Sam's Club question

tifnglen · #1 (**permalink**) 03-03-2006, 03:30 PM

I was wondering if a Sam's Club membership is worth paying the $35(i think) a year for. I have no kids or husband so its just me. TIA

34saving · #2 (**permalink**) 03-03-2006, 03:56 PM

Depends on how you shop. If you shop sales in other places you'll probably never recoup the fee. If you buy when you want to . . .then Sam's might be competitive enough.

++ If you need tires or glasses (or some other medical stuff) the savings at Sam's will probably pay for membership.

-- Sam's does not keep very competitive hours and it almost always takes a long time to get out (at least around here.)

JBinKC · #3 (**permalink**) 03-04-2006, 03:54 PM

If you are single no way. I think those places are way overrated. Not only you have to buy in very large quantities. You cannot use a credit card other than American Express. The only items that I think are cheaper are items that are not typically offered on sale in stores like generic OTC medicines and vitamins, milk and foodservice sized items. For tires Tirerack.com or discount tire direct has better prices.

spendless · #4 (**permalink**) 03-07-2006, 04:48 PM

If you are buying for one vs a family....maybe not cost effective. Walmart or Walgreens/CVS might provide a better option for you without the $35.00 fee.

BTW....I think you can shop with a friend who has a SAM's membership card and either pay with cash or reimburse them after the transaction.

Ima saver · #5 (**permalink**) 03-08-2006, 08:55 AM

I really don't think so. Not for one person.

rdeel2000 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-08-2006, 11:29 AM

Sam's Club will issue you a one day pass so why not take advantage of this and spend some time in the store. Take a notebook with you and write down the prices of items you normally buy at the grocery store, also write down the size (ounces, etc.). Now take that list to the grocery store and compare prices. You might be surprised how quickly the difference adds up to $35 over a years time. I usually tell people that if you drink one gallon of milk a week, that will more than pay for your membership since milk is usually at least $1 a gallon cheaper there. Keep in mind that if you purchase anything using your one day pass it will cost you and extra 10%.

shelbylovesmelby · #7 (**permalink**) 03-11-2006, 09:24 AM

We were considering getting a membership there again. However, I find shopping the sales & aldi's a better buy. Though like a pp said tag along w/someone who has a card & have them buy u what u want & pay them back once u leave the store.

Also it's next to impossible to leave that place w/o spending almost $50 +.

The check out lines here are awful as well.

I wish they took coupons