Elizabeth
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Post by Elizabeth on Apr 10, 2011 18:22:32 GMT -5
for two people with no kids, I'd say it's not worth it. I'm single, no kids and only for the discount that I pay in gas alone, it is worth the membership fees. I save roughly $3/week when I fill up, so >$150 on gas alone. There are a lot of other reasons as well. Meat is cheaper (and IMO, better quality) and it's the only place in town where I can buy lamb reasonably priced. Yesterday, I picked up strip steaks that were $2/lb less than the sale price of the local store - and a lot nicer looking too. I couldn't have said it better. I do have a selection process that I use though and know what's a deal and what's not a deal.
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Apr 10, 2011 21:34:18 GMT -5
Gas is cheaper at Sam's Club for me. Last time it was $3.61 and surrounding stations were $3.73 and higher. I used to carry my own but I'm on my brother's now. Its on mom's business one so we get the extra hours too.
Things I always buy: milk ($1/gallon cheaper over grocery store), produce, meat, books/DVDs/magazines/CDs/video games and alcohol in WV or another state where they can sell it (damn MD!). Depending on what I'm doing or what they offer in the past year I have bought tires, some frozen stuff, paper products, clothing items, diapers, wipes or packaged snacks.
I can and do walk in with a list and walk out with only the things on my list. I've gone in there just to get milk and walked in, got it and paid. I'm pretty sure I have access to all three clubs where I am at but I don't pay for my Sams card and they are the closest club to me. I also use it a fair bit when I'm home and there are no BJs or Costcos where I go and I'm not even sure there are any in WV period unless Charleston has one. I know the other major cities do not.
All in all I think it depends on the person. If you can shop with a list and stick with it I think there are savings to be had. If you have no impulse control it may not be for you. I've lived in 4 different areas in my adult life and in every place I've found it to be worthwhile especially where I'm at now. Grocery prices are freaking insane given the amount of competition and volume they are moving.
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Havoc
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Post by Havoc on Apr 10, 2011 21:49:47 GMT -5
I preferred Costco when we lived near one, but we are now in an area that only has a Sam's Club in driving distance (this one doesn't have a gas station), so we are members there. Two adults and three kids so it is worth it to us, and I usually go every 3-4 weeks. The only category we don't buy from Sam's on a regular basis is meat - we can usually do better on pricing from periodic specials from local food stores for that.
The difference b/w Costco and Sam's club, IMO, is that Sam's club seems to be a little more geared towards small businesses, whereas Costco seemed geared more towards families... or at least the one here is.
As far as favorite things - we do like the pizza that you get at Sam's club (the ones baked in-store, NOT the ones they sell for you to cook at home - there is a difference!), but best of all is that they carry Mexican coke*!
*which is Coca Cola made with real sugar instead of the high fructose corn syrup crap that the US stuff is made of...!
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DVM gone riding
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Post by DVM gone riding on Apr 10, 2011 23:55:26 GMT -5
I'm a SINK so its probable not worth it, but I tell people it is part of the "entertainment" budget, there is very little to do in our town and actually the costco is a 45 min drive but it is something to do!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 11, 2011 6:37:38 GMT -5
Having to buy alot of things only once a year (garbage bags, toothbrush, sandwich bags, etc) does help also. But since we are downsizing, room to store this items is also the other issue we have to consider.
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michelyn8
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Post by michelyn8 on Apr 11, 2011 6:49:50 GMT -5
One perk I had with a previous employer was to be added to their Sam's Club membership. This was so I could make purchases for the office but I was allowed to use it for personal purchases and add a family member (I added my son when he was away at college). I don't know how much my son used the benefit, but I only made personal purchases when I went for office supplies. The only things I ever seemed to buy for myself though were toilet paper and paper towels.
I've toyed with getting a personal membership since I left that job 4 years ago, but can't seem to bring myself to do it. I can purchase tp and paper towels at a reaonable cost at a regular Wal-Mart - I don't have the storage space for bulk anymore anyway. Plus, I would be wasting money buying bulk food items since I can purchase 3 small cans of something in Wal-mart and only use one in a month.
As for using the membership for gas discounts - neither Sam's or any of the other stores like Kroger who offer them are convenient to where I live nor on my commute route. I use my GasBuddy ap to find the lowest prices without having to go out of my way to get to it.
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8 Bit WWBG
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Post by 8 Bit WWBG on Apr 11, 2011 14:29:25 GMT -5
I love Costco. I probably eat my membership worth of samples. Plus, I'm an executive member so I get 2% cash back on any costco purchase.
As has been said, it gives me access to goods and services at better prices than I might get elsewhere without having to wait for a sale. Yes, some store sales can be cheaper, but not if I need the item when its not on sale.
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Apr 11, 2011 14:38:39 GMT -5
We have one and it really depends on what you are buying.
