Shoppers are ‘running out of cash and wasting money because they bulk-buy the wrong deals’

BULK-BUYING is where shoppers buy items in large quantities when they are on special offer in an effort to save money - but research has found that it’s having the opposite effect on their finances.

Almost a fifth of people admit that they have regretted bulk-buying because the items have gone to waste, according to a survey by TopCashback.

Items are usually forgotten about or go out of date before they can be used.

Perishable items, such as fresh fruit and veg and meat, are those most at danger of being wasted.

Other people admitted to throwing out items that were perfectly usable because they don’t have enough space.

Despite writing a shopping lists, 60 per cent of people say that they tend to overspend as they are tempted into bulk-buying, also known as stockpiling.

Around 70 per cent of shoppers bulk-buy, spending an average of £74 a week.

Natasha Rachel Smith, from TopCashback said: “Bulk-buying is always listed as one of the best ways to save money, and often it can be.

“However, consumers are finding themselves financially short and goods are going in the bin because they have been taken in by the wrong offer.

“Bulk-buying is great for items such as loo roll and none perishables but it’s best to check what things you actually need before going online or heading to the supermarket.”

The most common items that are bought in bulk are toilet roll, followed by washing powder, tooth paste and tinned food.

Most of the major supermarkets - including Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Asda - promised to cut down on the number of special offers in favour of overall lower prices for shoppers.

However, some supermarkets do still sometimes sell items as part of "buy one get one free" or "2for1" deals that could be bought cheaper separately.

For example, an individual can of tinned tomatoes on sale for 70p and a four pack for £4.89. This adds up to £2.72 extra when buying the multipack

12 ways to avoid a bulk-buying mistake

You shouldn't be put off buying in bulk as it is a good way to save money, if you do it right.

1. If it's going to waste, don't buy it. Don’t bulk-buy perishable goods unless you’re able to use them immediately. For example, you can make stews and freeze them

2. Check deals. Make sure when you do bulk-buy you are looking for the best deals on the market and make the most of discounts, voucher codes, and cashback

3. Do you have enough space? Always check how much storage space you have available before bulk-buying as it could mean you have to throw away other goods to make room for your new purchases

4. Have regular clear outs. Clear out your pantry and cupboards regularly, you may find that you have items that are past their sell-by-date or nearly empty but are taking up valuable room. Ensure you are stacking products and moving smaller items around to optimise space

5. Go wholesale. Buy from wholesalers (such as Suma, Costco and Booker.co.uk) and discount stores. Often shops that are not the big supermarkets have great deals on bulk-buys

6. Find a friend. Pairing up with friends, family or colleagues means you can split the purchase and still end up with the same deal but without a large amount of stock to store at home

7. Know your limits. Don’t go overboard, be realistic about what you can eat, use and store before you buy

8. Only buy when you need something. Bulk-buy when you need the items, overstocking can mean you quickly forget about the items and ended up re-purchasing them which wastes money

9. Stick it on the fridge! Keep a note of sell-by-dates on items on your fridge and make sure you’re using products up before buying more