Originally Posted by JustinH
I've had memberships to both stores, Costco and Sams, within the past few years.
Here is my take as a mid 30's couple with no kids.
There are very few things that we consume in such a large quantity that requires us to purchase in bulk sizes. Even when you get into laundry products, or paper towels, the cost seemed to be very similar to an HEB grocery store. We don't need 9 sticks of deodorant for four underarms.
The price on electronics was never a deal. I did find their clothing to be a good deal, and they carry good brands.
The meat is EXCELLENT quality, much better than any grocery store, aside from a meat market it is a great value.
We do not drive out of our way to get gas for our cars, it makes no sense, and the savings is virtually nothing.
Never bought oil there, usually the wrong grade, or price was not that great.
If you watch slickdeals you can usually get a "free" membership to Sams, we did that the past few years. The cost of the membership is $40, when you sign up you get a 25 dollar sams gift card, and a free pizza, and a few other things, so its virtually free for the year.
As an older, single, no kids person, my experience is even less of a deal. I was a Sam's member when they opened a new location near me and offered a gift card at signup that made the membership $25 for the year (no pizza though).
I would buy their special packs of Allegra when they'd go on special, but in all honestly, I was able to do just as well waiting for the $8-off coupons that are in the Sunday paper every now and then, and stocking up that way.
Electronics; I don't buy enough of them to make a difference so I never priced them.
Gas: Same here, I'd have to go out of my way to save anything and, honestly, with 2 credit cards that offer 5% back at least one quarter a each year, and a ton of Speedway's in my area, I think I'm saving more by getting gift cards when the offer is made, using my Speedy Rewards card, and when I accumulate enough points, buying their blue fuel-only gift card which then gives $0.03/gallon off when you use it. Plus I have the added benefit of not using my credit card at the pump so I shouldn't get my account skimmed that way. I know Dave Ramsey would not approve of this method, but I'm not paying interest and I'm able to save money without his scorched-earth/beans-and-rice methodology so it works for me.
If I had a large family, or had a dog that required bulk purchases of dog food or something like that, I can see this working for someone. But the math just didn't work out for me.
