11 Tips for Buying In Bulk at Sam's Club, Costco, and BJ's

Wholesale markets such as BJ’s, Sam’s Club, and Costco are taking over the grocery and lifestyle items world. Each store has discounted brands, incredible deals, and unique finds.

But there are some shopping tips and tricks for getting the best bulk deals you may not have considered.

Here are 11 tips for buying in bulk at Costco, BJ’s, and Sam’s Club.

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1. Take advantage of coupons

Don't stop clipping coupons just because you’ll find some of the best prices at these big box stores. Your storefront may have a great deal to redeem, and many brands stocked at these stores have vendor coupons.

Scan through your mailers, newspapers, and magazines for physical coupons. Search brand websites and sites like Rakuten, Honey, and RetailMeNot for coupons to add to your cart the next time you shop in bulk.

2. Stick to a budget

Items can get heavy, and your shopping trip total can add up quickly. Even if you aren’t entirely sure what you are getting at Sam’s Club this week, try to stick as close to your budget as possible. This way, you can learn to mind your own boundaries while trying new things.

3. Purchase for the space you have

Before purchasing anything in bulk, make sure you have the space to store it or the event to use it lined up in advance.

If you don’t purchase for the space you have and your current goals, you may end up storing multiples of something for far longer than anticipated.

Bulk items can quickly clutter up your home if you don’t have designated closet space for them all.

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4. Shop with friends and family

In the same vein as “sticking to a budget” and “purchasing for the space you have,” if you’re feeding a smaller household but want to take advantage of bulk store deals, find a friend to go shopping with.

If there is a product you both want to try or need, you can split the cost of a 2-bag sugar or a multi-bottle kombucha pack so you can both stock up.

5. Keep your eyes peeled for membership discounts

Several times a year, Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s will all run their respective membership deals and discounts. Your local sports team or scout troupe may be selling coupon books, and memberships usually run on Groupon for a while, especially near the holidays.

If you have a friend who has a membership at one of these retailers, find out if there is a referral discount that you can get for them or another bonus running anytime soon.

6. Stock up for big pets

Do you have a household with multiple pets, or is your fur friend of the behemoth size? Buying pet food, cat litter, chew toys, and other items in bulk is often the best option, especially for specialty or higher-quality items.

All three big box stores have their own club brands of pet food, which are highly rated and usually the most budget-friendly.

7. Use the pickup option when you can

I prefer to order online–especially when I need a wholesale haul–because it reduces the amount of maneuvering I have to do with a basket that weighs more than me.

Note that some items will only be available in-store because of limited supply or seasonality. Checking out the stock online could prevent you from making an unnecessary trip to the store.

8. Use the BJ’s app to save more

While all three retailers have apps, BJ’s will offer deeper discounts and additional deals to app users than just your run-of-the-mill club members like Sam’s Club and Costco’s offerings.

If you want to stay off the app, you might not be nabbing the best price.

9. Scan & Go with the Sam’s Club app

If you have the Sam’s Club app, you have the added benefit of the Scan & Go function. This means you can scan your own purchases and pay with your phone.

The company aims to reduce miserable lines at the front of the store, which breed long wait times and short lines. Sam’s Club also offers later hours, allowing crowds to fall off a little more.

10. Look for Costco Business Centers

Costco is rumored to have Business Centers near larger metropolitan areas across the United States. These particular warehouses stock items for larger offices and restaurants and often host even deeper discounts than your regular Costco Wholesale.

If you have a really large family or event coming up, it might be fun to head in that direction. It will absolutely be a cost-effective option if you and several friends go in on bulk items to split as well.

11. Check the endcaps for discounts

Pay attention to pricing systems at each store. For example, BJ’s prices its full-price items ending in a 9.

So, if your item is marked at $1.99 or $3.29, you are paying the original price. If your groceries are priced ending in a .00 or .90, they’ve been discounted.

Most discounted items will be placed near the end of the aisle or the front of the store. Be sure to check for limited-stock items in those areas as well.

Bottom line

Buying in bulk always requires a plan, especially if you want to save money on groceries .

If you’re moving to a new home, changing offices, starting a business, or hosting a class, you may find exactly what you need at a reliably low price at Costco, Sam’s Club, or BJ’s.

Stay up-to-date on upcoming sales and seasonal discounts to get the best deal.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt . Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).