Sam's Club vs. Costco in San Antonio (buying, live)

[RossGirl]

Hi everyone-
I am considering buying a membership to either Sam's or Costco. I plan to buy groceries and bulk household items (paper towels, laundry detergent). Does anyone have experience with either of these and which would you prefer? They appear to be equal in distance from my house. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[TXtrkgrl]

I have had both and I prefer Costco, I don't really know why but I do. It seems like Costco store is cleaner than Sam's.

I believe you can get a one day 'pass'. That might be your best bet then you can check it out for yourself.

[yodi711]

I also have both and prefer Costco for several reasons.
1. The store is always clean
2. The employees are super nice and helpful
3. The products seem like they are a better quality
4. I rarely come across long lines at the checkout, so I could run in for a couple gallons of milk and it would be totally worth the trip.

My 2 cents.

[Turtle_Mom]

I also have both, but go to Costco more often. There are a few things we get at Sam's - mostly due to brand preference (TP, trash bags) but also there are somethings that Costco doesn't carry (fat free refried beans, big bags of pasta)

Costco has a higher potential for you spending too much money with their specialty foods! But if you stick to what you need, I think they have excellent quality products for the price. The customer service beats Sam's by 1000%. People run back and get you new items if something you have turns out to be bad or open, and they will even do it if it's your fault (dropped something.) They do rain-checks, returns are easy, staff is so helpful. I have always been impressed with them. People there are nice to my kids and remember them when come in.

I've dealt with rude people at Sam's as well as those who should not be dealing with people, they really didn't have the skills to deal with conversation, money etc. But we do still go back for those few things we need. (Hubby has the account for work because he gets drinks/snacks and all that.)

[lovinSA]

Costco-
Quality
Customer Service, especially if you for whatever reason need to return they look up your account. I recently sent a gift via dot com. It needed to be returned, in another state, it was not an issue. Ordered a gift card online also, after finding why it got returned (no mail box at addy) they UPS'd it ASAP while CS and I were emailing over the issue. Only twice in the years since I have been a memeber, and started with Price Club in the 80's, have I ever encountered fair customer service.

[hoddys2]

Costco treats their employees way better than Sam's Club (owned by Walmart). Costco pays more and offers better benefits so from an ethical stand point Costco is the better choice. Also, Sam's club has that run down and dirty Walmart feel.

[wCat]

Originally Posted by TXtrkgrl

I have had both and I prefer Costco, I don't really know why but I do. It seems like Costco store is cleaner than Sam's.

I believe you can get a one day 'pass'. That might be your best bet then you can check it out for yourself.

Ditto...here! Plus I like the choice of better quality specialty items. Great for catering a quick reception or party.

[Bo]

I used to have both memberships, but dropped the Sam's membership after a couple of years, even though Sam's is closer to where I live. The posts above are consistent with my reasons, too: Costco has better brands and service.

[RossGirl]

Thank you so much for all your helpful information!
I really appreciate it your thoughtful responses.

[SnappyBob]

The Sam's people will be at my work place next week signing people up for reduced cost memberships. I would rather join Costco but when I did a location search I found that all 3 Costco stores are north of 1604. The distance to drive plust the terrible traffic and headaches involved would quickly negate any savings. If Costco doesn't care then why shoud I. I'll just go with Sam's then I guess.