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Tip Store: Groceries: Buying in Bulk
Saving on Herbs and Spices
Approximate $ Savings: $3.27 per refill
I recently did an overhaul on my spice cupboard and found some herbs and spices were out of date. As these were in glass bottles/jars (the well known brand type you find in most supermarkets), I discarded the contents but kept the jars. I had some other herbs and spices I'd purchased in packets so I soaked the empty glass jars to remove the labels then put the contents of the packet herbs/spices into the jars. I cut out the name of the product from the packet and slipped it into each corresponding jar. Voila! No more packets of herbs and spices cluttering my cupboard and I've recycled my existing bottles. (You could of course keep the original label if you already have a packet of the same item). Savings: 1 x 10g bottle of dried herbs (well known brand) = $2.47 v 1 x 25g packet of the same dried herb = $1.67. You'd have to buy two bottles to get the same amount as in one packet so the difference saved is approximately $3.27 for each one you buy. Paprika: 1 x 35g bottle (well known brand) = $2.58 v one 100g packet = $2.42. You would have to buy three 35g bottles to equal the same amount in one 100g packet which would cost you $7.74. Difference in savings would be $7.74 - $2.42 = $5.32. Online prices are correct as at 20.02.14. NB: These are not items you need to buy regularly (depending on how much cooking you do of course) however, the savings are still worth it as you are not only recycling the jars but also saving each time you do need to buy these items.
Contributed by Kaylene Kurtzer
I recently did an overhaul on my spice cupboard and found some herbs and spices were out of date. As these were in glass bottles/jars (the well known brand type you find in most supermarkets), I discarded the contents but kept the jars. I had some other herbs and spices I'd purchased in packets so I soaked the empty glass jars to remove the labels then put the contents of the packet herbs/spices into the jars. I cut out the name of the product from the packet and slipped it into each corresponding jar. Voila! No more packets of herbs and spices cluttering my cupboard and I've recycled my existing bottles. (You could of course keep the original label if you already have a packet of the same item). Savings: 1 x 10g bottle of dried herbs (well known brand) = $2.47 v 1 x 25g packet of the same dried herb = $1.67. You'd have to buy two bottles to get the same amount as in one packet so the difference saved is approximately $3.27 for each one you buy. Paprika: 1 x 35g bottle (well known brand) = $2.58 v one 100g packet = $2.42. You would have to buy three 35g bottles to equal the same amount in one 100g packet which would cost you $7.74. Difference in savings would be $7.74 - $2.42 = $5.32. Online prices are correct as at 20.02.14. NB: These are not items you need to buy regularly (depending on how much cooking you do of course) however, the savings are still worth it as you are not only recycling the jars but also saving each time you do need to buy these items.
Contributed by Kaylene Kurtzer
What is Your Supermarket Stocking Up On?
In a supermarket recently I noticed they were putting large boxes of soft drinks at the end of the aisle where the specials usually are but were charging the regular price. Why would they do this when it wasn't a special? Ah ha, sure enough a week later they were on special for a drastically reduced price having sat there ready. Waiting a week saved me $$ as I was buying soft drink for a large family birthday and it got me thinking! What are they stocking up on in anticipation of the specials a few days before the catalogues come out? If you can delay your purchase, could save you heaps!
Contributed by Anne Howie
Contributed by Anne Howie
Serious Grocery Saver
Approximate $ Savings: $100 per week
I go to Flemington Markets every fortnight and every time come back loaded with the most beautiful delicious produce in VOLUME and about one quarter the price i pay in even the cheapest shops. Last visit two weeks ago I shared my purchases with a friend and this is what i bought: cases of sweet potatoes, capsicum, zucchini, lettuce, leeks, beetroot, loose avocados, 2kgs loose mixed plums, case of pears, 2 cases apples for eating or juicing, 10 kgs carrots, tomatoes, 1kg grapes, small qty ginger,1 case limes 2 cases oranges - and all from local and generally organic producers - and all of good quality. We found the only item which perished quickly were the pears - 50% throw out. Our bill? $37 for me, $65 my friend including petrol and trolley. You just CANNOT get value for money like that ANYWHERE else. Buying the same quantity would have cost us each about $200 apiece - I say WELL worth it!
