How can you be sure you are getting a good deal when you are shopping in a warehouse club? First and foremost, know the typical prices of the goods you need. Shop around. Go to the warehouse club with a list and a budget. Really, these are shopping tips that apply when shopping for anything, but they can be especially important when faced with the huge size and bulk shopping opportunities in a warehouse club. Look at unit prices on foodstuffs, and compare those to unit prices on the same goods at your local grocery store. In the case of computers or similar items, use online searches to compare prices. Take the time to shop your local hardware or home center if you need home improvement items or appliances.

Some people will find that warehouse club shopping is not at all practical for their lifestyle. Shopping in bulk requires storage space, including both a pantry and additional refrigerator or freezer space. Many items will be larger sized than is practical for single people, couples or small families. Avoid buying items that you cannot use before they become stale or spoil, and if you are buying in bulk for a small family, consider the investment in storage containers required to keep food fresh into your budget. It may be more economical for you to avoid bulk buying if you are not feeding a crowd.

It can be very easy to make substantial impulse purchases in a warehouse club. Books, CDs and DVDs are often very well priced, and it is easy to be tempted by everything from crab legs to mini-cheesecakes. Either budget in some extra cash for that impulse buy, or avoid it altogether. While many people enjoy shopping warehouse clubs on Saturdays for all the tasty samples, those same samples may cause you to leave with items you did not include in your budget or shopping list.

When is bulk buying at a warehouse club smart? It can be ideal for larger families who will use big jars of peanut butter and big boxes of cereal. If you live rurally, and have limited shopping access, devoting the needed space for storage of bulk goods may be worthwhile. Bulk buying may also be a good plan if you frequently entertain and need plenty of fixings for burgers and bratwursts in the summer or holiday appetizers in the winter.

As with all shopping, good use of a warehouse club requires smart shopping. Smart shopping means shopping with a list and staying within your budget. That is true in your local grocery store, bookstore or warehouse club.