| Author | Content |
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
(United States)
(Zone 9b)
February 23, 2006
9:26 AM Post #2065440
| Hello. Sam's Club shopper here. Wondering if anyone thinks Costco is better? I know they charge more for their memberships...but the real deterrant (spelling?) is that there are less of them...only a couple in San Antonio and on the other side of town. But would consider switching if people think they are better...
Or should I use both?
This message was edited May 31, 2006 7:26 PM |
Solitare
Denver, CO
February 23, 2006
10:07 AM Post #2065506
| They are across the street from each other here. I use both, because they have different things. I prefer Costco for pharmacy type items, generic benadryls, pepcids, etc. Better selection. Most other things I get from Sams. |
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
(United States)
(Zone 9b)
February 23, 2006
10:08 AM Post #2065510
| Solitare,
Thanks for the info! By the way, I LOVE Denver!!! I used to live in Springs and pride myself on being born in Colorado (like I had anything to do with it!).
That is so lucky that they are across the street from each other! I saw like a 20/20 show featuring the owner of Costco and they are growing by leaps and bounds...so hoping they move closer to me soon!
|
Allie88
Palmyra, PA
(Zone 6a)
March 2, 2006
12:14 PM Post #2081449
| Aimee-
I like Sam's much better - for a couple of reasons. We are not people who enjoy gourmet, so do not have the need for the wine and gourmet foods found at Costco. I think Sam's is a bit more practical (although I've only been in Costco one time for a trial)
The other, bigger reason is that Costco only takes American Express for a credit card and we do not want another credit card (already have Discover for Sam's). Since we own a business we buy some big ticket items and do choose to use a credit card at times. Just a few thoughts :) |
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
(United States)
(Zone 9b)
March 2, 2006
5:39 PM Post #2082145
| Allie, thanks for the opinion. Yeah, I have heard Costco is a little higher end, and we don't need the wine either! But I the same could be said of Sam's for credit cards. I used to be so disappointed the only take Discover but...if Costco only takes Am EX I guess that's about the same since I don't have either of these 2. |
red_princess_71
Lilesville, NC
(Zone 7b)
March 7, 2006
10:03 PM Post #2094632
| i have never been to Costco, but i have some friends that love it...i however only go to Sam's and that is about 2 hrs away in Charlotte..I love going there but with it being so far away I only go about 2-3 times a year. I buy cereal and some frozen items in bulk to last a couple months. Our membership is $40 a year.
I may have to check Costco out sometimes as it not far at all from Sams.
Char |
BriarRose74
Moon Twp, PA
(Zone 6a)
March 11, 2006
4:54 PM Post #2105173
| alamoaimee,
I used to shop at Sams and BJ's in NY. I only go to the Costco, here near Pittsburgh. Got a free card when they opened up near here, good for a yr. If one does open there, check to see when giving out free cards/memberships! (Assuming they still do that!)
Lost my Sam's +5 card and the Sams here doesn't issue them. (+5 is for mil/gov't employees, where they charge the price +5% markup.)
Costco only accepts AmEx, but they do take debit cards so that is not a problem! I don't want to make any more bills anyways!
Got a free pas to use at Sams here, good till end of month. Maybe I will go and see if there is a big price +/or selection difference at ours, if I can figure out where I put it.
~ Suzi :) |
Terry
Murfreesboro, TN
(Zone 7a)
 March 14, 2006
1:21 PM Post #2112258
| No Costco's here, but we're longtime Sam's club members. (I even bought my greenhouse from Sam's online last fall ;o)
Ours is only a couple miles from us (about half the distance of WalMart), so it's handy to run in for just a few items (in particular I rely on them for my coffee beans, dishwasher detergent, big bags of dry pasta, frozen chicken breasts, shredded cheese, fresh pork chops and granola bars - among other staples. Can you tell I feed and tend to a crew of hungry kids? ;o)
When we lived in Oklahoma, we were a good 20-25 miles from Sam's, so I was much more likely to "stock up" and not go as often.