Contributed by Sandie Cleaver
I go to Flemington Markets every fortnight and every time come back loaded with the most beautiful delicious produce in VOLUME and about one quarter the price i pay in even the cheapest shops. Last visit two weeks ago I shared my purchases with a friend and this is what i bought: cases of sweet potatoes, capsicum, zucchini, lettuce, leeks, beetroot, loose avocados, 2kgs loose mixed plums, case of pears, 2 cases apples for eating or juicing, 10 kgs carrots, tomatoes, 1kg grapes, small qty ginger,1 case limes 2 cases oranges - and all from local and generally organic producers - and all of good quality. We found the only item which perished quickly were the pears - 50% throw out. Our bill? $37 for me, $65 my friend including petrol and trolley. You just CANNOT get value for money like that ANYWHERE else. Buying the same quantity would have cost us each about $200 apiece - I say WELL worth it!
Contributed by Sandie Cleaver
Bulk Buy When on Special!
Approximate $ Savings: Up to $50 a week
I am currently saving for a wedding which is long-awaited and very exciting, but so expensive!! To remain debt-free and not under too much pressure financially, I only ever buy our most used/eaten items whilst on special - e.g.. toilet paper, cat biscuits, washing powder from Big W.. this saves me time having to go out and buy the same items over and over again at the supermarket, but also more importantly money by buying in larger quantities for a cheaper price!
Contributed by Refija Larcombe
I am currently saving for a wedding which is long-awaited and very exciting, but so expensive!! To remain debt-free and not under too much pressure financially, I only ever buy our most used/eaten items whilst on special - e.g.. toilet paper, cat biscuits, washing powder from Big W.. this saves me time having to go out and buy the same items over and over again at the supermarket, but also more importantly money by buying in larger quantities for a cheaper price!
Contributed by Refija Larcombe
Cut Price Shopping
I recently found out as a union member I have access to "Cash and Carry' formerly FAL, where restaurants and shops can do their shopping. if you show your union card and Shop Rite card you can get a day pass. Write a list of what you want to buy in bulk and how much it normally costs you (things like tinned tuna fish and tinned fruit or cereal, sugar, flour and non food items). You can purchase in usual sizes, catering sizes or if you want boxes of tins or packets.
Contributed by Sharon, Balga
Contributed by Sharon, Balga
Buy in Bulk and Save, Buy in Bulk From eBay and Save More
I thought I would share with you my favourite money saving tip. I buy things in bulk from eBay - things like my hair dye, which retails at $16.99, I have found on eBay at three for $20. Other items I have bought in bulk are party goods for themes. I have a preferred seller of helium balloons (e.g. 100 for $16.50 inc FREE postage), party hats (e.g. 80 for $20), bunting and batteries. You do need to take into consideration the postage costs, but more often than not it remains more cost effective than purchasing from the shops. It can require a bit of planning ahead because some things are purchased from overseas, but overall I have always had very positive experiences buying in bulk from eBay. Contributed by Laura Cvetkovski
Gourmet Pies in Bulk
Approximate $ Savings: $100
My local bakery makes delicious gourmet savoury pies, but at $4.50 to $5 each they are a bit expensive for a family of six. At the end of each day the pies that are left over are frozen and labelled. When they have too many in the freezer they sell them in bulk lots, $50 for 32 gourmet pies. This works out to be $1.56 each, a fair saving compared to the original selling price. I usually buy them before the school holidays so that the kids can heat them up as snacks. They are much nicer than the frozen pies you get at the supermarkets, for a fraction of the original price!
Contributed by Anne, Paxton
My local bakery makes delicious gourmet savoury pies, but at $4.50 to $5 each they are a bit expensive for a family of six. At the end of each day the pies that are left over are frozen and labelled. When they have too many in the freezer they sell them in bulk lots, $50 for 32 gourmet pies. This works out to be $1.56 each, a fair saving compared to the original selling price. I usually buy them before the school holidays so that the kids can heat them up as snacks. They are much nicer than the frozen pies you get at the supermarkets, for a fraction of the original price!
