Comments on: Where Bulk Buying Goes Wrong

By: Kate

Kate — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:09:15 +0000

This just happened to me this week! I normally buy the powdered Tide detergent, in the 80 wash loads, for around $16. Not bad, considering the liquid for 20 ish washes is almost $10! So I was looking at the 40 wash loads (in powder) and it’s only $6 and change! So I went ahead and bought 2 40 wash load boxes, for $4 less! With the 80 wash load box you get a few more ounces, maybe 2! Definitely not worth it.

By: Sweetpeas

Sweetpeas — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 03:20:07 +0000

Definitely watch unit cost, I haven’t checked recently, but I know awhile back I was stunned to realize that the 10lb bag of sugar at Sam’s was actually CHEAPER per lb than the 25lb bag. Same brand, exact same product, both packaged the same . . . but the unit cost for the 10lb bag was less.

By: Jill

Jill — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:58:34 +0000

I like to buy in bulk and split it into smaller portions. This seems to help with this problem. Good tip!

By: jeneflower

jeneflower — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 11:04:43 +0000

I am so glad I read this. Thanks for the tip.

By: Marliss Bombardier

Marliss Bombardier — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:52:46 +0000

I don’t know how the Tightwad Gazette is packaged now, but I have a tip in what is, or used to be book three. (It was to cut 2-liter soda bottles in such a way as to keep liquid from spilling on the floor from large water coolers with a spigot near the bottom). Back when Amy Dacyzyn was doing the newsletter, this earned me a year’s subscription. There is great satisfaction in being a good steward of what God has provided. Must appeal to my Scots blood.

By: Amy Brigham

Amy Brigham — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:31:08 +0000

Good tips! Along with overusing, I also find myself underusing certain items, and winding up with spoiled food since I didn’t factor in if we could really use so much of an item before taking advantage of the “great deal.”

By: Jerilyn

Jerilyn — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:59:25 +0000

I do the same thing with cheese. I like to break down into weekly portions and stick what I don’t need in the freezer. It freezes well

By: Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks&Me

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks&Me — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:46:28 +0000

That’s why I finally dropped out of our food co-op. I have a friend who will let me buy wheat and oatmeal in bulk on her orders (just a couple times a year).

I know my daughter still belongs to a food co-op but she has four kids and has to cook everything from scratch. Lots of mouths to feed.

By: Candace

Candace — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:11:01 +0000

I can confirm the M&M part:)

By: julie

julie — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:58:45 +0000

I’ve had that happen before! Esp. on treat items…. Thay can be gone before they’ve been in the house!