Sam's Club or Costco??? - Las Vegas,NV

Updated on March 23, 2011
M.B. asks from Sparks, NV
30 answers

I have been going to Costco forever which I love their products and especially their return policy, but now I live at the area that Sam's Club is closer than Costco... Mostly I heard that Sam's Club and Costco are pretty much the same... Now My questions to all the fellow moms that what do you think of each of them, which one do you like and what do you like about them??? Thanks for the help. ^_^

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So What Happened?

Thanks for everyone's input... After reading all the responds from all of you and discussing with my husband... We, mostly me, decided to stay with Costco. As I stated before even though Costco is a little further away from us, but it's the 20 mins drive compare to 5 mins... I did borrow my cousin's Sam's card to walk around and compare. Afterward, I realized I do like Costco better. Costco's produce, price and customer service are way better than Sam's... Once again, I would like to thank each one of you... ^_^

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A.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

Have you heard about the business practices of the Walmart corporation? Absolutely horrid. I would take Costco any day over Sam's club.

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N.M.

answers from Cleveland on

I used to go to Sam's Club, but I found that the quality was lacking. They just don't research their products that well before putting them on their shelves.

I love Costco. Costco only sells good stuff. Their food products are excellent and they're always trying out new items, which I love. We buy cereal, dog food, batteries, lightbulbs, alcohol, just about everything there. The prices are great.

The only thing I don't usually buy at Costco is fresh produce. It's just not as fresh as what you find in a good grocery store or farmer's market and I'm picky about my produce.
http://keystosimpleliving.com/

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A.G.

answers from Houston on

As a person who has been a member of both....Ill never go to sams again after having realized Costco. Im picky about food and costco has the better stuff in bulk. Agave nectar, Nutella, Kids Cliff bars, Organic pasta,zucchini souffles, morningstar farms products(mock meat), more whole wheat breads...etc..

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J.C.

answers from New York on

Costco! I love Costco!

They stock A LOT or organic choices from meat, milk, eggs, vegetables......
They have excellent fish selections and their rotisserie chicken is just as juicy as the one my husband makes.

Costco also has an excellent tire center on location and offers really great prices on tire rotation and replacement.

When my son was in diapers we bought the Kirkland brand which were basically the generic Huggies.

Ohhh! The Kirkland Baby Wipes are fantastic as well. They come by the case and each package is soft packed. They are gentle and soft and simply the best wipes I have used.

Last week I purchased a new twin mattress for my son for only $150. After a ton of research it was the cheapest I found. It is a Sealy with back support and is super comfortable.

The coupons are great. The food is healthy.

We did the visitors pass at Sam's and were shocked at how different the quality of product was.

Happy shopping!!

4 moms found this helpful
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K.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

I prefer Costco due to how the companies are run. They treat employees better and are more green. I have a hard time with what walmart does to achieve the low prices.
I also think Costco has great quality, variety and price. Totally worth the slightly longer drive (I'm in the same situation re: comparative distance).
Do what's best for you and your family though.

4 moms found this helpful

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

Costco all the way for me.

Sam's is a product of Walmart. You don't get the same name brand from Sam's or Wlamart (althouh it might have the label) because they cut the suppliers so hard that the suppliers purchase cheaper materials, etc to amke the products specifically for Walmart and Sams.

I will not set foot close to a Walmart or Sams for those reasons along with their poilcies.

Costco has a good store brand Kirkland and also has many other quality items. It is also a nicer store, just a touch more TLC whereas Sams/Walmart only look at the $$$ and how cheaply they can do something.

3 moms found this helpful

S.H.

answers from San Diego on

We don't shop at Wal Mart because of their business practices. Sam's Club is owned by Wal Mart, so that would be reason enough for me to drive a little further.

2 moms found this helpful

M.B.

answers from St. Louis on

I was just talking about this yesterday. A Sams is being built right up the street from my house, where Costco is about 10 miles. After careful consideration will plan to stick with Costco. Lol It rocks!

