Sams Club or Costco?

[Bwana]

I have been a member of Costco for years and we just got a Sams Club. For those of you who have had dealings with both, any difference? If you had one membership, which would it be?

[FD]

They are right across the street from one another in Austin, and when I was looking to join I walked around both. A few items stood out as being cheaper at Sam's, and Sam's had a lower membership fee plus you can use whatever credit card you want there. The choice for Sam's was easy.

[Bwana]

They are right across the street from one another in Austin, and when I was looking to join I walked around both. A few items stood out as being cheaper at Sam's, and Sam's had a lower membership fee plus you can use whatever credit card you want there. The choice for Sam's was easy.

I agree regarding the credit card issue. Costco is a pain in the ass, only taking Discover.

[Braincase]

Costco. Sams is part of the Walmart Empire, and they're just evil. Sams gives their employees few benefits, whereas Costco gives their employees full-time bennies even if they work part-time. The Walton kids have enogh damn money, and their charity support is abyssmal. Less than 1%, compared to Bill Gates >30%. I won't shop at Walmart or Sams. Costco is pretty good, and they've got the products I need.

[memyselfI]

Costco is the place to purchase electronics. They give you an extra year of warranty for no additional cost. That is a nice perk. Both of them are across the street from each other in Lenexa so we do both.

Costco is to Target what Sams is to Walmart. You pay a bit more for the same thing just to avoid going into a Walmart/Sams.

[rageeumr]

I had a Costco membership briefly and a good friend had a Sam's membership. This was a few years back. At the time I thought Costco seemed to have more of the items that I was interested in, not just industrial size barrels of mayonnaise. But with just my wife and I, we didn't use it enough and I dropped the membership.

When I've been in Costco recently, I've been underwhelmed. The selection of goods seems to have worsened.

[Bwana]

One thing I have noticed about Costco, is the fact it their inventory is a crap shoot. I will go in and buy something, return to buy it again and they no longer stock it. Is Sams the same way, or is there more consistency with their inventory?

[The Franchise]

I have a membership at Sams and my parents have a membership at Costco. So if they need something that Costco doesn't have or Sams has it cheaper....I'll get it for them. Same goes for me. I bought my TV at Costco though because of the extra year warranty.

[Demonpenz]

Sack and Save seems like a good deal in st joe. 1001 lake street. 4 chili dogs for a dollar

[Bugeater]

One thing I have noticed about Costco, is the fact it their inventory is a crap shoot. I will go in and buy something, return to buy it again and they no longer stock it. Is Sams the same way, or is there more consistency with their inventory?
It seemed that way with the electronics, tools, and clothing, I think that all depended on what they could get a good deal on. The food seemed to be more consistent.

[DaKCMan AP]

From my experiences, Sams is like walmart and Costco is like Target. The customer base seems to generally match this comparison as well.

[Frazod]

Costco. Seems like it's a bit classier. Plus, they take American Express.

[HemiEd]

We do both, they each have their strengths and weaknesses. The Mrs. likes Costco better because it is cleaner, better lit, and better merchandised. It also has a more consistent selection of products.
Sams has some better products in certain areas, and better pricing on occasion.

[suds79]

We don't have a Costco in Lincoln NE but I assume it's like Sams.

I hate how they charge for memberships. In todays economy? Really?

We got ours as a gift but when it's up, it's up. I mean it's just my wife and I. Why do I need to buy a gallon jug of mayonnaise?

[Frazod]

We don't have a Costco in Lincoln NE but I assume it's like Sams.

I hate how they charge for memberships. In todays economy? Really?

We got ours as a gift but when it's up, it's up. I mean it's just my wife and I. Why do I need to buy a gallon jug of mayonnaise?

I more than make up for that membership cost in what I save in chicken alone.

[suds79]

I more than make up for that membership cost in what I save in chicken alone.

Well I'm glad it's working for somebody.

Question though. How many in your household are you shopping for?

Seems to me to be a store for large families primarily. Just my opinion.

[The Franchise]

Well I'm glad it's working for somebody.

Question though. How many in your household are you shopping for?

Seems to me to be a store for large families primarily. Just my opinion.

It works for my family. It's myself, my wife and my step-daughter. We save more a ton of money on drinks and pull-ups for the kiddo.

[Mile High Mania]

We've had memberships to both, but dropped Sams a few years ago because Costco appears to be the better value and offers more of what we wanted to buy.

[Bwana]

I more than make up for that membership cost in what I save in chicken alone.

