Global economic meltdown effects are now being experienced by retail consumers in almost all countries. Kenya is no exception.
This has led to many families to resort to purchasing items in small quantities. The logic here is that, to a common man, it is cheaper to buy items in small units as they are cheaper. In as much as this may look and sound true, it is always not the case. One needs to look at number of small units required against the total cost on the same.
Bulk buying has been found to help in lowering of unit prices of any given commodity from an economic perspective. Hence reason why purchasing small quantities becomes much more costly.
From a manufacturing perspective, it is expensive to package items in small packs due to the resource requirements, mainly labor, equipment, and even time. This could be a reason behind small units being more costly hence the manufacturer will want to transfer the packaging costs to the consumer.
Having said this, it is important to note that, not everyone can afford buying items in bulk. It is therefore necessary for those who are lower in the economic strata to look for non-perishable items eligible for bulk purchases. These include things like tissue papers, soap, sugar and rice. Such items if purchased in bulk can help an individual save a significant amount of money. The same items are costly when bought in small units, due to the reasons alluded to above. Purchase of such items in bulk also helps in reducing transport costs to and from the shopping malls, due to a reduction in the numbers of trips made.
For perishable items that cannot be bought in bulk, it is advisable for consumers to buy these items from the source. The source here could be the farm where these items are planted or retail markets where fresh produce is sold before its re-packaged. However, people also need to consider the storage requirements of these perishable items. This will go a long way in reducing wastage of the same or even protecting the person from consuming bad products.
Having said this, everyone ought to take time to analyze his or her financial position to make informed choices on how to shop wisely during these tough economic times; how to save on expenses; what items to buy in bulk; and when is it advisable for one to buy small unit packs.
Camille Anju is a creative writer. She has written and posted several creative and investment articles on her site at: http://aboutkenyahub.com
This has led to many families to resort to purchasing items in small quantities. The logic here is that, to a common man, it is cheaper to buy items in small units as they are cheaper. In as much as this may look and sound true, it is always not the case. One needs to look at number of small units required against the total cost on the same.
Bulk buying has been found to help in lowering of unit prices of any given commodity from an economic perspective. Hence reason why purchasing small quantities becomes much more costly.
From a manufacturing perspective, it is expensive to package items in small packs due to the resource requirements, mainly labor, equipment, and even time. This could be a reason behind small units being more costly hence the manufacturer will want to transfer the packaging costs to the consumer.
Having said this, it is important to note that, not everyone can afford buying items in bulk. It is therefore necessary for those who are lower in the economic strata to look for non-perishable items eligible for bulk purchases. These include things like tissue papers, soap, sugar and rice. Such items if purchased in bulk can help an individual save a significant amount of money. The same items are costly when bought in small units, due to the reasons alluded to above. Purchase of such items in bulk also helps in reducing transport costs to and from the shopping malls, due to a reduction in the numbers of trips made.
For perishable items that cannot be bought in bulk, it is advisable for consumers to buy these items from the source. The source here could be the farm where these items are planted or retail markets where fresh produce is sold before its re-packaged. However, people also need to consider the storage requirements of these perishable items. This will go a long way in reducing wastage of the same or even protecting the person from consuming bad products.
Having said this, everyone ought to take time to analyze his or her financial position to make informed choices on how to shop wisely during these tough economic times; how to save on expenses; what items to buy in bulk; and when is it advisable for one to buy small unit packs.
Camille Anju is a creative writer. She has written and posted several creative and investment articles on her site at: http://aboutkenyahub.com