Sam’s Club v. Costco: Which is Better for You?
We all love buying in bulk. Save money, save time, and stock up! But with bulk buying comes the heated debate: Sam’s Club v. Costco.
It can be hard to choose…Costco or Sam’s Club?
So, we researched it all: prescriptions, eyeglasses, tires, services, membership fees, and more. We are here to give you the facts so you can make an educated decision on where to shop!
Sam’s Club v. Costco: The Great Debate
We’ve got all the information you need to solve the great debate…Sam’s Club or Costco, which is better?
You can also explore other Deals, Discounts & Money Saving Tips in our complete guide! Find local deals in Kansas City, the best Groupon for families, a complete guide to Kids Eat Free [or really really cheap} in KC, and our POGO PASS Discount which gets you access to 23 family fun venues for less than $50. We always have these features and so much more. Make sure you are on our eNews list so you don’t miss a thing.
Costco:
Costco Membership Price
Costco has two membership options for personal use. The Gold Star card is $60.00 annually and gives you access to shop at their warehouse stores. The Gold Star Executive Card is $120.00 annually and gives you the benefits of the Gold Star card as well as other discounts, like an annual 2% reward on eligible Costco and Costco Travel purchases.
Costco Return Policy
Costco: Return merchandise at the returns counter at any Costco warehouse. With some exceptions on items like electronics and alcohol, every product is satisfaction-guaranteed for a full refund.
Costco Pharmacy
Prescriptions can be delivered to you. In addition to managing prescriptions online, you can also use a Medicare plan. Costco also offers medication for pets.
Costco Eye Center
Costco: Carries a wide range of contact lenses, designer frames, sunglasses, and high-definition lenses, now including Universal Fit frames.
Costco Tire Center & Auto
Costco frequently offers deals on sets of four tires. It also carries wheels, batteries, car accessories, car electronics, oil, washes, waxes, garage tools, and more. Costco also has an auto program where you can purchase vehicles.
Costco Gas
Costco uses Top Tier Fuel at its pumps, which is recommended by dealerships and manufacturers. Their stations are designed for traffic flow. You can even fill your tank from either side of your car. Every Costco gas station has a safety-certified attendant on-site. The stations are open to members only and claim to have competitive pricing, which they usually do.
Costco Locations
There are 4 Costco locations in the metro. If you live in the Lee’s Summit area or near the Legends, there may not be a location near you. However, there are locations in Kansas City, Lenexa, Overland Park, and Independence.
Costco Food Court
The food court offers quick eats like pizza and hotdogs at extremely low prices. You used to be able to eat at Costco’s food court without a membership, but that has changed. Patrons now must show membership to eat or buy food from the food court.
Other Costco Services
The warehouse also provides business phone services, bottled water delivery, business health insurance, home and auto insurance, business and personal checks, custom logo products, dental plans, identity protection, life insurance, mortgage purchasing and refinancing, payment processing, RVs, vision insurance, Budget truck rental, business printing, and Costco Travel.
Costco Credit Card
The Costco Credit Card provides rewards that can add up. One of our team members averages at least a $200 credit twice each year that is good toward new Costco purchases. So $400 per year—that’s a great bonus.
Sam’s Club:
If you want a Sam’s Club membership, Groupon occasionally has special offers on memberships, so stay tuned to their email list. Or you can even set up a Google alert for it.
Sam’s Club Membership Cost
Sam’s Club has two membership options. Sam’s Club Member card is $50.00 annually, and a Sam’s Plus card is $110.00 annually. Sam’s Plus costs more but is a better value based on its rewards like free shipping, early shopping hours, gas discounts, Sam’s Club Mastercard, free select prescriptions, discounts on glasses, a complimentary card, free flat tire repair, and free battery testing.
Sam’s Club Return Policy
Return to a location with a receipt for an immediate refund. You can also make returns online and through the mail.
Sam’s Club Pharmacy
You can manage prescriptions online and also buy pet medication. With a Sam’s Plus card, members can receive five free select generic prescriptions and 600+ generics for $10 or less.
Sam’s Club Optical Department
Offers contact solutions, eyedrops, sunglasses, frames, and reading glasses. Plus members get special discounts, like 20% off a complete pair and free shipping on contacts.
Sam’s Club Tires
Guarantees the best “all-in” prices for tires, or they’ll match it. All-in-one tire installation includes 24-hour roadside tire service, road hazard protection, waste tire disposal, and lifetime tire rotation, balance, and flat repair. Sam’s also has an auto-buying program with competitive pricing.
Sam’s Club Gas
Sam’s Club sells gas to members only, so the pumps will always reflect the member’s discounted price. The standard fuel center hours are 6 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 9 a.m.–7 p.m. on Sunday. Yelp users claim Sam’s Club fuel is always a cheaper option compared to normal gas stations.
Sam’s Club Locations
There are seven Sam’s Club locations around the Kansas City metro area. Their locations are definitely more spread out: Kansas City (MO and KS), Overland Park, Independence, Raymore, and Lenexa.
Other Sam’s Club Services
Sam’s Club: Sam’s also offers same-day grocery delivery, accounting and tax services, business payment solutions, club pickup, home improvement, smart home security, pest control, payroll services, identity theft protection, check printing, health screenings, and hearing aids. And Sam’s Club has the scan-and-go feature when using their app on your cell phone. No need to wait in line ever.
Sam’s Club vs. Costco: Who Wins?
Know of a perk we didn’t list? EMAIL us the details, and we’ll update you here! Based on the comparisons between the two wholesale clubs…
No matter which option you choose, you will be saving money by buying in bulk!
Check out our Deals & Steals, Where to Get Free Stuff on your Birthday, and Guide to Kids Eat Free by Day to save too.
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