Sam's Club

[Villages PL]

I only visited a Sam's Club once, and it was over 20 years ago. It was in Lakeland, FL. and was about a half hour drive from my central Florida home.
Basically, I just looked at the food section because I didn't have a lot of time.

I didn't like anything about it because everything came in jumbo sizes. It seems it might be good for a big family? Also, I thought it was ridiculous that one would have to pay a fee to join.

Has anything changed in 20+ years to make it better? I've never visited Sam's Club in The Villages.

[redwitch]

You summed it up pretty well. I like their meats but I know this doesn't inyerest you. You can get some good buys on electronics, especially tvs. Bulk is handy for some things if you have the room, such as cleaning supplies and paper products. Decent wine selection. Some good deals on seasonal items. Love their buckets of Preen and cat sand.

[gomoho]

When I was in TV I went once a week to Sams for their vegetables and fruits. Quality and price can't be beat. Also an excellent deal on spices, sun dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, olive oil etc. etc. Don't have a Sams or Costco where I now live and do miss it a lot.

[gap2415]

We like SAMs, it well pays for the membership fee we pay but we do call it the hundred dollar store. Even if we go for one little thing, it seems to cost at least a hundred dollars every time we got here.

[Ecuadog]

Most people don't know that you don't have to be a member to shop at their liquor store, which is outside the main store. Mostly big bottles, limited selection, good prices. You do have to be a member to shop their wines in the main store.

[pbkmaine]

I know vegetarians who use warehouse clubs. But you do need storage. You can get large bags of beans, rice and oats, for example. There are some good fruit and vegetable buys. If you are curious, why not go in and ask if you can take a look around?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I only visited a Sam's Club once, and it was over 20 years ago. It was in Lakeland, FL. and was about a half hour drive from my central Florida home.
Basically, I just looked at the food section because I didn't have a lot of time.

I didn't like anything about it because everything came in jumbo sizes. It seems it might be good for a big family? Also, I thought it was ridiculous that one would have to pay a fee to join.

Has anything changed in 20+ years to make it better? I've never visited Sam's Club in The Villages.

The basic idea of a food club, whether it be Sam's or Costco or BJ's or whatever is that you save money by buying large quantities at near wholesale prices.

I agree, it's better for large families, but you can save on certain items. They have good deals on electronics and other large purchases. We go about once a month and stock up on non perishables such as paper towels and cleaning products. We also buy almost a month's worth of meat and stock the freezer. For things that we need to buy fresh we make a run to Publix or Winn Dixie. But over the course of a year, we find that we save well over the $100 annual fee. We also get gas there which is usually only a few cents cheaper than other local stations, but it's not out of the way so every little bit helps.

[Cisco Kid]

Where else can you get a barrel of Jack for $10,000

[dbussone]

Where else can you get a barrel of Jack for $10,000

Could we go halvsies?

[tuccillo]

I believe you can go in on a visitors pass to check it out. That would probably answer your questions about whether it is a good fit for you and your buying habits. Regarding the fee to join, if what you save is greater than the annual fee then it is a net savings.

I only visited a Sam's Club once, and it was over 20 years ago. It was in Lakeland, FL. and was about a half hour drive from my central Florida home.
Basically, I just looked at the food section because I didn't have a lot of time.

I didn't like anything about it because everything came in jumbo sizes. It seems it might be good for a big family? Also, I thought it was ridiculous that one would have to pay a fee to join.

Has anything changed in 20+ years to make it better? I've never visited Sam's Club in The Villages.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Don't go to Sams Club... it is too crowded and the fewer that go the better.

[Bogie Shooter]

I only visited a Sam's Club once, and it was over 20 years ago. It was in Lakeland, FL. and was about a half hour drive from my central Florida home.
Basically, I just looked at the food section because I didn't have a lot of time.

I didn't like anything about it because everything came in jumbo sizes. It seems it might be good for a big family? Also, I thought it was ridiculous that one would have to pay a fee to join.

Has anything changed in 20+ years to make it better? I've never visited Sam's Club in The Villages.
That would make sense...................then you could form your own opinion.:thumbup:

[simpkinp]

Many of the clubs go there for their supplies and it is great for shopping for parties, especially at the holidays when they have more appetizers and the like. Good prices on wine and good price and quality of meats..

[Villages PL]

The basic idea of a food club, whether it be Sam's or Costco or BJ's or whatever is that you save money by buying large quantities at near wholesale prices.

I agree, it's better for large families, but you can save on certain items. They have good deals on electronics and other large purchases. We go about once a month and stock up on non perishables such as paper towels and cleaning products. We also buy almost a month's worth of meat and stock the freezer. For things that we need to buy fresh we make a run to Publix or Winn Dixie. But over the course of a year, we find that we save well over the $100 annual fee. We also get gas there which is usually only a few cents cheaper than other local stations, but it's not out of the way so every little bit helps.

