Costco shopper here too we have the executive membership that gives you money back and we always get enough back to more than pay the membership fee. That said I do shop for my dad so I buy a lot more than most would get just for one household. I buy just about everything from cheese to trash can liners. The only meat I buy is the big package of try tip and that alone is worth the membership fee its about half the price I can find elsewhere. The only thing I have found that you have to watch out for is the toiletries I can usually find a better price when itÂs on sale at the regular market except for the Neutrogena rain bath and I only buy that when I have one of their coupons. Same with ZiplocÂs only stock up when I have the coupons. Their booze is a better price and usually a bigger bottle, books are about the same as Amazon. I like the quality of their linens and prices are good. DH likes there tennis shoes and at $14.99 a pair you canÂt beat that.

I bought a washing machine from them and when it quit working about a year later I took it back and they gave me my money back no question ask same with my kitchen aid mixer it started leaking oil after 2 years and they exchanged it without a hassle.

When SamÂs Club opened in Bakersfield I went and checked it out with a receipt I had from Costco. The things they carried that I usually buy were close some more some less but they didnÂt have most of what I bought at Costco so I didnÂt join. Plus they are on the south side of town and Costco is almost on my way home so I can make it my last stop before I head back up the canyon.

Just about any shopping is a 120 mile round trip so I only go once or twice a month and usually shop Trader JoeÂs and Winco along with Costco. The shopping notÂs bad but the next day is a project putting it all away.

Claudia

I second Linda... "I have a hard time justifying paying a store to allow me to shop there! "

I've been to both stores, once each, year's ago, to buy food only, and I can't justify the membership fees for the two of us... Maybe, if you're buying for a crowd... Although I did notice that, at Sam's Club, some of the prices for the smaller packages were cheaper per pound than the larger packages... But if it works for you carry on... lol

Annie, there's A Costco's in Livonia ( I-96 and Middlebelt ).

Rita

They opened a Costco across the street from where I work in Oct of 2008. They came over to my building and offered us the membership (normally $50) for $15. So, OK, I joined. I was sceptical though because I used to have a free Sam's card at a previous job and only used it a couple of times. Anyway, my scepticism proved right, I didn't renew when the year was up.

For me, Costco = Sam's. And here's what I don't like.

Too much. It's just the two of us now and I just don't NEED to buy so much at a time. I have zip lock bags and foil to last me for years I think! And that's just from one purchase item.

I did make back my $15 but I'd be hard pressed to make back $50. Even their gasoline which is supposed to be so cheap, yeah, it's cheaper than other gas stations in the immediate area. But in other parts of town, which I pass on my way home (and I only live about 15 minutes away) I can usually at least meet if not beat their price. I found their meat and fish nice looking and even bought a few steaks which were very good. But price wise, I can do better at my grocery store. Meat and chicken constantly go on sale at the area stores so it's not hard for me to pay equal or lower price than Costco.

Their rotisserie chickens are good, and about $2 cheaper than local grocery BUT they only have one flavor. HEB has about four flavors. Yeah, more expensive but, and here is one of my biggest complaints about Costco, sometimes it's all about selection.

And in the selection department, I found Costco to be lacking. They carry one or maybe two brands of everything. I'm not brand loyal on everything but certain things, like TP, I want my brand.

I never brought produce there because it's prepackaged and I like to pick my own individual pieces. I bought bread there a couple of times but their prices are equal to other grocery stores.

Since it's across the street from my office, I thought it would be great to run over on my way home from work to pick up a few needed items. But OH! what a pain! Takes way too long to make it to the far back of the store to get what I need. I guess that's not what they are meant for, but especially now that it's just the two of us, that's how I shop.

I think if they have some specific items that you buy at a wonderful price, like Annie's coffee example, then it's worth it. But remember, it's costing you a nice chunk of money up front for that privelege.

Maybe it's because I live in Houston which has a nice variety of grocery stores, both upscale and discount, along with import stores and specialty stores, but I just don't see that Costco has anything at any price that justifies a $50 outlay.

I know a lot of people LOVE it so definitely go and make your own judgment. For me, it's a no go.