Contributed by Anne, Paxton
Buy in Bulk and Share With Friends
Approximate $ Savings: $5/week or $260/year minimum
I often see great specials (mostly fruit and veg) but it is often more than I can use or freeze at one time. A friend and I now take it in turns to buy in bulk then we share it out between us. This allows us to take advantage of the cheaper prices. This system works well with everything from bulk meat to bunches of herbs, to large bags of potatoes etc.
Contributed by Rebecca, Eatons Hill
I often see great specials (mostly fruit and veg) but it is often more than I can use or freeze at one time. A friend and I now take it in turns to buy in bulk then we share it out between us. This allows us to take advantage of the cheaper prices. This system works well with everything from bulk meat to bunches of herbs, to large bags of potatoes etc.
Contributed by Rebecca, Eatons Hill
Building Up a Stockpile for When You Know Money Will be Scarce
Approximate $ Savings: $900
Anticipating that I may not get paid over the Christmas holidays I started buying an extra item or three each week when I did the groceries. I stocked up on tinned items, toiletries, sauces, baking items - basically everything that I knew would keep in the cupboard. I first worked out what I thought I would need (how many of each item) and then started to buy. I included it in my weekly grocery budget so I wasn't spending any extra. So far these holidays I've only needed to buy fresh milk, bread, fruit and vegetables and a block of cheese.
Contributed by Debbie, New Beith
Anticipating that I may not get paid over the Christmas holidays I started buying an extra item or three each week when I did the groceries. I stocked up on tinned items, toiletries, sauces, baking items - basically everything that I knew would keep in the cupboard. I first worked out what I thought I would need (how many of each item) and then started to buy. I included it in my weekly grocery budget so I wasn't spending any extra. So far these holidays I've only needed to buy fresh milk, bread, fruit and vegetables and a block of cheese.
Contributed by Debbie, New Beith
Stocking Up on Supermarket Markdowns Helps the Grocery Budget
Approximate $ Savings: $100 per week
I love cooking and eating fresh food- the best is when I find all the bargains in store at Woolworths early in the morning when they drastically reduce the prices on fresh food items such as fresh meats, dairy, fruit and vegetables, soon to be out of date. The saving can be up to 70% per item- I stock up on meats, cream, milk, dips, juices and so much more and simply pop them in the freezer. We enjoyed a wonderful selection of goodies over Christmas with out breaking the bank. With the money saved over the year I went out and upgraded the fridge to a side by side model. Now my freezer can hold even more food.
Contributed by Maryanne, Sunshine
I love cooking and eating fresh food- the best is when I find all the bargains in store at Woolworths early in the morning when they drastically reduce the prices on fresh food items such as fresh meats, dairy, fruit and vegetables, soon to be out of date. The saving can be up to 70% per item- I stock up on meats, cream, milk, dips, juices and so much more and simply pop them in the freezer. We enjoyed a wonderful selection of goodies over Christmas with out breaking the bank. With the money saved over the year I went out and upgraded the fridge to a side by side model. Now my freezer can hold even more food.
Contributed by Maryanne, Sunshine
Stock Up on Treats at 50% Off
I buy up big on Christmas food treats (and Easter) after the event at 50% discount checking the use-by dates. Today I managed to get biscuits, natural flavoured lollies and chocolates all with use by dates for April or later. These I put in the cupboard until school resumes and then I have my child's lunch and playtime treats for Term 1.
Contributed by Julia, Milton
Contributed by Julia, Milton
Grocery Co-op Saves a Fortune
Approximate $ Savings: $200-$500 per month
Start your own food co-operative. We have been in our local food co-op for 18 years, and for 2 adults and a 14 year old boy, we pay $146 per month for all our staple groceries. We shop for the co-op every 3 months, doing the really big grocery shop and the easier health food, nuts and dried fruit shop twice a year each shop. There are 12 families in our co-op, you could find the families through school, kinder etc. Have a meeting to set up the process, agree to some basic principles such as low packaging, buy Australian, essential shopping list items etc. Our co-op aims to provide everything a family needs for basic living without going to a supermarket, so we have all dry products such as rice, pasta, flour, plain cereals (oats, Weetbix etc.), oils, butter, margarine, dry biscuits, tinned tomatoes, one time tuna per family per month, dry beans, lentils etc, all cleaning items - soap, clothes and dishwashing detergents, toilet paper, sanitary items etc. We have a range of dried fruits, many types of nuts, tea bags, tea and instant coffee, cocoa etc. It is all stored in a big shed, used to be in someone's yard now on a council business estate. YOU TAKE A FAIR SHARE AND WHAT YOU NEED. We do run out sometimes, but not much. We meet every so often, up to say 3 times a year, amend shopping lists as kids get bigger, and always have a waiting list of friends wanting to join. We have a bank account and the treasurer doesn't have to shop. We pay by direct debit each month, and the fees are calculated by adult rate and age range of children proportional. It's been fantastic for us, and prevents big supermarket shops where one gets tempted with things like choc biscuits etc. My family shops for our fresh food at the Queen Vic Market, so we don't go into supermarkets much at all.
