Buy in bulk and save a fortune!

Certain products cost much less when you shop big. So here’s what to store away in the cupboard under the stairs…

Have you H heard about “shrinkflation”? Manufacturers of everything from sweets to soap have downsized over 2,500 items in the past five years – but kept prices the same – meaning we’re not getting as much bang for our buck. According to money expert Jasmine Birtles of Moneymagpie. com, bulk-buying is a solution to this swizz. “Shampoo, coffee – even train tickets – can be bought cheaper when you buy a lot in one go,” she explains. Here’s how…

FOOD & DRINK

“It’s best to stock up on food that won’t go off, like tins, pasta, rice and flour,” says Jasmine. “But if you can club together with friends, your local market might offer cheap perishables in bulk at the end of the day.” It’s also worth checking out cash-and-carry stores Costco and Makro. “You can save up to half your food bill, but you need a business to sign up to Makro (anybody can use the website) and Costco costs £28+ VAT annually, or £15 for the website.” To give you an idea of savings, you can get 5 litres of Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil for £23.99; the same in a supermarket would cost £42.50.

TOILETRIES

Pick items you use regularly. Discount chains like TK Maxx offer bumper bottles, so 1 litre shampoos and conditioners are up to 60 per cent cheaper than their smaller equivalents. Jasmine adds: “Boots also do 3-for-2 deals, and Holland & Barrett regularly run a ‘penny sale,’ where one item is full price and the second is 1p.”

HOUSEHOLD GOODS

Jasmine recommends stocking up on washing-up liquid, detergent and dried pet food. She says: “Pound shops have great deals on household items – and if you’re buying a really large amount, ask the manager if they’ll cut you a deal. Viking Direct (Viking-direct.co.uk) has cracking deals, too!”

TRAVEL AND HOLIDAYS

Planning a trip with friends? “Eurostar does group deals to Paris, Brussels and Euro Disney,” explains Jasmine. “If you’re a group of 10+, visit their website to get 10 per cent off.” Also check out National Rail Groupsave – it allows groups of three to nine adults travelling together a third off Off-peak tickets.