I've been a member of Sam's since 1987 and just became a member of Costco over the holidays this year. I like them both. I, too, think Costco is a little more upscale in their merchandise and they have a much bigger food selection than Sam's. I haven't been disappointed by Costco's Kirkland brand. (Their olives are the best jarred olives I've ever eaten.) My big, fat pug will actually jump off the ground for the chicken jerky treats they sell at Sam's. I think they must have doggy crack in them lol. They are much cheaper than at the grocery store. I go almost every other week so I definitely get my money's worth.

We shop both and membership pays for itself in savings and Cashback (Sam's takes Discover and we get more Cashback). Some things that I really love:

- Gas is sometimes 10 cents cheaper than surrounding stations
- Affordable wines
- We eat a lot of fruit and while I love our local Italian fruit markets, they just can't match price on berries and grapes. When grapes are good, I'm probably in there twice a week.
- Good selection of bestsellers and other books -- and you won't find a cheaper price -- even beats Amazon sometimes.
- Prescription prices are usually the cheapest around (and you don't have to be a member to use their pharmacy). Costco also gives a free pet insurance discount -- I can't get my cat's thyroid meds anywhere, including online, any cheaper. The pharm isn't open on Sundays, so smart people plan accordingly. Ahem.
- 2lbs of yeast is $4.19 at Sam's. Can't beat that with a stick.
-Annie's right -- the rotisserie chicken is cheap and good. It's usually a much bigger bird than you'll see at your grocery store rotisserie and it costs less than $5.

I've never been a fan, but most people that I know rave about their sheet cakes.

There are lots of little things, too. They have gift cards to movie theaters or restaurants at a discount but, like everything, you do have to buy them in bulk -- usually a set of three.

I agree that not everything is cheaper because you are buying in bulk. Grocery stores many times will beat warehouses with deals on pop, tissue, etc. So, you should do your homework. The other slight negative is that you may not always find the same products the next time you go back. Typically, your staples are always there, but sometimes the brand or sizes may change.

Tamara

I will also add that not all Costco stores are the same. (I don't have a Sam's Club anywhere nearby to compare). We have a store in north Salinas, and another over in Sand City, which is right on Monterey Bay. The Salinas store is a lot more basic, but the Sand City store serves the more upscale Monterey area, and has a ton more selection in cheeses and wines and a number of other items, like the prepared foods or book selections. The Salinas store can disappoint me, but my prescriptions are there.

Did anyone mention that their prescriptions are well priced? and you don't need to be a member to use the pharmacy, but you can't pay by check.

I stop at Costco often for rotisserie chicken and the take and bake pizza. I often buy books there. The optical center is cheaper than just about anywhere. The Kirkland dog food is wheat free and less than half the price of the wheat free stuff I was buying at Pet Supermarket. 40lb bag for under $23.00. The last time I checked it was made in the US. Costco mails out coupons that make the discounted prices even cheaper. I wish we had a gas station at ours.

They give you an automatic 2 year warranty on electronics. We bought our last TV there. I also got a high quality treadmill with the great warranty. We needed service on the TV and couldn't find the receipt and they printed it for us and sent a repairman to the house.

I get my membership fee back after buying two bags of dog food.

A $50 membership fee at Costco? Elery's Sam's Club card only costs $30.

Tamara, you are right, I always buy my yeast at Sam's too. I have to confess, though, I go to Sam's maybe 3 or 4 times a year. Now with the wedding(s) coming up this year, we might go more, because I'm going to be checking prices on ingredients, feeding that many people will be expensive.

Plus, there's a Gordon's Food Service right across the street from Sam's and there's no membership fee at all, but it's a LOT smaller.

Annie

I belong to Costco and BJ's and find that the membership fee is worth it. With 4 children buying in bulk...just works! get good delas on nice cuts of meats like there cheese and i also buy cases of water juice boxes paper towels toilet paper and cereal! i went on a free pass to Sams for some reason i didnt like it and my store was very dim lit...never went back.

I've never been to a Sam's Club. We're staying across the road from one in Boise next week and we'll probably check it out. I don't want to pay two memberships and I can't imagine we'll dump our Costco card, but I'd still like to look around.

We've been Costco members for 23-24 years. The quality has always been good. I buy office and cleaning supplies for DH's business and the library. Besides groceries...glasses, prescriptions, long distance, paper goods, pet food, gas, clothing (quite a lot of clothing considering you can't try on there). Returns are never questioned.

