Save by buying on subscription?

[JacketOnTheHook]

I see people on here say they buy on subscription, buy in bulk "subscribe and save", get a regular delivery etc. and it saves them money.

Does this actually save money though? Or is it the convenience?

Looking at the rising cost of living and thought I might investigate. We currently shop as asda, so compared own brand washing up powder to the subscribe and save option on amazon and amazon is much dearer. Looked at smol, and smush, also much dearer.

Where am I going wrong?

Bump

Own brand products will usually be cheaper. It's branded ones that most people will be referring to.

I use Amazon subscriptions for dog food, poo bags, dog glucosamine gravy and dog calming pills for one of our number. Saves a lot off the top.

I use Holland and Barratt subscriptions for my Feverfew, St John's Wort, magnesium, vitamin D, probiotics, etc. Saves me a fortune plus I don't have to drive to the nearest city.

It's rare that anything on subscription is cheaper than cheaper supermarkets like Asda, or Aldi, Lidl or Morrisons.

Amazon is usually particularly expensive for groceries, which isn't surprising as you're looking at posting something where delivery is expensive compared with the cost of the item. I don't trust them either as the prices vary so much. You see an item at an OK price, but 2 days later it's twice as much. Do people just want the item to automatically arrive each month, whatever the cost?

It might be cheaper if you're comparing the cost of an expensive niche item in an expensive supermarket, but for own brands or even main brands, not usually.

Only thing that we buy that I've seen cheaper on a 'subscribe and save' model is cats flea and worm treatments, because the online vets that sell these will do 5/10% discount if you have a regular automatic order instead of just a one off.

I find the cheapest way to buy most groceries is to either get as much as you can in Aldi or Lidl, or Home Bargains etc for cleaning prodcuts and toiletries, or buy brands on offer, buy a few and keep an eye out for an offer when you're running low. That way you never pay 'full price'.

Saves a significant percentage compared to buying the same things from the same supermarket in one big weekly shop.

Also rotate supermarkets if there's things you like or are cheaper at different ones. Plus if you online shop, missing a few weeks may generate a £10 off if you spend £50 offer.

It will only work for things that you know for certain you will need on an ongoing basis.
I have occasionally been tempted by things like soap or vitamins but in general I do , as above, and buy in bulk when products are on offer and hope another offer will be on before I need to buy again.I also rotate cleaning products etc depending on price and , time allowing , use different supermarkets.

I use it for cat litter on Amazon, but that's all.

We get a fair few things on subscription on Amazon. If you have more than 5 things you get 15% discount on everything. Main thing cat litter but an example is Method cleaning spray for £2 (it’s usually £3 at supermarket or if I can get an offer £2.50) and toiletries toothpaste etc. I check most things. Not made sense for things like laundry products.

I have quite a lot on my Amazon subscription but I only use it if I need at least 5 of the items to get the 15% discount and mostly for things I would get online anyway. I have a few things that I use as top ups so if I only need a couple of the more expensive items, I add on a couple of the cheaper ones such as cheap body moisturiser, that will keep and get used as and when.

OK so the cheapest cleanning stuff is the discount stores? I will go have a browse.
Bathroom things u get a discount at work so that's covered.
Anyone else know any tips?