The Great Debate: Costco vs. Sam's Club

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Comment by Courtney Bright on June 26, 2009 at 12:28pm

I know a few Costco followers but have been a Sams member myself. They seemed to have the best prices on the items I buy. I think a lot of it depends on just that. It is a good idea to go in and have a look for yourself and see which one would be best for you. I know Sams will let you get a guest pass at the door.

I have used both the Sams and Costco diapers and really liked both of them. Sams used to have the cheapest price on the diapers but now they are similiarly priced. The only thing is to be ready to spend a decent amount whenever you go. The price per unit is cheaper but you are still buying in bulk so it's quite a hefty receipt when you check out. Also they have lots of "good deals" so you have to have the discipline to only get what you need, otherwise you end up with a bulk supply of something you rarely use.

I do like the produce selection at Sams. We love thier grapes. Thier food seems to last awhile. And, you can get another card on the same membership. We pay one price for my husband and I to both have our own cards.

Comment by Jackie on July 25, 2008 at 4:12pm

Funny. My sister and I were just trying to figure out which one to join last week. I ended up getting the Costco membership and she got the membership to Sam's Club. We figured we can try both and then cancel one of the memberships after a year. Does anyone know if they allow you to share a membership with family?

I really like being a member so far. I hosted a baby shower last week and was able to get a bouquet of 24 roses for $9.99 to make centerpieces. I just have to learn how to stay away from the cheap and tasty items they sell at the foodcourt on the way out!

Comment by Karen Bennett on July 22, 2008 at 12:48pm

I would say when choosing between Sam's and Costco, determine what you're looking for in a warehouse and find out which of the two provides those features. For instance, I regret switching from Sam's to Costco in that Costco (last I checked) does not convert 8 mm tapes into DVD's, whereas Sam's did it for $20, which was the cheapest I could find anywhere. I just wrongly assumed that Costco would do the service and for a comparable price.

A good way to choose between the two, or just to get a general feel for these stores would be to tag along with someone who already has a membership. Thanks for the helpful comparison info and the link!