Sams or Costco?

[Smurfette]

Thinking about a membership.... Which one's better?

 

[Mr Bean]

costco

we have memberships to both, and i'll go to sam's when short on time (it's closer) but damn near everything is far superior at costco. and based on what I purchase, the same items are less expensive at costco. and their meat is better.

 

[Victorious1]

My vote is with Costco. Even their house name brand food is pretty good (Kirkland).

 

[scottsins]

costco.

 

[YoLaDu]

this thread will have a roughly 90% vote for Costco.

 

[hornian]

Costco.

 

[Thunderhoof]

We shop at Costco for things we need at home.

At work, we go to Sam's.

Sam's seems to be more geared to small businesses, restaurants, little league-type organizations and the like, while Costco seems more geared to families. That's my impression, for what it's worth.

 

[brntorng]

Costco. Just check out the parking lots on a Saturday and you'll see that most everyone agrees.

 

[Uninformed]

I belong to both and don't see a lot of difference, although Costco is closer. My guacamole is packaged better at Sams. The Sams salsa seems to stay fresh longer. My wife's blue cheese is similar at each. Chicken, what's the dif.? Some patio furniture is better at costco while other furniture is better at Sams. Really, I think it depends most on what you buy most often. I don't see a lot of difference between the two. However, Costco is a much friendlier company (to its community and to its employees).

 

[baboso]

Costco.

 

[austintex]

Sam's is owned by Wal-mart and treats its employees like slaves. Costco isn't and doesn't.

 

[CaboWabo]

In reply to:

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[jmatt]

I shop at Sam's. But then I've never been in a Costco.

Well that, and the fact that the company I work for gives me a business membership at Sam's as a perk.

I don't know how they treat their employees at Sam's, but I do know that having at least one visible tattoo seems to be a prerequisite... At least at the one up in Round Rock that I mostly go to

 

[El Paso Way]

I have a membership to both. I enjoy them about the same, they both carry items the other one does'nt. Costco has the best beef I think. Their tenderloin is great, and priced good. And don't forget Costco sells booze.

 

[Summerof79]

COSTCO better quality across the board and much better seasonal products.

 

[TXHookem]

Hands-down, Costco.

 

[ChiroHorn]

Depends on convenience for me, there are 2 Sam's close to where I work so that's where I shop.

 

[Uninformed]

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[rhg84]

The pizza is better at costco and their berry smoothies, churros, and berry sundays kick ***. Love costcos food court

 

[VYFan]

Costco gets a nice share of our family budget. Oh wait, we don't have a budget!

 

[phyznik]

If you decide to join Costco, take a moment to consider their Executive Membership. The upfront cost is about twice the normal membership ($100) IIRC with a benefit of 2% back on all purchases. If you have a decent sized family or plan to make a hefty purchase the membership will pay for itself. Your family can easily spend $5000 in a year just shopping on good deals in Food & Sundry goods, buy the occasional TV or Novaform Mattress and it adds up very quickly.

They also have a partnership with American Express, bundling the Executive Membership and AMEX account for up to 3% back on gasoline & entertainment expenses. It's a decent perk if you're looking for another deal.

I loved the executive rebate coupon when I had roommates and shopped for a household of 5 people, but now I'm shopping for myself and that case of toilet paper and paper towels will last over a year and a half.

There's additional benefits from the upgraded membership: Discounts on cruise & travel packages, home mortgages, stock & financial planning, etc.

Costco's meat department has some of the best cuts in Austin, at prices competitive with Whole Foods and Central Market; You can buy in bulk and freeze what you don't eat in one sitting and save a fair amount of cash. The Deli section does some amazing delicious ready-bake dinners while their Rotisserie Chicken is always fresh (stringent quality control and temperature checking)
The Pharmacy at Costco also has some of the best prices for scripts in Austin. They don't have the $4 generics (at least, not for what I had) but generally they are competitive to CSV, Walgreens, et al.

Pharmacy and Food Court at Costco do not require membership, often you can hustle by the door-guards just mumbling something about picking up a prescription or grabbing a pizza. Then you can wander freely and examine the what the place has to offer.

*Disclaimer: I was an employee there for 2 years. I'd still work for them today but we had a difference of opinion on how to handle vacation time. They treat their employees with a great deal of respect, the pay is similar to entry lvl IT positions with raises calculated from an hour's accrued matrix. Healthcare benefits for a part-time job was amazing.