How to Order Shopping Bags in Bulk Without Wasting Money?
Purchasing shopping bags in bulk is a smart move for retailers, event organizers, and businesses trying to promote their brands. Bulk orders save you money on unit price, ensure consistent branding, and protect against stockouts during peak seasons. The downside is that ordering the wrong quantity, size, or type of shopping bag can quickly become an expensive blunder.
So, how do you order shopping bags in bulk without wasting money?
At ANS Plastics Corp., we have helped thousands of businesses across the United States streamline their packaging needs and reduce overspending. If you are ordering plastic bags for a grocery store, boutique, or promotional event, these tips will help you make better business decisions, increase brand presence, and save money.

1. Know Your Bag’s Purpose and Audience
Before placing any bulk order, make it clear how your bags will be used. Will they be used for lightweight retail products like clothing or accessories? Or will they be used for supporting heavier items like groceries, books, and hardware?
Bags are made from different materials and come in different thicknesses and sizes as per their intended use. It would not make sense to order high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bags for heavy-duty use, as that would only cause complaints and result in waste due to the mismatch between requirements and the value provided. On the contrary, using extra-thick, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags for light items may also prove to be expensive and of unnecessary value.
Reflect on:
- What items are these bags intended to carry?
- What is the maximum weight they will have to support?
- Who is the intended user – in-store customers, event participants, or delivery personnel?
Pro Tip: Don’t worry if you are struggling to make a decision. At ANS Plastics Corp., we provide expert guidance to help you pick the right type of shopping bags, meet your needs, and don’t end up overpaying for unnecessary features.

2. Pick the Right Material and Thickness
Not all plastic bags are created equal. There are different materials and thicknesses (measured in mils or microns) designed for different applications. Choosing the wrong specifications could result in tears, complaints, reorders, and losing money or time.
The commonly used materials include the following:
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Used widely for grocery bags as it is strong and economical.
- LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): More flexible and softer than other materials. Used in boutique retail.
- MDME (Medium-Density Polyethylene): A hybrid type of polyethylene that is somewhat rigid yet flexible.
- Biodegradable Options: Best for eco-conscious brands that can be ordered in bulk.
Choose the appropriate thickness in mils for your average load:
- 0.5 – 0.8 mils: Best for lightweight items.
- 1.0 – 1.5 mils: Standard for retail use.
- 2.0 mils and above: Suitable for heavier items or to meet plastic bag bans requiring reusable strength.
Do not waste money. Choose the right mix of prices and how long the shopping bag will last.
3. Customize Your Bags Wisely
Custom shopping bags serve as an important marketing tool and turn every customer into a walking advertisement for the store. Costs can increase significantly if you do not implement a proper customization strategy.
Here’s how you can customize without spending too much:
- Do not go for too many colors in your shopping bag’s print. A logo with one- or two-colors can save you a lot of money compared to full-color logos.
- Prefer standard sizes over uncommon ones. This is because custom dimensions usually increase production costs excessively.
- Order your custom bags in bulk with long-term use in mind. Do not go for holiday-themed bags if they are going to be used for only one month in a year.
Pro Tip: Competitive quotes and low order minimums are not an industry standard; however, at ANS Plastics Corp., we specialize in custom branding and offer in-house printing to help brands evolve without overspending.
4. Understand MOQ and Tiered Pricing
MOQs, or Minimum Order Quantities, are especially common for custom bags and bulk buying. Remember that high MOQs may often force you into overspending.
Always check:
- What is the MOQ for the bag type and print style you want?
- Is there a meaningful price break at higher quantities?
The magic number is usually a few hundred more units. This approach significantly lowers the unit price and total expense.
For example:
- 10,000 bags at $0.15 each = $1,500
- 15,000 bags at $0.12 each = $1,800
You will get 50% more bags by paying just $300 more, and your cost per bag declines by 20%.
At ANS Plastics Corp., we are always available to help you analyze your usage trends and storage capacity to determine the most economical quantity to purchase.
5. Avoid Overstocking – But Plan Ahead
You can save a lot of money by bulk ordering your shopping bags, but over-ordering can bring opposite results.
Outdated branding, overstocking, lack of storage space, and environmental factors (such as UV exposure degrading bags) can all lead to waste. Streamline your supply chain – order only the quantity you can reasonably use and store.
Plan Smartly:
- Evaluate your monthly or seasonal bag quotas
- Proactively plan for holidays, sales, or market events
- Prefer timeless branding over trend-driven designs
If your usage is variable, inquire with your supplier about staggered shipment or rolling inventory terms.
6. Request Samples Before Placing a Large Order
Invest in sampling to avoid costly mistakes. Before securing bulk orders, ask for physical samples to verify imaging, print definition, and functionality.
Check for:
- Handle strength
- Size of the bag versus your actual product sizes
- Print sharpness and color fidelity
- Texture and customer feel
At ANS Plastics Corp., we offer samples so that you can first evaluate and then invest in large quantities. No guesswork – just confidence.
7. Order From a Reliable U.S.-Based Manufacturer
Real savings happen when you partner with a trusted, U.S.-based, experienced manufacturer like ANS Plastics Corp.
You can be offered lower prices by offshore suppliers, but these hidden costs may hurt badly:
- Long lead times
- Import duties
- High shipping fees
- Lack of accountability
- Quality inconsistencies
With ANS Plastics Corp., you will get the following:
- Fast turnaround times
- Lower shipping costs
- Consistent quality
- Clear communication
- Custom printing is done in-house
- Eco-conscious production options
Working with a trustworthy partner reduces costs, time, and stress significantly.

Smart Bulk Ordering Saves More Than Just Money
Bulk ordering shopping bags is not only a cost-saving tactic but a strategic decision that affects your branding, customer experience, and operational efficiency.
By adhering to the above-discussed best practices, you will sidestep the most common money-wasting mistakes and enjoy all the rewards that come with bulk ordering.
Here at ANS Plastics Corp, we leverage years of experience, premium materials, and competitive pricing to help businesses like yours save money while still ensuring premium quality.