With the current economy crisis, buying in bulk is one of the things many people are turning to as a solution to save money. But some people actually waste money buying in bulk… are you one of them?
One of the big problems with buying in bulk is the fact you might end up with a two year’s supply of something. So you need to ask yourself, since you won’t recoup the cost of that for two years, would that money be better spent filling an immediate need?Â
For example, let’s say you bought two years worth of tomato soup, and for arguments sake, you spent $40 on it. Now, what if you bought only six months worth on sale – even if it costs you more per item – for, let’s say $15. That means you have an extra $25 to spend NOW rather than on something that you won’t finish using for 24 whole months.
Now, sometimes the deal is too good to pass up… let’s say that two year supply of tomato soup would cost you $18 versus $15 for the six month supply, then it should be a serious consideration. But you need to consider the pros and cons when purchasing in such bulk that the supplies are lasting for 2+ years, and decide if that money is better spent on something your family has an immediate need for, such as extra pounds of ground beef or some fresh veggies.
Lastly, also consider freshness… does the soup expire before the two years are up? Does the product tend to go stale, such as some cereals, before you would use it up?
Still wondering? Here are some more thoughts on buying in bulk.
All are good points. Also, do you have the storage room? My husband will bring it home with no place to put it so we have to work around it for a year. One other point, do not buy a brand of something that you have never tried, you might not like it. Then it ill be in the way even longer. Yes, I have a case of canned chili that I am going to have to donate to the food bank because of this.