Sam''s Club and Costco -- worth it?

[zoebartlett]

I have to admit that I''ve never been to either one of these stores. I''ve never liked the thought of having to pay a membership fee, and I can''t imagine buying in bulk, as there are only two of us.

What''s your opinion of these places? Are they worth it or are we not missing much?

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

I have a membership to BJs. My mom and I share it, so it knocks the cost down to $20/year instead of $40. I go there for things that make sense to buy in bulk, so non-perishables mainly. I buy my dog food, paper products, some toiletries and OTC meds and cleaning supplies there. They also have decent prices on electronics and clothing (FI loves Dockers so we get those there). Most stores offer a free day pass, maybe you should check one out?

 

[vc10um]

I don''t pay for my Costco membership fee as my mom gets to add a second person to hers and her company pays for it.

SO and I rarely go shopping at Costco, and rarely buy in bulk because there are just the two of us...but I do stock up on things like TP, shampoo/conditioner, pre-packaged foods we eat a lot, and such. You can also find really good deals on some utilitarian clothing (I got a great fleece robe and puffer vest there last winter) and they carry some outdoor furniture and stuff like that, often at great deals...same with electronics.

So I guess it depends...I think what we''ve saved by buying in bulk, etc. there probably amounts to the membership fee...but we''ve probably saved more on gas than anything from taking fewer trips to places like Target.

 

[MonkeyPie]

We don''t really use it for buying bulk - we have it for the print shop (which I love and use a LOT, as it is very cheap and very good quality), and for the good prices on meats. I would browse their sale ads for awhile and if you see a lot of stuff you want, then spend the money. It really isn''t an expensive membership, because even if you only shop there occasionally, you make the fee back in savings quickly.

 

[vc10um]

Date: 11/23/2009 4:31:26 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk
I have a membership to BJs. My mom and I share it, so it knocks the cost down to $20/year instead of $40. I go there for things that make sense to buy in bulk, so non-perishables mainly. I buy my dog food, paper products, some toiletries and OTC meds and cleaning supplies there. They also have decent prices on electronics and clothing (FI loves Dockers so we get those there). Most stores offer a free day pass, maybe you should check one out?

((Threadjack)) HH...LOVE your new avatar! ((End Threadjack))

 

[kenny]

I shop for only two and have a membership.

 

[April20]

We have a Sam''s membership and I really like having it. I''m not a fan of buying things in bulk per say, but I''ve found that I get great prices on meat, cheese (specifically feta and romano), some veggies, garlic and beer. I don''t buy paper products or cleaning products in bulk there as I can get a better deal on those when they''re on sale w/ coupons at "regular" stores.

I got a BEAUTIFUL pork tenderloin at Sam''s a couple weeks ago for $11. It was $1.48/lb. We also got two pork shoulders for around the same price. I can''t remember the per pound price, but it was good.

The other thing I get at Sam''s is gas if I''m in the area. They''re usually a few cents cheaper than the surrounding gas stations.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

I''d pay for the fee just for the convenience of buying in bulk. We stock up on paper products and cleaning products, and so we only need to shop for that stuff like 3 time a year, haha. And there are only two of us.

I also buy staples like cereal I always eat, chicken breasts, etc there. For me, the convenience is worth it.

 

[katamari]

I think my Costco membership is more than worth it. I don''t shop Walmart, so I have never been to Sam''s, but I assume the same will be true.

The two things you need to consider are your brand loyalty and your cost knowledge. First, they only carry specific brands. I am very brand loyal, so some of the things that are good deals we pass on because of that. Also, while some things really are cheaper, others are not and unless you know costs, you won''t know the deals. Plus, you have to think about whether or not you have the storage space. DH and I do not, and so we do not buy things like toilet paper, paper towels, or cleaning supplies just because the savings are not worth the storage to us.

There are some things that are always cheaper. Eyeglasses are, by far, where I personally save the most money. I buy several pairs a year and I always find the same pair my optometrist is selling for $400-500 for about $125. It is really an amazing deal and I have talked about 5-6 glasses-wearing friends into joining Costco just for eyewear savings alone. I do not wear contacts, but my mom buys her contacts there and gets them for half what she can get them through her optometrist. Meat is another. Costco always sells boneless chicken breasts for $2.99 a pound (not for the pre-frozen variety, but the fresh ones). Fish is also very cheap, as is pork and beef. Sometimes our local grocery will go cheaper, but never uniformly. Printing photos are cheap, too, if you do that. 13 cents a pic. You can get cheaper from shutterfly or kodak from time to time, but after you add shipping, it is never cheaper.

Oh, and gas is always 10 cents cheaper a gallon at our Costco gas station than it is anywhere else in the city. It stinks because our Costco is in the burbs, and I live in the city, but I always fill up when I am out there.

There are other hit or miss spots for savings, but I never think I don''t far recoup the membership fee.

