is easy, Facebook is my resource for these. Anything you could ever want, and want cheaper you can find a code or price drop for.

Some basic items are difficult to find. Though when the Covid-19 pandemic hit I didn't need to go shopping. I was stocked up on everything I needed for a long stretch at home. Once the pandemic is over these are items you should consider purchasing in bulk.

By bulk I mean in bulk, not just hoard shopping and buying out the shelves at the local Walmart. Bulk buy options save money and keep you stocked. No matter if you are shopping in store or online.

Do you purchase supplies in bulk?

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1. Toilet Paper

Toilet paper is an item we never want to run out of. One of the most common daily items used by everyone. My last trip to buy toilet paper in bulk cost me $12.00 and lasted our family for over 6 months. You can truly spend a fortune if you are just buying the small packages at your grocery store every week.

Even if you buy at the grocery store with your cents off coupon, do calculations. Coupons may save 50 cents on that 6 pack of toilet tissue, but its often cheaper buying a different brand. Figure out the cost per roll determines the best price.

2. Automotive Supplies

If you are a responsible car owner you know the importance of routine vehicle maintenance. My fiance is very adamant about routine maintenance and we do it ourselves. Buying automotive items like transmission fluid and motor oil in bulk saves me a small fortune throughout the year.

Automotive products are best purchased in bulk. You always need oil and I can buy it buy the case for around $16.00 by the case. Instead of spending around $2-$5 per quart depending on the brand. It can get extremely expensive buying individually.

Especially if you have a long commute to work (like we do) and you change your oil more often than others. The same holds true with transmission fluid, or any automotive needs you can buy in bulk. They will save you money even if they sit in the corner of your garage until you need them.

Do you have a club membership?

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3. Baby Wipes

Baby wipes are a staple product for anyone with an infant. Not only do they help us keep our baby clean. Then manage spills, clean up messes effortlessly. Baby wipes are effective as a makeup remover wipe too.

Over the years I have found that buying baby wipes in bulk not only saves me from running out, but its saved money as well. Depending on the brand a single pack of baby wipes can cost anywhere from $1-$5. The very cheap ones tend to not be a worthwhile investment.

Instead I buy them in bulk. I often find the best prices online for bulk baby wipes. Buying refill cases instead of single packs has saved so much money over the years. I have a subscribe and save Amazon Elements baby wipes order they come every 3 months.

I have been using these wipes for years now. I don't infant my son is 6 years old. Wipes are just downright handy. Arts and crafts with the kids? Cleanup is a breeze for those paint covered hands with baby wipes.

4. Cleaning Products

Cleaning products are essential everyday items we need. Everyone must clean. The rising cost of cleaning products means that we should stock up in bulk whenever possible.

Thousands of cleaning supplies exist. Today's current situation with Covid-19 has greatly impacted the way we use and think about cleaning supplies. I started this article years ago, leaving it to sit till I could polish it for publishing. I didn't know then, what would happen in the world right now.

Given the current situation the need for cleaning supplies has not changed. Though they are raising in prices and often selling out fast at local retailers. Once the pandemic settles and we begin to life as usual the access to basic cleaning supplies will resume.

I have always purchased cleaning supplies in bulk. I often find online shopping through Amazon best. I can find 4 to 6 count bulk buys on everyday cleaning supplies much cheaper than running to the store and buying just 1 or 2.

I also found they sometimes create bundle listings as well. Bundles for Dawn dish soap and cleaning sponges provide savings for me over shopping locally.

5. Dry Goods

Dry goods are general pantry items and purchasing them in bulk can save you money. Convenience packaging or single serve packages generally cost more by volume than their bulk counterparts. We consume dry goods on a regular basis, most people do. Dry goods make up the largest portion of our pantry here at home. Likely yours as well.

What Are Dry Goods

  • Beans
  • Nuts
  • Flour
  • Noodles
  • Rice

Buying these items in bulk you will usually find that a club store prices tend to be best. Just be sure to have ample storage space and can properly store the foods to maintain freshness. Anyone can buy in bulk but if you can't store these items properly you may find that it is money lost in the long run.

What items do you use the most?

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Buying in Bulk

Buying in bulk is easy and you can purchase in bulk without needing a membership to a discount club. When you buy in bulk it eliminates the bi-weekly purchases or monthly for the most common items you use. Your families needs in bulk may vary slightly from the 5 options listed here. I find purchasing these specific items in bulk saves me money.

Bulk buying is a way to save money. Larger pack sizes and bulk options run cheaper by the ounce or pound than single package options. Over the course of a year you can save substantial amounts of money by purchasing items in bulk that you buy most frequently. I am passionate about saving money. There must be more to life than; work, cash check, spend and repeat. So, if it saves me money, I'm happy to shop in bulk.

I spent years working in retail management and found it astonishing people never compared package sizes and weights. More often than not they buy more expensive options. Products at lower weight that cost more. Always review net weight on items you are buying, you may find the same item cheaper in a larger pack size.

Do you think shopping bulk options will save you money?

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This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2020 Cynthia Hoover

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