|
brr9270
Hanover, VA
May 25, 2006
12:30 PM Post #2316292
| I know the thread is about Sam's vs. Costco, but I have a BJ's nearer, and wonder what your thoughts are on this one. |
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
(United States)
(Zone 9b)
May 25, 2006
9:28 PM Post #2317797
| Never heard of a BJ's? Do you know how far the chain is spread? |
roxroe
Winchester, VA
(Zone 6b)
May 26, 2006
12:49 PM Post #2319304
| bj's was hacked a year ago or so and their customer cc were stolen. It was one of the first big hacks we heard about. here is the link [HYPERLINK@www.msnbc.msn.com]
so if you go there - use cash
never heard of them before this...right now we only have costco but there is a rumor sam's is coming to town. |
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
(United States)
(Zone 9b)
May 26, 2006
5:50 PM Post #2320130
| I've heard Costco's is higher end including their customer base. As long as I can get into a Sam's Club EARLY morning, especially mid-week I can avoid the shopping hassle that has become like shopping at Walmart! But you can't beat the savings! Sometimes my prescript co-pays are more than the DISCOUNT of actually BUYING it at Sam's! So funny.
You always need to be careful about your cc's these days. We don't use them anymore and never carry cash. We always use our debit/MC logo card. Had the credit union actually cancel our card over Christmas citing a theft of numbers through our local Walmart. I think it can happen anywhere but we have a great c.u. and they keep on top of it! |
BriarRose74
Moon Twp, PA
(Zone 6a)
May 28, 2006
7:11 PM Post #2326258
| I used to belong to BJ's in NY. Prices were better than Sam's on items I was buying, such as diapers, etc. I liked them and would go to them here, if they had them, that is! ~ Suzi :) |
marylandays
Marysville, OH
June 24, 2006
1:15 AM Post #2426789
|
One interesting thing about Sam's and Costco's are the quality of the diamonds they sell. The diamonds are all graded and you can save quite a bit of money over other jewelry outlets.
One of my friends also says "Costco's pays their workers much better than Sam's does and the retention rate of their employees is very good."
We have both stores here in Central Ohio. |
farmerpickle
Alpharetta, GA
(Zone 7b)
July 2, 2006
9:03 PM Post #2459775
| Costco's customer services is horrible, even their customer service manager are rude as hell! Their return policy sucks!!! They won't discount their stuff or plants, even if it's out of season they'll just assume return or throw it away than discount it to be more affordable! Can you tell I don't like Costco's at all !!!
Sam's is must better in my opnion. Their furniture dept supurised me few times with some unique and quality pieces at affordable price! All the prices are much better than Costco's!! |
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
(United States)
(Zone 9b)
July 2, 2006
10:19 PM Post #2460010
| Sorry you've had such a bad time at Costco's! Have you tried more than 1 location?
I've had horrible service at the Sam's nearest me (though I love Sam's for their furniture to!) but the one nearest me is never as curteous or has as many employees on hand as the one I used to shop in another area. They receive more business than the one I used to shop (busier city) and still only have a couple checkouts open at a time.
I once was told at this particular Sam's to take the price ticket for some wingback chairs I wanted to the checkout. I asked 2 employees before proceeding if they were sure they don't pull the stock from the back FIRST. "No no...go ahead..."
So I did, I put the slip for the price ticket on the register and the cashier watched it, literally watched it, as it rolled under the belt scanner then said, "You'll have to get another one."
We stepped aside to let her ring up more customers as I ran back for another ticket. Then she rang us up for TWO chairs and told us to step aside while someone would pull them and bring them up front. There was some talk among some employees after awhile of our waiting and then a manager came up to us and said they didn't have any in stock and it was a limited item! They wouldn't sell me the display either. I asked, "What about the money I've already paid?" I was told to wait in the customer service line for a refund. After waiting again I given a refund but instead of crediting my DEBIT card I had to walk out with a wad of CASH!!! Oh it was so infuriating.
But I've had nothing but great luck at previous Sam's locations, even buying a "last one/display" leather chair once.
It was my only bad experience so far, and it was a problem linked just to this location I hope. I did email Sam's Club from their website about it and never received a reply. To order the chairs from the website it is only curbside delivery (odd?) and the shipping per chair, no kidding, was almost the SAME COST as THE CHAIR! I thought that was funny. I'm just waiting until they cycle them back in the stores. =) |
pinkpoodlegirl
Rock Hill, SC
(Zone 7b)
August 5, 2006
12:46 PM Post #2589525
| Costco all the way for me!!
Farmerpickle...sorry about your bad experience! Costco is known for their fabulous return policy! They guarantee all their merchandise. You can even return a computer for up to 6 months (that is the only item with a time limit). I have never had a problem with returns. The costco I shop at regularly reduces items. I bough a greenhouse that was regularly prices at $400 that was reduced to $250 then I saw it a few weeks later reduced to $199. I spoke to customer service and had my receipt with me and they gave me the $51+ difference.
