Most of us belong to a wholesale club because it certainly can save a lot of money. Like anything, if we get carried away it can cost us more than we saved.
As with any shopping you should always have a shopping list to avoid impulse purchases. Impulse purchases are much more costly in bulk. Be sure you have a master checklist since you usually buy the same things. You should also really consider what you are buying and if you really need that much. I know that I have to really rally my will power when I step in the store. It’s really hard to think past lots more for lots less. But often times, I don’t need more no matter how much less it is.
Another good rule of thumb is, don’t buy something new or for the first time at a wholesale store. Try it from a regular store in a smaller size. Even if you taste a sample and like it. I really recommend waiting and getting a smaller size elsewhere.
Consider these things for all of your purchases: What is the shelf life? Can I freeze it? Are we going to be able to eat all of this before it goes bad?
Obvious things I buy that will never go bad are: toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, and cleaning supplies. Things that we eat lots of and I am better off buying in bulk are: cheese, eggs, refried beans (cans), and fruit snacks.
As for things that freeze, I buy chicken breasts, sausage, and bacon.
Make your master list and go through it before making your shopping list. I only go to the wholesale store once a month, so I go through my master list and make sure I have enough of everything to make it through another month until my next trip. These tips should make your next wholesale shopping trip a little more conservative and a little less impulsive.
