Warehouse store memberships are often well worth the money, but they do have some risks associated with them. Many people wonder how they can continually walk out of a warehouse store with such a large bill, knowing that they could have avoided many of the purchases.
As big business continues to place a stranglehold on the competitive market, warehouses thrive. These large box stores are able to swoop in on local neighbourhoods and offer ludicrous deals on everyday staple items, as well as offering unique specials. Warehouse store memberships have a tremendous upside, but there are also some tiny caveats to consider prior to signing your name on the dotted line.
The pros and cons of warehouse store memberships are more a matter of personal preference than anything else. Other factors, such as the location of the nearest warehouse store can come into play. Factoring in the cost of gasoline and time, if the closest location is in another town, perhaps the savings accrued will not be sufficient enough to cover this additional outlay.
The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, but the decision does need to be the right one for your own spending habits.
Shopping, in one form or another, is a daily occurrence in most households. Learning how to maximize efficiency in this regard is extremely important, so it is best to take a look at your shopping habits and spending proclivities, and to figure out a plan that is beneficial to your particular situation.
Warehouse store memberships are not a viable option for all, but they can be a great way to help you manage your shopping, while avoiding some of the many common problems associated with mall shopping. Saving money is always a great idea, and warehouse store memberships do offer you the chance to save scads of cash.
When looking into a warehouse store membership, there are several key components to focus upon; initial cost and yearly fees, financial situation, storage options,free samples, and convenience all have pros and cons affiliated with them, so it is wise to figure out exactly which way to go for you and your family.
Warehouse store memberships carry with them several pros as well as cons, and payment options are a concern in this regard. Warehouse stores are great in many aspects, depending on your personal financial situation and your credit cards, which most warehouse stores do not accept.
If they do accept credit cards, it is typically only one particular card, which may mean that you have to submit yourself to another round with your credit score. This can pose a problem for some, but should not be held against a warehouse store membership.
The biggest pro of a warehouse store membership is the cost factor. Most items available at warehouses come with a cheaper unit price than the average grocery store, though this is not necessarily the case with each and every item.
The cheaper unit price comes from the bulk buying, which saves on packaging. Comparison shop beforehand, and once you know the typical price of items, you will be better able to gauge which items are at a truly remarkable price.
When there is a sale item, or an instant manufacturer’s rebate, these items should be gobbled up, so long as they suit your needs.
A con against warehouse store shopping is the storage factor. Many people do not have a plethora of storage where they can house the large quantities of every item purchased. Having a pantry stocked to the brim with but a few different items is not smart, but if you had the room, it would be fine.
Storage, however long-term or temporary, is a concern with many families. When you store too many items, you also tend to forget your inventory, and make some purchases that are totally unnecessary. While buying in bulk can be an effective way to save money in the long run, not being able to store all of the items does keep some people from buying warehouse store memberships.
Buying in bulk at a warehouse store can be good for several reasons. Not only are the savings increased when you buy in bulk, but you can also share this expense with friends or family. Shopping for bulk items, especially for the staple items, can be done by one person, and then shared amongst a few others.
For example, if you are buying razor blades that come in a pack of 50, share these with other friends or family that use the same razor. You can help to pass on the incredible savings, while keeping your storage situation firmly under control. The savings are well worth the purchase. Splitting the membership fees is also advantageous.
Another strike against warehouse store memberships is the yearly fee. A membership fee helps the warehouse to offer such great deals, but having to outlay the money every year just to shop in their store seems to be a sticking point for many people. The fee is not that high, and it is usually affordable if you regularly shop at that particular store.
Many consumers overlook the savings, focusing instead on the entrance fee into the store. If you plan on utilizing the membership to its fullest, then there should not be a debate, but if you are more of a sporadic shopper, frequenting myriad stores, the warehouse store membership is probably not for you.
With the membership fees, however, there are often rewards, such as cash back on your purchases. This is a reason to sign up for the warehouse store membership. For one yearly fee, if you shop there on a regular basis, you can reap the rewards of large savings that can be put towards the following year’s membership dues, or items in the store.
This is seen as a huge boon to many families, as they can feel as though they are getting something in return for their initial investment. In this regard, the warehouse store membership pays for itself, which is a welcomed addition for most people.
Buying in bulk can be a downfall if you are not wise about the process. The longevity of some items is lacking, such as with dairy products. Many foods can go to waste if you buy in bulk, but as long as you purchase wisely, this is not that big of a con. Some people buy in bulk with a distinct purpose, such as for a party or to do some canning, in which bulk buying is extremely advantageous. Your savings increase with more purchases, yet the added quantity can become burdensome.
Free samples are offered at warehouse stores, which is a nice little bonus while you do your shopping. Free samples are designed to make you buy on impulse, but if you avoid this, it is a good way to find out if you do like a certain product before you buy a bulk quantity of the item.
The free samples are a way of keeping you shopping in the store, making it a pleasurable experience. This helps keep children occupied, as well as spouses, which is a sneaky way of getting you to stay longer and spend more, but it does add to the overall ambiance.
Warehouse stores offer considerable convenience, from smaller lines at the checkout, to wider aisles allowing you to traverse the store with relative ease. The convenience factor is a strong selling point for many people. Warehouse stores tend to be much more calm and the pace is a shade slower, which can be nice when you are tired of shopping. One store has many of the items you regularly need, so this is a huge pro for obtaining a warehouse store membership.
Many people do not like the large tab once they reach the cashier. This is a major con against warehouse store membership. If your financial situation does not lend itself to these large expenditures, then perhaps a membership is not feasible in your case. Many people are actively trying to reduce their debt, not find new ways to add to it.
All in all, warehouse store memberships tend to be perfect for many families, where bulk buying can save you lots of money. By taking a good long look at the pros and cons of warehouse store memberships, you can better make a sound decision in terms of whether or not it is right for you and your family.