Supermarkets of today have become mega centers where you can get an oil change, have your hair cut, and buy school clothes along with your groceries. However, while it’s convenient to buy things at a one-stop center, it’s not always the best price. You will pay for the convenience of getting everything in one place.
Never Buy These Twenty Things at The Grocery Store
Most families are on a budget. It seems logical to buy everything you need locally, but it’s not always the best price. Here are a few things that you should shop online or at other stores to get the best deal.
1. Diapers
Did you know that the average baby uses 2,500 diapers a year? Mom Informed states that buying in bulk is always the better option as they cost way less than a small pack at your local store. Using online mega-sites can be helpful, as is shopping at your local bulk warehouse.
Cloth diapers are a great alternative, but most prefer the use of disposable diapers. A 40 pack at your local supermarket is going to cost you about 26 cents per diaper, while a bulk package can give you a price of around eight cents per unit. Now, since you’re going to need many of these diapers, it’s best to use the cost-cutting option.
2. Greeting Cards
Greeting cards start at about $4.00 each, and they can go all the way up to $12 for the ones that sing and have pop-ups. Now, it’s silly to spend this much money on a card that most people are going to throw away. You have two cost-cutting options.
First, you can go to your local dollar store and get any card you want for $1.00. Don’t worry because these stores usually have a nice variety too. The last option is to buy a bulk pack of miscellaneous cards. You can get some for every occasion and in size for about $10 for a package of 25 or more.
3. Magazines
Grocery stores put magazines on the racks as you check out to lure your attention. You will pay anywhere from $4-$10 for one of those books. However, if you get a subscription to your favorite publication, then you can save significant money.
You can get a whole year of delivery for about $15-$20. Another option is to check out your local library as they keep a large selection of magazines that you don’t have to pay one dime to read.
4. Toilet Paper
Toilet paper comes in all varieties. If you want the stuff that’s good enough to sew into a shirt, then you will pay more. However, when it comes to your TP, always try online services in bulk.
Many places like Amazon have amazing deals that no grocery store in your area can beat. Quit paying more than .50 cents a roll as it’s too expensive.
5. Bottled Water
Why everyone thinks they need bottled water is a mystery. Most water in your home tastes fine, and you can even run it through a filter for higher quality. All those plastic bottles are overkill on the planet as many don’t recycle them. If bottled water is a must, buy it in bulk at a warehouse club find an affordable price per unit.
6. Batteries
Few households in this country can live without batteries. However, it’s best to buy batteries in bulk as they’re much more affordable. Choose a bulk membership store rather than your local grocery store.
A two-pack of D batteries might set you back $4-$5 for the excellent kind, or you can get a monster pack for $20. The savings are hard to deny.
7. Dog/Cat Food
Dog and cat food is expensive, and the quality is usually lackluster at supermarkets. Use a store that specializes in pet supplies to get the best bulk deals. There are also subscription services that you can order from and get it shipped to your door for less.
Lastly, local feed stores offer one of the most incredible and most economical options for you.
8. Coffee
There are a few options for cost-effective coffee:
- Delivery services have great pricing.
- Office supply stores often have the best deals, which may shock you.
- Your local warehouse store is an excellent place to look.
Buy the whole bean and grind your own so that it lasts longer and is fresher.
9. Baking Mixes
This may blow your mind, but you can make baking mixes at home with everyday staples. Stop paying a fortune for four, salt, baking powder, and a pinch of sugar in a box. You can buy nearly all the stuff to make ten times the amount you get in an all-purpose baking mix.
10. Celebration Cakes
The deli counter loves to lure their customers with custom cake creations that look amazing. They can write your name, use balloons, and create a culinary masterpiece. The only problem is that all of this comes at a price.
The average size cake purchased is one-fourth of a sheet, and it will set you back around $20. Plus, most store-bought cakes have a horrible taste and use pure grease for the icing. You can bake a delicious cake at home for around $5, or you can head to your local bulk food stores that have the same abilities as a supermarket for less money.
11. Birthday and Other Party Supplies
Why do people spend a fortune on paper plates and streamers that will all end up in the trash anyway? Head to your local dollar store to ensure that you get a fair price and don’t overpay for stuff going to the dump.
12. Frozen Pancakes and Waffles
Do you know how easy it is to whip up a batch of pancakes, and it’s inexpensive too? You can make larger batches to freeze for a quick breakfast. You can pay pennies for each pancake as opposed to up to .35 cents per unit. The same savings can be observed with waffles too.
13. Alcohol
One of the most significant sources of revenue for your local supermarket is beer and wine. However, use a warehouse club to get all your purchases for less. Did you know that many state laws regarding alcohol allow you to buy booze at these stores without a membership?
14. Bread
Use local bakery outlets to buy your bread. You can get many loaves for the price of what you would pay for one at the grocery store. Stock up and put it in your freezer.
15. Gift Cards
Gift cards make life easy when it comes to birthdays or other celebrations. However, buying them at the supermarket isn’t always the best option. You pay face value, but you miss out on the other perks.
Many restaurants offer a deal if you buy a $20 card, you get a $5 free. Or, what about Costco’s great card where you get $100 worth of any cards you want for the low price of $80.
16. Light Bulbs
Gone are the days where you could get a light bulb pack for $1.00. The new incandescent bulbs are expensive, and according to ZD Net, it’s because of the technology used to make them. However, you can find good deals at Amazon or at a warehouse club that carries bulk options.
17. Cooking Utensils
Walking through your local grocery store, you will see utensils and other baking goods hanging around. These are again geared at being impulse buys. They want you to see something you can’t live without. It would help if you resisted the urge to buy these impulses.
If you need baking goods, check out a home goods store to get rock bottom pricing.
18. Toothbrushes
Your friendly dentist gives out free toothbrushes each time you visit. If you have children, their local school also gives out these aids. Now, why would you go to the supermarket for your toothbrushes?
If you visit the dentist two times a year, they should keep you stocked without spending a dime.
19. Spices and Herbs
Have you seen how much some of the herbs and spices are at the store? It’s unbelievable that the average bottle is around $4 and can go up to $20. Find a bulk food store that allows you to buy in bundles or by the pound.
You will get three times as much as you would by shopping at a store. Plus, what if you only need a tablespoon and you must buy a whole jar; it’s just a waste of money?
20. Snack Cakes
You know all those little snack packs that they wrap conveniently for you? Well, they’re charging you a mint to do all that work. Why not buy a big bulk of snack crackers and then wrap them in individual bags? The savings will be quite significant if you have a large family and you pack lunches.
Final Thoughts on What Not to Buy at Your Grocery Store
What things do you buy that you see a potential for savings by shopping around? While your local grocery store is a great place to get many things in a rush, it’s not always the most economical way to buy. Remember, it pays to do some research, especially when it comes to commonly used items like toilet paper and diapers.
