Costco v BJ's v Sam's

[Arctic Fox]

I have never been in a Costco store, but many on this forum wax lyrical about them.

What are the main differences between a Costco and the other two?

Thank you

[Bill14564]

I have never been in a Costco store, but many on this forum wax lyrical about them.

What are the main differences between a Costco and the other two?

Thank you

Different sources have done comparisons in the past. My recollection is all three were basically the same but with minor differences that might be important to certain customers.

For me, Sam's is close, BJ's wanted me to cut coupons to get good prices, and Costco wasn't around. I'll probably take a look at Costco but it will take something significant to make me switch.

[dewilson58]

Chevy Truck vs. Ford Truck.

:ho:

[Arctic Fox]

Chevy Truck vs. Ford Truck.

Hmmm. Never driven (or been in) either of those :-)

Our neighbor takes us to Sam's and we recently joined BJ's (golf-cart accessible, plus it cost $50 for the year and we got $50 credit, plus a free turkey).

Mrs Fox has been to Costco (once) and loved their kitchen utensils and Hallowe'en candy.

[Number 10 GI]

I have never been in a Costco store, but many on this forum wax lyrical about them.

What are the main differences between a Costco and the other two?

Thank you

I went for the first time into a Costco a while back. If someone had put a blindfold on me and led me to the middle of the store and took it off, I wouldn't have been able to tell you if I was in a Sam's or Costco or whatever. I quit going to these places years ago, I don't need to buy items in the quantity sold there. Unless you have serious gastro problems, why do you need to buy a pack of TP that would last an army platoon for a month?

[kkingston57]

I have never been in a Costco store, but many on this forum wax lyrical about them.

What are the main differences between a Costco and the other two?

Thank you

Costco will have numerous(sometimes as much as 10) areas in the store which allow customers to sample food. Around holidays they seem to be better. At least for me, Costco does sell better quality hot dogs for 1.50 including a drink and they are very efficient(will have 5-6 people working there and Sams has 3-4 people doing the same)

Sams does sell a lot more junk food.

[JerryLBell]

I've been members of all three. Sam's Club and BJ's are pretty good, having cheaper gasoline and pretty good quality meats (in bulk, of course!). Costco is usually bigger with more choices, perhaps a shade lower in prices. What I notice mostly is how enthusiastic and helpful Costco employees generally are in comparison to the employees at the other two. I guess you get that when you pay a better wage, offer better benefits and don't try to keep employees under 40 hours a week to keep them from getting benefits. Or maybe it's the fact that the CEO of the company makes something like 7 times as much as the average employee (I may have the number wrong; it's from a special I saw on them years ago) instead of 50 or 100 times as much.

Some people just freakin' LOVE the $1.50 quarter-pound hot dog-and-a-soda deal that Costco has had for years. I tried it once and I thought it was a tube full of gas instead of meat. But then, I'm annoyingly particular about hot dogs.

[biker1]

Hot dog and a soda at Costco: $1.50
Hot dog and a soda at Sam's: $1.38
Hot dog and a soda at BJ's: not sure they even offer it

I have never been in a Costco store, but many on this forum wax lyrical about them.

What are the main differences between a Costco and the other two?

Thank you

[Velvet]

I like the basically middle class stuff at Costco, their service when installing appliances or furniture. Doubling of warranty when you buy from them, and the usually lower price than what most retailers ask. The jewelry, Costco has an authentic diamond background. The reliability of many of the brands they carry, the fresh food etc etc.

[Topspinmo]

I have never been in a Costco store, but many on this forum wax lyrical about them.

What are the main differences between a Costco and the other two?

Thank you

I can tell something they all have in common? You have to pay just to shop in them…

[Topspinmo]

Hot dog and a soda at Costco: $1.50
Hot dog and a soda at Sam's: $1.38
Hot dog and a soda at BJ's: not sure they even offer it

Heart burn $1.50

Heart burn $1.38

Maybe no heart burn :a040:

[biker1]

You might want to see your PCP if a hot dog gives you heart burn ;-)

Heart burn $1.50

Heart burn $1.38

Maybe no heart burn :a040:

[bopat]

Sam's club seems to have more fresh fruit and vegetables than BJ's. BJ's seems to have more seasonable items than Sam's club. Costco has everything.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

BJ's is golf cart accessible, but it's WAYYYYYYY up on the furthest northeasterly part of The Villages that you can get. So if you're down south of 44, or near Brownwood, or even south of Sumter, it's not convenient at all. They offer the same dog and soda deal the other two offer, $1.50. Their dogs aren't as good as Sam's though, and their condiments (watery relish, watery yellow mustard, watery ketchup) are pathetic. For an extra 50 cents you can swap your soda out for a frozen coke. BJ's gas is the cheapest in the area, even less than Sam's but it's members only. If you have a BJ's credit card, it's even cheaper than that. They don't have a pharmacy but they do have a full-service optical department.

