Take Another Look at Bin/Bulk Buying

For a year or so now supermarkets across the nation have been returning to selling bulk foods. Shoppers continue to snap up the goods. Everything from nuts, to beans to grains to candy can once again be found in large bins or crocks. Savings supposedly abound because of the lack of fancy packaging. Or the image in some stores is that these are the natural or health foods. You measure and bag you own.

Is it a gimmick or are the savings really there? Are shoppers benefitting from retailers reverting back to selling in an “old fashioned” way? It has been suggested that the minimum savings should be at least 20% when compared to like packaged products. Take a few moments and compare for yourself.

A survey that I did last year revealed not all items are cheaper from the bin. The variety available in most markets is good. For some stores this is one of their feature areas. Do not confuse the category of “bulk” to mean you must buy in large amounts to take advantage of the price. One of the major advantages of buying this way is the ability to select exact amounts, not necessarily large amounts. For the most part, the products that I have checked out could prove to be a boost to your budget. This is especially true if you want to try a food that could be new to you. Buy only a small amount to begin with.

A word of caution though, shoppers tend to overbuy in these departments. You may get caught up in the fun and the atmosphere, and suddenly discipline could get lost in a bucket of beans. The majority of “bulk” food departments are located adjacent to the produce department, which enhances the perceived image of more nutritional products and may also increase impulse purchases.

Check it out in your local stores; are most of the bulk foods candy? This gives an image of bulk foods. Or are the foods offered good alternatives for some of the products on the shelves?

Overall, bulk foods prove to be good buys. Just be aware that some may not be.