• Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Saving Cent by Cent

Helping Families Save Money Cent by Cent

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Finances
    • Saving Money
    • Budgeting
    • Buying Groceries on a Budget
    • Debt
  • Frugal
    • Frugal Ideas
    • Grocery Tips
    • Meal Plan
    • DIY
  • Family & Home
    • Travel & Vacation
    • Organization
    • Cleaning
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Main Dish
      • Chicken
      • Beef
      • Pork
      • Slow Cooker
      • Other
    • Desserts
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Side Dish
    • Bread
    • Canning & Preserving
    • List of Recipes
  • Recipe Index
  • About
    • Contact
    • Media & Features

9 Tips to Save Money at Warehouse Clubs

October 30, 2015 by Lisa Park + 2 Comments

Tips to Save Money at Warehouse Clubs

I’ve had many people ask if it’s worth it to have a warehouse club membership such as Sam’s Club or Costco. The warehouse clubs claim to offer great savings because you are buying in bulk, but are you really saving money? If you think about it, every time you walk into a Sam’s Club or Costco you almost always walk out having spent at least $200 if not more. And on top of it you have a $45+ yearly membership fee.

I have a Sam’s Club membership because they do have good deals on certain products that I use regularly and I can’t always find those products on sale at a grocery store. But when I shop at Sam’s Club, it’s rare that I spend $200 in one shopping trip. So how is it that I don’t spend hundreds of dollars at a warehouse store? Here are 9 money saving tips how to save money at warehouse clubs and how to save when buying in bulk:

1. Create a Shopping List and Stick with It
Before you shop at a warehouse club, plan first by creating a shopping list. Once you are at the store, stick with the shopping list. It’s very rare that I add extra items into my shopping cart because I always stick to my shopping list. That’s part of the reason I don’t walk out of Sam’s Club spending $200+. Warehouse clubs have strategies to encourage impulse buying. They persuade shoppers to think they’ve found the best deal which leads to overbuying. If you see something you want that isn’t on your list, find out how long it will be around and then go home and compare prices.

2. Know the Price Points
When paying a membership fee you think all of the prices of the warehouse club products are slightly above wholesale price and that you are getting a good deal. However, that’s not always the case, and it doesn’t mean you always get the lowest price. There are many products you can get less expensive at a grocery store if you purchase it on sale. Be sure to know the price points of products and know what is a good deal and what’s not a good deal.  Buying in smaller quantities can sometimes be a better bargain, especially when taking into account sales, store and manufacturer coupons and other offers. Carry a calculator with you whenever you shop so you can break down the price per ounce or serving. To find the price per unit, divide the total cost by the amount in each container.

Products that you’ll more likely save money on by purchasing them at warehouse clubs include laundry detergent, batteries, diapers, wipes, milk, cheese and gasoline. Also you’ll save money on big-ticket electronics or major purchases, as long as you shop around first to make sure it’s the best deal, and eye wear. Read my tips here on how I saved 50% on my eye wear. And prescription medicine will cost you up to 50% less if you buy them at a warehouse store. There are many more items that could be listed here, but in the end make sure to know the price point of a product and if it’s a good deal before you buy it.

3. Shop Less
The more often you walk into a warehouse store, it’s likely you’ll end up spending more money. Plus, you’ll probably add items to your cart that aren’t on your shopping list. To save money at the warehouse store, shop there less. I only shop at Sam’s Club once every 2-3 months to pick up items that I haven’t been able to get on sale, use regularly, and isn’t less expensive on Amazon or at the grocery store.

4. Limit Food Waste
Don’t buy a product in bulk such as produce if you can’t use it all before it expires. Buy what you need and consume what you buy. There may be times when produce is a good deal at a warehouse club store, but if your family won’t be able to eat it all before it goes bad, then that’s a waste of money. Produce is often less expensive at a grocery store when on sale. I like to purchase produce at Walmart because I can price match all of the best deals from the grocery stores in my area and I’m saving money. Read these tips on how to price match at Walmart.

5. Purchase Store Brands
The store brands at warehouse clubs are almost identical to and often made by the name brands, but they are less expensive. Take time to compare the cost per unit, then purchase the store brand if it costs less. You’ll get the same quality only in different packaging.

6. Split the Tab
Team up with a friend who also wants to save money. Discuss which items you both use regularly and want to purchase at a warehouse club. Head to the store and shop together, split the tab, then return to to one of your houses to divvy up the products.

7. Extend Your Membership
When your membership is about to expire, stock up on enough nonperishable items that will last you three to six months. When you start to run low on those products then renew your membership. With this strategy, you only pay the membership fee every 15 to 18 months rather than every 12 months.

