SHARK BITES – Advantages to Shopping at Wholesale Clubs
Around this time of the year… price clubs like Sam’s Club, Costco, and BJ’s offer free memberships for 30, 60, or more days, due to— in my opinion— the approaching holiday season. If you aren’t currently a member, this would be a great time to contact your local wholesale clubs to find out what free memberships they are offering and for what length of time. Also, ask about any additional/hidden fees (if at all). Contact your local wholesale club about one day passes. If they do this, it will allow you the chance to check out the club and their prices, so that you can make an informative decision if it is something you want to actually pay an annual fee for.
If there isn’t any new member/guest promotion, see if any family member or friend can put you on their account, or allow you to tag along and shop with them. Maybe you have a friend or too looking to become a member and is willing to go in half with you. Call up that shopping buddy and see! 🙂 Also, you may want to inquire about annual fees and if there will be an upcoming promotional discount for new members. If you decide to enroll, educate yourself on what the membership entails, and take advantage of any incentives.
We all know Christmas will be here before we know it. Commercial advertising is sure to start any day now—if not already. The kids (young and old) 😉 will be chanting “I WANT THAT” to anyone that is in an earshot from their echoing voices. So, be prepared for it, because December 31 is still a good while away! And, be prepared for getting that list started, which is sure to grow faster than the speed of lightning— especially, from “the little ones.”
Financially speaking, holiday spending can shred your wallet to pieces. We are prone to try and get the best deal we can afford. Sometimes shopping at a price club can help mend that wallet of yours back into one piece.
You may wonder how you can benefit from price clubs that offer “bulk” supplies versus traditional stores. Well, the answer is simple enough… just purchase items you know you will need, eat, and use. Educate yourself on the cost per units, because these type of stores usually share information on the cost per pallet, which is no help to the consumer. It’s very easy to get swayed into all the wonderful things the wholesale club can offer. Just stick to your list and calculate for the best savings possible. If it doesn’t make sense, there’s no need to spend your cents!
For instance, with the holidays approaching, this would be a good time to stock up on holiday items like lights, ornaments, and gift wrap. Since these type of stores offer pretty much everything under the moon and stars— you’re bound to find just what you need!
I find stocking up on meats is a great way to spend your hard earned dollars too. It doesn’t hurt to stock up the big freezer. Meats and frozen foods are mainly why people shop at wholesale stores. Around the holiday season, we tend to eat more. Therefore, we are cooking more. Hence, spending more. The key is to shop smart!
Big ticketed items like flat screen/smart TV’s, jewelry, and cell phones are great items to purchase during the holiday season, as there will be plenty in stock to take advantage of low costs on top name brands.
Although wholesale clubs are pretty much for “bulk shopping”, the key is to find deals that suit your needs, and are a way to “stock up” on items you use monthly, like toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning supplies. Other offers and services that you may find appealing are low cost books, CD’s and DVD’s, film developing and printer ink refills, pharmaceuticals, optical services, clothes. Again, you are bound to find something for your home and family needs.
And just a reminder for those of you who frequently purchase printer ink — I recommend refilling ink at your local Wholesale Club! It is much cheaper to refill your ink cartridges than to purchase completely new ones.
If you’ve been wanting to join Costco or Sam’s Club and want to wait on a deal, sites like Groupon and Living Social frequently hold promotions for new members. Usually you can score a membership, gift card, and free food vouchers for the price of the membership!
Happy Membership, Holiday Planning, and Shopping!
“Don’t sink with the fishes. Be the consumer in the know!”
~Sharky
What is “Shark Bites”? Shark Bites is a money-saving tips series here on FreebieShark that aims to help you and your family get the most out of your money. “Shark Bites” posts are both educational and straight to the point. Just another way FreebieShark is helping you save!