If you are having a problem you should speak to a superviser and refer them to the return policy posted on the wall by the return desk!
I know serveral people who work for Costco and they do pay their employees better and have great benefits.
I have been a member of Sam's and Costco and prefer Costco! |
noobiegardener
Glen Burnie, MD
(Zone 7a)
August 25, 2006
10:38 PM Post #2660155
| I like BJ's. There are no Sam's near to me, only a Costco, and I don't care for either. BJ's is the place. |
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
(United States)
(Zone 9b)
August 25, 2006
10:40 PM Post #2660163
| I've heard Pirl mention BJ's but I've never heard of them? I was from Michigan.
Thought it crappy when I went to Sam's today: regular gas was $2.66 but WALMART in town has it today for $2.59? Where's the deal for Sam's members? Just strange.
|
Allie88
Palmyra, PA
(Zone 6a)
August 29, 2006
3:31 PM Post #2672329
| I don't know how many of you agree with me - but a lot of it has to do with the individual store and its manager. A good manager can make all the difference and I will go to whichever store impresses me the most. I've noticed this with restaurants of the same name, as well. For instance, some Wendy's restaurants really impress me and others are just lousy! Just a thought... |
noobiegardener
Glen Burnie, MD
(Zone 7a)
August 30, 2006
11:25 AM Post #2675149
| That is definitely true. The type of things you get are different at each store too. Depending on who the buyer is and what there taste is, and how in tune they are with buying trends. |
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
(United States)
(Zone 9b)
August 30, 2006
3:38 PM Post #2675930
| Allie,
Agree 100%. Sam's in Bryan Texas was awesome. The Sam's nearest me now is not so good.
Does anyone know how the 2 compare for getting digital prints made. Sam's charges 17 cents for a 4x6".
Saw you can download pics through Kodak online and they will send to your desired store location...printed in one hour...for only 11 cents...so maybe if Costco offers digital printing it'd same price. |
stillwood
Franklinton, NC
December 9, 2006
5:20 PM Post #2985777
| I just noticed this thread and it may be too old for anyone to still be interested. But I have thought about these big buying-membership outfits for years and have talked with many people who are members of various ones. I have visited all three (Sam's, Costco, and BJ's) either with free passes or with friends who are members. I'm afraid I am just plain offended by a business asking me to pay a fee to shop in their store. It seems to me that we would have to purchase an awful lot to have enough price discount to cover a membership fee of $40-45. We recently got a card from Sam's inviting us to come as a "guest" and "only pay a 10% service charge" to buy anything on that "guest" trip. No, thank you. Things may change (never say never), but right now I prefer to spend my money with a store that charges a fair price (giving themselves a fair profit), invites me in and convinces me to buy, and does not have a guard at the front door to deter "outsiders". Just a personal opinion. |
PrairieGirlZ5
Thornton, IL
December 9, 2006
6:05 PM Post #2985912
| stillwood - I feel exactly the same way. Now if I had a huge crowd to feed, or a small business, I might feel differently. But for us, an average 4 person/2 car family, we can't afford to pay up front for "savings"! |
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
(United States)
(Zone 9b)
December 9, 2006
10:38 PM Post #2986495
| Our Sam's membership as a business (just a crafter here) is only $30 and we are just a 2 person family. Our savings comes in some small things like kitty litter (way cheaper there) and in big savings like the furniture our housewares we've bought. They can be crowded to shop at certain times of day but mostly I think the shopping atmosphere is a bit more clean and helpful than your average store...the old adage...you get what you pay for perhaps?
Our membership ran out and due to the location of the nearest store we've not renewed here. We checked out Costco which is even further for us but the membership fee is such that we wouldn't pay that price. I did think they had most of the same as Sam's but a larger variety of high end houseware items than Sam's offers. They didn't have the furniture selection of Sam's though.
I agree the one day passes are a rip.