8. Look for clearance items
The best deals in warehouse club stores are many times the big displays or pallets in the middle of the store, around the perimeter and at the back of the store. They want to pull you in as deep into the store as possible because you are more likely to purchase something. If you are at Sam’s Club, look for a price that ends in a penny, such as $14.91, or anything marked with the letter C for clearance. If you are at Costco, check for a price that ends in 97 cents or an asterisk on the tag, which means the item will not be reordered.

9. Compare Online Before You Buy
Compare Sam’s Wholesale Club or Costco‘s online website before you shop at the physical location. Sometimes you can find better deals online their store websites. Plus, you’ll save money on gas by not driving to the store.

If you have a warehouse club membership, be sure you calculate if you are saving enough money to cover the membership fee. You may find that you’re not saving as much as you thought by shopping there. If that’s the case, then take what you would have spent on membership fees and use the money to stock up on sale items at the grocery store.

Warehouse Clubs

What are money saving tips and ways you save at warehouse clubs?

 

Buying Groceries on a Budget Final

Read these tips how to buy groceries on a budget.

Filed Under: Buying Groceries on a Budget, Frugal, Grocery Tips

Comments

  1. Joseph says

    October 30, 2015 at 7:40 pm

    I have a Sam’s Club Plus membership which cost an additional $60/year. With that I save more than enough in a year to pay for that addition through the rewards program and the instant savings. But like you said, you have to know your prices since not everything is cheaper at the club. Many times you can get meats on sale at grocery stores which will sell them at a loss to get you in, but I do find that most of the time the membership clubs can not be beat for cheap lean ground beef and their Rotisserie chicken which I can easily make 3 or 4 meals out of for two people.

    And using a shopping list is the only way to go. It is way too tempting to purchase those impulse items. Great article.

    Reply
    • Lisa @ Saving Cent by Cent says

      October 31, 2015 at 4:45 am

      It’s true that most of the time you can get meats on sale at grocery stores for less expensive. It’s important to know what is a good deal for meat and whether it’s a better deal that week at the grocery store or at a warehouse club. Thanks for your comment and for stopping by!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Hello, I'm Lisa

I enjoy teaching people how to live frugally so they can live within their means while still enjoying and doing the things in life that matter most to them. I'm here sharing tips about budgeting, saving money, meal planning, simple recipes, and more.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
Subscribe!

Sign up below to receive money-saving tips, frugal ideas, family-friendly recipes, and more.




Thank you for subscribing!


Archives

Archives

Categories

Amazon Associates Disclosure

Lisa Park is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
The KSL TV segment aired this morning! I took @ta The KSL TV segment aired this morning! I took @tamaravaifanua and @derek_photog along with me to the grocery store to do my 2-week grocery shopping.

I shared with them my tips on how I save money grocery shopping. By implementing even 1 or 2 of the tips shared, you will lower the amount of money you spend on groceries. Every little amount helps, especially since food prices have risen. I hope these tips will help you and others to save a little more money at the store.

What is one way you save money on groceries?

https://ksltv.com/520164/utah-mom-shares-grocery-budgeting-tips/

#groceries #grocerybudget #grocerystores #savemoneytips #savingmoney #savingmoneytips #grocerytips #grocerybudgeting #utahmom #utahmomblogger
This morning, I did my 2-week grocery shopping tri This morning, I did my 2-week grocery shopping trip, and @tamaravaifanua and Derek from @kslnews came along with me. 

I shared with them tips on how to save money on groceries and what I do to keep my grocery budget at $625 per month. With the price of food being way up, even I have had to raise my grocery budget this year. But these tips I share can help you to lower your grocery budget. 

This segment will be airing February 2nd at 5:30am. I know that is super early for some of you, so I'll be sure to share a link after it airs.

#ksl #ksltv #grocerybudget #groceryshopping #groceries #grocerystore #grocerylist #groceryhaul #savemoneyonfood #savemoneyongroceries
If you want to keep things running smoothly with y If you want to keep things running smoothly with your budget, then you need to look at and review it weekly, not monthly. 

Every week, check to see how you are doing, if you are on track, or if you have spent too much and gone over budget. This is the time to re-adjust what you are doing in order to stay on track or get back on track.

Use the link to check out more tips on how to budget, plus get a free budget worksheet.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2021/01/05/how-to-create-a-budget-free-budget-worksheet/

#budget #budgetweekly #budgetmonthly #weeklybudget #weeklybudgeting #monthlybudget #monthlybudgeting #spendingplan #howtobudget #howtobudgetmoney #howtobudget101 #howtobudgetyourmoney #howtobudgetandsave
It's important to take care of your needs and the It's important to take care of your needs and the needs of your family first. So before you spend any money, make sure that your martgage/rent, food/groceries, utilities, and transportation are taken care of first. 

