Warehouse membership stores such as BJ’s, Costco, and Sam’s Club offer a multitude of benefits to savvy shoppers looking to save money and make the most out of their purchases. These membership stores require a fee which usually ranges from the low $40s to over $120 per year depending on membership level. Many are dedicated to one brand membership store over another. In the west, Costco seems to dominate. In the middle of America and the south, Sam’s Club dominates. But are these memberships worth the money?
Most warehouse stores offer products in larger quantity and counts per item. By buying in bulk, customers can take advantage of lower prices per unit, ultimately saving money in the long run. Bulk buying on staples can also save you trips to the store. Bulk shopping can be shared with a friend or family member helping you save even more money by splitting the cost. We even buy perishables such as meat, seafood, and cheese in bulk. Given that there are only two of us in our household, I spend time breaking the bulk items into smaller, freezable or dry storage sizes. I weigh, label and vacuum seal each amount. This goes a long way in preventing spoilage and waste. Take the time to do this if you are going to shop and buy in bulk.
In addition to discounted products, warehouse membership stores often provide savings on services such as travel (think cruise and airline tickets), auto repair, auto purchasing and leasing, medical expenses, legal services, and even gas. In our region, we seek out Costco service stations because the price per gallon is substantially less than retail service stations. Plus, we save even more and earn rewards if we pay with our Costco branded Visa at the pump.
Many stores also offer branded rewards cards that allow members to accumulate points or cash back on their purchases for additional benefits. I can personally attest that our card works really well for our household. As a disclaimer, we use the Costco branded Visa and accumulate around $700 to $1,000 in rewards every year. This more than makes up for our $60 annual membership. Yes, we have the basic membership.
While the allure of bulk buying may be strong, it's important not to overbuy items that may go to waste. To maximize savings and minimize waste, it's crucial to only purchase what you know you will use or share with family and friends. This avoids both the waste of the item, and overspending. Be sure to break that purchase down into smaller, sealed sizes to keep it fresh. Some of those warehouse store specials can be extremely tempting! Shop smart, buy what you will actually use and what you actually need.
By making strategic purchases and utilizing the various services offered by warehouse membership stores, shoppers can make the most out of their memberships and enjoy significant savings across a wide range of products and services. You have to make the membership and benefits work for you. If this appeals to you, and you have the discipline to plan your trips, shop from a list, use a branded rewards card, and avoid impulse buying, a warehouse store membership could be well-worth the price. Before deciding, find a friend who has a membership and accompany them to the store for a firsthand look.
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