The benefits of Buying in bulk
Most of you would get annoyed when you are overcome by this need to use the bathroom and find out that there is no toilet paper. However, if you purchase toilet paper in bulk, you won't have to run to the shop or supermarket, you can just take one from your 'stockpile'.
- Buying in bulk means purchasing large amounts of products at one time (often to get a discount). This works better for non-perishable items, such as laundry items and toiletries, things that you have to replace on a regular basis. It also works well for staples with a long shelf life, such as flour, cornmeal and canned foodstuff.
- Other things to consider are items such as sweeteners, vinegar, dry seasonings and oils. This, of course, depends on the preferences of you and your family. Some homes may stock up on things like rice and chicken, while others might look at items such as coffee and cigarettes.
- Bulk buying at a wholesale is cheaper than buying the same items in most supermarkets. Although the supermarket may offer the advantages of more variety, space and convenience, wholesales offer the most important advantage of all: cheaper pricing.
- When it comes to buying in bulk, you have to be careful about making purchases because not all items can last for a very long time. Many foodstuffs, for example, would not be a wise choice. Check the expiration date on canned goods. Don't just purchase items in a can because you feel they won't spoil - some of these items last for a limited period.
- Buying in bulk is not easy; there is a grave need for proper budgeting and strategising. The results though are worth it. One of the biggest benefits of buying in bulk is that it is less expensive per unit and this adds up to a real saving over time. This, however, does not always have to be true, so it is always essential to check the price per unit before purchasing.
- If you want to find a convenient, cheaper way to shop in bulk you can pool your money with a friend or co-worker and purchase the items that you want, for example, buying a six-pack of paper towels and splitting the contents in half. The same can be done with canned food and other items.
Views from consumers
- Sandra Johnson, a regular wholesale shopper, indicated that she has been able to save more money because she buys her goods wholesale. "When I go to the wholesale, I don't buy 2 lb of rice, I buy quarter bag of rice that can serve me and my family for more than a month. If you buy wholesale, then you can save, but if you don't, then how you going to save? I just buy everything in one," Johnson said.
- Nicole Hyman, a young professional, now teams up with her friends and shops at the wholesales along Princess Street in downtown Kingston. "I use to shop at the supermarket but I stopped. I realised that when I buy wholesale, sometimes I don't have to go to the supermarket for a long time, only unless it is absolutely necessary," she said. "I do not buy only food items but also household and personal items. I find the quality is about the same, the prices are much cheaper and my money stretches further," Hyman said.