I usually have a list and pick up things for several people. We have their AmEx card so in addition to a Costco rebate check, we get a percentage back from the credit card, which more than pays for the membership.

It's an hour+ to the store we like best, but we make the rounds a once or twice a month. Costco, Cash&Carry (restaurant/small grocery supply) and WinCo.

Beware of a crowded Costco at sample time. People get downright nasty.

I have a membership at Costco like the one Claudia has. We get money back once or twice a year and it's always enough to cover the membership and then some.

I love Costco! Their meats are excellent, far better than the regular grocery stores IMHO. They also have a good selection of cheeses and things like Prosciutto at very good prices. I also love their frozen uncooked shrimp and several other frozen appetizer type foods. Also find their vitamins and beauty care products to be well priced.

Watching the price of things is not my strong suit but my sense is that their prices are better than the grocery store in general but grocery store specials tend to be cheaper than Costco's day to day prices so you have to watch.

One thing I have learned about Costco though...if you see something there you want (other than food and health and beauty supplies) you better darn well buy it then and there because it won't be there next time!

I am completely addicted to Coscto. I go there for everything not the least of which is the food courts non-fat frozen yogurt. Oh my.

Actually we have bought over the years from every department at Costco. Probably the most purchased item is their produce which I love. I just like shopping there period though.

The closest one is 1.5 hours away. Since we go to Reno a couple of times a month anyway it works out very well. We live in a mountain town and have to travel for a lot of supplies. The next closest is in Chico, CA which is also about 1.5 hours away. So it really just depends on which direction we want to go in.

I would advise though to stick with the basic membership instead of the executive. They often try to push the higher tier of membership on us and I don't see the value in it.

Hope this helps.

Kate

Thank you all so much. This will really help us this weekend. I worry about making back the membership fee. They sure do have some beautiful food stuffs, I know that. Costco does, anyway.

We'll check them both out and see what we see.

Katiec -- those nasty people might be my inlaws. LOL. One of their favorite things to do is to go to Sam's for 'lunch' -- which means hitting all the sample tables. I try and avoid the stores at lunch time -- people do go a little crazy. Good tip! ;)

LOL Tamara!

My Mom used to do the same thing at Costco and at the grocery store too. Not only did she dine on the samples but she engaged the "sample person" and their "guests" in conversation. She could find out more about a person in 5 minutes sampling frozen pizza than a psychiatrist could get out of them in 1 hour of couch time!

Damn I miss her......

We often find things from Sam's Club we can't find anywhere else because we live in the middle of wheat fields, far from "the big city". Members since 1992. I've never been in a Costco, so I can't comment on them.

Even though I'm big on food stockpiling, I rarely purchase food from Sam's, just a few select things. I can always buy the same name brands, or other brands, cheaper at the grocery store if I wait for loss leaders and use coupons.

Some of the things I purchase from Sam's:
-pop-up foil sheets (box of 500)
-food-service size box of foil (lasts a lifetime)
-pop-up deli sheets of paper (dry waxed paper)
-office supplies
-clothing/shoes/socks
-gas
-nuts
-real maple syrup
-we bought a discounted 8-place setting of porcelain dishes there Saturday
-potting soil
-movies/TV programs on DVD
-books
-oak book cases and storage shelves
-LED light bulbs (the only place I've found them affordable)
-Solar outdoor light for our shed
-Dyson vacuum
-vinegar (two 1-gallon jugs in a box) used in the washer instead of fabric softener, and general cleaning uses)
-photocopier/printer

I checked Rx for my parents, Sam's was more expensive than K-Mart. Meat is more expensive. Paper goods - that means TP (no paper towels/plates purchased here) which is less expensive at K-Mart (on sale) or the grocery store (on sale with a coupon) than Sam's. Cheese is more expensive at Sam's than many other stores. I buy laundry detergent on-line by the 5-gallon pail (1280 loads - lasts us 3.5 years) and it's less expensive than anything at Sam's.

So as others pointed out, check prices and figure those unit prices before you buy.

