Sam's Club vs. CostCo (bj's, price, stores, review)

[Old Surrender]

Word on the street is that CostCo might be coming to my town. Are there any major differences between the two? (Prices, selection, service, etc.)

[emailvasally]

I have not been to a Costco in a yr (moved)but here is my view.

Sams club is a little cheaper. better selection of food.
Costco has more name brands and quality items. therefore a little more expensive but worth it if you are into the better stuff.
We used to have both memberships.

[Mathguy]

Yeah, costco has a number of "higher end" items at great prices.
I bought a digital camera there, my son's winter coat, some dress pants etc.
My neighbor even bought a telescope there that was a super good deal according to him.

They pay their employees pretty well and have incredibly low turnover. I am constantly impressed at the intelligence, customer service etc. I get when I am at Costco and have questions etc.

[motormaker]

We have memberships in both stores and prefer Costco because we like the selection better. Meat, produce and baked good seem better and the check out and bagging process is way better. So, it's Costco for us even if Sam's is 3 miles closer.

[Summering]

I love Costcos, and they have the best return policy.......
But also Sam's is wonderful. However, not all Sam's Clubs are the same. Of the four I have been in....one up in Vestal, New York was a big, big, favorite. It was a much larger store then our local area one. Full with all kinds of delights. Especially at Christmas time. Oh boy, I get to visit there this weekend, can't wait.

[Twinkle Toes]

I am a member of both Costco and Sams Club. I like shopping both places because each has different things (even though overall, they have the same things). Costco seems to have higher end things - if you're into getting your high end at Costco. The customer service is so much better at Costco than Sams. When I first joined Sams there was a problem with my membership and I wasn't able to make purchases on the card even though that's what I signed up for. The people in customer service didn't know how to rectify the problem. I told them just forget it and give me my money back. I don't want the membership if I can't buy gas on the card. They got one of the managers over and fixed the problem real quick. Now I only buy my gas at either a Sams or a Costco - whichever is closest to me when my car's low on gas.

[f_m]

Originally Posted by Old Surrender

Word on the street is that CostCo might be coming to my town. Are there any major differences between the two? (Prices, selection, service, etc.)

Not really, just depends on your location. They carry similar brands, though sometimes one brand is sold at one place and not the other. The food stand at Costco seems to be better. In fact, apparently you don't need to be a member, but it's cash only. The Costco I go to is pretty well run, and the employees seem happy.

[macroy]

My problem with costco is dealing with the enormous crowds... but that may be a localized thing where I live. My buddy says the one he lives near is virtually empty all the time.

There was recently a review of Costco/Sam's/BJs. Where the reviewer went to all three places with the same list of stuff to see who had better prices, service, availability. Bj's actually came out on top. I think Costco had the lowest price though. I believe it was Inc. or Kiplinger's.... those are the two magazines I get that would do something like that.....

[heydade]

Costco is bigger and better..more selection = better shopping experience.