(How ANNOYING is the patrol person at the front..."may I see your card please?")...one day DH asked the front person, "What does it matter if I have a card...you can shop here without it anyways?" They said yes but you'd pay a service fee and STILL insisted we show them our card???? That's our biggest peeve about the shopping experience there. |
Gymgirl
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
December 15, 2006
2:45 PM Post #3001669
| I hate that card check thing too... |
Badseed
Lynchburg, OH
(Zone 6a)
January 8, 2007
10:18 AM Post #3064792
| There was a local news story on the Sams vs Costco debate here a couple of years ago. They went to both stores and priced things on a list. Some things were a bit cheaper at one store and others were a bit cheaper at the other. In the end, their conclusion was that it really did not make a difference! Before I moved, both stores were almost equally as close but Sam's had more locations. When we shopped at that type of store, we always used Sams. We were just recently talking about getting a new membership. For a family of 8, buying bulk would actually save us money and save us trips to the store. The only drawback is that the closest one is now 30 minutes away. That should save us money too! LOL |
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
(United States)
(Zone 9b)
January 8, 2007
11:53 AM Post #3065026
| Well Costco memberships cost about $10 more (but they offer a 100% guarantee Sam's doesn't) and I've seen more upscale items at Costco but found the grocery selection and prices to be about the same at either one.
I have to use the membership for saving on home items because there isn't many to by bulk food for around here but someday will be able to enjoy those savings to.
I know what you mean about the lack of locations...strange.
I should point out I bought an antibiotic at Sam's Club (thinking it'd be the cheapest place) and it costs $28. Two weeks later I ordered it to the Super Wal-Mart (closer to home) and it was only $21. Go figure! |
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
(United States)
(Zone 9b)
September 19, 2007
11:27 AM Post #3993029
| Warehouse clubs were talked about on Rachel Ray's daytime show yesterday. Here is a link to the tips you should know:
[HYPERLINK@www.rachaelrayshow.com] |
red_princess_71
Lilesville, NC
(Zone 7b)
September 19, 2007
3:00 PM Post #3993746
| Tir,
Thanks so much for that link, it was really helpful..did not know some of the codes..will print it out and take it to sams with me next time i go. I will have this sill grin on my face as if i know something someone else does not know..
I love rachael ray, I even just wrote out a check to her magazine gonna get it every month now...YUMMO...EVOO...etc...
Chat soon,
Char |
HD28Cat
Louisville, KY
April 29, 2008
8:25 PM Post #4884166
| Which one has the better produce selection? Do either offer organic produce? |
textilis
Saint Paul, MN
(Zone 4a)
May 18, 2008
10:58 PM Post #4971759
| I shop at Costco. As a small business owner, I learned about Walmart, Sam's Club and Sam Walton about 20-25 years ago when they were expanding into small towns and destroyibg all the local businesses. The Walmart/ Sam's Club treats their employees less than respectful (ie the recent case where an employee was hit by a semi and is permently disabled and brain damanged. She won a huge law suit, and Walmart sued her for all the money..saying they were only getting back what they paid out for her health insurance. So she had NOTHING!)
Sorry, I have seen so much damage done to small business by this organization I won't step foot in one of their stores.. I don't care how cheap they are.. |
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
(United States)
(Zone 9b)
May 18, 2008
11:12 PM Post #4971816
| I read the story on that lady myself to. At first I shared your same sentiments.
Then I read it again. It clearly stated in her health insurance paperwork that she signed when she got it that should you win any lawsuit to compensate for health damages then, no your Wal-Mart health insurance does not also have to double pay for your health insurance. The fact that she had a poor lawyer who didn't read her Wal-Mart agreement before seeing dollar signs himself and telling her husband to accept the 200 grand from the trucking company that hit her is really sad. So there are 3 people in the picture who failed to read her agreement: her when signing, her husband and her lawyer. She would still have her full health coverage today but for taking that settlement.
Cheap products I'm not for. Products all outsourced to China I'm not for. But it's hard to escape at most commercial chains in America. I believe in the dream Sam Walton started with, not saying Wal-Mart has continued that. But creating something that the consumer wants (and Wal-Mart stock continues to rise) seems to be the genius behind business. You can also have a high end business and have your target market there to. But for what Sam was going for he was only competing the same as everyone else started. He just said he didn't want one store. He wanted a chain. That's just business.
That said...I didn't renew my Sam's membership. Not for any reasoning of values against the chain but their locations just aren't as convenient as a trip to the grocery store and I find with seeing their big ticket items and buying those unplanned I'm really not seeing any "savings". Good items at Sam's but better on my pocketbook just to go to a plain ol' grocery store, lol. |
textilis
Saint Paul, MN
(Zone 4a)
May 19, 2008
8:20 PM Post #4975782
| Thanks for the info..I didn;t have the whole story. (what a surprise..a story in our media that doesn't give you al the information!)
