Does it Pay to Join Sam's Club?

With any membership that charges an annual fee, you need to decide whether it is cost effective to join. Cost effective to me means that the price of membership is far less than the savings earned. With a typical Club membership at around $35-45 (it’s cheaper if you take out a Business Membership), I would argue you should save almost double the cost annually, if not more.

Is it Worth it?
Recently, I’ve been keeping track of what I specifically buy at Sam’s to gauge if the membership is worth it. Here is a glance at my grocery list:

Electronics: Televisions, Cameras, Photo prints

I never recommend buying electronics without pricing around. Always check local retail stores and sales flyers along with online retailers like Amazon.com to ensure you are getting the best price. But let’s say you don’t comparison shop. Sam’s, Costco and others have very reasonable pricing on all electronics. In fact, I get all of my photo enlargements done there – they are fantastic.

Food: Cereal, Meats, Seafood, Cheese, Party Platters, Chips, Bakery, Frozen Pizza, Frozen Anything

Buying in bulk traditionally saves. Make sure you have your cell phone calculator handy to find the unit prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Beverages: Water and Booze. Buy your booze here. Seriously. I repeat, Buy your booze here. You get the point.

Alcohol prices at Sam’s is crazy low. My favorite example is a 24 pack of Miller Lite glass bottles. Remember, a 24 pack of ML cans at most grocers are around $15, maybe $13.99 on sale. Sam’s sells their glass bottles, traditionally more expensive, for around $13.45. Darn good price.

As there are many wine lovers on Cash in the Couch, wine prices are stellar. My favorite, of which I’ll cover in a future Wine Finder Friday, is Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon. Traditionally $15 in most grocers, Sam’s sells it for $11 and change.

Nestle Water Bottle cases which typically run from $3.99-6.99, once again, Sam’s sells for less…$3.49

You’re Not Cool Unless You Join (and save)
Now I don’t go there for everything, but when I’m saving $3 per bottle of wine, saving a $2 per box of cereal, $2 per case of water, I hit that $35 market in a flash…and you just might too.

See you at Sam’s, fellow member!

Cash in the Couch