-Grainlady

I also love Costco. And you can turn it into entertainment - $10 for my 9 yr old if we go during sample time and he eats and swallows everything offered. He's not even close - ha ha. I agree with "if you see something you like - buy it" as I have gone back and they no longer have it:(. Also, unfortunately for my son, workbooks are the cheapest around. I buy the upgraded membership which pays for itself because you get 3% back of purchases made through the year.

I'm glad you started this thread. I was going to start a similar one asking the same questions... but if people think it would be worth it for a single person like me. I don't want to have to buy so much stuff that it goes bad or I can't store it. With Wal-mart, Winn-Dixie, and Publix all across the street, I can't imagine a 25 minute drive to Sams or BJs (Costco is 30 minutes and too much traffic to get to) being worth it unless the savings are huge.

So, thanks again for starting the thread :o)

Bobby, it absolutely would not be worth it for you. Storage and usage would be an issue. Pretty much all they sell is in volume.

I think you'd be way better off shopping the specials at your local grocery stores.

No Sam's here. I hit Costco about twice a month on average for such items as beef, salmon, chicken breasts, chicken apple sausage, produce, toilet paper, paper towels, detergent, casual clothing (The selection has been dreadfully ugly the last few times. Costco? Are you listening? The stuff is ugly!), books, vitamins, body wash, prescriptions, office supplies, socks, towels, glasses and contacts, cheese, and seasonal stuff that strikes my whim bone. Electronics on occasion; computers, laptops, TVs, cameras, printers. I have purchased beds and mattresses in the past.

I find that if you want high quality goods, they usually have the best price. If not, you can get a better price elsewhere. Often the packages are too large for us.

As for sampling, guilty as charged. I nibble away but very rarely buy any of it. The stuff they sample is often prepared or semi-prepared and full of salt and fat. Mostly salt. Fine for a taste, not good for a steady diet.

Thanks, Chase. That is helpful. I was curious because I thought they might have unique things I couldn't get a regular store... but I have trouble keeping things from going bad that I get from the grocery store, so bulk shopping definitely isn't the way to go! It seems that a membership at one of those places would only cost me money in the fee, gas, and wasted food. The only thing I'd buy there is ketchup because you can never have too much and it lasts a long time! I am glad there are places like that available for people who can benefit from them. If they have a good price on cleaning supplies and kitchen gadgets it may be beneficial, but I wouldn't get a membership just for that. I have a friend who got his Vitamix at Costco and has been very happy with it... He wanted one anyway, but upon seeing the demonstration right there in the store, he didn't have a choice, he had to get it! But, even he doesn't have a membership, he always tags along with someone else that does.

I'm with Linda (doucanoe) on this one. The idea that a store wants me to give them money (the fee) so I can give them money (shop there) seems silly. I had a credit card that wanted to charge me to pay my bill once before (they called it a processing fee)... I canceled that sucker fast.

I'll be interested to see what you decide, Trinsic.

bobby, I agree with Sharon, I don't think that you would be able to recoup your fee, being single and with limited storage.

Even Elery and I together, keeping two houses with multiples in cleaning supplies and each of us with one "child" still at home, don't buy huge quantities of most things.

As I mentioned, we do have certain items we buy there, they're cheaper and it's stuff that won't spoil.

I do find that the produce at Sam's Club here is nearly as bad as it is at Walmart, which is abysmal. I never buy Sam's Club produce. Elery will occasionally pick up wine or cheese, I never do. Wine is cheaper a lot of places and I seldom eat cheese OR drink wine.

Annie

Oh yeah the wine. Very good selection, great stuff, fab prices. Not your every day bottles of red/white cheap stuff.

I hit Sam's to stock up on some stuff now that I have room to store stuff. We have had a membership through the business for years and offer them to employees too. WE don't have a Costco here.

I agree that you have to watch prices as some things are cheaper at regular stores. When I still had pets they had great prices on food and litter.

Butter
Foil
Coffee
Sugar
Flour
Nuts
Cheese (real parm for sure)
Chocolate for baking
Olive Oil
Beef Jerky
yeast
Storage and trash bags
Some cleaning supplies
DW detergent
Paper products
Few personal care items
Fresh Flowers

These are a few of the things that come to mind this afternoon. I've not tried a lot of their meat as I'm fine with stuff from the butcher or my local store. Stocked my freezer last fall from both places when they had some great sales. The produce is hit or miss but they always have a good price on fresh pineapple. I did stock up on blueberries and rasberries for the freezer this year when they were cheap and available.

