Thinking of Joining Sam's Club

[daleswife]

Is it worth it? We are a family of 4 and we were there this past weekend and it seems like it would be worth it for my family to join to get food and stuff we use a lot of. Anyone have anything to say about it????

 

[CowboyCO]

I can save you money, but you have to watch it and compare to sale prices at your local grocery store. For example, we almost never buy canned goods at Sam's because we usually find a lower price (eventually) on sale at Safeway or King Soopers and we stock up then. Cereal is not cheaper, either. The other thing to look at is whether you would use the quantity they are selling in a timely manner. I use foil a lot in cooking, so the 2500 square feet of foil at Sam's for $15 gets used up in 6 months or so. Wax paper? Not so much -- it would take me years to use that much. We buy dairy, juice, frozen foods, OTC drugs, paper products, and household items at Sam's. We always look for tires there also, but their inventory changes and they don't always have what I need.

When the kids were little, we always bought diapers and wipes there. You just have to be a smart shopper to make it worth it.

 

[daleswife]

The grocery store thing is what i do now with walmart. However, it is at least an hour to our nearest walmart and grocery store. and sams is usually right there...

 

[paladin]

We have found it to be worth it for a few things - coffee, bottled water, bar soap, lotion, energy bars, bags of candy (my DH takes these into the office for the communal candy bar - no way would I keep it at home; too much temptation ), string cheese. These are the ones that we get most frequently.

Some of the things are a major difference (the string cheese is half the price of my grocery store).

We have found it to certainly be worth the yearly cost.

 

[Dancemom03]

Sam's pharmacy is considerably cheaper than walmart, which I find ironic b/c they're the same company. WM wouldn't meet Sam's pharmacy prices either but would match anybody else.
If you have prescriptions that cost you more than a low co-pay, that might be an unexpected savings there. DH has ordered eyeglasses at Sam's too and found them to be a good deal.

When I need tires, I usually get them at Sam's - they're less expensive there and the auto service techs have been very nice...

 

[BigLoveSTink]

Do you need a lifetime supply of pickles, hotdogs, or diapers? Then you should jopin Sam's. Otherwise use coupons at regular stores.

 

[andrews_dad]

Been a member of Sam's for years.

Sam's does NOT take coupons. Other warehouse places do.

Great prices on ready-to-eat roasted chickens, doritos/chips, paper products, coffee, candy, etc. Not great prices on soda at all. Not great selection. For instance, the kid and I both like to eat gushers. The sam's Gushers are in a huge multi-pack packaged with Fruit by the foot (which we don't like as much). It is a give and take.

Use Sam's Gas .. usually 2-4 cents cheaper and slightly higher grade than Sheetz.

 

[Jsme]

I have a Sam's and a Costco memebership. I love mine but not sure if I truly get my money's worth. We just do not go often. Heck I have not been to Costco's in months but I sure like the option of going to both.

 

[Letsbgoofy]

Sams has had the best prices on fresh fruit and vegetables (in our area) for about 2 years now. It's also fresh I also like their meat, books, bottlesd water and cheese prices.

I agree that you have to know your prices at the grocery store - some things are definitely NOT a good deal (canned goods come to mind).

 

[PinkRhombus]

It's not worth joining just for giant packs of cereal or green beans. But their produce and meats can't be beat.

I'm enjoying these AWESOME black grapes, strawberries and avocado's from there this week.

MMMM.

Love to look through the jewlery counter!

 

[KirstenB]

I buy their fruit (great prices, especially if you have kids, and have to pack stuff for their lunches), shredded and block cheese, soymilk, spaghetti sauce, laundry detergent, batteries, snacks, breakfast bars, go-gurts, dryer sheets, 3-packs of DiGiorno pizza, and will buy their bakery goods for parties (giant packs of brownies, or cookies, for under $6). Also, if you have to make up a sandwich tray for some type of gathering, they have very inexpensive croissants and deli meats.

 

[MSSANDRA]

We save on tide, scott tissue, swifters, batteries, garbage bags, ink for the computer, fiber bars, over the counter meds and vitamins, some hygine prooducts and some fresh dairly/produce. If I am having a party I save a lot on bread meat, chips etc. Contacts are cheaper, and you can often find really neat holliday items. We like the pizza and roasted chicken.

We get our money's worth.

 

[moniot]

We are a family of 4 also and have shopped Sam's for years!!!! I love Sam's. We don't have any great grocery stores around that double coupons and almost all are owned by the same chain so not to much competition.