Thanks, you summed it up very well. I'm surprised that the annual fee is now $100. When I went many years ago I think it was about $25.

[Villages PL]

I know vegetarians who use warehouse clubs. But you do need storage. You can get large bags of beans, rice and oats, for example. There are some good fruit and vegetable buys. If you are curious, why not go in and ask if you can take a look around?

I just might do that, thanks.

[Average Guy]

Thanks, you summed it up very well. I'm surprised that the annual fee is now $100. When I went many years ago I think it was about $25.

A regular annual membership is $45.

[kfierle]

Thanks, you summed it up very well. I'm surprised that the annual fee is now $100. When I went many years ago I think it was about $25.

There are different levels of membership at Sam's Club:

Sam's Savings $45
Sam's Business $45
Sam's Plus $100

[asianthree]

We have SAMs and Costco. Shop both equally and there is only two of us

[dbussone]

We have SAMs and Costco. Shop both equally and there is only two of us

His and Hers? I agree with you though. I like both and use both.

[Walt.]

Great for bubble cushion mailing envelopes and bubble wrap.
240 sq ft of Scotch bubble wrap = $12.98 / Office Depot 175 sq ft = $42.39
25 8.5" x 11" mailers $6.98 / Office Depot $14.99
This alone paid for my yearly membership.
Sometimes great deals on DVDs too.

[jblum315]

Occasionally Sams Club has stuff that no one else has. Like the white and dark chocolate popcorn around Christmas time. Wow that stuff is to die for!

[Allegiance]

Put a few things in your cart, then just wonder around the club and eat the free samples.



Seriously, The Sams Credit Card is excellent! 5% on gas, 3% on restaurants and travel.

[CFrance]

Occasionally Sams Club has stuff that no one else has. Like the white and dark chocolate popcorn around Christmas time. Wow that stuff is to die for!

Put a few things in your cart, then just wonder around the club and eat the free samples.



Seriously, The Sams Credit Card is excellent! 5% on gas, 3% of restaurants and travel. But, you need the more expensive membership.,
VPL would never partake of chocolate popcorn or the free samples, and I think he is single, so stocking up on paper products would require quite a lot of storage space. I think Sam's is not for him for the most part. Probably not worth the yearly fee.

Sorry to refer to you in the third person on your own thread, VPL. I was answering two other posters.

[tomwed]

I heard good things about their photo developing. Do you need to be a member to get your photos developed?

[Bogie Shooter]

I heard good things about their photo developing. Do you need to be a member to get your photos developed?

Lady Lake Sam's Club #4998755 North Hwy 27/441 | Lady Lake, FL 32159
(352) 751-5150 | (352) 751-5989 - Pharmacy | (352) 751-6887 - Optical

[graciegirl]

I heard good things about their photo developing. Do you need to be a member to get your photos developed?



Do people still get photo's developed?

[graciegirl]

I only visited a Sam's Club once, and it was over 20 years ago. It was in Lakeland, FL. and was about a half hour drive from my central Florida home.
Basically, I just looked at the food section because I didn't have a lot of time.

I didn't like anything about it because everything came in jumbo sizes. It seems it might be good for a big family? Also, I thought it was ridiculous that one would have to pay a fee to join.

Has anything changed in 20+ years to make it better? I've never visited Sam's Club in The Villages.

I doubt it. No use rushing over there to see.

[newguyintv]

The basic idea of a food club, whether it be Sam's or Costco or BJ's or whatever is that you save money by buying large quantities at near wholesale prices.

I agree, it's better for large families, but you can save on certain items. They have good deals on electronics and other large purchases. We go about once a month and stock up on non perishables such as paper towels and cleaning products. We also buy almost a month's worth of meat and stock the freezer. For things that we need to buy fresh we make a run to Publix or Winn Dixie. But over the course of a year, we find that we save well over the $100 annual fee. We also get gas there which is usually only a few cents cheaper than other local stations, but it's not out of the way so every little bit helps.

I am a member of a "large " family of two that manages to spend $300-400
at Sam's each month. Membership fee is paid for annually just with savings on gas for two cars. Need to be a wise shopper as many items are not the bargains they seem to be.

[jackz]

They have great prices on quality brand name tires and lifetime free flat repairs.

[UpNorth]

I have a membership at both Sam's Club and Costco. Sam's is nearly as good as Costco, in my opinion, and it is not worth the 1+ hour drive to Costco from The Villages. If Costco were close by, I might stick with Costco, but until then, I'll be happy with Sam's.

[simpkinp]

I agree. I had a membership in Costco back in California and loved it. Had two sons, aka eating machines, home at the time. Then moved to Meritt Island FL and they had a BJ's. Had only one eating machine left in the house but it was still worth it. Now in TV I have a SAMs membership and find many great prices on products and appliances, TVs etc. good quality meats. Still worth it for only me and BF.

