Community Chat

[SilleeMee]

Wholesale memberships don't offer me any savings because I don't buy in bulk for just myself. Also, those stores are very far from where I live and I'd rather not drive the distance. I save time and money by shopping at stores closer to me.

[qbetzforreal]

Wholesale clubs are great for parties, gatherings and events.  We stock up on paper goods, coffee, meat and fish (which can go into freezer) for regular use.  Great deals on clothes (name brand).

[GCR18]

I have a Costco membership.  I don't feel it's cost effective for me.  I find better bargains at the grocery store.  A lot of times, bulk doesn't work if there is an expiration date.  I like to buy frozen fish and vegetables there.  

[Bridgegal]

Thanks.   

As I said, we only have Sam's here.   I'd prefer Costco too but not here.   

Our Sam's doesn't have gas either, so that's not a factor.

I think I'll skip it and stick with grocery stores.   I haven't found that bulk buying of perishables works for us, overall.  We just have a small freezer above our fridge.   So, no real space for freezing large amounts.

[phoenixbrd]

I am a member of both Sam's and Costco.  I buy their fresh bulk organic fruits and veggies.  Plus they have the best frozen organic broccoli and asparagus.  This makes up a large percentage of our groceries and we do save money.  Plus there are other less frequent purchases: chia/flax/hemp seeds, quinoa, organic almond butter and cacao etc.

[speedy girl]

There is only two of us but I still think the membership to Costco is worth it. We buy a little of everything but my favorite is the clothes and books. I always find something I like. And the Kirkland tuna is the best I have ever had. Oh and also we get our prescriptions filled there and I do think they are cheaper than anywhere else. Plus it's fun walking around eatting samples too! 

[jeanlake]

We save money at Costco. 

[WindingRoad]

You can definitely save money if you're a smart shopper and know which items to buy.  Costco is the #1 rated wholesale club.  Electronics, prescriptions and gas are so much cheaper at Costco plus they only carry Top Tier gas which does not gunk up and destroy your car engine (Top Tier gas is not sold at Walmart, Murphy's, Wawa and the other discount gas stations).

I think the best choice of wholesale clubs is definitely the one most convenient to where you live/ work and with the products you buy the most.  Ask for a one day pass to give it a try before you sign up.

ETA- I know that BJ's has a one day pass but not Costco. To walk around a Costco and look at prices etc. just tell the door greeter that your going to the pharmacy, optical dept. or food court. State laws prohibit them from keeping anyone from using their medical departments. I don't know about Sam's (Walmart owned) but then again I don't do business with them because of how poorly they treat their employees and how they hurt communities and contribute to crime.

[Eileen in Virginia]

I’ve been shopping at BJ’s since they opened our local store over 20 years ago. I definitely save money, even over sale prices at nearby supermarkets. I know which items it pays to buy in bulk and store in our basement pantry, as opposed to those that we only use/eat occasionally. Also, many of the dairy and other fresh items are much fresher at BJ’s because they turn over so quickly with the higher volume of shoppers. 

[momtochloe]

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@Group 5 minus 1 wrote:

Gas is usually about 20 cents cheaper.

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@Group 5 minus 1 thank you for this reminder!  When I was with my mom the membership more than paid for itself as there were so many people in the house and the only reason I still have it is because I get my insurances through them but I totally forgot about buying my gas there, duh!  Thank you again for reminding me!