Costco vs Sam's Club: Which Network Is Better for Membership?
When it comes to members-only bulk shopping, it's hard to beat Costco and Sam's Club. The two giants seem pretty identical in terms of prices, rewards, and overall shopping experience. How to decide who to give your loyalty and membership fees to Lifehacker.
Photo: Shutterstock
Which is cheaper - Sam's Club or Costco
For the privilege of even going inside, Costco and Sam's Club want you to show your membership card. Here's how the fees are split for the two stores:
Costco:
- $60 for a basic Gold Star or Business membership;
- $120 for Executive plan which includes 2% cash back (up to $1000).
Sam's Club:
- $45 for basic membership;
- $100 for the Plus plan, which includes, among other things, a 2% cashback on purchases (up to $500 per year). Sam's also offers free shipping for Select Plus members, which is a nice perk. There are several ways to shop at Sam's Club without a membership, including a free 90-day trial subscription.
While it's possible to shop at Costco or Sam's Club without a membership, it's the membership-only offers that are worth the effort.
On the subject: Cool things on the cheap: under the Kirkland Signature brand, Costco sells products of well-known American companies
Who offers the best selection of products
A Costco membership costs more, but the store is known for offering higher quality products.
At Sam's Club, the focus is on quantity (this allows you to buy a lot of brand name items that you already know and maybe love). Well, Costco offers products that you can't get anywhere else - its own brand, Kirkland Signature.
The difference in branding can be explained by the fact that Costco is owned by Costco Wholesale Corporation while Sam's Club is owned by Walmart.
In addition to groceries, both stores offer massive discounts on everything from car tires to flu shots, glasses and trips to Disney World. Given their extremely similar business models and reputations among customers, it makes sense that neither store has a lead in terms of offerings.
As for the costs of individual goods, the choice between the two stores comes down to a penny. For example, sweet bars will cost you:
- Sam's Club (36 pieces): $10,68 (about $0,30 per piece);
- Costco (48 pieces): $12,79 (about $0,27 each).
Whose food court is better
Costco's $1,50 hot dogs are iconic, and so far, Sam's Club food court hasn't offered anything similar.
Who has the best branded credit card privileges
Both stores offer their own credit cards that serve as member ID. Again, both clubs look similar offering discounts on food, travel and even gas. However, the Costco card is winning with a 2% cashback deal available even on their Gold Star plan; at the Sam's Club equivalent tier, you only get 1% cashback, although this deal increases to 3% if you choose the more expensive plan.
You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York
Sam's Club: unique bonuses
While most of the benefits that a membership brings can be found in any store, Costco tends to get the best reviews for offering higher quality across the board. But in the name of objectivity, here are a few key benefits that may sway you in favor of Sam's Club:
- XNUMX hours early entry in store each morning exclusively for Sam's Club Plus members;
- Drive-in: Costco lets you order online and pick up in store, but Sam's Club will deliver your order straight to your car if you have a Plus plan;
- the ability to receive cashback monthly, not annually.
Costco: better for employees
Hourly rates at Costco start at 50% higher than Sam's Club. It ranges from $15 to $21, and in Sam's Club - from $10 to $19. And if Costco employees leave generally positive feedback about the company, Sam's Club doesn't always get good feedback.
Location
In the US, Costco has 572 stores and Sam's Club has 600, so there's a good chance you have at least one of the two stores near you. Considering how closely they look alike, it's safe to pick the club that's most conveniently located, rather than wasting gas driving past one to get to another.
Read also on ForumDaily:
Top Ten States for Higher Education in the USA
Never throw away an old expired passport: when and why this document may be needed
Subscribe to ForumDaily on Google NewsDo you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.
-
Where in the USA to buy the medicines we are used to: a list of pharmacies5330
-
Six ways to cut your medical bill in the US436
-
Joy to Work: 37 Jobs with Lowest Stress and Good Pay419
-
What folk remedies treat the common cold in the USA: what surprises our354
-
Personal experience: why immigrants have more chances of success in the USA than Americans290
-
Burger Arthritis: How Fast Food Triggers Autoimmune Diseases233
-
XNUMX stunning US lavender farms that will take you to French Provence220
-
Actions in a terrorist attack: how to survive yourself and help others6333
-
Where in the USA to buy the medicines we are used to: a list of pharmacies5330
-
How to hit the jackpot: tips from a man who won the lottery 7 times4898
-
Life after death: what happens to places of mass executions in the USA3883
-
How to start a profitable business in the USA, if you have only $ 203281
-
4 US Social Security Traps and How to Avoid Them1493
-
Street, avenue, boulevard or drive: how to understand the classification of US streets and roads1461