<p>I am a member of Sam’s and go about once/2 weeks. A new Costco has opened up about equidistant from my home. Should I join? For those who know both stores- is one better than the other in terms of price and/or service?</p>
<p>They are very, very comparable. We’ve lived in places that conveniently have one closer than the other, so we’ve been members of both. When we moved here almost 5 years ago, there was one of each. We went and compared our “regular buys” for cost, and they were very, very comparable. Some things may have been a few cents higher, some a few cents lower. We made our decision on a few of our favorites that Costco carried that Sam’s didn’t. Also, the Costco was brighter and a bit more cheerier than the Sam’s, and was much newer. So, that did it! We’ve been particularly impressed with the helpfulness and friendliness of the staff there.</p>
<p>I’d recommend going to check out the new Costco, with a list of the things you buy the most and how much you pay at Sam’s (especially good to know the per/item or per/ounce prices, in case the packaging is different). I’m pretty sure they will give you a one-day pass to check it out. Make sure and go at lunchtime so you can check out all the samples. There will probably be more if they’ve just opened!!!</p>
<p>We don’t have Sam’s but have Walmart’s Superstores.
We rather go to Costco because we ‘target’ certain items. Superstore has too much to go thru to get what we need. Cost is not that important between the two stores.</p>
<p>It depends what you are looking for. We are buying items at Costco that are not available at other stores, including Sam’s. So, I am with LongPrime, the same reason.</p>
<p>Thanks- what are some of the things Costco carries that Sam’s/Walmart does not?</p>
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<p>why thankyou, Miami, but I warn you that my buying habit will get you into trouble and may get you associated into a crowd that is not to your liking. :)</p>
<p>I go to costco because they provide the people who work at the store with health care. I read Sam’s doesn’t (couple of years back). This might have changed. The people just seem happier.</p>
<p>I switched from Sam’s to Costco about 1 1/2 years ago - can’t really think of anything specifically that I miss from Sam’s but I have lots of new favorites from Costco. Ditto the comments about Costco being cleaner, friendlier, new products and shorter lines in my town.</p>
<p>Not only do they provide health car, but, Costco also gives everyone a living wage and the owner only makes about $250,000 per year. So not only do you save money at Costco, but, the money you spend is pumped back into your local economy. Meanwhile, WalMart is notorious for paying poorly, discriminating against women, and illegal action against their employees.</p>
<p>We switched from Sam’s to Costco because Sam’s swithced brand of Smoked Salmon, which was the only reason that we joined Sams originally. The new Brand was not up to our standards. I talked to Sam’s salesperson and I realized that he has no idea, so we swithced to Costco, since travel time is the same. Then we discovered an awesome Tomato soup, Hummus, falafel, with the last two being tons cheaper and much better than from restaurant that we used to order them. Next we decided to try Grape Lief, I bet you we will not be decipointed. No-salt Almonds are so fresh and only $3.99 / pound vs $7.99 / pound at Meijer. We even bought some clothe and were very satified with quality (that is when we still were shopping for clothe, not any more)</p>
<p>I believe that Costco has much larger selection of european meats and cheeses. Sam’s members - correct me if I am wrong.</p>
<p>Costco all the way. I’m simply not a fan of the Walton Family values, and Sam was the patriarch of the Walton’s. His kids are no better.</p>
<p>@ MiamiDAP
When it comes to smoked Salmon, The DW believes that she can make better will go out and buy frozen King and prepare it. I, OTH, will dumpster-dive my beach neighbors when they go salmon fishing, I have a standing to take any and all Salmon parts, except guts, and you know, they sometimes refuse me because they think that the parts are better left for the crab trap. </p>
<p>Nothing but the wiggle is left after I get through with the Salmon.</p>
<p>LongPrime,
A lot of our friends do salmon themselves. It is actually not smoked, just salted. Well, usually home prepared is more salted than we like and one time my husband got food poisonning from it. So, we just buy it at Costco, although it is very expensive. Have to splurge on something, otherwise, life is not fun.</p>
<p>You might also check the return policies to confirm your choice, Costco is awesome, not sure about Sam’s</p>
<p>If we had a Costco’s anywhere nearby (and by nearby I mean 100 milesish as that is where the closest Sam’s is) I would probably chooses Costco’s. Solely because I read that they stock frozen Otis Spunkmeyer cookie dough.</p>
<p>salmon got worms and nasty parasites. DW also likes less salted salmon. We just oversmoke and dry. Lox is a lot of fun but W is not lox for it. 
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<p>Most fish have flesh worms. </p>
<p>Research programs are out there but they just don’t get funded. Maybe the midwest states ought to get a taste for fish.</p>
<p>DH has a Sam’s membership through his employer and we have a personal membership at Costco. We have an American Express card through Costco which benefits us with a nice return on money we have spent there throughout the year. Nine times out of ten, we shop at Costco.</p>
<p>Oh - ick Longprime!</p>
<p>I’ve been a member of both for probably 10 years. I keep saying I’m going to choose someday, but I just can’t. Each has some things I’m addicted to that I just can’t give up. Costco has the Kirkland brand. Their chocolate muffins are better. Their produce seems to be just a little fresher. They have coupons that bring the prices down even more.</p>
<p>But Sam’s has the corn chips my family can’t live without. They have tomatoes in 6 packs instead of maybe 10 and are better. Their chopped romaine is much better than buying them whole. My husband can’t live without their Members Mark brand dried fruit. I need their Member’s Mark berry flavored antacid tablets. They have a much, much nicer and cheaper assortment of College Logo sweatshirts, t-shirts, etc. The prices are so good I bought one for $8.99 that my son’s fraternity auctioned off for $75. </p>
<p>Maybe if one started selling milk in the kind of containers we buy, I’ll pick that one. Until then, I’ll have to keep both memberships.</p>