@Stephanie
Just a follow on from the last post of mine here is the (edible) condiment package every guest gets.....
Once again, I can only offer this by doing deals in my area. The only things I pay full price for there are the milk, tea, and coffee. However, I do by the largest containers of coffee when out on a half price special and decant the contents into the smaller jar as required! Everything else you see there I do deals on. I never spend more than $9.00 AU ($6.50 US) on a guest restock!
Cheeses.....average 25c per cheese ........75c...negotiated deal
Fruit plate .............average ......$1.70..........I chase daily specials.
Milk..........................average.......$2.00.........standard price. sometimes discount, close to use/by.
Coffee....................average ...........40c........many guests don't drink, this covers top ups!
Water......................average............30c.......I buy 24 bottle packs as 1/2 price special $6.50
Eggs....................................................N/C.......We get them fresh daily next door!
Bacon.....................average............50c........neg deal
Bread......................average............30c........multigrain loaf shared with our use
Beer.........................average........$1.00.........neg deal. near end date, Dan Murphy's
Nuts and crackers..........................60c........I chase specials
Jams and spreads..........................80c........Beerenberg 200 unit bulk pack @ $6.00
Lindts Chocolate............................40c ....... Ebay carton deal, a few very slightly heat affected.
Coke...................................................N/C........Warehouse dropped and discarded. neg deal
Cereals...................average...........60c.........12 refills from 1 Kg packs @ $7.00
Total for me to purchase............$9.35...But I would very rarely have a guest who uses 'or takes' everything. More often than not my restock between guests comes to around $5-6.00, and strangely very few of the longer stay guests want things restocked, maybe a bit more butter, some more eggs and bacon. If their staying a few days they tend to bring what they want with them!
It really pays to strike deals!
Cheers......Rob