When it comes to buying bulk, how big are those savings?

NATIONAL — Buying in bulk is a strategy many consumers use to try and get more bang for their buck.

But does it save you money?

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As reported on News Center 7 Daybreak, many times we would leave those big bulk stores like Costco and Sam’s Club asking, “Is buying in bulk better?

News Center 7 Consumer Reporter Xavier Hershovitz heard from consumer experts to answer that question.

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The aisles are huge, and the servings are enormous. But when it comes to buying bulk, how big are the savings?

“Things that I know that I’ll use, paper goods, chicken, things like that, that I buy in bulk. It certainly, for me, turns out to be less expensive and more convenient,” said Suzan Faldesz, shopper.

“More cost-effective, honestly, like I know I’m going to use it, so I think it just makes more sense to buy more, and it’s a little bit cheaper, can’t go wrong,” said Julia Carrier.

Edgar Dworsky of consumerworld.org said Julia is right.

The first key to saving is to make sure you buy what you will use.

“I mean, no one needs an industrial size can of kidney beans,” he said. “If the product is going to go bad and you’re not going to use it, you really haven’t saved money.

Dworsky says consumers should make sure it’s really a deal. People should also double-check those unit prices.

“Check for that orange sign on the shelf that says how much you’re paying per pound,” he said. “Six pounds cost about $1.25 to $1,50 a pound. That’s great. If you just want to stop and shop, Stop and Shop Today charges $2.99 for a pound, so that is a huge savings.”

Dworsky states that if it is a great sale, then stock up. However, you should think about your space.

“If it’s a great sale, go ahead and stock up. But if you don’t have the room for it, your bedroom is going to start to look like your kitchen cabinet,” he said. “Don’t be tempted to buy what you’re not going to use just because you have the space.”

Dworsky also said that people should be good comparison shoppers and factor in the coupons.

“You’ve got to be a comparison shopper. If you can buy an item in bulk with a coupon, even at BJ’s or Costco, you’re really going to save some money,” he added. “But double check because sometimes a sale item at a Stop & Shop or Star Market with a digital coupon may be a better deal, and it’s a smaller quantity.”

Hershovitz adds that in our busy lives, when time is money, factor in the convenience.

“You don’t always have to run to the store like when I buy, I just separate, and then I know that I have enough stuff to last me for a while,” said Cherrie Greene.

One shopper said the biggest disadvantage to buying in bulk is that it makes it harder to shop locally.

She added that she would rather get what she needs bit by bit to help community stores that may be struggling.

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