I shop Wal-Mart and Sam's. Thats it. I have gotten great deals on OTC meds, candy when needed, pasta, spaghetti sauce, steak sauce, coffee, frozen veggies, dairy (milk and cheese and sour cream and marg.) Cereal is hit and miss, Meat is always great. Fruits and veggies, Iams dog food (large breed) laundry soap, dish soap, dishwasher soap, office supplies. Most the stuff you buy has a long shelf life or can be frozen and I just plan my meals to use stuff up.

I download my photos online and pick them up when I shop.

My favorite is Sam's Click and Pull. Send you order in online and with in 24 hours it is ready for you to pick up. Super easy and a great time saver. Wish Walmart would offer that.

Another idea. If you have friends or family in the area you can share a membership. Either shop together and/or split the larger sizes.

 

[summerrluvv]

Sam's has a Summer membership for a discounted price. I want to say it was $10 or $12. At least the one around here. You might want to ask yours.

 

[CajunDixie]

Ours is located about 45 minutes away but it saves us quite a bit on the cost of contacts for DS and I. Our savings on one box alone "pays" for our gas to go down there and anything else we save is icing on the cake.

 

[JB2K]

Been a member of Sam's for years.

Sam's does NOT take coupons. Other warehouse places do.

Incorrect - Costco also does not accept manufacturer's coupons (I am told BJ's on the East Coast does, however).

Great prices on ready-to-eat roasted chickens, doritos/chips, paper products, coffee, candy, etc. Not great prices on soda at all. Not great selection. For instance, the kid and I both like to eat gushers. The sam's Gushers are in a huge multi-pack packaged with Fruit by the foot (which we don't like as much). It is a give and take.

Use Sam's Gas .. usually 2-4 cents cheaper and slightly higher grade than Sheetz.

None of the warehouse clubs have what I consider to be "great" prices on soda -- best to check-out the Sunday ads

The gas, however, is indeed better-priced than the local competition.

 

[Sandy321]

We joined when I found out the cost of a gallon of milk at a grocery store vs Sam's price, I figured the savings would pay for a membership in 6 months (it was a long time ago btw )

I only buy things at Sam's that I know to be a bargain - so I watch the grocery store flyers and make a list!

I went out of town for a week, and made dh buy a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread on his way home - he was in shock!! "$3 for a loaf of bread? At Sam's we get 2 loaves for that price - I'm spoiled now" (I dont think that loaf of bread was $3 maybe $2.59, but he bought the name brand we get at Sam's! lol when I have to I will buy the storebrand sale loaf of bread if need be!)

Sam's also has a generic gallon of OJ for $3!! and I save on fruit juices...

Lunch meat I found thru reading the flyers that one store here Garden Fresh - sells lunch meat (name brand Sara Lee Bobak's) REALLY CHEAP! $2.99 for one POUND of ham!! or a pound of cheese!! I now go to that store once a week for lunch meats and cheeses!!

 

[BuzzPrincessMom]

I know this thread is old and I hope it comes up so someone can answer this question.

I am thinking of a Sam' Membership for mainly gas. I have a BJs membership, but they don't have a gas station at mine. So we are thinking of joining Sam's too.

BJs accepts coupons and often sends out their own coupons that they let you layer manufacturer coupons on top of these BJs coupons.

Does Sam's ever send out their own coupons. I know they don't accept manufacturer coupons.

 

[mombare]

We have been members at Sam's for many, many years and I have never seen Sam's coupons. We also don't have gas at ours, but it sounds spectacular! We absolutely love our Sam's membership....but it is the only "warehouse" store in our area, and none of our grocery stores (HyVee, Cub, Walmart, Target) double coupons. Sam's is a great value for us, sometimes even on canned goods when compared to the other places.

 

[sherry7]

I know this thread is old and I hope it comes up so someone can answer this question.

I am thinking of a Sam' Membership for mainly gas. I have a BJs membership, but they don't have a gas station at mine. So we are thinking of joining Sam's too.

BJs accepts coupons and often sends out their own coupons that they let you layer manufacturer coupons on top of these BJs coupons.

Does Sam's ever send out their own coupons. I know they don't accept manufacturer coupons.

Regular gasoline is typically 5 to 6 cents cheaper than the other stations. I have to use premium, which is typically about 15 to 17 cents cheaper...which really adds up over time.

Sam's does not send out coupons. They do have a Plus membership ($100 compared to the normal $40 membership) where you get targeted coupons when you scan your card at the kiosk in the store. I just upgraded my membership to that, but after reviewing it, I don't think it's worth it (for me, anyway), so I'll probably downgrade it again.

You can go to Sam's and look around...just ask at the front. You can't buy anything, but at least you can get a feel for the store.

I get great prices on meat there. A couple of days ago they had whole boneless pork loins for $1.34 lb. They were big (10-15 lbs) but the butcher will slice them to order if you ask. Where else can you get boneless pork chops that inexpensive?