 

[Skippy123]

I love Costco!!! I am not a fan of Sam's club for many reasons so I don't go there. I like Costco for lots of stuff, not just everyday items. I buy my nephews baby clothes there; I buy lots of books there. I bought our patio furniture, tv's, tires, etc. I don't think it is worth shopping there if you don't shop there often. My parents and sister are into Costco so they will tell me things they like for example watches and I will buy them for Christmas presents, etc. I do shop there weekly, and during the weekly trips I buy fruit and veggies and some frozen items and clothes sometimes; it all depends and they have nice wines too and fresh seafood. I know my sister is getting the Thanksgiving Turkey and Ham from Costco. Oh I buy birthday cakes and prepared meals from there too. Okay, sorry that is so long but I am a huge Costco fan. LOL

Zoe, I heard they give day passes to check it out to see if you want to become a member; that is a nice option.

 

[zoebartlett]

Okay, so it sounds like they can be a great place to shop. We''ve talked about joining for years, but never have. We''d definitely use it for cleaning products/toiletries, etc., but I''m not sure where we''d store it all. Maybe we''ll make a trip to one of them and check it out (I didn''t know there was a free day pass, HH, so thanks for the heads up!).

One thing I''ve noticed since moving where we did is that the grocery stores seem outrageously expensive. If we can save some money and stock up on certain things, it may be worth it.

 

[Loves Vintage]

We have determined that it is not worth it for us. Taking the membership fee into account, the potential savings do not exceed the cost of the membership, and I would likely buy a lot more "stuff." We do occasionally receive free trial memberships, and we went a few months ago. I noticed that a lot of the prices were higher than the prices I could find at other stores. Cat food, pasta, cereal, etc. are all less expensive elsewhere. Bread is inferior. I would not buy it there, based on the ingredient list alone.

I think it is a convenience for people who like to stock up. I did have a membership, years ago, when I was single because I wanted to buy their dog beds! I used to buy a lot of product that I did not need. Since then, I have discovered the single.best.dog.bed ever at Costco.com, and I gladly pay the premium (5% I think it is) to order from them as a non-member.

I also notice that people always go to the back of the store and buy cases of water. We don't need it, but it also seems quite wasteful, if those shoppers' intent in joining was to save.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I think it is! We are Sam club members but might switch to Cosco (if we buy that bedroom furniture). We buy water, paper products, laundry/cleaning stuff in bulk. Also they have books, electronic, clothes, furniture. If and when we renew you can always just tag along with me

My parents are members of both. She likes Costco for food and Sams for regular household stuff (garbage bags, paper towels, etc).

 

[Kaleigh]

I love Costco, I think it''s worth it, just went the other day. I buy lots of paper products, dishwashing detergent, trash bags, and on ocassion flowers, they have great flowers. I don''t buy huge jars of mayo or ketchup. Just looking at them turns my stomach!!!

 

[jewelerman]

shop at Cosco....a group of us shop together and buy in bulk and it really saves money when you plan to shop as a group.I will never shop at a Walmart store or associated company so Sams is out of the question!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

For years I was a member of Costco, but decided to boycott the store because I don''t like the idea of having to pay to shop at a store. I''ve found that overall most stores like Target charge the same amount. I''m also not into buying bulk and being stuck with a box of 50,000 granola bars.

One of the reasons I did have a card for many years is because I''m on a really expensive medication ($400 a month) and it was 1/4 the price at Costco/insurance. . .then my insurance decided to only cover the generic, so now I just pay $10 at the grocery pharmacy.

We also renewed our membership one year because we bought a new TV there. We''ve found great deals on some things and if they do have an excellent price on a must-have, we can always join up again. I just won''t do it for little things like packages of Lysal wipes or paper towels.

 

[zoebartlett]

Date: 11/23/2009 4:50:50 PM
Author: Tacori E-ring
I think it is! We are Sam club members but might switch to Cosco (if we buy that bedroom furniture). We buy water, paper products, laundry/cleaning stuff in bulk. Also they have books, electronic, clothes, furniture. If and when we renew you can always just tag along with me

My parents are members of both. She likes Costco for food and Sams for regular household stuff (garbage bags, paper towels, etc).

Sounds good! I''m a great errand runner!

Hey, random question, but do you find groceries expensive here or is it just me? We''ve tried all of the stores around (HT, FL, and BL) except TJ''s, and so far, the best one as far as prices go is Aldi. We can''t get everything there though and I do like the convenience of getting everything in one place.

 

[TravelingGal]

We share the executive Costco membership that gives 2% back so the membership pays for itself and then some.

We buy a ton there. Great for meat when we are throwing a party. I can buy fruit in bulk because we eat a ton. I love their seasonal items and buy books and movies there too. Wines are also great there and no need to buy in bulk.

There is PLENTY of reason to have a Costco membership. I would die without one!

 

[ChargerGrrl]

Costco ROCKS!

Mom and I share a membership- unfortunately I can''t extend it do DH but it''s worked out OK so far. My family have been members since the PriceClub days, so a looong time!