[asianthree]

Up north we have take away dinners with BBQ. We love the fish. And I hate sample day, sams is feeding starving people that have not eaten in days

[chuckinca]

Don't go to Sams Club... it is too crowded and the fewer that go the better.

:agree::agree:

.

[Avista]

My son-in-law is a pharmacist at Sam's. He insists if one is paying cash they absolutely have the best prices. He encourages people to call and get a quote.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Don't go to Sams Club... it is too crowded and the fewer that go the better.

I think that a lot of people stay away because it's always so crowded.

[simpkinp]

When I need my coffe, Columbian Supremo K Cups, I definitely go. Good coffee, good price. While there, I buy wine, meats, paper products, their holiday ham is as good as Honey Baked. When I have a big part, you bet I'm there. The quantities are large, so if you split with friends you can all save money. Just have patience. It gets better soon

[Allegiance]

http://www.quotehd.com/imagequotes/authors1/yogi-berra-quote-no-one-goes-there-anymore-its-too-crowded.jpg

[Bonanza]

I think that a lot of people stay away because it's always so crowded.

Villlagers are used to crowds.

The only thing worse than Sam's is our squares,
especially when pet owners bring their dogs that they think everyone wants to see.
:cus:

[asianthree]

It's not like you go shopping to SAMs every week. SAMs has a crowd wherever we go. Up north I have 5 SAMs within 40 minutes of our house, and they are ALL busy. I do have a business membership so we can get in early, and avoid the feeding frenzy of sample day

[OBXNana]

For one person it might be difficult to consume 4 pounds of strawberries before they spoil. For 2 people and visiting grand kids Sam's Club and Costco is great for vegetables when you live in the north and can't get farm grown items in the winter. I buy 5 pound bags of onions that we easily use before they go bad. I know a few people that shop together, split the cost, and then divide the items between them equally.

We get our prescription glasses and sun glasses at the warehouse clubs. Tires and the huge swing sets that you may not purchase often, are a bargain. If you take prescription drugs, you can get them filled at Costco without a membership. I just bought a huge bag of potting soil to refresh my pots for outside.

As someone mentioned in another post, the Sam's Club Master Card has a great rewards program. Combine the 5% back on gas, with the 10 cents per gallon cheaper gas than other gas stations, the membership of $45.00 begins to pay for itself.

[Bonanza]

Does the OP recognize that some people have a complaint about nearly everything???

[Walter123]

Villlagers are used to crowds.

The only thing worse than Sam's is our squares,
especially when pet owners bring their dogs that they think everyone wants to see.
:cus:

Brilliant.

[jbdlfan]

Restaurant gift card are sold at discounts as well as Disney cards. We are paying for a family cruise with the gift cards and saving well over $300. You can buy a Longhorn card for a discount then go across the street for dinner. No brainer. Not to mention, best hot dog deal around.

[OBXNana]

Just went to Sam's Club this morning. Purchased Disney cards at a discount, 3 huge gorgeous pots for 19.99, 36 eggs to color and dye with the grandkids, a new faucet for our powder room, bulbs to plant if it ever get warm, and a 10 pond bag of onions.

There is something for everyone at a good price.

[BobandMary]

We could live there

[Dynsol]

The basic idea of a food club, whether it be Sam's or Costco or BJ's or whatever is that you save money by buying large quantities at near wholesale prices.

I agree, it's better for large families, but you can save on certain items. They have good deals on electronics and other large purchases. We go about once a month and stock up on non perishables such as paper towels and cleaning products. We also buy almost a month's worth of meat and stock the freezer. For things that we need to buy fresh we make a run to Publix or Winn Dixie. But over the course of a year, we find that we save well over the $100 annual fee. We also get gas there which is usually only a few cents cheaper than other local stations, but it's not out of the way so every little bit helps.

What $100 Fee.???.I only pay $40 per year!

[Chatbrat]

Also when you get tires from them--you get free rotation & balancing for life

[CFrance]

What $100 Fee.???.I only pay $40 per year!
I believe there are different levels of membership. We have the basic level, which is the same price as yours. Boogie must be talking about Sam's Plus

Sam's Club Membership (http://www.samsclub.com/sams/pagedetails/content.jsp?pageName=aboutSams)

[kstew43]

where else can you get a soda and a sausage dog for $1.70... And the ice cream sundaes... yum.....I love Sams...

[graciegirl]

where else can you get a soda and a sausage dog for $1.70... And the ice cream sundaes... yum.....I love Sams...


Now you're talkin'. If only we could persuade you to live in The Villages. Yes, sir.

[Ecuadog]

For new and existing members, Sam's Club offers a $5 Sam's Club Gift Card and a rotisserie chicken for free when you renew or sign up for a 1-year membership. Sam's Club memberships start at $45. Deal ends April 19, 2015.

Click here (http://www3.samsclub.com/best-deals/membership-deals/).