Saturday, May 24, 2008

How well do you shop

I have always considered myself to be a very careful shopper. I have found out hear recently that I wasn't watching as close as I should until here in the last year. Most people think if you buy bulk items you are getting a better bargain. Are you sure? With gas prices going up, groceries going up, my husband not working much and home schooling, trying to show the kids how to use math in real life, I have found out that buying in bulk is not always the best buy. Let me give you a few samples…
OIL: 48 FL OZ @$1.88 or just say $2 a bottle. Compared to 128 FL OZ @ $6 something a bottle or just say $7 a bottle. Should you buy 2 bottles or the bigger one? Two 48 OZ bottles are 96 FL OZ for about $4. The 128 FL OZ is for about $7. There is 32 OZ difference. You are paying $3 for that extra 32 OZ. So the two bottles are the better buy.
Toilet Paper: Should you buy the 12pack or several 4 pack rolls or double pack rolls. In my opinion the 12 pack rolls are usually the best buy. I can buy the 12 pack for $3.79, the 4 pack rolls are $1 a pack and the double rolls of 4 is $2.15.
It may take a little longer to shop, but if you use math to calculate what you buy, then you can make wiser choices for your family.
I will be back later today to visit my blogger buddies that I have missed very much!

6 comments:

ChrisB said...

It can be very confusing shopping these days. There are so many variations in weight and price~ but I do agree you, there have been many times when I have found the bulk buy is not the best price. The rate that prices are rising here in the UK is frightening~ poor pensioners, like us, and families are beginning to struggle to make ends meet!

karisma said...

Hey! Welcome back to blog land!

I always do the math when buying stuff, big family you know! LOL As for the whether to buy several of the smaller packs for me also depends upon whether the packaging is recyclable or not! I would rather pay a couple of cents extra for less land fill. I will also opt for products with no or less packaging over those with too much plastic. Or re-usable jars and cannisters are a favourite of mine too!

Attie said...

I so agree!!!!!!!!!!! I have found it isn't always cheaper too and i know now especially with the prices so high that wallmart in our area is not cheaper!!

Ami said...

I liked teaching my kids math that way. Math that really counts... comparison shopping and taking care of the family's bottom line.

I love that both kids do it automatically now. I can send one to get, oh, ketchup for example, and he or she will bring back two smaller bottles rather than the big one because "we save 42 cents, Mom."

Lifeskills. You don't always learn 'em in school.

Heather said...

I just got a membership to one of those bulk stores through my husband's job. A lot of things aren't a bargain. They also don't take coupons where the other stores will. Lots to think about when shopping these days.

Anonymous said...

I do watch for those. They make you think bulk is better, and sometimes it is, but all in all, you have to do the math. Good post.