I don't take any of the food samples they offer. Okay, maybe some chocolate once...lol! Most of it is stuff I wouldn't buy anyways. Some do make a career out sampling all that stuff though...I just smile and avoid the display.

No liquor or wine here at Sam's or the grocery stores. You can only sell liquor in a liquor store in OK. Nothing but liquor, no mixers, smokes, or snacks...just liquor. Only in OK...LOL!

I'd love to check out a Costco some day. They sure do have a lot of loyal fans here so I'm sure it's a great place.

David

Here is only Sam's and Costo is about 75 miles away in Orlando. BJ's is slightly closer. I get really good prices on paper and canned goods at Target. As others have said, Sam's relationship to Walmart keeps it off my radar. Plus, with only two of us, volume isn't important. I hit the farmer's market regularly and we have a great discount wine merchant who has become a friend. I think all the bases are covered.

To the OP--I think the food makes Costco worthwhile. I don't have Sam's nearby so can't comment on that. I usually buy the following, plus whatever else catches my fancy and falls into my cart :

books (usually cookbooks that I prefer to browse before buying, which i can't really do online)
fresh salmon (DH and I get several meals out of this, and if I slice and freeze the excess, that doesn't take much room in the freezer)
frozen berries
organic chicken
large tubs of 0% Fage greek yogurt
fresh cherries when in season (I can polish off a large carton by myself)
goat cheese medallions
falafel (in refrigerated section)
wine
shrimp cocktail (for parties)
1 oz packages of cabot cheese
roasted red pepper chicken sausage (no longer available, to my chagrin; they were worth the membership alone!)
wreaths/greenery/poinsettias at Christmas

I also have a BJ's membership; since joining BJ's, I use Costco much less, because BJ's is much less crowded, sells 6 packs of muir glen tomatoes (which I haven't found at costco), and open later on weekends. But for me it's still worth keeping the Costco membership for the handful of things that they sell that I can't find at BJ's or prefer to other brands.

To Vacuumfreak: I'm married with no kids, and have been a Costco member since I was single. I think it can be worth it for small households IF Costco sells items that you like, and especially if you occasionally host parties. I almost never buy household supplies at Costco (price/storage issue), but find the membership worth it for the items that are on my usual 'list' above. I rarely buy things that come in huge packages because we have a small refrigerator and small pantry (with no kitchen cabinet space for food). Now that I have a small upright freezer in the basement, I can buy the frozen berries and organic chicken in larger packages. I used to think I was the only person who went to costco and left with items that would fit in 1-2 reusable grocery bags, but I noticed a few other selective small-scale shoppers the last time that I was there. I'd suggest a trial membership, or going with a friend, to see if there are any items that you like that would make it worthwhile.

Slightly off topic - Just saw a news report that Sams' Club is outsroucing it's sampling program -- basically laying off 11,000K employees some of whom may or may not be hired by the company that will be doing the "sampling program".

Slightly off topic - Just saw a news report that Sams' Club is outsroucing it's sampling program -- basically laying off 11,000K employees some of whom may or may not be hired by the company that will be doing the "sampling program".

Costco is about a 45-minute drive for me -- way too far, especially as expensive as gas is.

Sam's Club is closer -- about a 20-minute drive. That one opened a few years ago and I visited it one time. Wasn't crazy about the layout of the store, thought some of the stuff should have been cheaper, and the lighting was dim.

BJ's opened here in 2002. It's less than 10 minutes from my house, so saves me on gas (plus the great gas prices). We pay $30 per year for a joint membership (two cards), and we save more than that per month!

One thing I especially love about BJ's is that they not only send out coupon books once a month, they not only have discounted prices in the store, but they also accept all manufacturers' coupons. I often use a store coupon and a regular coupon -- gives me great savings.

BJ's is also very clean and bright. The layout and signage are good, so I can find things quickly.

They also always have multiple lanes open. I rarely ever have to wait in line before checking out.

We have three kiddos and a dog at home, and these are the things I really like to buy at BJ's:

Great deli! Excellent meats, cheeses, rotisserie chicken. Far better quality than we can find anywhere else, and cheaper

Bacon, hot dogs, brats, etc. They also have excellent ribs for cooking on the grill.

