Costco vs Sam's Club

[spierceisu]

We recently moved from Waukee to Ankeny. We have a Costco membership that expires at the end of February. Now that we live in Ankeny it seems to make more sense to get a Sam's Club membership. It also doesn't really make much sense to keep both of them, I went into Sam's Club today just to look around and I seemed to like Costco better but not sure if it is worth the drive that is double. Costco has great house brand liquor and their meat is very good. I don't know much about Sam's Club. Please feel free to share your opinions.

 

[swiacy]

We have a friend everyone calls "Costco Kid". He is single and has exclusively bought virtually everything from Costco. Very nice guy, articulate and good looking. Reason he never married is because he is anal about everything being pristine, orderly and predictable, wives and kids would disrupt his lifestyle. So he religiously studies and researches every purchase he makes whether paper plates or a new home. For this reason, I can guarantee that Costco has better quality merchandise at a better price than Sam's.

 

[IcSyU]

I'll admit I'm biased to Costco simply because of the Walmart connection for Sam's Club.

 

[Gunnerclone]

Current Costco member, former Sams member. They are both hellholes of the modern human experience. I’d go with whichever is closer to you. If I had to make an hour round trip to get to ******* Costco id drive myself off a bridge.

 

[Lexclone]

A foundation of Costco has been paying their employees well and providing good benefits. If that kind of stuff is important to you, go Costco.

Costco CEO Finds Pro-Worker Means Profitability

 

[JBone84]

I have a had Sam's Club membership for about 16 years, and have had a Costco membership for the last two years at the same time because of a Groupon that gave you at least $40 of stuff at Costco for a $40 membership. The stuff at the two stores is essentially equivalent - it is about a half a horse either way.

Sam's Club wins with:
Scan and pay for your entire cart with the app, no standing in lines (BIG WIN)
Produce

Costco wins with:
Clientele (it's like Target vs Walmart)

At least in Minnesota, anyone can shop the Costco liquor section regardless of membership. You can scan your card there and still earn points, or just walk in without a card and buy all the liquor you want. Costco liquor is hit and miss, especially as who is distilling and aging it is inconsistent, but your mileage may vary.

 

[lionnusmb]

Costco is better. Sam's Club is in Ankeny. If you're not with the one you love, love the one you're with.

The drive to Costco will prove to be too far.

 

[Cyclones_R_GR8]

Costco for their awesome vodka.

 

[Brandon]

Sam's meat is very good.

 

[AgronAlum]

We have a Sams membership but don’t go frequently because we’re on the opposite corner of town. Sams has great meat and produce. If I’m putting anything on the smoker, it’s generally coming from sams. You’d have to be reaaallly into Costco to make that drive instead of going to Sams.

 

[CtownCyclone]

I was a Sam's guy because it was closer to where I was living. When I started dating my wife, she told me we were Costco people.

I'm glad I made the switch, the Kirkland brand products are pretty good for the most part.

 

[iahawks]

I would do whatever is most convenient as I have enjoyed both, but if convenience isn't a factor then Costco all day over Sams.

 

[CloneGuy8]

FYI rumor is they're building a Costco in Ankeny.

I am a Sams club member; no complaints. Never been to Costco so I can't compare.

 

[SCNCY]

We have a friend everyone calls "Costco Kid". He is single and has exclusively bought virtually everything from Costco. Very nice guy, articulate and good looking. Reason he never married is because he is anal about everything being pristine, orderly and predictable, wives and kids would disrupt his lifestyle. So he religiously studies and researches every purchase he makes whether paper plates or a new home. For this reason, I can guarantee that Costco has better quality merchandise at a better price than Sam's.

Is his name Sheldon Cooper?

 

[ISUAgronomist]

FYI rumor is they're building a Costco in Ankeny.

I am a Sams club member; no complaints. Never been to Costco so I can't compare.

Costco does not own any land in Polk County according to the Assessors website. The WDM store shows up correctly in Dallas County owned as "COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION". No results in Polk County search

Current Ankeny projects:

New Development | City of Ankeny

 

[cyclonespiker33]

Not a member of either, but this thread has raised a question for me.

What's the collection of scotch and bourbon look like at Costco, and how are the prices?

 

[Mtowncyclone13]

Lol at people not driving across ankeny for Sam's club. We drive in an hour away to go to Sam's club in ames or Waterloo.

Former costco, current Sam's. I like costco because they are better to their employees but the sams club scan and go is absolutely worth the switch. I have found that the staples like cereal and TP are essentially the same. And unless you are going to buy jewelry or a new car it doesn't really matter (my dad bought a car through costco).

 

[iahawks]

Not a member of either, but this thread has raised a question for me.

What's the collection of scotch and bourbon look like at Costco, and how are the prices?

I'm not a connoisseur or anything, but I buy a handle of Makers every month or so and it is usually $10 cheaper than anywhere else. Good enough for my old fashions.

 

[jdcyclone19]

FYI rumor is they're building a Costco in Ankeny.

I am a Sams club member; no complaints. Never been to Costco so I can't compare.

That's been a rumor for 10 years now lol. Was supposed to happen by fleet farm and then that fell through. Then costco was going to Altoona instead and that never happened.

To the OP
We like costco better but its not worth the hassle and use Sams Club. It also depends on what products you buy. If they aren't fresh products, costco can ship to your house for free.

 

[BillBrasky4Cy]

I mean....