2 moms found this helpful
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M.H.

answers from Dallas on

Costco! If your drive isn't that much farther, go to Costco!

2 moms found this helpful
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K.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

I've been a member of both and if they were both within the same driving distance, it would be Costco all the way. Even if Costco were slightly farther away, I'd still make the drive. Now if I had to drive an hour to get to Costco and only 10 minutes for Sam's Club, well, obviously, I'd go with Sam's Club.

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J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have costco my mom has sams. Sometimes we take each other shopping =0) Costco membership is more expensive. Some of the items are generally more expensive but usually of better quality. I appreciate having access to both because there are things that I can get at one and not the other. It would seem like overkill to have both. Costco does have coupon mailers that they send out that I enjoy using. That is where I find great value!

1 mom found this helpful
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N.S.

answers from Austin on

We always had Costco and 5 years ago when we moved to the NorthEast, our only choice was Sam's. For the most part, they carry many similar items. I notice Costco has a little higher end stuff and more organic items.

We've bought more big ticket items from Costco, I think overall, I prefer it. We currently have Costco, but if we want something specific from Sam's, I go with my MIL.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

I've been out of a Costco area for a year and a half now and haven't joined Sam's. I've wWalked through there a few times because I thought I would break down and join but never saw anything I really needed enough to pay the membership. I am still a Costco member even though it's about a two hour drive. I go when I visit my sister and have a ball shopping. The quality is so much better and there isn't as many "made in china" goods. Sam's is simply Walmart in bulk. If you need bulk or you love Walmart, Sam's might work for you but neither is the case for me.

M.

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J.H.

answers from Phoenix on

I think they are pretty much the same. Had a membership at each but ultimately went back to costco. For me the hardest part about switching from Costco to Sams was getting over some of my favorite "brand" issues. There were a few things at Costco I loved and always bought but couldn't get at Sams. I also had more success with baby items such as diapers and wipes at Costco. I switched back even though sams is closer.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.K.

answers from Kansas City on

Amanda G could have answered for me, for the things I buy, Costo. No question! I had both membership for a few years. For a long time we only had Sams. Then once Costco opened, we really live equal distance (2 different directions) from each one and I found myself still going to Sams for a while. But then I noticed I hadn't been into Sams for over a year and gave up the membership.

As others have mentioned, the quality seems much better. The overall selection is better for the things I buy. And their return policy is amazing.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

I don't think they're the same at all. I find that Costco has much higher quality products and more things that I want. There is a Sam's closer to me than a Costco, but I had much rather go to Costco.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

I love Costco. my inlaws are Sam's club people. Sam's is closer to me too. In my opinion, they are very similar. But if I had a business Sam's would be better.

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B.D.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I used to have both memberships and even though a lot of the inventory is the same I felt their offerings were completely different. When it came time to renew I only wanted to support one membership and Sam's Club won by a landslide because that's where I shop the most and who I rely on the most.

I think it is a totally personal choice based on how you shop, what you eat, and how you buy. Only you can answer that. Fortunately Sam's does give visitor's passes so you could check them out a few times. Costo does not offer guests to come and shop. Being that you are 'used to' Costco you'll probably find it worth the drive to go back there. The only thing I miss are the 5 cheese take and bake pizzas from Costco. I didn't feel they were worth the $50 membership though :-(

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K.S.

answers from Denver on

I had a chance to check out both by going with friends to each. I really found they were both the same. Where I live, the Costco parking lot is small and awful, so I chose Sam's Club for the parking! :-)

But I think it's personal preference, and really very similar.

1 mom found this helpful

S.G.

answers from Dallas on

Love Sam's Club been a member before it became open to public due to my mom was a police supervisor and this is where my family still goes. Sure we've been to Costco but I didn't care much for what they had and neither did my husband. From Sam's we enjoy the food options, rotissere chicken is delicious great for quick meal, bought tv's and jewelry, tire changes done and are more friendly in my opinion. I think if your having a tough decision just keep memberships at both; no one says you have to stick with one....do what makes you happy : )

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C.P.

answers from Albuquerque on

I go shopping with my mom a lot (she's a member of both) and I prefer Costco! If I ever decide that it's economically appropriate for me to shop in bulk, I will join Costco. Their customer service, product selection, and store brand (Kirkland) beats Sams Club hands down!

