BJ's ( or big box) vs Reg grocery shopping

[Alicnwondrln]

I always seem to run out of stuff for the kids like juice boxes, snacks stuff like that. I have to pack DS6 a snack and a drink everyday and sometimes he packs a lunch. I also pack DH a lunch alot. The problem is DH does the shopping and he neer seems to buy enough
he will buy 1 box of something and theres enough for one every day
never enough for him or ds to have after school or at any other time
would I just be better off buying stuff in bulk at a bjs's ( we are memebers)

Also does it really save you money?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Well we don't have BJ's here but we do have SAM'S & CostCo.

I do like buying some things in bulk however I have been checking prices on food products and since all the places here are SuperCenters anyway you can find better deals at SuperTarget. I was mad that SuperTarget was cheaper than SAMs.

Now I can get better deals on paper products (vs Target), unless I go to SuperWalMart.
SuperWalMart has good food prices, paper products, and cleaners prices. Canned food is really cheap at SuperWalMart.

When we have to watch pennies I do shop around.
I wish we had Aldi's here. They do have BIG LOTS but I haven't been there yet.

 

[Christine]

It really just depends what you are buying.

For instance, my kids like those Dole Fruit Gel Bowls. I think they are about $3.00 for a 4-pack in the grocery store. They had them in BJs--I think I got 4 4-paks for $6.99, so that was a deal. But a lot of things you can get just as good prices if the grocery store is having a sale.

But, overall, if you aren't buying by sale price for things like juice boxes, then you will probably do better at BJs.

 

[Hercules10]

BJ's??????

 

[puffkin]

You have to be very disciplined to shop at those "warehouse" stores. I do most of my shopping at Super Walmart, and most things are cheaper at Walmart than at Sams/BJ's. There are some savings, but you have to really be careful and check the prices. And many times the savings might only be a $1 or less. When you take into account the cost of membership to these places, that might not make it worth it to you.

Another thing to consider is discipline. If you buy things like snacks and juice boxes in bulk, will you continue to consume them at the same pace as when you bought them at the regular store. I know we tend to eat more of that stuff because it is on hand. Therefore we end up spending more because instead of going through a 6 pack of juice boxes every week, we are now going through a 12 pack.

I suggest doing your regular shopping at your normal store and then getting a guest pass for one of the warehouse stores and going through looking and comparing to your receipt. If you normally do your shopping at a Super Target/Walmart, the savings will probably be minimal, but if you shop at a more traditional store, you could possibly save a lot of money.