5 Grocery Outlet Sourcing Tips

Sourcing

Jan 23

This post may contain affiliate links. Disclosure here.

Grocery Outlet is one of my favorite places to source. If you have a Grocery Outlet near you, it’s time to add to your sourcing rotation!

Here are my 5 Grocery Outlet Sourcing Tips -

Expiration Dates
VIP
Coupon/ Discounts
Bundles
Categories

1. Expiration Date

I know. You’ve heard me say it again and again!

Check the expiration date BEFORE you scan an item in Grocery Outlet. This store is full of really great deals and sometimes it is because the product is expired or expiring soon.

I speak from experience when I say this. Don’t waste your time scanning an item, get super excited, just to find out it’s expired!

Before you step foot into the store check the current date and add 120 days ( 4 months ) to it. This sets the vibe.

For example January + 4 months = May = 5. So source things with dates May and beyond.

What if you find something that is making killer money and expires in sliiiiiightly less than 120 days. Could you still sell it? YES!

You might not want to give up on those products just yet. There is another option to consider.

The other option is FBM ( Fulfilled By Merchant ). For those of you who don’t know what that is. It’s when you do not send your products to the Amazon fulfillment center, which can be a slow process. Instead you ship the product to the customer, yourself.

If the product is light, so shipping won’t be too costly AND If the product can be reasonably used before the expiration date. FBM is a great option!

2. VIP

Grocery Outlet is a regional store, meaning it’s only available in certain areas. Which is one of the many reasons it’s a great place to source! Not everyone has access to these deals…. making you a Grocery Outlet VIP 😎.

This must be how the Ollie’s Bargain Outlet shoppers feel!

Find out if there is a Grocery Outlet near you by going to - https://www.groceryoutlet.com/store-locator

Tip #2 in a nutshell is…. if you have a GO near you, check it out and add it to your sourcing routine. It’s a must!

3. Coupon

I know $3 isn’t a lot…. but it’s something.

That’s not all! Those emails you signed up for will alert you of any special deals, events and your local ad.

If you are located in the Washington area you have access to the Beta Grocery Outlet app!

The digital app appears to have a lot of great features like product availability, exclusive offers and digital coupons.

I went ahead and downloaded the app even though it isn't available in my area yet. I’ll keep you updated!

Be aware: They do not accept manufacture coupons.

One last thing before I move on. The Grocery Outlet in my area has prizes, drawing, and giveaways every month!

I have seen them give away stand mixers, Disneyland tickets and recently a $500 shopping spree!

Not sure if every location does this? But keep your eye out for those potential opportunities.

4. Bundles

After taking a look through my Inventory Lab I noticed that A LOT of my Grocery Outlet finds are bundles.

What is a bundle? It’s simply selling a multipack. For example: a two pack of toothpaste, a three pack of pasta or even 2 different flavors of candy sold together.

Be sure to check for bundle listings when sourcing here. Think Bundles, Bundles, Bundles!

5. Categories

Lastly, I’m going to share with you the top 4 categories I am currently sourcing at Grocery Outlet so you’ll have an idea of where to start.

Beauty
Medicine
Pet Supplies
Groceries

These are my current faves, but don’t limit yourself to just these. Be sure to source some of the other categories like toys, kitchen, beverages, cleaning supplies, makeup, candy or others!

Conclusion

Grocery Outlet offers 40%-70% off grocery items making it a really great place to source and find PROFIT! Be sure to check them out.

Frequently asked questions -

How many grocery store outlets are in California?

There are 442 Grocery Outlet retail stores in the United States as of November 30, 2022. www.scrapehero.com

Is Aldi the same as grocery outlet?

Nope. Aldi is a chain that was run by two brothers for many years. They found good sources for their groceries and they kept costs down in many ways. www.quora.com