Costco, BJ's, Sam's Club - Which One?

[cabinetman]

We're going to join one of these, and can't decide. Any advice or tips?
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[rjwaldren]

I bought a membership with Sam's Club just to pick up a TV around Christmas, but can't say that we've used it for anything else. That's the second time in eight years that I've done this. They were big ticket items and the deal that they had + membership cost was still substantial enough to make them the winner.

For normal week to week purchases I've found that Costco tends to have better products/prices/policies as well a good deals through their member benefits programs (Auto purchases, etc). I know nothing of BJ's.

[Woody]

Costco

I've had memberships to both Sam's and Costco. Costco is by far better. Whatever one you choose make sure that it is convienant for you. That's also why we like Costco because I drive by it to & from work everyday. They have great steaks too. I don't know much about BJ's.

[southernbob]

BJ's membership

I think BJ's will give you a couple months (2-3 ?) trial membership (no cost), I don't know about the others. Every once in while I get one in the mail, but I think you can just visit and ask for a 'trial membership'. I do not belong to any of them so can't give any recommendations.

[Ed62]

We belonged to Costco, and our subscription just ran out. We'll probably renew, but not until we're ready to buy something. They have an excellent return policy.

One of our kids belongs to Sam's Club, and we've been there too. I think Costco is the better of the two, although you really have to know what things sell for at normal retail stores before you make purchases. I've seen prices that weren't really all that good when compared to other retail stores, but for the most part, prices are better. Never heard of BJ's.

Ed

[Copper]

FWIW, I hear that Costco treats their employees a lot better, more vacation, better benefits, etc. They're building a Costco near us which will open in another couple of weeks. Now both Sam's and Costco will each be about 2 miles from our house (in opposite directions). We're planning on dropping our Sam's membership and going with Costco. My parents have memberships to both, but they tend to prefer Costco. They've told me their meat selection is better and you can get other "deli"-type items like rotisserie chicken that you can't get at Sam's.

[cgallery]

FWIW, I hear that Costco treats their employees a lot better, more vacation, better benefits, etc.

I think this is an important consideration. All other things being equal or close to equal, I try to frequent places that treat their employees better.

[elderfrost]

I recommend Costco. Often Costco supplies longer warrantees than the manufacturer; such as one year for TVs. Additionally, I have had excellent experience with warrantee service on products supplied exclusively for Costco. The manufacturers seem to respond better, often providing free replacements for parts when the product is out of warrantee.

[JR]

I got my BT3K at Costco. Need I say more?

(Actually, I guess I should say more. Their tool selection is now minimal by comparison to a few years ago.)

JR

[Tom Slick]

I don't care for anything Walmart and we don't have BJ's around here. So that leaves Costco and I really like Costco. One benefit of Costco is their store brand (Kirkland) is usually premium quality instead of just economy.

[Joe Lyddon]

Do they sell Wine (5 liter boxes) at Costco? If so, price?

It's been years since we were members... At that time it was $45/yr... didn't think it was worth it... might be now... (??)

[footprintsinconc]

i have costco. we like it there. just have to watch what you buy there, becuase they may not always have the lowest price. like any other business, they get you in for one thing and you want out with a lot -- notice they dont have any express lanes for checkout (at times i wish they had one).

just recently, a friend of mine did a mystery shop for sam's and got me a free membership there. so i have been buying my gas from there since i get 5% back on my gas card, that i can use at sam's but not at costco (they only take american express both inside and at the gas pump for credit cards).

[JR]

Do they sell Wine (5 liter boxes) at Costco? If so, price?(??)

They do sell wine at Costco. Most stores have an excellent selection of wines from around the world. Prices are very good.

I don't know about the five liter box, though. It might be on a different aisle from where I look.

JR

[shoottx]

We have had them all. We greatly prefer COSTCO. The only dislike I have is the only credit card they take is AMEX.

They are consistant on what the stock, didn't find that at Sams. One of the reasons we use COSTCO is we have found the meat and produce to be of a higher quality. The LOML buys for meat on sale, usually in bulk quantities, cuts it up and shrink wraps it. With only two of us it creates the real value for this kind of purchase.

[maxparot]

I've been a member of each and if I had a BJ's near me that is where I'd be a member.
The reason is simple out of the 3 Bj's is the only one that take coupons.
If you are buying a multi pak with 3,4 or more counts they will accept 3,4 or more coupons for it.