Do you shop at large warehouse stores like Costco and Sam's Club? Do you have any tips for getting the most out of your warehouse store membership?
Get a co-op group together. Even if it is just one person. Splitting things is a lot more thrifty. Also, it is best if you know your prices. Wholesale is not always cheaper. (01/18/2006)
By Cheri
Go with a list and stick to it RIGIDLY! If you don't, odds on you'll end up spending more money than you want. Also, check the per ounce or per unit price. Sometimes you are getting a "steal of a deal" but other times you are overpaying for an item you could find cheaper at your favorite grocery store. Also, don't forget that you are paying a fee for the privilege of shopping there - add that amount into your total cost as well, even if the yearly fee is only $35 (like here). (01/19/2006)
By Sara C
Know your prices of things you buy at other stores first. If you use coupons at other stores, Sam's isn't always cheaper. Among the things I don't buy at Sam's; Tide, toilet paper, paper towels, some canned goods, foam plates-- with coupons stores are cheaper.
Things I buy at Sam's club; Downey, Clorox 2, Cascade, Cat food, Planters nuts,Hershey's syrup, spices, bakery muffins, cheese, Uncle Ben's rice, Sweet & Low, Ziploc bags, most frozen food,everyday silverware (36 in container), everyday or work jeans, batteries, salsa and nacho chips.
I also keep all my sales slips in my purse, even from years ago, looking over these helps me make a list and to check prices of things that have gone up in price. Sam's really saves me money, but you must have a list and only plan on a few necessities extra.
GOOD LUCK (01/19/2006)
By chml
If the only thing I bought at my wholesale club was 1 gallon of milk a week, I would still be saving $.40 on each gallon even if I figured in the cost of my membership onto that gallon of milk. All other savings I had over the year would be "gravy". Some prices fluctuate quite a bit so it is good to have an "eye" for the best unit price, or keep a book of those for reference on staples and weekly purchases.
By leslie
BJ's Wholesale has a website that has coupons on it that you can print out. They are member only coupons but sometimes they have coupons to save on your entire order or just regular items. They accept other coupons as well, which can really save you money. But of course as always with the warehouse stores know your prices of items so you know if you are getting a deal or not. (01/20/2006)
By B
I buy my meats at my local wholesale club (Sams). I can buy a six lb tray of 90% lean hamburger for about $1.99 a lb. This is cheaper than my local stores. I bring home the tray, and then cut it into six 1 lb chunks, then freezer wrap them and store them. Sometimes I make 1/2 lb chunks instead, and then use them for things like tacos which don't require as much meat.
By Jessica
I love Sam's and Costco. I have memberships at both! I buy everything there. Milk, birthday cakes, wines, meats, veggie burgers, french fries, canned chicken, canned tuna, frozen veggies, orange juice, butter, toilet paper, paper towels, bath bar soap, liquid soap, aspirin, cashews, you name it. It's also a nice, cheap place to take the family out to dinner, LOL. You can't beat the dog/pop for next to nothing! We have two houses, one up north, so I just split everything and have both homes stocked.
I also purchase socks, capris, jeans, shirts, books, whatever I need. I don't like to shop so stocking up once a month suits me just fine!! My time is worth more than coupon clipping and running all over town with gas $3/gallon to save a dime.
(04/21/2006)
I loved going to Sam's, Costco, and BJ's. We've never had a problem with anyone being rude. We found the prices at BJ's to be a little better, and as one writer said if all we did was get milk it would have been worth the membership. May I make a suggestion to the readers who had people be rude to you at your different Sam's? Call those warehouses and ask for the corporate offices phone number and address. Either write or call and complain to the corporate office. Tell them the problem, most company's do not want to lose customers and will generally do whatever to make a customer happy. We have complained before to corporate offices of different companies and it always works. (04/22/2006)
By Becky
I worked at a Sam's Club for fourteen years. It's been five years since I left. I used to buy quite a bit when I worked there (no membership fee for me) and I used to think I would always shop there. Since I dont work there anymore, it is amazing to me how much I don't need to shop there anymore. I save more money by shopping at Aldi's and following sales. My mom has a membership so when she goes I have her get me the Eggo waffles, my husbands razors, and other things that I KNOW are the best price.
By Cindy
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