Message me or use the link to get the free budget worksheet to help you manage your expenses.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2021/01/05/how-to-create-a-budget-free-budget-worksheet/
When you are creating a budget, write down your to When you are creating a budget, write down your total income from your paycheck, then list out and minus all of your expenses that you need to pay from that paycheck. Allocate every dollar to a category, whether it is paying off debt or saving money.This becomes is a zero-based budget.

To keep track of your budget and what you actually spend, use the link below or message me for a FREE budget worksheet to get you started.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2021/01/05/how-to-create-a-budget-free-budget-worksheet/

#budgeting #budgeting101 #budgettips
#budget #budgetworksheet #budgetbypaycheck #budgetingtips #createabudget #budgettip
I re-did the spice cupboard in my kitchen and put I re-did the spice cupboard in my kitchen and put in new spice racks, and I love it! The cupboard is now clean, organized, and more functional. I labeled the spice containers so that when I pull out the spice rack, I can actually see and find the spices more quickly that I need for my meals.

Before these spice racks, the cupboard was disorganized. I would reach to the back and grab a random bottle to see if it was what I needed and then put it back if it wasn't, and then try that again until I found the spice I needed. Now, I don't have to deal with that anymore, and I can easily find what I need.

If you need to organize your spices, check out these spice racks.

https://amzn.to/3Gcp5ly

(Affiliate link)

#spices #spicerack #spiceracks #spicecupboard #spiceorganization #
The KSL TV segment aired this morning! I took @ta The KSL TV segment aired this morning! I took @tamaravaifanua and @derek_photog along with me to the grocery store to do my 2-week grocery shopping.

I shared with them my tips on how I save money grocery shopping. By implementing even 1 or 2 of the tips shared, you will lower the amount of money you spend on groceries. Every little amount helps, especially since food prices have risen. I hope these tips will help you and others to save a little more money at the store.

What is one way you save money on groceries?

https://ksltv.com/520164/utah-mom-shares-grocery-budgeting-tips/

#groceries #grocerybudget #grocerystores #savemoneytips #savingmoney #savingmoneytips #grocerytips #grocerybudgeting #utahmom #utahmomblogger
This morning, I did my 2-week grocery shopping tri This morning, I did my 2-week grocery shopping trip, and @tamaravaifanua and Derek from @kslnews came along with me. 

I shared with them tips on how to save money on groceries and what I do to keep my grocery budget at $625 per month. With the price of food being way up, even I have had to raise my grocery budget this year. But these tips I share can help you to lower your grocery budget. 

This segment will be airing February 2nd at 5:30am. I know that is super early for some of you, so I'll be sure to share a link after it airs.

#ksl #ksltv #grocerybudget #groceryshopping #groceries #grocerystore #grocerylist #groceryhaul #savemoneyonfood #savemoneyongroceries
If you want to keep things running smoothly with y If you want to keep things running smoothly with your budget, then you need to look at and review it weekly, not monthly. 

Every week, check to see how you are doing, if you are on track, or if you have spent too much and gone over budget. This is the time to re-adjust what you are doing in order to stay on track or get back on track.

Use the link to check out more tips on how to budget, plus get a free budget worksheet.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2021/01/05/how-to-create-a-budget-free-budget-worksheet/

#budget #budgetweekly #budgetmonthly #weeklybudget #weeklybudgeting #monthlybudget #monthlybudgeting #spendingplan #howtobudget #howtobudgetmoney #howtobudget101 #howtobudgetyourmoney #howtobudgetandsave
It's important to take care of your needs and the It's important to take care of your needs and the needs of your family first. So before you spend any money, make sure that your martgage/rent, food/groceries, utilities, and transportation are taken care of first. 

Message me or use the link to get the free budget worksheet to help you manage your expenses.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2021/01/05/how-to-create-a-budget-free-budget-worksheet/
When you are creating a budget, write down your to When you are creating a budget, write down your total income from your paycheck, then list out and minus all of your expenses that you need to pay from that paycheck. Allocate every dollar to a category, whether it is paying off debt or saving money.This becomes is a zero-based budget.