One thing about Costco is, they have damn fine quality beef, but are also very proud of it. You must eat a shit load of chicken? I know I have cut way down on the beef and have been eating a lot more lean chicken myself.

[Mile High Mania]

From my experiences, Sams is like walmart and Costco is like Target. The customer base seems to generally match this comparison as well.

Well, if you're a faithful fan of Wal-Mart, you're likely going to be a Sams person too. I have a family of 5 and with the way my kids are starting to eat... we're spending a ton at Costco each month, and the membership is definitely worth it.

[DaKCMan AP]

Well I'm glad it's working for somebody.

Question though. How many in your household are you shopping for?

Seems to me to be a store for large families primarily. Just my opinion.

I'm 1 person in my apartment and I shop at Costco. I buy their organic spring mix, edamame, hummus, bottled water, smoked salmon and wine among other things. Costco has a pretty good wine selection outside of places like Total Wine.

I also fill up my car mostly at Costco whose fuel price is generally $0.03 per gallon less than anywhere else around here.

[Frazod]

Well I'm glad it's working for somebody.

Question though. How many in your household are you shopping for?

Seems to me to be a store for large families primarily. Just my opinion.

Just two. Granted, many of the items are just too big, but others are fairly normal-sized containers sold in pairs, like ketchup. We can use one and keep the other in the basement, and not need to buy ketchup again for three years. It's not like it's going to go bad or anything. We always buy toilet paper, paper towels and things like that there. It does save you money over time.

As for the chicken, that's one of the main reasons we go - they sell big bags of individually-wrapped Perdue breasts that will last us a about a month, and costs the same as two packs of Perdue breasts at the local grocery store. That's a no-brainer.

[vailpass]

Costco. Sams is part of the Walmart Empire, and they're just evil. Sams gives their employees few benefits, whereas Costco gives their employees full-time bennies even if they work part-time. The Walton kids have enogh damn money, and their charity support is abyssmal. Less than 1%, compared to Bill Gates >30%. I won't shop at Walmart or Sams. Costco is pretty good, and they've got the products I need.

Who cares? Sam's has better deals, accepts major cards and offers a wider variety of revolving products.
It's business, not a love-in.

[Bugeater]

One other thing about Sam's, or at least the one by us, is that going there on a weekend is like going into combat. It's crowded, people are unusually rude and the checkout lines are long and slow. It was generally a two hour ordeal to get in and out of there.

[Frazod]

One other thing about Sam's, or at least the one by us, is that going there on a weekend is like going into combat. It's crowded, people are unusually rude and the checkout lines are long and slow. It was generally a two hour ordeal to get in and out of there.

The local Costco's like that, too. We go on a weeknight.

[Bugeater]

The local Costco's like that, too. We go on a weeknight.
Yeah the weeknights weren't as bad as far as the crowds, but I'd still run into the long lines at checkout, they never seemed to have enough lanes open.

[The Franchise]

One other thing about Sam's, or at least the one by us, is that going there on a weekend is like going into combat. It's crowded, people are unusually rude and the checkout lines are long and slow. It was generally a two hour ordeal to get in and out of there.

Around here the checkout lines are long and slow every night. It never fails that when I go in to buy something.....they only have 2 registers open for the entire store.

[Frazod]

Yeah the weeknights weren't as bad as far as the crowds, but I'd still run into the long lines at checkout, they never seemed to have enough lanes open.

We generally go on Monday night, the place is nearly empty. It's great.

I hate people. :grr:

[Ecto-I]

I only shop for one person and I buy 90% of my groceries / stuff at Costco. I'm unique though in that I don't need a lot of dietary variety, so I eat the same stuff over and over thus finishing the massive quantities of stuff.

[Sandyskc]

We shop at both places. (It helps that they are close together here). There are some things I buy at Sams (frozen fish, chicken, pre-cooked bacon) and things I get at Costco (paper products, laundry soap). If I had to travel very far I would stick to just one. I don't see much difference.

[Infidel Goat]

I'd say that the results are about what I expected.

Costco > > > Sam's

[Sure-Oz]

Costco FTW

Weekends are crazy there though

[Inspector]

Where were these places when I needed them?

We raised 5 boys and shopped at Milgrams.