I think everyone should read their health insurance policies...many give the insurance company the right to collect for their costs of your accident or injury if you are awarded a settlement. The settlement needs to cover what your insurer will want back PLUS what will be needed to compensate for the accident.
Many people don't like the idea of Walmart, but many 401K's, money market etc have Walmart stock in them. From an investment point of view, it's positive. Same for Target, Corp.
|
mpabbott1
(Mary) Poway, CA
(Zone 10a)
May 19, 2008
8:29 PM Post #4975820
| Costco has stood behind their products for us. We bought a DVD player there, and it was a piece of ... Started breaking down after the 90 day warranty. We thought we would just have to suck up the loss, but when my husband mentioned it to an employee when he was looking for a replacement, the employee told him to bring it back. They gave us a full refund when it was over a year old. Unexpected, and made loyal customers out of us. |
textilis
Saint Paul, MN
(Zone 4a)
May 19, 2008
9:04 PM Post #4975989
| My sweet husband loves computer and electronic gadgets. He has purchased quite a few at Costco. Some are great, some are bombs. Costco has always let him return them, no matter when he bought them. Althought, he usually gives them a detailed description of why it doesn't work. As a retired software engineer, I think he likes figuring out why it doesn;t wrk as much as he likes using it!
We have shopped at Costco's all over the country and have always found the help and/or service to be friendly. We use to be Sam's Club members ( although I wouldn;t buy anything there)., and I really thought there was a difference between the two..even though I am biases against SAm's CLub.
The produce, vegetables and meat are WAY cheaper than our grocery stores. |
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
(United States)
(Zone 9b)
May 19, 2008
9:35 PM Post #4976240
| tex, glad you understood how I was saying it :) I had your same view initially, then another friend read the article in the light I mentioned and pointed that out to me. I had NO idea health insurance cancels out if you take a settlement so that was good to know. Hopefully I'll never need to know that though ;).
Also, awesome to know Costco seems to have a longstanding warrenty policy! How nice of them! That alone (if locations were more convenient) is reason enough to choose them over Sam's! |
LindaTX8
NE Medina Co., TX
(Zone 8a)
July 8, 2008
7:16 AM Post #5222407
| I like Costco better. We once had a Sam's membership, but the location nearest us had a cleanliness problem and customer service wasn't that good either. I've only had one problem with customer service at Costco...that was a location we didn't go to often and after I complained the management took it very seriously, called more than once and took action to see that it didn't happen again. We usually used checks or debit at Costco...debit only for gas. However, we are letting our membership expire this summer because with gas so high and no location really near enough, that's a deal-breaker. This world is going to change radically because of gas and it's effect on other prices. I don't believe that is a temporary problem at all...it's not going to go away! |
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
(United States)
(Zone 9b)
July 8, 2008
8:46 AM Post #5222652
| Yeah the world will change. We'll acquire more friends on Dave's! People will finally start veg gardening like our grandparents :)!!!! |
BriarRose74
Moon Twp, PA
(Zone 6a)
July 20, 2008
8:35 AM Post #5289761
| More friends on Dave's and more veggies in our gardens! Nope, those are not bad things!!!
Costco isn't far and I still go there, and to WalMart. When my back/pinched nerves were really bad, both places put the stuff into the car for me too! It's the people that make the business. The fact that Costco pays and treats their people better than WalMart does, makes me feel better about spending my money there. Every penny counts and I figured out a few years ago that I saved enough to pay for the Costco membership from the gas savings alone. The discount on food makes it worth it for sure.
~ Suzi :) |
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
(United States)
(Zone 9b)
July 20, 2008
8:59 AM Post #5289828
| I noticed back in the early 2000's we were seeing a better discount on gas by being members at Sam's but since about 2004/5 they've been right up there with everyone else.
I think for most folks Sam's or Costco locations just aren't as close to home as your grocer. |
jkom51
Oakland, CA
(Zone 9b)
July 27, 2008
10:22 PM Post #5330113
| I'm surprised more people don't double up on memberships. There's absolutely no reason why two families couldn't split the cost of a membership and buy together, thereby halving the up-front cost. Besides, it's a good idea these days to be splitting the gas costs as well.
Depending upon your bank, you may or may not have fraud protection on your debit card, which almost all retailers will honor, including Costco. We once had our debit card number stolen from a restaurant and $1200 disappeared out of our account in less than 36 hours. Our bank had to investigate (we filed a police report) but two months later we were reimbursed in full.
Had it been a credit card, it would actually have been easier and a bit quicker to receive reimbursement on the account. |