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T.C.

answers from Colorado Springs on

From everything I have heard, Costco all the way. We have both in our area, but I only joined Costco. They have awesome, organic, affordable produce. Lots of organic items in their grocery area also. I have heard that some things are available at Sams and not at Costco, but overall, Costco's selection is superior.

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S.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

I think Sam's Club may actually have better pricing on some items - especially basics - milk, diapers, etc.
But, I think Costco gets a better assortment and higher quality goods on other items - electronics, clothing, seasonal, etc.

1 mom found this helpful

N.B.

answers from Minneapolis on

I had both for a year to try them and compare. I had Sam's for years and years as it had been the only option at that point. In the end I never re-signed with Costco as I found myself going to Sam's. Could be it was just more familiar to me.

I buy most of my fruit, alot of my meat, milk, eggs, some frozen things (like waffles), bread (love my Oatnut =), yogurt, cereal, peanut butter and jelly, seasonings, some baking mixes, all my cleaning supplys, baby formula (I do home childcare and supply the Sam's Club brand). I also get TP and paper towels there. I do the bulk of my shopping there, then go to a local grocery store to fill in the gaps. Works for me.

Costco does have those nummy cakes with the filling I think??? Yum!

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T.N.

answers from Albuquerque on

Costco, definitely. I'm currently a Sams Club member and there's just no comparison to Costco. Sadly, when we moved, Costco became an hour away, and Sams Club is 10 minutes. To me the differences are these: 1. Costco has way more natural and organic food choices. 2. Other food offered is "healthier". For example, Costco has a bunch of low-sugar cereals. Sams has Coco Puffs and Captain Crunch (plus others, of course). 3. Costco has great coupons. 4. Non-food items offered at Costco are higher quality. Costco sells Carters cotton pajamas. Sams sells polyester ones.

We found far more items to buy at Costco than we do now at Sams.

1 mom found this helpful

D.D.

answers from Phoenix on

We don't have a Costco in my area, so we do Sam's Club. My GF says her and her husband love Costco for food. That store offers more food options vs the other. I would not know personally, as we are only able to shop at Sams.

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K.M.

answers from Chicago on

I have Sam's Club, I have not been to Costco in a while to say too much, for me they are simmilar but there are different products that I cannot get at Sams. There is not a Costco that is close to the area so I am sticking with Sam's.

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J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

I'm faithful to costco. =)
Better options of food. The quality of foods is great too. The return policy is excellent (they made my daughtrs bday cake vanilla instead of chocolate, we didn't know until we cut into it...went back and they refunded us completely).
I alwyas find multiple things in their cupon book that I need. I like their generic brand for certain things (wipes was one of them). I just never really find everything I want to get in bulk at Sam's Club.

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K.B.

answers from Milwaukee on

I am a Sam's Club memeber, but that is because it is through work and no Costco in the area. I think that my work would go with Costco if it was in our area, the closest is about an hour drive.

To me Costco has WAY more options then Sam's Club, and as someone else pointed out Costco has healthier options then Sam's Club.

If I was with-in 30 mins of a Costco I would choose Costco over Sam's Club.

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C.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

I love Costco, and miss it very much. I've been to Sam's Club several times (after we moved; before we always went to Costco), and I just really like the choices at Costco a lot more. It seems like Costco has a lot more choices in food, especially (as other people mentioned) organic foods. In my area, Sam's and Costco are literally across the street from each other (the strangest thing I've ever seen), and Costco's parking lot is always much more crowded than Sam's. My parents prefer Sam's simply because they don't like how there are too many people at Costco. :-) Go walk through Sam's and see if you can find the products that you usually buy, and if you can't find any or all of them, it might be worth it to go to Costco instead.

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