When it comes to buying in bulk, savings can be hit or miss. Stocking up on the wrong things can lead to waste and spoilage. However, if you pick up the right items and find the right coupons for these purchases, bulk buying can save you a small fortune. Here are ten items you should buy in bulk whenever possible.
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1. Toilet Paper
We all need toilet paper. So why not buy it in bulk? Buying in bulk can be up to 50 percent cheaper than just buying a few rolls at a time. So find a place to store some extra (try under your bed if you run out of cupboard space in the bathroom) and save yourself a few bucks.
2. Soap and Shampoo
Soap and shampoo are two more things everyone needs. Buying these items in bulk saves a few cents an ounce on shampoo or per bar of soap. While this may not seem like very much, over time it definitely adds up.
3. Alcohol
Would you rather pay $8 for a 6-pack or $14 for 20-pack? Definitely go with the 20-pack so you can save some money and don't have to hit up the grocery store the next time you want a beer (and also save money on gas because you will be making fewer trips to the store).
4. Office Supplies
Next time you need office supplies such as pens, folders, or staples, be sure to buy them in bulk. Doing this can save you up to 50 percent off the price you would have paid if you didn't buy in bulk.
5. Toothbrushes/Toothpaste
If you practice good dental hygiene, you purchase toothbrushes and toothpaste every so often. So why not buy in bulk and save some money? You could either buy two toothbrushes for $8 or six for $14. Similarly, you could buy a tube of toothpaste for $5 or get three for $10.
6. Vitamins
Spending money in the name of health is always a good idea. You can save a few cents per pill by buying in bulk. Again, this may not seem like very much, but over time the savings add up.
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7. Cell Phone Minutes
Buying cell phone minutes in bulk isn't something most people would consider. However, by buying minutes in bulk, you save money by making sure you avoid overage charges.
8. Non-Perishable
Food Items When it comes to buying food items that will not perish quickly, such cereal, tuna, or soft drinks, opt to buy in bulk. Doing so is 30 percent cheaper than just buying one box, can, or drink at a time.
9. Blank CDs and DVDs
Next time you want to burn a CD or make a DVD, buy in bulk. Sure, you may end up with enough blank CDs or DVDs to last you the rest of your life, but you will save 25 percent off the price you would have paid had you not bought in bulk.
10. Detergent
Everyone does laundry, and there is no way to get around it. By spending a little more to get a huge tub of detergent instead of a smaller one, you can save up to 17 cents a load.
Ashley Jacobs is the college correspondent for personal finance blog Wise Bread. Follow her latest tweets on @CollegeCents.
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