I also only shop for 2, but load up on the non-perishables that have been already been mentioned. I also buy the bags of frozen chicken breasts that are my daily lunch staple, and the frozen salmon and/or tilapia that we defrost once a week for dinner. Don''t really buy a lot of veggies or dairy. We entertain quite a bit, so we''ll make "dinner party" runs about every 6 weeks or so where we buy their meats and other foods.

We''re into wines, and have found their wine selection to be excellent.

Katamari mentioned the Optical section- you can''t beat their prices on glasses.

I''ve also used my membership to score great deals from their travel services and the new-car-buying program.

 

[cnspotts]

Date: 11/23/2009 5:21:41 PM
Author: TravelingGal
We share the executive Costco membership that gives 2% back so the membership pays for itself and then some.

We buy a ton there. Great for meat when we are throwing a party. I can buy fruit in bulk because we eat a ton. I love their seasonal items and buy books and movies there too. Wines are also great there and no need to buy in bulk.

There is PLENTY of reason to have a Costco membership. I would die without one!

I was going to mention this as well about the 2% back which ends up making our membership nearly FREE every year! I''ve had a membership since the early 90''s. Generally I go about 1 or 2 times a month. (Sometimes weekly, just depends) Gas is always cheaper but I won''t make a special trip for it.

I love many of the Kirkland brands too and over the years they have expanded the brand to include many organic items. My husband eats meat, we get it there, he loves their cuts and the price. I love all the freezer stuff to stock up on like shrimp (I dont eat meat) and stuff for my lunches at work (fruit cups & Fage). They have season items, great Holiday stuff /www.pricescope.com/idealbb/images/smilies/19.gif[/img]

 

[sunnyd]

It took us a whole year to go through the Costco toilet paper. A whole year!!!

We don't shop there that often; when we go we usually pick up pita chips (because that's the only place you can get the big bag) and hummus, chicken breasts and random other things. Toiletries are good, I get my contacts through Costco.

 

[iheartscience]

I would only get it if you think you'll actually go regularly. I live in the city and of course the Costco is in the suburbs and it takes 20 minutes to get there so I rarely go-I think I've gone three times this entire year. Plus there are always ridiculously long lines no matter what time I go and that irritates me. Maybe if I had kids I'd like it better, but a lot of the bulk food items are just way too big for 2 people. I don't eat much when I'm at home so stuff tends to go bad before I get the chance to eat it.

We did buy all our beer for the wedding there and it was definitely cheaper to get it there. But some things actually aren't that great of a deal, like tires. My sister just priced out tires and Costco wasn't any cheaper than any of the other places she called.

It's only $50 so I bet it's worth it if you think you'd go once a month or so.

 

[neatfreak]

I think it depends greatly on what you buy there, whether you can buy in bulk, etc.

We LOVE Costco. I also love that although I might be able to get similar/slightly cheaper prices on things at the grocery store **when they are on sale** I can consistently get pretty good prices at Costco. Then I don''t have to go hunting at every grocery store in town for the sales-so I like that.

But you do need to check the prices and compare. A lot of things aren''t that much cheaper and so if you buy in bulk and don''t use it all it might have just been cheaper to go to the grocery store.

For example my parents don''t like it. My mom likes coupons and doesn''t mind going to 3 different grocery stores to get the cheapest price. So for her it isn''t worth it to her.

But for us it certainly is. We buy fruits, frozen foods, paper goods, diapers, etc. there all the time. You do need to be good at resisting impulse purchases though!

 

[pinkstars]

I love going to Costco! It''s just me and BF and we go at least weekly. Some things are a bit unreasonable to buy with the two of us(muffins, some meat, some veggies.) But other things make it soo worth it tp, paper towels, cereal(with a coupon for $2 off), vanilla, peppercorns(we really like pepper.) They have the best price on ground turkey, even when the grocery stores have theirs on sale. We just got the most delicious organic orange juice with no sugar added. It''s two cartons, but we love it so much that we drink it all before it''s close to going bad. Also costco has the best price on spinach, they sell a 3 lb container(I think, I can''t remember the exact size) for a better price than what 1 lb costs at the grocery store. Also what alcohol they do carry is a good price.

 

[princesss]

Hahaa, Zoe, this thread just made M and I go get a membership! I love Costco!

 

[Lilac]

We''re members at Costco and I actually do really like it. I thought I would HATE it because I don''t like buying in bulk (it''s so hard to find places to store things in a small one-bedroom apartment!) but we find room for everything somehow and we don''t have to shop often. And we save money. Recently the one by us started selling kosher meat and chicken, so we buy that there too and it''s saving us a lot of money.

I hate going to Costco by myself though - it''s SO big and so overwhelming and I always leave with SO MUCH so usually I wait until DH can come with me so we can share the "burden" of carrying the groceries.

 

[kenny]

Costco has excellent enormous rotisserie chickens for only $4.99.

I but one a week.

 

[miraclesrule]

Costco? yea or nay.

To me, it is like asking if birds fly.

 

[Shoopy]

When you get the Costco membership, get their Italian sausage lasagna

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Also not sure if you buy using your cc but keep in mind Costco only takes amex and Sam''s takes discover and mastercard. BJ takes them all.