Nov 19, 2009 6:56 am US/Eastern
6 Ways To Save Money At Warehouse Clubs
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
This will be a busy weekend for families, as they shop and prepare for Thanksgiving.
For many, this means a trip to a warehouse club to stock up.
The question is whether or not that's really a good way to save money.
The prices can be irresistible, but that doesn't mean that you can automatically find a great deal.
You need to know how to shop the right way.
RULE 1: SHOP WITH A LIST AND STICK TO IT
Jody Rohlena, from
Shop Smart Magazine, says shoppers need to shop from a list and be disciplined.
"When they shopped from that list, we found that they really saved big, and in some cases, more than 50-percent."
Using cash can be another way to help avoid impulse shopping.
RULE 2: DON'T RULE OUT MANUFACTURER'S COUPONS
Jennifer Chan, a warehouse shopper, said coupons really help her save.
But not all stores take them.
In fact, Alek Shapiro, a
BJ's store manager, added "BJ's actually is the only wholesale company which accepts manufacturer's coupons."
RULE 3: KNOW YOUR PRICES
This includes unit pricing too. That is often the only way you can make a true comparison from one package to another, and make sure you are getting the best deal.
Remember that something can look like a great deal when you are in the store but might be a waste when you get home.
For example, do you really need a super-sized packaged of hot dogs or would you be better off with the traditional size from a typical grocery store?
You don't want to be throwing stuff away just because it goes bad before your family can eat it.
RULE 4: SHOP WITH A FRIEND
Then you can split good deals on perishables like meat, produce, and prepared foods.
RULE 5: KNOW YOUR DESIGNER LABELS
Often the deals on items from Gucci, Juicy, and Movado can beat department store prices. Rohlena said they found great deals on handbags, for example.
She added, "We found some sunglasses, even a Cartier diamond watch, up to 60-percent off. Big, big savings."
RULE 6: UNLOCK THE SECRET CODES
Learn how to unlock the secret codes of the warehouse clubs.
At BJ's, look for items that end in a zero. This means that it's a discontinued item and has been super-discounted.
At
Costco, look for prices ending with a 7.
And at
Sam's Club, they often add a C which is a clue that the price has been slashed.
Experts say it's best not to experiment or sample when you go warehouse shopping.
Because the packages are so big, buy only what you know your family likes, and will use.
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