Costco or Sam's Club?

I go with Sam's Club only because you have the option to set the length of you shopping pass. I don't really know much about costco because Sam's usually has better deals. and they also always have people giving out samples of the food.

Costco by a mile. When I first moved here from CA, I was so disappointed bc there was no Costco, and I had to go to Sam's. I was so delighted when Costco moved here, (just for me of course), two years later. Their meat products are much better quality than SAM's. They only offer USDA Choice, not USDA Select (which of course is the lower grade of meat). We've never had a bad steak from there. Their house brand, Kirkland, offers more for your money at exactly the same if not better quality than the national leading brand. I don't care for their laudry detergent, but that may be bc I'm so partial to my national brand. I don't agree on the dual membership, its just a waste of money. And in this economy why waste just that extra $50. Also, since Costco only accepts AMEX, it does not encourange you to put more on your credit cards. You should only spend what you are able to pay for that day.

But I think the overall savings that a warehouse club offers is not that significant. I'm addicted to them, but looking back, for a small family of 4, we really don't need that much stuff. I waste more in paper towel, bc I know I have a million rolls in my garage. I don't mind disposing of left overs that much, bc I need to make room for more meat in my freezer. Its actually a really wasteful way of living, but I am so accustomed to it, it will be really hard to break the habit. So, make sure that you really do need what the warehouse locations offer b4 you even go into them. Like I said, the savings on the everyday stuff is not that significant. In fact, reports have shown that we end up paying more, bc we waste more.

If you don;t need it, don't get into it.

Hi K.,

I just recently switched from Sam's to Costco as my husband is able to get Costco membership free through work. Until recently I had never stepped foot into Costco. It took a little getting used to but to me, it's pretty comparable. I will say, though that the Kirkland's brand that is exclusive to Costco rates extremely high with "Consumer Reports". I have tried their laundry detergent as I always used "ALL" at Sam's and Costco does not carry it. It did just as good a job.
Also, I just found out the other day that Costco does not carry "Ore Ida" french fries! Did not realize that they do not carry any frozen fries except these red potato things. Anyway, there are a few differences but to me I think they are pretty comparable and worth it to switch if we're getting membership for free!
Have a great week!

I personally agree more with Costco's employment practices. We were in Oregon until a year ago. There is one Sam's Club in the whole state, and only 3 Wal-Marts that I know of. Most everyone goes to Costco there kind of by default. When I first started going there I talked with the employees at the sample counters and learned that some of them had looked at Sam's but much preferred Costco's options. Also I know people from college that work for the Walton group and none of them are happy with their jobs/pay/benefits.
I know many who are satisfied customers at Sam's but as a result of what I wrote above, I give my business to Costco.

hth
K., mama to
Catherine, 4y
Samuel, 15m

Hi K. H.,
Welcome to Rosharon. To be honest, I have both Costco and Sam's and you are right. They are about the same. I usually do EVERYTHING at Walmart...I need convenience with two children, full time job, homeschooling and a wife!!! But back to your question, most other people I know use SAM'S CLUB.

I personally prefer Costco and they are known for having great prices. In fact Costco was in the news quite a bit for having the lowest prices on prescription medications. They have the smallest markup on prescription medications. I find that I can get diapers much cheaper through Amazon.com then I can at either of these clubs but I love Costco's business practices and their selection of items and the pricing.

By the way, check out Amazon.com for diapers and do the subscription option. You get an additional 15% off (you can set up delivery for how often you want - even every 3 or 6 months) and they ship for free with NO sales tax. You can't beat those prices.

-M.

The best way I can put it is Costco & Sam's are like Target & Walmart. Pretty much the same thing but better quality at Costco. I love Costco.

I personally like Costco's product choices better than Sam's, but we let our membership lapse because we didn't feel we were saving enough money with how much we purchased from them.

I do have a Sam's membership but it is free through my Dad. I buy diapers there Sam's has Pampers, Costco only carries Huggies and their brand. Also Sam's is much closer to me than Costco.

If gas was cheaper and membership free...Costco would be my choice! I hope that made sense...{{{hugs}}}

We have memberships to both clubs. Guess it depends on what you're looking for. We find that Costco's prices are a bit higher generally speaking, but it is closer for us than Sams. We like Costco's diaper wipes & they had our brand of formula (when we had to use it), but Sams carries the diapers we use & we get odds & ends there as well (all meat too). Our membership pays for itself at both places with the amount of money we spend. It all depends on what you're looking to buy. I think that Costco's products may be a little higher in quality, but it is probably just the same at both places. We also enjoy the luxury of the cheaper gas at Sams (where pumps are available) & can use our credit card & I think you have to be a member to get the discount. Costco's fuel can only be paid w/ certain credit cards or a debit card. It doesn't take our credit card, so we use Sams for that reason. I don't think you have to have a membership at Costco for their fuel. You do have to be a member to purchase something at either store. Hope this helps!

I have had them both, I use the Costco exclusively. Their house brand is inexpensive and is also a known brand, i.e. their juice boxes are Hansens. It really saves us money, which is great since we became a single income family.

COSTCO!!!!! No doubt, much higher quality than Sam's. Doesn't hurt that their business practices also reflect their committment to their employees. Love the Kirkland brand, can't go wrong with their frozen stir fry, easy and healthy dinner with a little meat thrown in. If you are a wine drinker, they have the best prices around. Love Costco!