Among Friends

[Group 5 minus 1]

We are thinking about joining. Any comments? If a one day membership is available we will give it a try.

[Perkup]

We have had a membership since Sams opened a store aabout five minutes from our home.  They have two membership types - one that allows you to shop early morning hours and the other that begins around 10:00.  DH wanted the early morning one, but we never went that early, so changed to the cheaper one.  We use it sparingly, since we were only two people and they sell in bulk. Now I'm down to one, and use it even less. I do get great buys on things like paper towels and tp, as well as great bird seed. I buy my batteries there too. I could save on other things, but the sizes are too large or the quantity too big for me. Do try the one day thingy and look for yourself. You will know if it works for you after a thoughtful walk-through.

Just bought a car battery there this morning. Mine pooped out.

[jaxs mom]

It's ok, but Costco is 50x better quality both in food and in clothing and other items. I had a Sams membership whem we moved to an area without a Costco and really they don't compare. 

[henderson]

I'm a member of Costco and Sam's.  If I had to choose one, it would be hands down Costco.  With that being said, I do find some items that I purchase at Sams and I found a coupon on their website when I was ready to renew.  I got a membeship renewal for $35.  Check their website as they always run specials for new members.  I think that last one I saw was $20 off for new members.  I'm able to use my Citibank Visa card which I got from Costco so I get money back on that card.  I find that Sam's employees are not as friendly or helpful and my store doesn't always look clean.  Unlike Costco, they have a line where you can scan items yourself so you don't have to wait in a long line.  Costco's refund policy is amazing -- they will even return your money if you don't like a food item (don't need a receipt or packaging).  I think you can shop one day at Sam's without their card and pay an extra 5%.  Costco will allow you to walk their store to look, but not purchase (except prescriptions).

[brandiwine]

We have been long time Costco members and recently Sam's offered a $25 dollar membership for 2 so we decided to try it as well.  Sam's doesn't offer as many things as Costco and in my opinion, not as good a quality (sheets, towels, clothes).  They do carry more snack items if you're into that.  I found organic pine nuts at Sam's for a much better price than Costco.  If you can get a special offer for a 1 year membership, I'd try it just to see if you like it.  

[TaylorBrown]

I have been a Sma's Club member for about 20 years.  I love it!  We have a family of four so the larger sizes of items come in handy.  I compare prices for regular size to see if it really is a better deal at Sam's.  I have to say that sodas are not!  Their meats are very good.  I have yet to purchase paper towels or toilet tissue from there but plan to in the near future.  I usually take my children with me when I shop there and we always stop by the snack bar and get a pretzel or pizza. 

They used to have a one-day pass.  I would visit your local club and ask if you can just walk around to see if you want to get a membership.

[bootsanne]

I'm a member of both.  I have the $100 membership from Sam's and the regular one from Costco.  I get cash back from Sam's at the end of the year usually a nice bit.  Costco has a better selection, store is always well lit , clean, and plenty of check-outs.  Only drawback is lack of close locations.  Closest is 40 miles away.  Sam's has 3 locations around me, but the stores aren't nearly as nice as Costco and the one location always has long lines with few checkouts.  Sam's has terrific buys on closeouts.  They both offer coupons.  I guess all in all, I buy more at Sam's because of the closeness.

[Group 5 minus 1]

Thanks for all the replies. We are going to try the one day thingie.

[GCR18]

I've had a membership to both Sam's and Costco.  Prefer Costco.  Definitely try the free membership for the day and see if they carry brands or items that you use.  What I didn't like about my local Sam's was the customer service.  I had a couple reasons to go to the desk, the line was always long and they weren't very friendly.