Sam's is not golf-cart accessible at all, it is also on 441 but further south, across from Kohl's. It's not very convenient if you live south of 44, or east of Buena Vista, north or south. Their hotdogs are pretty awesome. Sam's has both optical and full service pharmacy, more "tasting" areas, more variety in their butcher/seafood department, and the store itself is larger.

I've never been to any Costco ever so I can't comment on what it has/doesn't have. But it won't be convenient to anyone north of Sumter, and it'd be pretty pointless to be a member if you live in the Historic Side since BJ's is right there. Would probably be a great occasional visit though, I think they offer day-passes.

[BrianL99]

I have never been in a Costco store, but many on this forum wax lyrical about them.

What are the main differences between a Costco and the other two?

Thank you

I haven't been in the other 2 for years, but I believe that Sam's Club is the only one where you can watch them squeeze orange juice, then buy it and take it home.

I happily pay the membership fee, just for the OJ. 3.5L/week. My Dr. says it's not incontrovertible scientific evidence, but I haven't had a cold since the 90's.

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

But the new one will be golf cart accessible!

Right now we are members of BJ’s but I'm looking forward to what Costco offers.

[asianthree]

BJ’s has some deals, But one has to clip coupons, in the beginning no signage that that item was less cost with a stupid coupon. Once I returned home opened the ad book, I could have saved $36) Not a fan of their deli products, basically 4 items at snack bar. Good thing, nobody in the store and less lines for gas. Best thing for BJs WaWa’s in right in front. It was a one and done.

I have belonged to both Sam’s and Costco since opening in our area. Sam’s always easy to find parking, less people, our business membership got us in at 7am. Sams has certain items not found at any other box stores. Save on pets food, I like to buy just one meat, poultry, or seafood item counter. I buy their Salmon, office supplies. I don’t eat anything at their snack bar. Staff is few and far between if you need help it’s not at Sam’s.

Costco best return policy than any retailer. My Dyson ($450) stopped working at 15 months. I asked at the desk if still available. Desk looked up my account saw the purchase, told me to return for full refund, and shipped same item to my house. I like their chicken, salad and soup better than Sam’s. We use their optometry department 2 pairs of glasses a year, buy tires, batteries for all 3 cars. Most of the items I buy aren’t bulk that some seem to think. Over 20 years, never paid a yearly membership, because my year end check is more than membership fee. I grab their chicken Caesar salad and frozen latte at the snack bar, on my way out to fuel up for the ride home. Their customer service is worth every penny.We had 7 Costco within 20-55 minutes from our house. So no matter where I had to be there was a Costco near by.

If I had to only pick one it would be Costco. (I buy my eggs at TJ’s if farm is not available)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

But the new one will be golf cart accessible!

Right now we are members of BJ’s but I'm looking forward to what Costco offers.

It'd be around 40 minutes each way by golf cart from my house. I sometimes make a Tuesday drive to Fresh Market to get ground meat for $3.99/lb. Have lunch at Culver's, walk the strip malls, browse in Marshall's, etc. It's been awhile since I've done that, does Fresh Market still offer that?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

BJ’s has some deals, But one has to clip coupons, in the beginning no signage that that item was less cost with a stupid coupon. Once I returned home opened the ad book, I could have saved $36) Not a fan of their deli products, basically 4 items at snack bar. Good thing, nobody in the store and less lines for gas. Best thing for BJs WaWa’s in right in front. It was a one and done.

I have belonged to both Sam’s and Costco since opening in our area. Sam’s always easy to find parking, less people, our business membership got us in at 7am. Sams has certain items not found at any other box stores. Save on pets food, I like to buy just one meat, poultry, or seafood item counter. I buy their Salmon, office supplies. I don’t eat anything at their snack bar. Staff is few and far between if you need help it’s not at Sam’s.

Costco best return policy than any retailer. My Dyson ($450) stopped working at 15 months. I asked at the desk if still available. Desk looked up my account saw the purchase, told me to return for full refund, and shipped same item to my house. I like their chicken, salad and soup better than Sam’s. We use their optometry department 2 pairs of glasses a year, buy tires, batteries for all 3 cars. Most of the items I buy aren’t bulk that some seem to think. Over 20 years, never paid a yearly membership, because my year end check is more than membership fee. I grab their chicken Caesar salad and frozen latte at the snack bar, on my way out to fuel up for the ride home. Their customer service is worth every penny.We had 7 Costco within 20-55 minutes from our house. So no matter where I had to be there was a Costco near by.