Contributed by Vanessa, Alphington
Start your own food co-operative. We have been in our local food co-op for 18 years, and for 2 adults and a 14 year old boy, we pay $146 per month for all our staple groceries. We shop for the co-op every 3 months, doing the really big grocery shop and the easier health food, nuts and dried fruit shop twice a year each shop. There are 12 families in our co-op, you could find the families through school, kinder etc. Have a meeting to set up the process, agree to some basic principles such as low packaging, buy Australian, essential shopping list items etc. Our co-op aims to provide everything a family needs for basic living without going to a supermarket, so we have all dry products such as rice, pasta, flour, plain cereals (oats, Weetbix etc.), oils, butter, margarine, dry biscuits, tinned tomatoes, one time tuna per family per month, dry beans, lentils etc, all cleaning items - soap, clothes and dishwashing detergents, toilet paper, sanitary items etc. We have a range of dried fruits, many types of nuts, tea bags, tea and instant coffee, cocoa etc. It is all stored in a big shed, used to be in someone's yard now on a council business estate. YOU TAKE A FAIR SHARE AND WHAT YOU NEED. We do run out sometimes, but not much. We meet every so often, up to say 3 times a year, amend shopping lists as kids get bigger, and always have a waiting list of friends wanting to join. We have a bank account and the treasurer doesn't have to shop. We pay by direct debit each month, and the fees are calculated by adult rate and age range of children proportional. It's been fantastic for us, and prevents big supermarket shops where one gets tempted with things like choc biscuits etc. My family shops for our fresh food at the Queen Vic Market, so we don't go into supermarkets much at all.
Contributed by Vanessa, Alphington
Grocery Shop Monthly and Buy in Bulk
Approximate $ Savings: $200.00
Instead of purchasing groceries ea week, purchase each month and stick strictly to a list of recipes you are going to make for Breakky, lunch and dinner etc - freeze extra for lunches - the savings really add up.
Contributed by Kellie, Tivoli
Instead of purchasing groceries ea week, purchase each month and stick strictly to a list of recipes you are going to make for Breakky, lunch and dinner etc - freeze extra for lunches - the savings really add up.
Contributed by Kellie, Tivoli
Buying in Bulk Saves Money and Leaves Plenty to Share
Approximate $ Savings: varies $100 - $200 + pm
We buy in bulk once a month but some things we don't buy as we don't eat enough of it before it goes off. We now support the adopt a pensioner program and can buy the extras we want to in bulk which saves us money and the adopted pensioners get free groceries and no cost to them or us!
Contributed by Kay, Christies Beach
We buy in bulk once a month but some things we don't buy as we don't eat enough of it before it goes off. We now support the adopt a pensioner program and can buy the extras we want to in bulk which saves us money and the adopted pensioners get free groceries and no cost to them or us!
Contributed by Kay, Christies Beach
Bulk Toilet Paper at a Budget Price
I don't know about your household, but we go through lots of toilet paper!! Big W stores sell bulk toilet paper - 32 rolls for around $14, although sometimes they are on sale. That is around 0.43c a roll, half the price of some toilet paper. The quality is very good (no-one noticed the difference). I buy two packs at once to save the trips to the shop and we don't run out anymore (which used to mean expensive trips to the corner store). It also means less packaging which helps the environment.
