Locate on Specialty Websites

• Specialty websites that offer bulk fruit generally deliver any fresh goods to you in just a few days. Like most fruit suppliers, specialty websites are generally limited by growing seasons and many take advance orders during seasons when fruit is not currently available. Many specialty websites will allow you to set up weekly, biweekly or monthly deliveries for convenience, too. If you're buying dried or canned fruit, the number of available specialty websites is larger, seasonal shipping usually isn't an issue and expedited shipping isn't required.

Connect With a Fruit Farm

• Purchasing bulk fruit directly from a fruit farm can save you money and aid small farms. Farmers markets are good places to search for local fruit farms and you might be able to buy bulk fruit directly from their stalls. Fruit farms also advertise online and through printed classified ads. If local fruit farms don't offer what you need, try to find one a few states away that delivers by air. Some farms offer shares in community supported agriculture, or CSA. You can buy a CSA share to receive regular bulk fruit orders throughout the growing season. Each fruit farm functions differently, so speak with the owners to come to an agreement. Some fruit farms offer dried and canned fruit as well as fresh varieties.

Shop at Wholesale Stores

• Wholesale grocery stores carry most foods in bulk and make purchasing fresh, dried and canned bulk fruit almost as simple as any other grocery trip. Check the selection at a local wholesale grocery store or inquire online to see if they carry appropriate quantities of the fruits you need. Some wholesale stores will even schedule home delivery or allow you to order online and pick up your fruit at the store. Many wholesale stores require a membership before you can buy from them, but if you need a large amount of bulk fruit or plan to buy other foods there, the savings should pay for themselves.

Ask a Local Grocery Store

• Your local grocery store probably doesn't advertise bulk fruit, but if you speak with the location's manager, you can often work something out. You might be able to ask an employee to bring a crate of fruit out from the back or even make orders through your grocery store. Not all stores will accommodate this request, but if you're willing to ask around you might find a local grocer who will. If you need fresh fruit for preserving and don't mind if it is overripe, you might be able to get your produce at a deep discount or for free -- most grocers have to throw overripe fruit away.