To keep track of your budget and what you actually spend, use the link below or message me for a FREE budget worksheet to get you started.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2021/01/05/how-to-create-a-budget-free-budget-worksheet/

#budgeting #budgeting101 #budgettips
#budget #budgetworksheet #budgetbypaycheck #budgetingtips #createabudget #budgettip
I re-did the spice cupboard in my kitchen and put I re-did the spice cupboard in my kitchen and put in new spice racks, and I love it! The cupboard is now clean, organized, and more functional. I labeled the spice containers so that when I pull out the spice rack, I can actually see and find the spices more quickly that I need for my meals.

Before these spice racks, the cupboard was disorganized. I would reach to the back and grab a random bottle to see if it was what I needed and then put it back if it wasn't, and then try that again until I found the spice I needed. Now, I don't have to deal with that anymore, and I can easily find what I need.

If you need to organize your spices, check out these spice racks.

https://amzn.to/3Gcp5ly

(Affiliate link)

#spices #spicerack #spiceracks #spicecupboard #spiceorganization #
The KSL TV segment aired this morning! I took @ta The KSL TV segment aired this morning! I took @tamaravaifanua and @derek_photog along with me to the grocery store to do my 2-week grocery shopping.

I shared with them my tips on how I save money grocery shopping. By implementing even 1 or 2 of the tips shared, you will lower the amount of money you spend on groceries. Every little amount helps, especially since food prices have risen. I hope these tips will help you and others to save a little more money at the store.

What is one way you save money on groceries?

https://ksltv.com/520164/utah-mom-shares-grocery-budgeting-tips/

#groceries #grocerybudget #grocerystores #savemoneytips #savingmoney #savingmoneytips #grocerytips #grocerybudgeting #utahmom #utahmomblogger
This morning, I did my 2-week grocery shopping tri This morning, I did my 2-week grocery shopping trip, and @tamaravaifanua and Derek from @kslnews came along with me. 

I shared with them tips on how to save money on groceries and what I do to keep my grocery budget at $625 per month. With the price of food being way up, even I have had to raise my grocery budget this year. But these tips I share can help you to lower your grocery budget. 

This segment will be airing February 2nd at 5:30am. I know that is super early for some of you, so I'll be sure to share a link after it airs.

#ksl #ksltv #grocerybudget #groceryshopping #groceries #grocerystore #grocerylist #groceryhaul #savemoneyonfood #savemoneyongroceries
If you want to keep things running smoothly with y If you want to keep things running smoothly with your budget, then you need to look at and review it weekly, not monthly. 

Every week, check to see how you are doing, if you are on track, or if you have spent too much and gone over budget. This is the time to re-adjust what you are doing in order to stay on track or get back on track.

Use the link to check out more tips on how to budget, plus get a free budget worksheet.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2021/01/05/how-to-create-a-budget-free-budget-worksheet/

#budget #budgetweekly #budgetmonthly #weeklybudget #weeklybudgeting #monthlybudget #monthlybudgeting #spendingplan #howtobudget #howtobudgetmoney #howtobudget101 #howtobudgetyourmoney #howtobudgetandsave
It's important to take care of your needs and the It's important to take care of your needs and the needs of your family first. So before you spend any money, make sure that your martgage/rent, food/groceries, utilities, and transportation are taken care of first. 

Message me or use the link to get the free budget worksheet to help you manage your expenses.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2021/01/05/how-to-create-a-budget-free-budget-worksheet/
When you are creating a budget, write down your to When you are creating a budget, write down your total income from your paycheck, then list out and minus all of your expenses that you need to pay from that paycheck. Allocate every dollar to a category, whether it is paying off debt or saving money.This becomes is a zero-based budget.

To keep track of your budget and what you actually spend, use the link below or message me for a FREE budget worksheet to get you started.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2021/01/05/how-to-create-a-budget-free-budget-worksheet/

#budgeting #budgeting101 #budgettips
#budget #budgetworksheet #budgetbypaycheck #budgetingtips #createabudget #budgettip
I re-did the spice cupboard in my kitchen and put I re-did the spice cupboard in my kitchen and put in new spice racks, and I love it! The cupboard is now clean, organized, and more functional. I labeled the spice containers so that when I pull out the spice rack, I can actually see and find the spices more quickly that I need for my meals.

Before these spice racks, the cupboard was disorganized. I would reach to the back and grab a random bottle to see if it was what I needed and then put it back if it wasn't, and then try that again until I found the spice I needed. Now, I don't have to deal with that anymore, and I can easily find what I need.

If you need to organize your spices, check out these spice racks.

https://amzn.to/3Gcp5ly

(Affiliate link)

#spices #spicerack #spiceracks #spicecupboard #spiceorganization #

Copyright © 2023 · Daphne · Designed by Designer Blogs