The ultra-low prices, the oversize carts, the free samples… Warehouse clubs are innately designed to get you to part with your hard-earned money. Can you really save money by buying in bulk at your local Sam’s Club, Costco or BJ’s???
The truth is, yes, shopping warehouse clubs can be a great way to save money, BUT you’re going to have to do some smart shopping and have some serious willpower. So before you ever step foot in your local Costco, et al, learn these rules for shopping and take them to heart.
7 Rules for Shopping at Warehouse Clubs
Start with a list.
Wandering aimlessly through a warehouse club is a surefire way to empty your wallet. Even if your list isn’t super specific (I know at first you may not be familiar with exactly what products they carry), at least having a general plan of attack will help you keep more cash in your wallet. At the very least, you should have a firm spending limit in mind before you walk through the door.
Know your limits.
Sure, those huge bulk packages can save you a lot of money, but if you can’t use the quantity before the items spoils, you’re probably wasting more money than you saved. If you’re doing a large freezer cooking session, sure, you can probably use up that massive bag of onions. If not, well, you should probably skip that purchase — or consider going in with a friend to split the bounty while still saving.
Compare prices.
Price out your grocery bulk buys per item and compare the unit price to your local grocery store to ensure that you’re really saving. The larger packaging can make the unit price very deceiving, so keeping a calculator handy is a must. If you keep a price book, you already have a head start on this, but if not, grab a small memo pad and just jot down the items you buy most frequently along with the prices every so often to verify that you’re really getting the most for your money. The same goes for big ticket items — always do a price check for the exact make and model to ensure that you’re really getting a stellar price.
Avoid the middle of the store.
While I usually avoid the middle of the store at grocery stores because I’m trying to steer clear of processed foods, I also avoid them at warehouse stores — but for a different reason. Warehouse clubs typically stock the middle of the store with their biggest impulse buys, so if you’re lacking in willpower, just avoid that section all together.
Don’t forget your coupons.
While only BJ’s accepts manufacturer’s coupons, both Sam’s Club and Costco offer store coupons. If you’re not using them, you’re missing out on additional savings that could turn a so-so price into a stellar deal!
Understand the pricing.
Merchandise moves fast at warehouse clubs, and it’s a roll of the dice as to whether a particular item will be available on your next visit. Luckily, these insider tips can help you make an educated guess. At Costco, prices that end in a 7 indicate a clearance item. Also, an asterisk on a sign means that the item is limited to the stock in the store and won’t be reordered (a good indicator whether or not that tempting buy will be available on your next trip). Sam’s Club’s clearance prices end in a penny (ex. $7.91) and/or the signs are marked with a “C”. Sales prices at BJ’s are clearly marked.
Gift cards are the hidden gems. Though the brands turn over frequently, you can frequent purchase top-tier gift cards for less than face value at warehouse clubs. The catch is you often have to spend upwards of $50 to get the savings, but with the savings often being close to 20%, you can save a bundle if they’re establishments visit often.
I realize that many of these strategies are comparable to those that we use in our everyday grocery shopping, but they can also help you shop wisely at warehouse clubs!
Do you have a warehouse club membership, and if so, what are favorite items to purchase there? Share in the comments and you could win a Huggies prize package valued at $50!
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This post is brought to you by Kimberly-Clark. All opinions are 100% mine.
PATTY
Pediasure.
Tamara N
I have a Sam’s membership. My favorite item to get there is my coffee k-cups because the price is less than I get at the supermarket even with manufacturer coupons.
Carol S.
I have a Sams membership and I buy ground beef and chicken breast as it is cheaper than my grocery store and dont have to wait til the stores have a meat sale.
Mami2jcn
I don’t have a warehouse club membership but if I did, I would buy paper towels there.
Lisa
Sams club. The toilet paper in the janitorial section is WAY cheaper the other stuff. You wouldn’t notice it if you weren’t looking for it. Its in a big box and the rolls are all individually wrapped.
Shawnda
I don’t have a membership but I would buy gas there if I did.
Kelly D
I have a club membership and I like to buy frozen foods and paper products the most.
Sonja Johnson
I have a Sams Club membership, and use it for paper towels, toilet paper, and larger blocks of sheep cheese. (I’m dairy allergic and size and price are better for non cow’s milk products at Sams)
Connie C.
Sam’s Club member here. Our most purchased item is cheese sticks.
Lisa
We got a Sam’s Club membership a few years back when it was on LivingSocial. With the free items and $20 gift card, it was worth it even though we live in Manhattan and never physically visited the store again (we don’t own a car). I’ve resisted the deal this time and now do my warehouse club shopping on boxed.com which offers free shipping and lots of great natural and organic kids’ products!
Jessie C.
I have a club membership and buy organic products mostly there.
Lynn L
I do have a Sam’s membership which I use very often. My best purchases are the whole cooked chickens which I buy and make my husbands salads for workday lunches (along with reduced veggies from produce store). Healthy and filling! Also I buy some of my fruit/veggies and salad greens there. You can’t beat the price of certain items,
bananas, salad greens, coleslaw in a bag, etc. Thanks!
jenn g
Sams club membership – and we buy bread flour and yeast to make pizza dough.
Carol W
I have a Costco membership. We love buying our fresh fruit & milk among many other items like paper products.
Jennifer
Yes! I have a Sam’s club membership!! My favorite items are the Kcup BIG Packs & for sure the Big value packs of easy Mac and products for my kids!
Ashley
Yes, we use Sam’s Club! DIAPERS!!!
Trisha
I do not have a membership, but sometimes I tag along with a friend who does. I love to buy cereal and candy at SAMs club!
Dana Matthews
We do not, live a couple of hours away from the closest one…do wish I lived closer tho!
latanya
Costco membership and their paper towels, toilet tissue, forks, spoons, etc
Brenda S
I have a Sam’s membership and get dried blueberries, paper towels, kleenex and toilet tissue every time I go.
Sandra U.
I do not have a warehouse club membership. Wish I did, I would help buy diapers for my grand baby.
janine
I have costco and I like buying fresh produce there
Stacy Myers
We shop at Sam’s. I like their produce, baking supplies and nuts.
URSZULA G.
LUNCHBOX FOODS FOR KIDS AND WORK
DIAPERS AND WIPES
VEGGIES AND FRUITS
Maralea
I know longer have a membership, however, my daughter does and I often shop there with her. When I am there I like to pick up K Cups and paper products.
Helen
Sams – we buy most of our frozen fruit there, plus my hubby loves Clif Builder bars. We are getting a Costco here next year!
Melissa
Bj’s membership and I easily make up the price of the membership by buying milk and eggs their. I can save up to $1 a gallon on milk alone versus the grocery store!
Monica Steele
We have a Sam’s Club membership and our favorite thing to buy there is string cheese.
Melvin
I do not have a warehouse club membership. if I did I would purchase electronics
sand
i get granola bars with coupons