Dairy products -- especially milk, butter, and cheese. Fantastic prices!

Bread, rolls, buns -- name brands, half store price

Frozen foods -- love to buy in bulk, saves lots of trips to the store. Especially veggies.

Cereals -- fantastic prices for both hot and cold cereals. The only store prices which come close are BOGO deals.

Staples -- flour, sugar, nuts, chocolate chips, canned veggies, coffee (fantastic prices!), macaroni and cheese when we must have quick meals (Annie's brand, far better to us than Kraft), ketchup, mustard, etc.

Dog food -- we get Purina cheaper than Walmart's brand.

Laundry and cleaning supplies, dishwashing detergent (always get great deals with store sales, store cpns, and regular cpns) -- amazing deals on huge sizes so I don't have to buy them very often (every 6-12 months)

Paper products -- TP, Kleenex (or Puff's Plus, always purchased w/cpns), feminine supplies, BJ's brand paper towels - fantastic prices, good quality, last a long time

Toiletries -- great buys on shampoo/conditioner (I compare unit pricing at Walmart and Target before buying), deodorant, toothpaste, mouthwash, soap, body wash, razor blades (really expensive elsewhere!), vitamins and supplements (we save BIG on these), etc...

I can buy greeting cards there 50% off, books are great prices (I have found wonderful ones for gifts), school and office supplies are great prices, especially at the beginning of each school year, and electronics prices are really amazing -- and excellent quality.

We buy all our eyeglasses there and save a fortune! $98 for frames and lenses. DIL likes to buy contact lenses there.

DS and DIL have bought packaged vacations there -- a cruise to Cozumel, Mexico, and a vacation to a resort in Jamaica. They raved about the price and the wonderful accomodations for months afterward.

I only go once a month and stock up. DH stops on his way home from work (it's right on his way) to pick up milk and other supplies when we need them.

No, I don't work for BJ's, nor own stock, no connections at all. Just love it! :-)

Oh, and another thing if it matters to you Costco treats their employees very, very well. It was in a business magazine and news report at one point in time. I have no opinion on Sam's, I don't even think they are in Canada.

Sorry for the double post above. Not sure how that happened.

Mara, I know someone who lives near a BJ's and she made very similar comments about it. She's very happy with them.

Don't worry about it bean, lol. It seems to happen from time to time.

Wish we had BJ's here!

Cookie, it does matter to a certain extent. Sad to say it but my checkbook total matters more. Which is why things like Walmart exist. I manage to not go there but I know Sam's is also 'Walmart'. I have a few friends who have worked for both walmart and sam's. I've heard both good and bad opinions on how employees are treated. Just like any place else.

Thanks again, all.

I belong to all 3, BJ's being the third.
I would give up BJ's as being the one I like least, but it is the closest. The others are an hour away.
As others have said, each has its strengths.
When I did catering there were things I could get at Sams and not Costco,
The suggestion to compare prices on the things you commonly buy and compare is good advice.

I won't shop at Walmart and they own Sam's Club, so I won't shop at Sam's Club either so I have no idea what they have. I have shopped at BJ's before, but I like Costco better and joined about 2 years ago. Their meats are fantastic. But I mostly stock up on things like paper towels, dishwasher detergent, soaps, toiletries, etc. I buy the Kirkland toilet tissue, tissues, dishwasher detergent, and laundry detergents and find they're just as good as any name brands.

I mostly shop so I can buy in bulk and not have to buy a lot every single week. I have shelves set up in the basement and I keep all the nonperishables there. A bulk package of paper towels takes up a lot of space!!

I can't say I save much money because it seems like I never get out of there for under $300, but again, I like not having to buy a lot of things and lug them home every week. Some things I still find cheaper at the grocery store, so those things I save for my weekly shopping.

I'll second whoever stated that you have to buy things when you see them. I was looking for a winter coat for my son and we just happened to stop in Costco while we were out and lo and behold, there was a table full of winter coats with zip-out linings!

Lisa

Had a Sam's membership but let it go because a Costco was built closer to our home. I used to buy more at Costco, but decided I needed a warehouse of my own to store the warehouse size packages so I cut back. I do like buying roasts, salmon, tilapia, cheese sticks, organic chicken breasts, coffee, prescriptions and few other items at Costco. The prescriptions are sometimes half the cost of the CVS price. Even though CVS is closer, I'll make the drive to Costco to save on medications.

