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Sam's Club vs. Costco?

We've been Sam's Club members for a few years now, but are thinking of switching to Costco.... what are your thoughts on either wholesale club?

Re: Sam's Club vs. Costco?

  • I've never been to Costco, but I love Sam's.  You don't get a better deal on everything so you have to watch it, but most things you do save money on.  They always have better prices on video games (Rock band) and iPods.  We bought my iPod there this year and saved $30, which was almost the cost of our membership.  It pays for itself very quickly.

  • My dad has memberships to both and I have his "spouse" card.  Costco is a little bit more upscale IMO with more gourmet food items & luxury goods.  Although honestly, if you're buying in bulk is it really gourmet?  Costco is also a bit cleaner.  I've never been at a Sam's that has clean restrooms (same for Walmart, their parent company).  They might carry different brands but the brands are still comparable.  For example, Sam's sells Starbucks coffe in bulk, Costo has Caribou.  There aren't any Costco stores in Dayton so we go to Sam's more often.

    Here's an article comparing the two.  You should probably get a guest pass and visit each.

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  • I prefer Costco... it's cleaner and for the things I buy, tends to have better selection/pricing.  The same cat litter at Costco is $2 cheaper than Sam's.  But because I'm on the east side, I tend to go to Sam's more often because it's closer.  I can't figure out why they put two Costcos so close together, and none anyplace else in Cincinnati.
  • I love Costco! Now that I live in Dayton I only have a Sam's membership and I really miss my membership to Costco. The Costco brand is great, everything I tried of theirs was a great product. Costco feels cleaner and their selection is better IMO.
  • Ha! So I guess I'm not the only one who thinks that Sam's is filthy.  Seriously, don't go there unless you have an empty bladder!
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  • imagedaves_sweetpea:
    Ha! So I guess I'm not the only one who thinks that Sam's is filthy.  Seriously, don't go there unless you have an empty bladder!

    Is it strange that I have NEVER used a public restroom at any store? Not even while pregnant? The thought of it makes me shiver no matter where I am.

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  • I avoid public restrooms at all costs.  I have been in the Sam's one once with my niece and it wasn't too bad.  I think the store is actually pretty clean. 

  • I perfer Costco.JMO. It is nicer and cleaner and I like the food selection.
  • I'm a Sams member but will admit I've never been to Costco so I have nothing to compare it to. I picked sams just because the store location is more convenient. I live in Green Twp- I don't even know where a Costco is out on the west side!
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    Jenn & Jason
    September 27, 2008
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • We have had memberships to both.  This past year, we only had Sams- but have been very disappointed in their foods mostly.  

    Most of the vegetables and fruits have already gone bad, and I recently bought pork tenderloin and chicken breasts that when I open the package, there is a foul smell!!!  I no longer buy meats or veggies/fruits there.

    I do like Sams for their return policy, seasonal stuff and electronics.  I also get my eye exam there. 

    B/c of the reasons above, we have decided not to renew our Sam's membership, and get a Costco one again instead (even though Costco is pretty far away from us).

    I like Costco for their meats, various frozen foods, seasonal items.  The store is always clean, well stocked and the employees have always been nice and sufficient.  Their pizza is awesome too!

     

  • I personally choose Costco because Walmart/Sam's Club's human rights record is horrible and I don't want to support them in any way.
  • DH and I have a Costco membership b/c his brother works there so we get it free.  Even if they didn't, we'd still probably go with Costco because they have excellent selection.  I can't tell you how many times I've bought random gifts and house stuff from there.  We also use their Amex rewards program and got quite a bit of money back since we bought our big screen TV and master bedroom set from them.  I will most likely buy our dining room set from them, too.  It's also right down the street from us so super convenient.

    My parents have both memberships.  They go to Costco pretty much every weekend even though they are also west siders (so it takes them a good 40 mins to get to a Costco).  I think they only have a Sam's membership because it's closer...

  • I love Costco. I buy almost all our meat there (chicken breasts are in packages of two, perfect for a couple), and most of the meat I buy is organic and still reasonable. I also have another long list of things I buy there regularly.

    The only bad thing is I pretty much cannot get out of there without spending at least $80 and buying Ellie a book. The kids' book selection is great.

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    Photo by Melissa Nicole Photography

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  • I no longer shop @ Sam's or Walmart b/c of the human rights issues, but once upon a time I did shop @ Sam's and I prefer Costco... it just seems cleaner and higher end.

    As I told my sister, when you go to Costco you're less likely to see a barefoot, three-year old wearing only a diaper :)

  • I think it depends on how close they are to your home. Sam's is close to my home and my MIL's, so Sam's is convenient for us on both sides of town (25-35 mins apart).  Costco is not near where we live.  Thus, no Costco membership.

    DH is self-employed and uses Sam's for the business side of things.  His website is run through Sam's (don't understand the logistics but that's ok).  But I do know that Sam's was by far the cheapest for that sort of stuff...  Not sure if that's something you need or not. 

     

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  • This thread has been extremely helpful as my husband and I keep talking about getting a membership to one of these.  Does anyone know if either one of these stores carry the 5 hour energy drinks in bulk?
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  • As I was browsing my favorite deals website I saw this very timely offer.  If you do coke rewards this is a great deal - 1 year Costco membership + $25 Costco giftcard for 1875pts.

    http://www.mycokerewards.com/itemDetail.do?itemId=9587

  • imageAndrea&Scott:
    This thread has been extremely helpful as my husband and I keep talking about getting a membership to one of these.  Does anyone know if either one of these stores carry the 5 hour energy drinks in bulk?

    I'm almost positive Sam's does.

  • If you mean the Monster energy drinks in the tall cans, I know that Sams has them.
    image
    Jenn & Jason
    September 27, 2008
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
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