Price Comparisons

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Permalink Reply by Sylvia on June 17, 2008 at 10:28am

Buying in bulk can be cheaper, but not always. One thing to be aware of is whether your family will actually use the entire package of whatever you buy in bulk by the expiration date. Also, keep in mind that many of the items come in variety packs. If you have a family full of picky eaters (like me!) be sure to ask them if they like all or most of the flavors in the bulk package so that the undesirable flavors don't end up going to waste.

I don't know of any price comparison databases offhand, but you can easily do your own price comparison by calculating the unit price for the items you buy on a regular basis (Costco vs. your local supermarket) with a little math. Here is a recent article that might help: Is Bigger Really Better When Grocery Shopping?

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Permalink Reply by Jane on June 18, 2008 at 9:43am

Thank you Sylvia. The article, as well as the additional links, were great!

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Permalink Reply by Sylvia on June 18, 2008 at 9:55am

You are very welcome Jane. I'm glad you found the information helpful. Keep us updated about any savings you find with your new Costco membership or grocery shopping in general!

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Permalink Reply by Becky on June 18, 2008 at 1:50pm

I took a tablet and pen and walked thru the local Walmart listing items I often buy and the current price. I listed brand name and size. When I got back home I typed it into the computer spreadsheet for a easy to read list. I added a column listing the unit or per use price. I use this list in two ways: 1) I have printed out a copy and carry it with me to the area grocery stores when I shop there so I can compare prices. 2) I look thru Wednesday's grocery sale ads to see if it is really a sale price or not. Since my local Walmart will match sale prices for the week in the ads, I write out a quick list to refer to when I get to the check-out clerk. They won't match prices from CVS or Walgreens, just regular grocery stores. My plan is during the next hot day I will walk thru Walmart and update my original price sheet.

BUT . . . I can't seem to locate my original list with prices on my computer! I may have to do it all over again, but it is worth it. I used this list a lot.

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Permalink Reply by Jane on June 18, 2008 at 2:58pm

Thank you so much Becky. I was thinking along the same lines of preparing a spreadsheet and using unit prices. While traveling through the state of Connecticut recently, my husband and I found a Walmart store that carried groceries. I'm looking forward to them coming to NJ; the prices seem to pretty good.

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Permalink Reply by Becky on June 18, 2008 at 4:29pm

They are called Walmart Super Centers. I've heard the best grocery buys are in canned and boxed goods. The ones I've shopped at will match a sale price that week at a local grocery competitor if their own price is more.. So if they carry the brand and size you want/need and can get it at the cheapest price, then Wally World is the place to go.

And if they have gas pumps be sure to put money on a gift card and then buy your gasoline at their pumps. By doing this you get 3 cents off the price posted on the signs! Walmart usually has the least expensive gas prices around and then you get to reduce it by 3 more cents. So by doing your grocery shopping plus buying your gas at Walmart Super Centers definitely are worth checking into!

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Permalink Reply by Sylvia on June 18, 2008 at 4:46pm

I've never heard of a Walmart that has gas pumps, hopefully they bring that concept to Chicago soon. Thanks for the great tip, I will keep an eye out for Walmart gas pumps when we travel to see family out of state later this year!

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