Contributed by Sonia, Rockhampton
Contributed by Sonia, Rockhampton
WA - Campells Cash and Carry
Approximate $ Savings: $400/month
For bargain groceries in WA shop at Cambells Cash and Carry. You can get a cash and carry card using your ABN or join West Club ($39.50/year) and you can enter using your West Club card. You can get 20% off meat at the register and bulk prices that have to be seen to be believed.
Contributed by Pauline, Maddington
www.westclub.com.au
www.campbells.com.au
For bargain groceries in WA shop at Cambells Cash and Carry. You can get a cash and carry card using your ABN or join West Club ($39.50/year) and you can enter using your West Club card. You can get 20% off meat at the register and bulk prices that have to be seen to be believed.
Contributed by Pauline, Maddington
www.westclub.com.au
www.campbells.com.au
Shopping at Wholesalers
I have two young children and it can get so expensive buying groceries and time consuming. So I applied for an ABN number (free to obtain) and got a Campbells Cash & Carry card. Now I buy all my groceries in bulk from Campbells (same prices that businesses get the products for), which means money in my pocket. It saves me so much time because I buy the food monthly or even every second month (like pasta sauces, canned food, lollies, chips etc). It's amazing how much money you will really save.
Contributed by Brooke, Revesby
Contributed by Brooke, Revesby
Check the Price of Dried Herbs, Bigger Isn’t Always Cheaper
When buying dried herbs I buy the ones in the plastic bags and refill my herb jars from them. Today I was at the supermarket to buy some more herbs and automatically picked up the largest size pack thinking they would be cheaper in the long run. After picking up the pack I looked at the price labels on the shelf only to notice it was actually quite a bit cheaper to buy the smaller pack. For example - Oregano was $1.11 for 25gm pack and $2.73 for 50 gm pack. Way more than twice the price for twice the amount. What I am trying to say is that buying in bulk is NOT always the way to go as we are often led to believe. ALWAYS check the price labels to work out which is cheaper per gram (or 100 gms or whatever quantity is easiest to work out).
Contributed by Debbie, Mooroolbark
Contributed by Debbie, Mooroolbark
Bulk Buying Shampoo and Conditioners
I would like to thank the person(s) who sent in about Auroma. I went into the store and found it rather enjoyable. I not only bought shampoo and conditioner in bulk I also bought all natural mud packs, cleanser and toner and moisturiser for body and face in bulk rather cheap and the best is "They are all Natural". I also found I can use the shampoo on my dog. I have a Staffy, with very sensitive skin and the shampoo I have used in the past cost quite a lot, especially when she is washed fortnightly (as she is with us most of the time) this was becoming rather costly. The Auroma shampoo doesn't affect her skin at all (no visits to the vet). All I add is either lavender or eucalyptus (you can also add tea tree) essential oils for flea free and a lovely scent. My sister was with me and she has 4 children. 3 have Eczema. She found she could use the shampoo and conditioner and the body wash. It doesn't effect the skin at all and saves a great deal of money for her. My sister is very impressed, especially with the great savings.
Contributed by Jacquie
Contributed by Jacquie
MilkPowder in South Australia
A question was asked about buying bulk powdered milk in SA The only place I have found so far is Campbell's Bulk buy places near the airport but you do need an ABN to be able to join. You can get a number through the Tax office. You used to be able to buy through places that deal with farms like Elders stock and Rosetta rural might sell bulk milk powder. You will have to pay GST as it's on their list so you will have to add 10% on all your prices. Have a nice Christmas
Contributed by Robyne, Goolwa
Contributed by Robyne, Goolwa
Bulk Milk Powder in Adelaide
For bulk milk powder try the wholesalers first: Gaganis, at Bacon St. Hindmarsh;- a huge place full of bargains! Omega, which is close by in Adam St. Or the Rite Price store closest to you. Good hunting! Contributed by Elliette, North Adelaide
MilkPowder from Wholesaler
I 'phoned Nestle and was advised that bulk full cream milk powder can only be purchased through a wholesaler, e.g. Campbell's Cash & Carry (for which you need a card) or to order through someone in the catering industry (a hotel/motel).
Contributed by Beverley, Seacliff Park
Contributed by Beverley, Seacliff Park