[kindra68]

One other thing about Sam's, or at least the one by us, is that going there on a weekend is like going into combat. It's crowded, people are unusually rude and the checkout lines are long and slow. It was generally a two hour ordeal to get in and out of there.
We have front-end people that run around scanning peoples items in their carts. When you get up the register you just hand your card to the person and they scan it and tell you your total. You pay and leave. No taking everything out, putting it on the conveyer belt, scanning it, and putting it back into the cart. Makes it a bit easier.
(Sam's Club)

[pkane]

I agree regarding the credit card issue. Costco is a pain in the ass, only taking Discover.

The Costco I go to takes Visa, Mastercard, AmExpress, checks. The Sams club I go to doesn't accept AmX. I prefer Costco myself.

[Kerberos]

They are right across the street from one another in Austin, and when I was looking to join I walked around both. A few items stood out as being cheaper at Sam's, and Sam's had a lower membership fee plus you can use whatever credit card you want there. The choice for Sam's was easy.

I call :BS:

Sams Clubs here in Topeka and in Salina ONLY take MasterCard. NO VISA.

They will take Visa Debit cards .... Not Visa Credit Cards. :cuss:


I had a cart full of stuff I couldn't pay for in Topeka and I had to RUN next door to the Super Center and buy and Gawdamed Walmart/Sams Gift card (paying for with VISA) and run back next door and pay.

WTF is the difference.... These places should be taking EVERY form of payment they can get IMO. :banghead:




BTW Bwana... I have been to Costco and Sams out in Henderson, NV while visiting the parental units and Costco has MUCH better selection of meat and better cuts ta boot IMHO. Cost for memebership is higher but buying the amount of meats in BULK cryovac that I do it would pay for itself in the long run.

[Saccopoo]

I've got memberships to both. Sams typically has a larger variety of goods at any given time and generally seems to have a little lower prices on most of the shared/similar items. Costco carries certain food items that I like to purchase. Costco is pretty proud of their meat and seafood in terms of cost. It's cheaper and better to look around your area for some hobby farms that are producing organic, natural meats and buy a whole hog or steer (split it with neighbors/family). As long as you are cryovacing, you might as well get decent meat to start with.

In terms of a perceived social environment, if you think that going to one or the other gives you a leg up in terms of your social standing in your community, you've got some serious insecurity problems. They are both a big warehouse selling gallon jugs of mayonnaise. It's not like you are applying to the country club.

[ClevelandBronco]

Costco. Better meat.

[Dallas Chief]

I agree regarding the credit card issue. Costco is a pain in the ass, only taking Discover.

Costco only takes AMEX and debit cards. Sam's Club takes Discover, Matercard, and debit cards. Just FYI...

[Pushead2]

Costco. Better meat.

thats what she said

[Bwana]

Well, I just went down to the new Sams and got a day pass to check it out. I loaded up on a few things. They had a hell of a deal on rib steak, so I bought 11 pounds. I will be taking that to Belize with me to trade for some fishing trips. There is a local guide down there that told me last year, "If you bring me 10 pounds of steak, I will take you out on as many fishing trips as you want next year for free." At $400.00 per day, I said, you got it partner.

I picked up 11 pounds of steaks for $35.00. Now all I have to do is make the permit happen. That's $25 and I have to have that on hand to get the meat into Belize. After working on that for about 2 months, it should be in hand next week. If not, I have a back up plan. :)

[Bwana]

Costco only takes AMEX and debit cards. Sam's Club takes Discover, Matercard, and debit cards. Just FYI...

Yeah, I was a little taken back that they didn't take VISA...WTF? I ended up stroking out a check.

[BWillie]

Costco. Sams is part of the Walmart Empire, and they're just evil. Sams gives their employees few benefits, whereas Costco gives their employees full-time bennies even if they work part-time. The Walton kids have enogh damn money, and their charity support is abyssmal. Less than 1%, compared to Bill Gates >30%. I won't shop at Walmart or Sams. Costco is pretty good, and they've got the products I need.

LOL

I worked for Sam's Club thru college. They treated their employees better than any company I've ever worked for. As far as benefits go, well you know that going in. Nobody forces you to work there.

[Alton deFlat]

The one thing that I've always found odd, was the hours.... at least at the Costco in O.P. Why close at 6:00 PM on Saturday?

[Stewie]

I've belonged to both and belong to neither now. I would give Costco the edge on the quality of their products.

[Bugeater]

We have front-end people that run around scanning peoples items in their carts. When you get up the register you just hand your card to the person and they scan it and tell you your total. You pay and leave. No taking everything out, putting it on the conveyer belt, scanning it, and putting it back into the cart. Makes it a bit easier.
(Sam's Club)
Now that you mention it I seem to recall them starting to do that towards the end of my last membership there, it's been a few years.

