Which retail club presents a better investment: Costco or Sam's Club, examining their respective membership worth?
Straight up, you're looking to save some dough by joining a warehouse club, right? Two biggies in the game are Costco and Sam's Club. Both sell heaps of household goods, but you might be puzzled about which one's the best fit for you. Here are some essential differences between these wholesale stores to help you make an informed decision.
Dollars and Cents: Membership Fees
Costco offers three membership plans: Gold Star ($65), Business ($65), and Executive ($130) per year. Gold Star and Business Memberships are pretty much the same, except the Business Membership lets you purchase for resale and add extra cardholders for $65 each. The Executive Membership costs an extra $65, but you'll get additional perks like enhanced benefits on Costco's services and an annual 2% reward up to $1,250 on eligible purchases.[1][3]
Sam's Club has two membership options too: Club ($50) and Plus ($110) per year. The Club membership will get you in, while the Plus membership offers added benefits like free delivery or shipping on orders over $50, early shopping hours, pharmacy, optical, tire, and battery center savings, and 2% Sam's Cash back up to $500 per year.[2][3] So, if you're keen on those perks, the Plus membership might be the way to go. Sam's Club is currently running a promo offering a Club membership for just $20![2][4]
Is It a Steal? Check the Prices
According to a 2022 review by Business Insider, Costco has better prices.[6] However, other sources argue that Sam's Club is cheaper. At the end of the day, what matters is whether they're offering a good deal on the items you buy most frequently.[6] For finding that out, it's best to compare prices online for those goods.[7]
Warranty Woes: Return Policy
Both stores have a 100% satisfaction guarantee return policy, but there are exceptions. For instance, electronics and major appliances must be returned within 90 days, and cell phones have a more restricted two-week window with Sam's Club.[5]
What About Queues?
Don't fancy Costco's legendary long lines? Sam's Club has got you covered. They provide curbside pickup and a "Scan and Go" option in their mobile app, which gives you a running total as you shop and makes budgeting a breeze.[7]
The Final Word
Unless you're die-hard loyal to a specific product from Costco's Kirkland or Sam's Club's Member's Mark private label brands, it's wise to join the most conveniently located club or the one with the lowest prices on the items you buy frequently.[7]
However, the decision may also boil down to convenience. Costco has more locations with 890 warehouses worldwide compared to Sam's Club's 600.[8] Ultimately, shopping at these wholesalers instead of traditional retailers will save you money, so it's hard to make a wrong choice.[7]
If you're still unsure, tag along with a friend who's a member of either store to check out the shopping experience. Or, try using a Costco Shop Card for shopping as a non-member in-store or online, or use a Sam's Club guest membership for a free trial of their online shopping experience with a 10% service fee.[9]
Sources:[1] https://www.costco.com/membership.html[2] https://www.samsclub.com/p/membership/2SC123/[3] https://www.costco.com/membership/benefits.html[4] https://www.samsclub.com/p/membership/2SC124/[5] https://www.consumerreports.org/shopping/warehouse-clubs-compared/[6] https://www.businessinsider.com/costco-vs-sams-club-which-is-better-2022-4[7] https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/shopping-and-style/costco-sams-club-which-is-better[8] https://www.statista.com/statistics/269459/number-of-costco-warehouses-worldwide/[9] https://www.costco.com/shop-cards.html[10] https://www.samsclub.com/guest-membership/shoponlinesamssclub.html
Shopping and storing are essential aspects to consider when deciding between Costco and Sam's Club, two popular warehouse clubs that cater to household needs. Both offer membership plans; Costco has three options ranging from $65 to $130 per year, while Sam's Club has two, with costs at $50 or $110 annually.
Pricing differences in food, electronics, and other items may vary depending on sources, with some reporting better deals at Costco, while others suggest Sam's Club as a cheaper option. To make an informed decision, it's recommended to compare prices online for the goods purchased most frequently.
Both stores offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee return policy, but there are exceptions for certain categories, such as electronics and cell phones. If you prefer avoiding long lines, Sam's Club offers curbside pickup and a "Scan and Go" mobile app feature.
Ultimately, the choice between Costco and Sam's Club depends on factors like pricing, convenience, and loyalty to specific private label brands. However, shopping at either wholesaler can help save money on food and other essential items in comparison to traditional retailers.