Buy in bulk and save a bundle – that’s the theory anyway. But is buying in bulk always such a good deal? What if you’re single as I am – is it a good idea to buy veggies or other perishables in bulk? Common sense tells us a lot will go bad before you use it and therefore it’s money down the drain.When you see merchandise neatly packed and shrink-wrapped on pallets stacked on steel shelving rising 2 1/2 stories high, it’s impressive. The sheer volume of products and merchandize is alluring and we assume because we’re buying in bulk that it’s got to be a good price. Most of it is, – but a lot of it’s not.

Heck, some of the stuff is cheaper at the 99¢ store. Cleaning supplies in particular like dishwashing detergents, sponges, stuff like that. Even bar soaps and toothbrushes are cheaper there.

Also, beware of boxed breakfast cereals and large boxes of crackers. Cereals are cheaper at stores like WinCo or Smart N Final especially when buying in bulk from barrels. Chain supermarkets sometimes are better priced on boxed crackers, especially with coupons.

What about books? You can buy them cheaper at Amazon, but you might pay shipping and have to wait a day or two – maybe longer.

In today’s economy, it pays to be a smart shopper. But make no mistake about it, Costco has great prices on hundreds of its products. And I like their merchandize mix.

Costco sells fine wines & liquor, jewelry, clothing, tools, gas, tires, Rx eyewear (they’re a big player in this field), Rx drugs (their prices are hard to beat) Vitamins (high consumer rating) electronics, and, they have a liberal, no-questions-asked return policy.

Their packaged appetizers are really great and they offer a wide selection. But be careful, you can easily spend $200 to $300 in the blink of an eye. If you’re throwing a party, believe me, this is the ticket. I have a catering business and I shop here for a lot of the platter type foods for events and banquets. Good food items, great prices.

Then there are the food samples that are absolutely delicious and they’re at the end of most isles in the food section. Some are served hot; some are served cold such as crackers w/ cream cheese and a dollop of a new Chipotle raspberry sauce or a pineapple Habanero sauce. Both are excellent! A lady walking by told me that her husband puts the pineapple Habanero on everything, especially grilled chicken and meats. She rolled her eyes.

Part of the Costco experience is the food court. I know people who go there just to have lunch, or dinner, and simply love it. It’s as good as if not better than most fast food places and the pricing is fantastic. Where else can you grab a hot dog – either kosher or Polish – with a 12 oz. drink for $1.62 . . . tax & tip included?!

My personal favorite is their creamy mixture of vanilla ice cream and God knows what else dipped in chocolate and then dipped in roasted almond chunks. Good stuff. The food court also offers whole pizzas or by the slice, chicken Caesar salads, brisket beef sandwiches, and a couple other goodies. And you can sit at tables and enjoy your meal.

Costco shoppers are all members who pay an annual membership fee. So again, it’s wise but only if buying in large enough quantities to justify the annual fee which runs about $50 for the year.As you can see, food is a big part of the Costco experience, and if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to run, I made myself hungry talking about their wonderful food. Talk 2 u latr.

With much love. P.W.