[Pablo]

Sack and Save seems like a good deal in st joe. 1001 lake street. 4 chili dogs for a dollarUm, you need to get with the times fo real Demon.

I went to Sack and Save just a week ago and got 6 chili dogs with onions and cheese. $4.79

3 chili dogs for $1.50 now.

[BigMeatballDave]

I voted Sams. Mainly because there is no Costco in my immediate area.

[Kerberos]

The one thing that I've always found odd, was the hours.... at least at the Costco in O.P. Why close at 6:00 PM on Saturday?

If they are like Sams Club then the BULK of their business is from eating establishments and anyone in the food service industry or vending. They shop EARLY and during the day.

I am willing to bet the average Saturday night wouldn't be real busy and isn't worth the few customers. I'm sure they did a cost analysis and found this accurate for most stores.

Just a guess.

[DaFace]

OK, here's a modification of the question. I have a Sams Club within about a quarter of a mile of my place. Costco is more like a 15 minute drive to get there. Do I:

1. Drive the distance - Costco is worth it.
2. Go to Sams Club. It's not the best, but Costco isn't THAT much better.
3. Don't go to either.

[Titty Meat]

We have a membership to Sam's Club but Costco is better.

[KCChiefsMan]

Costco hands down.

They treat their employees well. Their CEO only makes about double what he pays his highest paid managers. They give good benefits. I like supporting companies who treat their employees well.

Wal-mart/Sams Club treat their people like they are the scum of the earth. Avoid wal-mart at all costs IMO

[Iowanian]

great timing for this thread!

I'm kicking around a corporate costco membership, maybe this weekend.

Sams is in the ghetto, Costco is 20 minutes closer and closer to other places I want to be.

I haven't done alot of homework, but it sounds like Costco is much better for office supplies, electronics, ink and the like.

[Bugeater]

OK, here's a modification of the question. I have a Sams Club within about a quarter of a mile of my place. Costco is more like a 15 minute drive to get there. Do I:

1. Drive the distance - Costco is worth it.
2. Go to Sams Club. It's not the best, but Costco isn't THAT much better.
3. Don't go to either.
I had a Sam's membership for 3 or 4 years, and while I may have saved enough over time to pay for it, the place just isn't worth the hassle. I haven't missed it one bit, it's not like I ever got a spectacular earthshaking deal on anything there.

Unless Costco is markedly better I wouldn't waste my time with them either. Those places may be great for certain business owners or people with large families, but IMO there's really not much to gain for the average person.

[bevischief]

Sam's is like Walmart, Costco is like Target thread over.

[PornChief]

I'm not sure what you people are talking about but sounds like some kind of supermarket that charges you membership to shop there for some kind of discount. Never seen the like.

[Bwana]

I'm not sure what you people are talking about but sounds like some kind of supermarket that charges you membership to shop there for some kind of discount. Never seen the like.

I was going to ask if you live in a cave, but then I noticed you're in Australia. :D

[Simply Red]

Costco. Seems like it's a bit classier. Plus, they take American Express.

I concur. Sam's has slightly smaller portioned items vs. Costco.

[DaFace]

I had a Sam's membership for 3 or 4 years, and while I may have saved enough over time to pay for it, the place just isn't worth the hassle. I haven't missed it one bit, it's not like I ever got a spectacular earthshaking deal on anything there.

Unless Costco is markedly better I wouldn't waste my time with them either. Those places may be great for certain business owners or people with large families, but IMO there's really not much to gain for the average person.

Cool, thanks.

[BigMeatballDave]

Sam's is like Walmart, Costco is like Target thread over.Not really. I shop Walmart and Sams. Sams has higher quality items you won't find in Walmart.

[Phobia]

I dumped my Sams membership about 10 years ago for Costco. Haven't looked back once.

[Phobia]

OK, here's a modification of the question. I have a Sams Club within about a quarter of a mile of my place. Costco is more like a 15 minute drive to get there. Do I:

1. Drive the distance - Costco is worth it.
2. Go to Sams Club. It's not the best, but Costco isn't THAT much better.
3. Don't go to either.

It ain't like you'll need to go every day. Just drop by Costco when you're in the area.

[SLAG]

The Mrs. Uncle has both- so he just takes us

We like costco better overall but sams has the more consistent inventory and the laundry soap we use - and we need the BIG one of that