5 Upgrades That Waste Your Money

Sam's Club Membership Fee Is Worth Every Dollar it Cost. Reliable Products, Quality Clothing at very affordable prices. Safe, Fun, and Clean Shopping Environment. Some of the best food you can't find at local food markets. I could go on, and on, and on, however simply put "You Get A Lot Of Bang For Your Buck". "We Love Sam's Club". Signed...Satisfied Customer.

Cyril Davis of TX 11:27AM October 21, 2010

I disagree with what this article says about store memberships. You can buy inkjet printer cartridges at Sam's Club for far less than at any office supply store. I was amazed at how much they sold for at Sam's Club, and immediately switched my purchases of that item to Sam's Club. I was able to buy a winter jacket last winter for a price at Sam's Club that was virtually unmatched at any of the local stores, and the jacket looked really terrific and stylish to boot. My parents are members of Costco and buy all of their groceries and other items as well at Costco. I have easily saved far more money than the cost of my membership in Sam's Club, and I believe the same is true for my parents with Costco as well.

It's up to members to make sure they get value for their money and I can't speak for other members, but I'm glad I took a chance on Sam's Club last year, I had no way to know during my first year of membership if the membership was worth it and did it as an experiment, and within several months I knew the answer was yes.

Todd of MI 4:36PM September 15, 2010

Given the number of regular inventory items at a warehouse store and the frequently changing "seasonal" items, it would be almost impossible to calculate the delta/difference for the "average" purchase, given discounting at other and specialty stores.

Assuming the foregoing, the following will hold true.

If you have a membership that rebates, and you receive 100% of your membership fee as rebates AND you would otherwise pay for that which you use the rebate then you are at least shopping on their dime.

Second, if you compare prices within the store you will frequently find a huge variation between luxury, name, and store brands. Typically the store brand is produced by a major name brand distributor and is packaged with the store brand at a 25 - 45% savings. The Charmin quilted wipes the same as the store branded made by charmin. The embossed pattern is even identical for those whom the cost of an item influences their 5 senses.

Lastly, when seasonal items go on sale (availability is limited) they offer a huge savings. A large pail of HTH clorine tabs was $15, the lid was dented (not cracked) so they reduced the price to $10 (never hurts to ask). A specialty store carries over the inventory to the next season, so if you have the room you saved 80% less the cost of the use of that money for 6 months, and the warehouse stores offer a much better warranty ie Return within 1 month if you are not satisfied for any reason for full refund.

The bottom line is that awareness is the key to savings and we are all equipted with the capability to excel.

m stern of NY 8:02AM September 12, 2010

I seriously doubt this author has a membership in a discount club. A yearly card is $40 in our region. Even though we are now senior citizens living at home the card is more than paid for just by the discounted gas prices. We save about $4.30 a week just on our two car gas purchases over local vendors. Let's see $4.30 x 52 = $217.

I have serious doubts about a Harvard study (not cited).

Like any purchase(s) you need to weigh whether a particular purchase is cost effective. Sometimes you do pay more at a discount store - other times they offer fantastic bargains.

Agreed restraint and common sense with purchases are not hallmarks of the young.

Ken of MO 12:28PM September 09, 2010