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Are the wholesale clubs REALLY a bargain? Or is it just hype to make you think you are getting a bargain? I live pretty far away 35 miles from them and I wouldn't go unless they really do sell for less. Any input?
Thanks
Last edited by tazymae2010; 06-26-2012 at 06:43 AM..
Reason: spelling
I think it depends on the products that you use, the quantities that you need, and how convenient these stores are to you. We live less than 10 miles from Costco and three BJ's, and I work one mile from one of the BJ's. I prefer Costco and their house brands are usually excellent. Milk prices at both cannot be beat. We buy paper products, meats, and canned goods in quantity. This time of year we get our garden supplies such as potting soil, flowers, etc. at a good price, and also beach products. Both also have fresh seafood, and Costco advertises sustainable seafood. Both also have eye glasses at good prices and can do eye exams. I could go on and on, but as you can see, it works for us. Most important is to know prices in your area, including sale prices, to see if a membership would be a savings to you. It is definitely a savings for us.
I do save money with Costco, but if I lived 35 miles away from it, I don't think I'd bother going there. The only way I could see that working out is if I were often in that area for other things.
Tazy, call your local clubs -- often they offer a "day pass", so you can get a good look around. Your best bet is to take a notebook that you've already filled out with your needs and wants and prices at your stores, so you can compare with the clubs.
It's hard to remember all your stuff when you go in and get blindsided with all the goods.
Even at 35 miles away, a once a month trip isn't out of the question, if it's worth it price wise.
I love both these places but I don't have a membership anymore. I couldn't keep to my budget there. Too many things kept jumping into my cart. But it's a fun place to shop. I just couldn't control my needs VS wants!
I don't have a membership, but my mom has one for Costco. I can't handle the crowds in those places. Pick a time and they are slammed. Try to think of the quietest possible time (for example early morning on a Sunday when most people are at church, or 2:00 on a Tuesday when most people are at work/school), nope, they are crazy busy. I'm not a crowds person. If you can handle the crowds and the lines, they do have some great deals. And at least in my town, they have some of the best meats. When we are making a roast, it is always from Costco. Gas also may be cheaper than your average gas station too. Gasbuddy.com has my local Costco at $.14 cheaper than the average around town, although there are several others (like Maverick and Flying J) that are only $.03 above Costco, and don't require a club membership.
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Costco