We have Sam's, BJ's and Costco in my area. We belong to Costco and have for many years. I like them the best. Very good quality meat and seafood.

No one mentioned it but Costco has the beat car rental prices if youre even in need of one and they also have very good diamonds at really nice prices.

Claudia

My niece just told me that she booked her honeymoon through Costco's travel service.

Adele

I love Costco as well...we have a BJ's and Costco within 1/4 mile of each other...tried both . prefer Costcos meats are fabulous.

June

I also buy more then just food there. I have gotten some good deals on clothes. We buy our tires for our cars there (they install). Their gas prices are some of the best in our area. I have two big screen TVs and have two laptops from them. I bought a really nice pearl necklace there. Our cell phone plan (3 phones) is through Verizon but purchased through Costco - excellent deal. My husband got his eye glasses from them for an excellent price. Our cordless phones are through them too (they had a great coupon deal one month). I purchased some really cute Christmas decorations during the season. They run good deals on various cookwares, etc. I got my Griddler from them and also a nice fondue pot.

That's all I can think of for now:) I like Costco.

I love Costco, and the rebate pays for the membership, and then some. The meat and fish are excellent, and where else can I get Mexican Coca-Cola?

David, I think other states also have laws restricting liquor to liquor stores only. I think Washington is that way and owns the liquor stores and definitely Utah. In British Columbia, we had to go to a government owned liquor store for liquor, and they also sold wine. Occasionally they would threaten to have a liquor strike and everyone would rush to the store to stock up before the strike, buy all the inventory, and then the strike threat would be called off. I think we bought more liquor because it was more of an ordeal to get it.

I won't shop at Sam's Club because of its association with Walmart, but then there isn't one anywhere near me. I was very upset when they built a CostCo a few blocks from my house in Venice. It caused traffic in the neighborhood to double at least, and made the intersection of Washington and Lincoln almost impassible without waiting for lights to change three times. I tried to go into the CostCo once and it was impossible to park. I was also rear-ended on Washington Blvd while I was stopped at a red light by someone leaving CostCo. Plus they added a red light on Washington where there wasn't even a street - just an entrance to CostCo. I'm so glad to be away from all of that now. I don't like buying huge quantities anyway.

Lars

I love Costco. We buy a lot of food plus non foods like over the counter meds like ibuprofen and vitamins. I have arthritis and I love the extra large packs of Therma-Care heat wraps. The best deals we get are in the optical dept. DH, DD, DGD and I all wear glasses and/or contacts. When DGD broke her glasses, they replaced them for free. The little shop in our town is 3 and 4 times the cost. I can't tell if there is any difference in quality.
Donna

I don't go to Sam's Club, but the sampling program involved part-timers, who'll be replaced with another company. It's not enough of a crisis for me. They're not hiring someone in Bangalore to pass out cheese squares.

I can't comment on Sam's. We don't have any in the region. But we do have a Costco Executive membership (with AmEx card) and have found it cost-effective for us.

Costco offers different levels of membership. For years we stuck with the basic and cheapest. But when we bought a computer there the salesperson recommended considering executive because the money back on a big-ticket item would more than cover the cost of membership at a higher level. He was right; the rebate also provided a nice reduction in the cost of the computer.

Using the AmEx card also extends the warranty by another year, which is nice for electronics particularly. One salesperson told me a number of members charge everything they can on the AmEx (paying off in full each month so there's no interest) and get very big rebates as a result. There's a Costco rebate and a separate AmEx rebate, so the returns can be very large, especially for those buying for a business. However, obviously there's no benefit if you're overbuying just because the rebate is appealing. There is a pyschological effect there you have to watch out for.

I like the fact that Costco's salespeople are not on commission. I think it makes a difference in their reponses to questions about electronics and other pricy goods.

Since we live 30 miles away in a rural area, our trips to Costco are not frequent and are normally combined with doctor's appointments or other kinds of errands. I try to schedule those trips just after the new coupon book has come out. Beyond basic goods like TP, some of their coupon book specials are hard to beat. My DH wanted a new scales (determined to lose weight in the new year) and I bought a Taylor digital glass-top for $14.99, which was less than half of the cheapest price anywhere else.

