Cosco vs. Wal-Mart

[midnight]

I am not one of the people who spends a lot of time looking for coupons, loss leaders, etc since I just don't have the time to put into it. So for me it is best to shop at the place that will give me the best value overall no taking into consideration coupons and sales. Under these circumstances, where do yu think would be the best place to shop.

I already know that my local Wal-Mart has better overall prices than my local grocery store. I have never done shopping at Cosco, but there is one within driving distance. Is it worth paying the $45 membership fee? Would I end up saving more than if I shopped at Wal-mart? I need some opinions of people who do shopping at Cosco on a regular basis. Thanks.

[asrai]

Re: Cosco vs. Wal-Mart

Is there like a trial day you could go check out the prices? Or do you know someone with a membership who would be willing to take you?

[txjman]

Re: Cosco vs. Wal-Mart

I have never shopped their personally, but I know people who swear by it. For what it is worth I have heard that if you buy something like a TV there you can return it no questions asked within a year with the receipt.

[PennyPincher]

Re: Cosco vs. Wal-Mart

I shop both stores, but for different things. Milk/eggs are still cheaper at Costco near me ~ considerably. I also make large purchases there, on paper products, condiments, chips, etc. I agree that it would be great for you to check it out first. If you just call, they may offer you a one-day pass. I also find gas to be priced VERY well at Costco. It can, however, be tempting to spend money on things that aren't needed ~ but that can be the case anywhere...

[MrsChambers]

Re: Cosco vs. Wal-Mart

Costco
Costco
Costco

[amomof4]

Re: Cosco vs. Wal-Mart

For me it isn't worth it. Most of the items r the pre-packaged stuff, which I don't use a lot of. I know some people with large families who benefit from it. I think some cheeses & stuff like that might be cheaper, but $45 cheaper? Also, the distance for me is 2 great.

[PrincessPerky]

Re: Cosco vs. Wal-Mart

My bulk club, BJs is pretty close, and the savings on milk and cheese is huge, like over a doller a gallon at times. Plus over a dollar a pound cheaper for peperoni, and a few other things. But they are big on prepackaged stuff, and it can be hard to pass up the instant meal. The hardest part is only buying what I went for!

[marla]

Re: Cosco vs. Wal-Mart

I just took a friend to see Cosco and she decided to sign up and they gave me a $10 referral bonus in the form of a gift card to their store. So if you decide to sign up, it might be worthwhile to arrange to go with a friend.

[akaivyleaf]

Re: Cosco vs. Wal-Mart

depends on how big you want to purchase. I see the two stores serving different purposes, but for a single person such as myself I can't see the 45.00 investment, because I could go once a year and stock up on goods, and never have to return. But I do parties etc, so the investment is worth it when I'm catering, except now I've moved up to the company themselves. Imagine the neighbors expressions when a 18 wheeled truck pulls up to the house.

[PennyPincher]

Re: Cosco vs. Wal-Mart

I recommend signing up with someone. Most club memberships allow for two cards. So... my mom and I split our Costco membership, and the $22.50 is much easier to swallow for the savings.

And you don't have to have the same last name, so I'd find a saving buddy and help each other out.

[mccartygirl]

Re: Cosco vs. Wal-Mart

We have both Sam's Club and Costco near us, but we only have a Sam's Club membership. We go about once a month for meat, they have great deals on meat! Plus as someone said above, milk and eggs are quite a bit cheaper than at the stores. Gas is always cheaper there by quite a margin, we've seen up to 5 cents a gallon cheaper. I'm not a big Wal-Mart fan though and the few times I've gone in there the pricing isn't better than Target.I love Target! Baby food and formula is actually more there than at Target and Meijer. It just depends on what you need at the store. Another suggestion is to find a friend with a Costco membership and see if they'll take you when you need to go, that will save you the membership. My friend takes us to Costco when we need to go and we just use her card. It saves on the membership dues.

[terry1156]

Re: Cosco vs. Wal-Mart

I just went to Cosco today and was that a huge mistake. With the Super Bowl tomorrow, everyone was stocking up for their parties. I should have thought about it more. Maybe I'll go tomorrow during the game since I'm sure it will be empty then.

There are some good deals to be found at Cosco. It helps to know prices and if you need to buy in bulk. I like them because their auto department will rotate your tires for free (at least at my local Cosco - even if you don't buy your tires there) which pays for the membership right there since my mechanic would charge more.

[gypzye]

Re: Cosco vs. Wal-Mart

My friend got a Costco membership for Christmas from her family and she signed me up as her second card. I buy things like paper goods and frozen foods there... I do get the prepackaged meals because it's cheaper than lunch out. Plus I find the meat is about $1/lb less than at my local grocery, even for fresh Tyson boneless skinless chicken breast. It's even cheaper when you buy the pre-frozen kind. And I've saved a ton of money on developing film and optometry. But I have a hard time buying produce there, because it's rarely as fresh and tasty as it is at the grocery.

[tshel]

Re: Cosco vs. Wal-Mart

Hi: does anyone know if cosco has a website? I have been trying to find it but have not found it so far.

Thanks

[crosses]

Re: Cosco vs. Wal-Mart

Yes - <A HREF="http://www.costco.com">Costco.com</A>