A Visit to the Big Top
The other day I heard a man comment that he was hurrying to meet his wife. They were going to a warehouse store and she needed him to carry her purchases to the car and into the house. Semi joking, he added that he might as well put half the stuff on the curb for the trash now, because it would end up there spoiled or expired, due to overbuying. I thought of the advice on Warehouse Stores I include in THE PLAN, under Supermarket Alternatives, and decided to review and update it. So I checked the latest comments on the subject from Consumer Savings experts at kinolinc.com, and found I was still on target. What I wrote is:
“Warehouse stores like Sam’s Club, B.J’s and Cosco are other alternatives to chain supermarkets, and for large families, if not too far away, might well prove to be their most economic regular food supplier. Of course, the usual cost cutting shopping habits apply Even for smaller families a trip every month or so can be cost effective in stocking up on items consumed on a regular basis. Here the temptation is to stockpile since this involves buying in quantity. Before you go, decide how much is in your budget to spend. Check all available storage space, including refrigerator and freezer. Make a list of your target items, and calculate their rate of consumption. Those used most come first. A less used item can wait until it’s almost out. Above all, note the expiration dates and don’t buy an item if it won’t be used up before then.
Perhaps the most important factor in deciding in favor of a warehouse store is that they charge a membership fee. The store should not be so far away that gas and/or time need be major considerations. If you don’t calculate you will save at least twice the fee of joining, plus the cost of gas, in a year, forget it. There’s no saving in breaking even. “
Breaking the food category down into more detail, I find the experts confirm my own experiences shopping these stores both professionally and personally. Warehouse stores are economically great when buying for an occasion, a group or, in my case, provisioning staples ahead, anticipating the needs of clients. They offer tremendous savings on party foods, such as frozen appetizers, including the basics to make them like puff pastry, and premium brand ice cream novelties, also nuts, cookies even liquor, beer and wine. So long as you’re buying for a crowd, the produce is fine, but, generally sold in excessive amounts to prevent spoilage loss for most families. Moreover, the produce in these stores doesn’t really vary with the seasons or offer exotic distractions. It’s pretty basic and standard all year. You’re better off watching supermarket flyers for features and visiting your local farm markets for fresh produce to keep your family happy. The same thing applies to eggs fresh baked goods, like loaves of bread, and condiments. Usually, they are not consumed fast enough to justify buying in the offered quantities; nor are many of the large, commercial sized canned, or jarred, products. Again, it’s wiser to watch for sales in the markets and use coupons. Oil is a similar story. It is definitely more reasonable in the warehouse stores, but sold in gallons, the quantity becomes a factor for a family. A multi-purpose oil like canola may be worth it, and so may olive oil if your family are salad lovers, but you need to calculate consumption before buying, because oil can turn fast, especially in warm weather, and once it goes rancid, there is no way to save it.
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Another saving when confronted with bulk buying is to opt for cases of small containers, which can be opened as needed, of products you use, with a long shelf life. For example, I head for sliced black olives, solid white tuna, button mushrooms, anchovies, salsa verde, different kinds of peppers and artichoke hearts. All very gourmet and optional true, but these are wonderful additives to have on hand to quickly spruce up a dish and add verve to a meal. I’m sure whatever your preferred cuisine, you have special food touches you like to use too, that dress up a recipe.
The main thing to remember when approaching a trip to a warehouse store is to stick to the same basic rules as a weekly trip to the supermarket, only on a larger, more projected scale. Take the time before you go to outline menus, and this includes ones for entertaining as well. You don’t have to be as specific as you are for each week, but have a general idea of how long it will take, and different ways to use several pounds of hamburger, for example. Make sure you check all your supplies and know what you have, what you need, what you use, and what tends to be overlooked. Above all, MAKE A SPECIFIC LIST of what you plan to buy, have a clear idea of anticipated expense, be sure there is space to store your purchases and then STICK TO THE LIST and you’ll come home happy.
One final tip: According to the experts, unless gas prices are on a steep rise, don’t look for a bargain at the tank. Warehouse stores tend to stay even with the local stations, but when there’s an escalation, they may drop a few cents to induce people to drive further to shop.
