Ah, the shopping trip to the warehouse superstore! What other shopping experience compares to this trip? Shelves from ground to the highest ceiling loaded with merchandise that is often to be had at extremely discounted prices. Of course, some wagging tongues scoff at those stores – and some make valid points. For example, unless you are a die-hard olive aficionado, you will never ever get through the five-gallon jug of olives the warehouse store sells. It is true, many items are only being sold in bulk – this is the way for the consumer to realize savings. The quality of meat and produce is usually good, but not always. You will need to shop just as diligently as you would at the grocery store. So what it is about these stores that cause people to flock to them in droves, some going so far as to drive hours just to get there? Quite possibly they have some savvy know-how on how to deal with the big bulk items that are for sale there. Here are some smart tips to make the most out of your warehouse-shopping trip. Ask yourself if an item is something that you buy all the time. If it is, then purchasing a 50-pack of breakfast cereal bars is a good investment, especially if you pay pennies on the dollar compared to what you would pay at the grocery store. On the other hand, if you have never tasted the product before, and you are not sure if you will even like it, it is better to hold off and buy a small box first to make sure you like it. Some items you will always need, such as paper napkins, toilet paper, and other paper products. While they are cheap at the grocery store, they are even cheaper at the warehouse store. Granted, you will need to buy them in large quantities, but you know that you will eventually use them. The same is true for diapers! When you buy meat – and oftentimes the price is much cheaper at a warehouse store – make sure you get ready to separate it into portion sizes when you get home, and freeze those portions that you do not anticipate using that same day. For example, you will be able to purchase half sides of fishes, such as salmon, which you will be able to divide into four to six portions. Doing so will preserve the fish, and you will have a freezer that is nicely stocked with ready to cook dinner portions! Beware the impulse buy! As odd as it may appear, there is plenty of opportunity for impulse buys at the warehouse store! Toy, book, and home goods sections have sprung up. While the prices are not bad, they are not markedly less expensive than the bookstore, toy store, or home goods store, and for this reason these impulse buys will quickly zap any savings you have realized by frugally buying paper goods and inexpensive meats. Take advantage of adjunct services. Just as you should beware the impulse buy, you do want to ask about adjunct services. For example, sometimes those medications that are not covered by insurance plans are less expensive at a warehouse pharmacy. The downside is the restricted hours. Additionally, other services, such as car buying services, will help you to sell some money are participating dealers. Photo services are also quite often much less expensive than those at the grocery store or big box home goods store. Take advantage of branded credit cards that offer cash back for purchases made at the warehouse store! This is another great way to save.

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