Costco stores do vary considerably store to store. For us access is critical. One of our older Costco stores has limited handicapped parking, and if DH goes with me, that's a store we avoid.

We have one "upscale" Costco in the area which we go to most often. Very best parking and the one Costco near us that carries Seattle's Best coffee, which we prefer to other brands. We keep a grinder and coffee machine busy most of the day, not just for us but for constant traffic in my DH's shop. I figure just the coffee saves us the cost of the membership.

I do think Costco can be an impulse-buyer's paradise and if you're not careful unnecessary purchases can easily suck up any savings. I am now cutting back on Costco purchases. With just the two of us, some foods go to waste before we consume them. In some cases I can still buy the larger product so much more cheaply that a degree of waste is "cost-effective" but I'm constitutionally opposed to buying more than we need and then throwing it away.

Some of Costco's prices are unbeatable. I can buy their prepared fresh pineapple for much less than whole pineapple at other stores and be assured of the quality. Dairy products are also very reasonable - Darigold cottage cheese comes to mind. I buy excellent cream cheese and butter at Costco for holiday baking. Sometimes the prices don't beat local loss-leaders, but I like the brands Costco offers and the quality.

And lastly, as others have mentioned, Costco has an excellent return policy. A couple of years ago when recalls for pistachios were in the news a Costco employee phoned to let me know because their records showed I'd purchased a trail mix they were pulling off the shelves. No other company has ever called to inform me of a recall. I found that very impressive.

Carol

I am single, and I shop at BJ's and Costco, but mostly BJ's because there is one in Philly and my mom shares my membership. For me, it is great for paper products, laundry detergent and some health and beauty items. Also some staples and spices. My mom likes a lot of the frozen products that can't be found in regular grocery stores and also their muffins. Discounts on iTunes gift cards and postage stamps. I have found great prices on toys and garden items (fertilizers and potting mixes).

The Costco here has the best rotisserie chicken around, and if you can get it right out of the over, it is divine.

For all of those of you with one- or two-person households, who wonder how you can store large sizes? I recommend sharing with a friend. Check your friends and either share a mmembership, or coast in on theirs. You'll have to pay cash, but you'll come out ahead. Get the paper towels and slpit the package with someone else, same for TP or Kleenex or whatever.

We don't have a local Sam's Club.

We love our Costco, and even though we are a two-person household, we have learned how to shop there without going overboard.

What we save on gas, printer ink, coffee beans, whole cooked chickens and toilet paper pays for the yearly membership. Any further savings are just gravy (and we like that too)!

They have extra member services and even helped me find a good deal on the car I wanted to buy.

We did a Costco run this morning as I was down to the last can of coffee. (Brave to go on a Saturday!) We are a two person house also, and as Sushipup wrote, you can split the large packs or make an investment in a Foodsaver machine and pack the items up for later. The bag of croutons i bought will last us a good six months, so at least half the bag will be repackaged. No meats this time other than a cooked chicken for lunches and some salmon. It was more of a paper goods run.

One note of caution: I did return the Kirkland sea salt I bought there last month. It cakes so badly I can't get any out of the shakers and keeping it in a pinch bowl was one big lump.

Tomorrow morning I may make a run to Sams as they do have a "gotta move it" meat section. It is a shame Costco won't do that.

I forgot to mention -- we get great buys on clothes (from undies/socks to outerwear), kitchen items (I posted here about the fantastic deal I got on a big KitchenAid saute' pan not long ago), and towels/washcloths/sheets at BJ's. About a year ago, I bought a Queen-size set of 750-count sheets for less than $30. Had I known how luxurious they would be, I'd have bought several sets.

I used to wish we had a Costco closer, as my best friend in AZ is crazy about her local Costco store, but then I found out the memberships cost more than our BJ's membership. My cousin lives near a Costco and really likes it, but she says the prices I get at BJ's are cheaper. I don't know if there are regional differences, or not.

My next-door neighbor and her DH are retired and live alone. She told me that she and her two sisters go to BJ's once a month and stock up on everything from meats to TP. She says they even split packages of frozen foods and big bags of potatoes. They seem to have it down to a science, LOL.