Best place(s) to buy large amounts of crap (no car)

[heathergalaxy]

Hello! I am a gal living in DC and have no car (and don't drive) or anything so buying large amounts of stuff is pretty much out of the question for me. However considering that I love eating so much, I figured maybe I can get this stuff shipped to me... but that also seems rather damn pricey based on the research I've done thus far

Comments

[zaftigvegan]

i would think that there might be a natural food co-op in your area - sometimes it's an actual store, sometimes it's just an association of like-minded individuals that go in on buying large quantities of food from distributors with no plans to re-sell them in retail. often there is an order per month, with one or two members doing the actual transaction and pick-up, and then everyone meets at an agreed location to split things up and take them to their respective homes. you can sometimes even convince a kindhearted fellow member to make a delivery if you pay their gas, or whatever. this'll still be less expensive than buying bulk quantities of goods at retail prices

[heathergalaxy]

Thanks! I'm not sure on the first! I know of a few food co-ops, but not knowing anyone, there's the transportation issue.

I can totally use a 25 lb bag of flour in 6 months, and I do have a freezer that I can store it in (I don't actually have anything in there right now, so this would be good!).

Thanks! :)

[dagda_ollathir]

There's the Takoma Park Silver Spring coop- it's about a 10 minute walk from the Takoma metro stop. They usually have decent bulk prices, and I have a few 20% off coupons for them that expire 1/31 (you can also get one in the Takoma Voice magazine that is in the coop near the front)

[zaftigvegan]

great. :)

found this link, maybe it's helpful?
http://localdc.com/bargains#co-ops

a lot of co-ops will actually order stuff in specifically for you if you give them some notice,so call ahead.

a thought on transporting what you want to buy: you could take transit there and then a taxi home with your spoils?

[the_leh]

Azure Standard or Frontier are good places to get bulk items. I don't know about 25 to 50 lb bags though. That would be really expensive, especially for shipping. However if you spend $250 I believe on a Frontier Co Op order (not hard to get a wholesale account with them) shipping is free.

[46daze]

when i was carless, i used a bike trailer to haul groceries. and they can hold up to 100 lbs.

[nandamai]

This car-free city vegan suggests buying a cart (it will pay for itself eventually) and memorizing the bus schedules. :)

[rebirthoxide]

What do you store your bulk in? 5gal buckets? Right now I have large jars that I have outgrown and am seeking alternatives.

[heathergalaxy]

I haven't gotten there yet with the larger than several cups of stuff yet... I just have various large storage jars that I've thrifted over the years. I was thinking maybe something that is mentioned here.