Diapers and wipes are WAAAAY cheaper in bulk there than anywhere else. I can get chicken breasts for $1.97 a pound. They only go on sale as low as $1.99 at the supermarkets. I priced out butter and it is cheaper per pound to get it there so that is what I'll be doing after my current supply runs out.
Certain produce is way cheaper but you have to add up if you are going to eat it all. Buying bannanas there makes sense since DH will eat one every day for work. Strawberries in bulk no so much.
We buy TP there. While I can get it cheaper on sale elsewhere DH insists on constantly using a ton of it which means we frequently run out and have to make midnight runs. I'd much rather just get a huge package at Sam's and be done with it.
So far the huge package of TP has lasted us almost two months. ;D
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on Apr 11, 2011 14:46:57 GMT -5
Honestly with just one kid in diapers or on formula you'll probably save money even if you only use your membership for those two things. Our kids are fairly close in age, so we had two in diapers at once. Sam's Club membership was totally worth it. We haven't had one in years though. Partly because we wouldn't use it as much now, and partly because there isn't one close to us anymore.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 11, 2011 15:11:51 GMT -5
Also check out Amazon... they have a new mommy club.... i don't belong... no little ones... but you get free Prime as long as you order so much per ?month/quarter? ... anyway, check it out...
I know i use Amazon subscriptions for non-baby stuff i use... and i like it coming to my house without having to think about it...
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kimber45
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Post by kimber45 on Apr 13, 2011 8:33:16 GMT -5
We have a sam's club membership, but it is 50 miles away. The good thing is DS lives near it so when I need something, I send him a check and a list and tell him to buy what he needs as well. What we save in the cost of tobacco products more than pays for the membership.
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Urban Chicago
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Post by Urban Chicago on Apr 13, 2011 9:37:19 GMT -5
I love Costco too. Great selection, cheap gas, diapers, etc...
It helps that I have a big freezer and a secondary pantry in the basement.
I won't do Sam's, since I hate WalMart.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Apr 13, 2011 10:00:24 GMT -5
So when does it start paying off to have a membership to a big retailer?
I think it totally depends on the people. There are just two of us and our Costco membership does pay off. I keep a price list of the things we most commonly buy. If it isn't on a good sale somewhere else, I know the price is cheaper at Costco. We don't buy perishables, but do buy things that can be frozen or stored. I have a walk in pantry and plenty of storage so that is not an issue.
Right now, they have the best gas prices around here.
The caveat here is that we carry a list when we go in there.
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sheilaincali
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Post by sheilaincali on Apr 13, 2011 10:07:23 GMT -5
We took the plunge and got a Sam's Club membership about a month ago. It was like $49 or something for the year. We go through 2 gallons of milk a week (which is $150 cheaper at Sams) and a gallon of Oj ($1.50 cheaper at Sams). So in a month we have "saved" $18 on just those two items. We "previewed" the store first with a price list from the grocery store and figured out which items were cheaper at Sams and which were a better deal elsewhere. Our dairy products, meat, Special K bars, and DH's v-8 is cheaper there. This weekend I found that weed blocker you put down under your mulch in flower beds was $18.99 for a 4' x 125' roll. At lowe's it was $49 for a 4' x 100' roll. So far it seems to be worth the price of the membership.
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Sam_2.0
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Post by Sam_2.0 on Apr 13, 2011 10:19:30 GMT -5
Honestly for DH and I, it makes no sense to get a membership to these places, at least financially speaking. I can shop around for deals and save a lot more money.
But what I realized the other day when I was shopping at Walmart was that people are not necessarily paying for the discounts. By buying a membership to the store, you are paying for a better shopping experience (at least around here). To me it would be worth the $50/yr to not have to step foot in a Walmart anywhere in this city.
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Sam_2.0
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Post by Sam_2.0 on Apr 13, 2011 10:21:22 GMT -5
Oh, and for anyone interested, Sam's is supposedly doing a deal this weekend where you can go & shop, even if you are not a member, and there are no additional fees. Would be a good way to go in & price it out, and make a couple of purchases if there are things you need.
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skubikky
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Post by skubikky on Apr 13, 2011 10:26:32 GMT -5
My policy is that I don't pay for the privilege of shopping.
I find other ways of paying rock bottom prices for gas and other grocery items. Once in a while I get a two month guest pass to BJ's Wholesale Club. If there is a good deal, which always must include in-store and manuf. coupons, I'll buy it. Otherwise I do better with smaller quantities at my other stores.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Apr 13, 2011 10:48:03 GMT -5
I don't know about the others, but you don't necessarily have to have a Costco membership to shop there. If you have a friend with a membership, you go with them and do your shopping. I'd recommend this as a way to try it out first.
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sil
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Post by sil on Apr 13, 2011 11:07:10 GMT -5
We recently moved, but Sams Club used to be our closest grocery store and the closest gas station to our house, which was awesome. It also was never terribly crowded (I wonder if Walmart may chose to close that store) We have two small kids so we went once a month for diapers/wipes/formula/juice boxes plus a small amount of perishables, and we used the gas station every week.
