Club Shopping

Message 81 of 2431

Saw this on Wallet Pop too.

This is regarding shopping at the club stores such as Costco and Sam's Club.

These clubs purchase what are called "gray-market Products"
This is merchandise designated by the manufacturer for distribution to another country, ends up being sold in the United States and warehouses offer to buy "gray-market" goods either because price is cheap or because the manufacturer will not sell directly to the warehouse. The warranties that come with these products (such as watches)DO NOT have to be honored in the U.S. Carefully check the warranty and check the store's return policy before purchasing.

Also, we see a lot of designer clothes at the club stores. Most designers generate "warehouse only" lines that may not be of the same quality as the true designer line for other stores.

Regarding coupons for the club stores, you may be able to beat their price even with their coupon, especially at Walmart. This is true for diapers, cereal and paper goods. Also, with manufacturers coupons you can use them at any store, but can just use club coupons at their store.

Also, watch gas prices at the club stores. When gas prices are low the club price is low too, but when gas prices go up, the club store may only be 1 or 2 cents cheaper. I have found that gas prices stay the lowest at Arco.

Now we know that purchasing a beautiful watch or that designer pair of jeans at a discount price at the club store may not be worth it.

I had no idea about the "gray-market" products. It seems we get fooled by everybody and they continue to make money. It seems that Walmart is a good store to shop at during these times. For Christmas, Walmart is putting an entire line of popular toys on sale for $10.00.

posted by sherrie515

We let go of our Sam's club membership some years ago. With just two of us - it wasn't worth it.

posted by joy333
about 1 month ago

I have both a Costco and Sam's...I used it as a cool place to walk in the summer with my husband. I have not been in either since he passed. I will get rid of one or both when they come up for renewal. I have friends that belong. I can always plan an outing with them...

posted by HippyGirl52
about 1 month ago

I had a Sam's card in the early 80's--at the time there was not a cost. I was single--the items were mostly in bulk. At some point, a fee was added and I did not renew. I had the free membership for 2 years and only bought a water hose and a large package of underwear. (I really did not need the quantity of the underwear--and I dont think I used them all. Bulk does not work for a single person as HippyGirl 52 commented, and I can see why the bulk would not work even for a couple as Joy333 mentioned.

posted by Genuinely
about 1 month ago

Since my husband passed last year I have only been to Sam's club twice. The only things I buy there are Laundry products, dish soap, and paper products. Just a few grocerie items. You have to be careful and know your prices because a lot of times you can get the same product at a cheaper price at Wal-Mart.

posted by suecitysue
about 1 month ago

There's a new WalMart Supercenter coming in my neighborhood so maybe I can compare prices with Sam's. Mostly I buy multiples at Sam's now. Things like 10# of sugar and various kinds of tomato .
I also use their instant Columbian coffee. With our five cats it pays me to buy large amounts of cat box filler and dry food. That's something I can stockpile to save trips.

Occasionally I will stop by the printer sites to see if something can be saved there. I looked at Epson the other day and found that I get a reduced price all-in-one that uses a different ink supply at a cheaper
price where you only have to replace the cassette you used up and not the whole shebang. So much of my poor memory printing can be saved this way. I like the Epson color prints.

posted by harbormaster55
about 1 month ago

I belong to Costco. I buy meat there because it's high quality and a good price. My other 'must buys' are creamer, Equal,and Folger's coffee. The savings and convenience work for me. I tried giving up my membership and just going with my sister but she only goes on Sunday and I work on Sundays.

I will not shop at WalMart so I don't even bother with any cost comparisons related to them.

posted by Butlerphan
about 1 month ago

you all know that walmart is one of the reasons our economy is tanking. they used to sell only american products, but now they sell only foreign products. that means every time you go there, you are not only buying what some other nation calls safe, (primarily china), but also keeping another american out of work.

i make a point of buying only local now, and american if on the internet. people in this country have a right to a job. even if it costs me a little more. and the bonus is, it may actually last past the week.

in my daughters economy class (she is a business major in college) they explained how slowly and insidiously walmart single handedly changed the economy in this country. she refuses to even set foot in there. and after hearing the facts, i dont either. i will drive out of my way to go elsewhere.