I find it nearly useless, yet I continue to be a member. I buy very little there because there's such limited selection of everyday items (but not TVs). For example, there are several types of Listerine mouthwash & I favor the original that's the color of ginger ale. They don't have that; they have "cool mint", so Sam's doesn't help me there. However If I need another HD-TV, there are probably 50 different ones; trouble is, I don't need one very often. Another thing I like are bran muffins. Sam's has five or six types, but not bran, so I go elsewhere.
Today I needed gasoline so I know they generally sell for less - they did, a whole 4cents per gallon than the stations along the roads there. I wasn't sure what to do with the 32cents I saved today as I was torn between a new laptop or an I-Pad. So many tough decisions.
Another time I priced tires there. They were no better than any store on the outside. I did decide on an outside National Tire chain store. I decided I'd rather be able to have a lot of available locations in case I get a flat. Sam's or any other dealer will fix flats free for their customers. And since they're un-predictable, I decided I'd rather have more options as there are far fewer Sam's than any of the major tire chain dealers.
I do recommend one thing though - the roasted take-home chicken. It's a large flavorful bird for only $5. It's generally bigger & cheaper than any others available + it's very tasty. I've never had a dud. I also like their snack bar for the frozen yogurt - $1 for a decent sized cup. They do sell a brand of Greek Yogurt I like, but it comes in a 24-pack, which would take-up about 1/3 of my refrigerator space, so that's a no-go.
Part of the savings they offer is the fact that purchases are bulk-sized. Buy anything anywhere & you save $$$ the larger the quantity. So the fact that there may be some good deals if you can find something besides a TV stems from the fact that it's a bulk purchase to begin with, which always provides a savings. I'd always need toilet paper, but I'd have to buy a bigger car in order to get it home + either add-on an addition to my house or evict one of my children.
I guess I like the frozen yogurt from the snack bar well enough to keep paying the $50/year member fee, but other than that, and the roasted chicken, I don't find very much I want there. read more