buying toiletries in bulk?

longwalks1

having probably the dirtiest job in the world i seem to go through gallons of shower gel each week, does anyone know where i can buy the stuff in bulk from to save a bit?
bboy

Quasar

Why don't you try and contact the manufacturer/distributor? I'm sure that if you buy a large quantity, it will be worth it even if you have to pay delivery. You should find details on the container somewhere, or on the net.

I used to use a certain hair product, one bottle per month, and when I realised that the main distributor was here in London I contacted them and ordered 24 bottles which I went to collect myself. I saved more than 50% on the retail price!

Stompa

Not really an answer to your question, but I always buy my toiletries when there are BOGOF offers at the likes of Boots or Superdrug. So I might buy 10 bottles of shampoo at a time.

Stompa

moonbeam682

why not just use soap instead of gel. You can get some nice moisturising soaps in multi packs if your skin is prone to be dry & this would save you money.

SnowyOwl_2

Another strategy would be to try and cut down on how much shower gel you use per shower. Eg if you put a blob of gel onto one of those puff things and then wash yourself with that the one single blob of gel will be all you need. Also the puff thingy is slightly abrasive so it's more effective at cleaning than shower gel in your hand. If you really don't want to go and buy one of those puff things, you can put together half a dozeon or so of those net bag things that oranges come in, or which are wrapped around plastic trays of plums etc - they are basically the same material as puffs except are free. Or use a body brush, get yourself wet all over then scrub with the soapy brush, keeping the brush out of the water (otherwise it'll wash all the gel off before you've used it).

Or as suggested above, use soap - it's much, much cheaper than gel - in conjunction with a puff or brush.

HTH

SnowyOwl

vansboy

Agree the BOGOF deals are best, you'll find that you can mix n match flavours, too - so you don't always have the same, on the go.

But be aware of use by dates & storage. Some of this stuff goes off & needs to be at a stable temperature, not in the freezing cold, out in the shed, or in direct sunlight.

You don't want to throw it away, if it's started going off!

VB

Stompa

But be aware of use by dates & storage. Some of this stuff goes off & needs to be at a stable temperature, not in the freezing cold, out in the shed, or in direct sunlight.

I've kept this sort of stuff for years without noticing any problems, out of curiosity are there any particular products that could potentially go off?

The only one I recall seeing a 'use by' date on is toothpaste.

Stompa

Str4berr3

I agree with stocking up on BOGOF's too.

You did'nt mention how dirty you job was, perhaps sewage/ waste works? if that is the kinda job, maybe Bogof's just wont be enough - stick with buying soap and treat your self with Palmolive on you days off!!

vansboy

& as another thought, are you claiming a tax relief element, for the additional costs you incur, over & above what would be considered 'normal' expenditure.

In answer to the stuff 'going off'. Quite often it'll be colours fading/changing & the chemicals breaking down & seperating, into layers, in the bottles.

VB