By Compiled from staff and wire reports
Published October 23, 2005
It's possible to bag - or more accurately, box - serious bargains at warehouse stores and then do a little dance in the parking lot because you beat the system. It's also possible to burden yourself with a strange array of items, ranging from a lifetime supply of olives to a lifetime supply of tube socks. The following tips will help you make smart shopping decisions.
1. DON'T LET THE MEMBERSHIP FEE DISSUADE YOU. It's true that you must pay a fee of $35 to $45 to join a warehouse shopping club, but most consumers make that money back quickly when shopping in bulk.
2. ESTABLISH A SHOPPING ROUTINE. Whenever possible, try to do warehouse shopping on a weekday when the store isn't so crowded and the lines aren't too long. If you make one bulk-shopping trip a month for staples, shopping will be easier the other three weeks of the month because your shopping list will consistently be shorter.
3. YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO USE IT. Even if you stumble upon the most fabulous deal in the universe at a warehouse store, check your shopping impulses and ask yourself: Will I really be able to consume this?
4. BIGGER DOESN'T ALWAYS MEAN CHEAPER. After joining a warehouse shopping club, it could be easy to start buying everything there based on the assumption that you must be saving money. But compare prices. Your grocery store may offer better deals on a number of items, especially if you check out sales, store brands and generic goods.
5. KNOW WHERE TO LOOK. Stay alert as you wander through the massive, cavernous warehouse. Look for deals on bottom and top shelves, and keep your eyes peeled for floor-model markdowns and unadvertised specials.
6. DO YOU HAVE A BIG FREEZER? If so, you can really save by stocking up on meats and dairy items, including cheese, butter and milk, which freeze well. Be sure to freeze items in convenient, meal-size portions. If your freezer isn't large enough, steer clear of buying disposable items in bulk unless you're sure you'll use them.
7. CHECK THE GASOLINE PRICES. Especially now that gas prices are going through the roof, warehouse stores can be great places to fill up.
8. TEAM UP WITH FRIENDS OR RELATIVES. Is that mondo package of chicken breasts just too much for your family to store and eat? You can agree to split large purchases with friends or family, and divide the costs. Depending on how well you know each other, you can even take turns shopping.
9. BE CREATIVE WITH STORAGE AT HOME. You can store items that can stay at room temperature under beds or in closets. If temperature doesn't matter, you can use your garage or even the trunk of your car. (Don't add too much weight to your trunk, though - that could increase your gasoline bill.)
10. CLEAN OUT THAT FRIDGE. Remove all unnecessary items and clear up some shelf space before you head to the warehouse store. This simple pre-emptive step will save you time and hassle when you get home and start unloading groceries.