The only bulk store near our new home is Costco, and the only way I'll join is if we need a new TV or other big ticket item. The entire parking lot is full all day Saturday and Sunday. And I suspect half of the people in the store are sharing memberships - either that, or they find it necessary to bring the entire household of 10 people shopping with them.
Actually, we do need a new mattress, and I loathe the thought of shopping at a mattress store. Has anyone bought a mattress from Costco/Sams Club? I've seen Serta mattresses there, but I need to research the actual model they are selling.
I have heard that you have to watch out when buying expensive items from bulk stores, because even though it may look like you are getting a great deal the bulk stores often sell the lowest-end product for higher end labels.
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kimber45
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Post by kimber45 on Apr 13, 2011 11:45:45 GMT -5
Costco/Sams Club? I've seen Serta mattresses there, but I need to research the actual model they are selling.
We bought one quite a few years ago from Sam's. I think it lasted maybe 10 years. The ones they sell now are better I think, but we got a better deal at the Menards store.
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Urban Chicago
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Post by Urban Chicago on Apr 13, 2011 11:50:57 GMT -5
I bought the Memory foam mattress from Costco, I love it and have no complaints.
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sil
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Post by sil on Apr 13, 2011 12:03:49 GMT -5
Thanks Kimber and Urban Chicago. I'll do a bit more research, but Im glad you both had good experiences.
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azphx1972
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Post by azphx1972 on Apr 13, 2011 13:08:00 GMT -5
I bought the Memory foam mattress from Costco, I love it and have no complaints. Ditto.
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sesfw
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Post by sesfw on Apr 13, 2011 15:02:36 GMT -5
'you can go & shop, even if you are not a member'
I don't like Wal-Mart but I did try this with Sam's Club once .... and when I got there it was cash only. It's just the two of us but I love Costco. We have the $100 membership with AmEx and at the end of the year receive more than the $100 back.
It's worth it to us. Love Costco's roasted chicken.
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8 Bit WWBG
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Post by 8 Bit WWBG on Apr 13, 2011 15:07:01 GMT -5
Occasionally costco also has a really good deal on a luxury product that is not available to others. A friend took advantage of the "Little Giant" ladder deal, and paid $379 for what sells elsewhere at $450.
I bought my Vita-Mix blender there. It would have cost me at least $50 more anywhere else.
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Post by illinicheme on Apr 13, 2011 15:07:21 GMT -5
Love Costco's roasted chicken. The Costco roasted chickens are remarkably delicious. Probably injected with MSG or something.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2011 15:28:10 GMT -5
My mom had a costco and gave me her extra card. It was worth it for the gas (and milk). When I got to buffalo, NY my fiance and I printed out the two week pass to BJs and took a look. The gas was the same price as other gas stations, the milk only a few cents cheaper. Without the gas discount it was not worth it to me.
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thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on Apr 13, 2011 15:47:50 GMT -5
I have a love-hate relationship with Costco. I feel that it costs a lot of people a lot of money. My example goes something like this:
Family of 4 buys a costco membership. Now they have shelled out 50 bucks, so they feel they need to use it. They go to the store and buy huge quantities of food and sundries. They get home and find they have no where to store the mass quantities of food they purchase, so they buy a bigger house. They also buy an extra refridgerator, which costs $200/year to run - but hey, they saved 50 cents on chicken! Because they are now surrounded by large boxes and bags of food, and at such a high quantity, they ratchet up the portions they consume, without noticing it. They still eat a bag of potato chips - but now the bag is 3x the size of their old bag. They keep going to Costco (after all, they are hooked now) but their puchases and their fat butts no longer fit in the car, so they buy a huge suburban.
That $50 membership cost them $100k for a bigger house, $50k for a bigger vehicle, god only knows how much in health costs (and diet plans), whatever the new fridge cost, the electricty for a new fridge, etc. But, they paid slightly less for paper towels! What a bargain!
That said, I have a Costco membership. We look like idiots when we go in there. We buy a case of wine, a pack of meat and 2 pounds of vegetables. In case you have noticed, Costco does not have a 15 items or less line. Their carts are huge. And meanwhile, we have 3 items in our cart. I do like the quality of the meat. The wine is good price and I believe we "save" $50 per year by buying wine there - so we break even on booze (good thing we are drunks!) We also get our money's worth when we have parties. We have 3 "large" parties a year - Superbowl, Cinco De Mayo and Christmas Eve. It is usually about 20-25 people each time. But there is a lot of food and drink going down at those three and I believe we spend less buying everything at Costco for that.
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Sum Dum Gai
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Post by Sum Dum Gai on Apr 13, 2011 15:52:36 GMT -5
LOL Thyme!
Wait, you mean the 5 lb container of gold fish crackers isn't supposed to be a single serving??? Damn.
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thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on Apr 13, 2011 15:57:34 GMT -5
I'm so guilty of that type of thing. The potato chip example is a real life moment for me. But the rest of it I have avoided.
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