If I had to only pick one it would be Costco. (I buy my eggs at TJ’s if farm is not available)

You don't have to clip coupons if you have the app.

[asianthree]

You don't have to clip coupons if you have the app.

That means I have to add another app to my iPhone, spend more minutes than I want trying to find if there is a better price. It was a struggle to find products that I used. Now that we are south of 44, I am rarely think let’s drive to BJs when I can get to Costco faster in Clermont.

[FloridaGuy66]

I've been a Costco member for 30+ years. I've also been a BJ member for a year (didn't renew) and I'm an active Sam's member (2+ years) but used to "borrow" a friends membership for a decade before that.

Costco is unparalleled. You're essentially getting only top quality goods at a great price. They're return policy is probably the best in the US among all retailers. They will take anything back without question in most cases.

Sam's is good. Definitely better than 5-10 years ago. They sell good stuff but sometimes a little lower end things than Costco. When the Costco gets built here we might keep our Sam's membership for the great car wash and a few meat items that we like to buy sometimes at Sam's.

BJ's is like a mini version of both. Much less food selection. I don't see how they will survive here when the Costco opens up.

[MplsPete]

Where I live, the attendant at the door at Sam's doesn't really care if you show him your membership card. Costco is anal about checking your card when you enter, to the point of installing scanners that display your photo ID for the gatekeeper. Also, again unique to us, our Sam's is closer to poor neighborhoods, and has lots of customers we would probably not care to associate with, as opposed to Costco, which is suburban.
Also, the Costco near Iowa City has the biggest indoor parking lot I've ever seen. Rumor is that when they bought the land, there was a huge factory on it, which they kept and use for parking. Indoor parking: sweet.

[coralway]

Check Costcos stock price, that will answer your question

[Sherkugawa]

I have never been in a Costco store, but many on this forum wax lyrical about them.

What are the main differences between a Costco and the other two?

Thank you
Costco has a wide selection of Prime meat. Costcos lamb is the best. The packaging of the chicken is bette, to me. There are a lot of similarities otherwise. The Kirkland Vanilla ice cream is the best I’ve ever had.

[ehonour]

Surprising (to me) answers to this question, most of them by people who don't shop at Costco. Gotta love it when people have an opinion about something they've not explored.

The difference is quality.

I've been a Costco member for well over fifteen years in other locations. When we moved to TV, I tried both Sam's and BJ's because they were close. Neither one came up to the same standards as Costco. So I continued to drive down to Tampa (now Clermont) to go to Costco. There are lots of boxed/wrapped commercial items (toilet paper, kitchen appliances, etc.) for which there is no difference. But most of the foodstuffs are simply better quality at Costco: better flavor, better choice, better price. I look forward to their opening here in TV.

[Switter]

I have never been in a Costco store, but many on this forum wax lyrical about them.

What are the main differences between a Costco and the other two?

Thank you

I mentioned this in another thread about Costco coming here. I've been a member of Costco for about 10 years. I've had a membership at Sam's for a year when I first moved down here. When I found out they were opening a Costco in Claremont I let my Sam's membership lapse and now choose to drive 50 minutes (one way) and pay toll fees over shopping at Sam's.

Why?

Costco has the best:
Meat department: I compared steaks at Sam's, BJ's, and Costco. Costco steaks are about 1-1/4" to 1-1/2" thick. At Sam's you're lucky if it's 3/4" thick. BJ's meat department isn't even worth mentioning. Costco has awesome sirloin, ribeye, and New York strip.

Bakery: the stuff actually tastes like it was made by a real bakery, not store-bought like Sam's. Again, BJ's bakery isn't even worth mentioning.

Generic product line (Kirkland): almost everything I've gotten has been top notch. Probably the best generic product line anywhere. Much better than members Mark as far as I'm concerned. Couple of examples: Kirkland organic salsa is the best store-bought salsa I've ever had. Their frozen tilapia is sourced from India I guess, not China, so it's much cleaner and better quality. The Kirkland beef hotdogs are very good.The Kirkland red tail shrimp shrimp is incredible. Their bedsheets, toilet paper, kleenexes, and paper towels are all excellent.

Never tried anything from BJ's generic.

Return policy: 90 days on most everything, even if you've opened it and eaten part of it (for food). The only question they ask you is if there was something wrong with it. zero hassle returns. A previous neighbor of mine bought a couch and had it for over a month. They ended up not liking it so he just threw it on his snowmobile trailer without any of the original packing and brought it back. It's really kind of crazy.

Sam's carries a lot of namebrand food products that you would find at a Walmart. Costco seems to carry names you wouldn't recognize but are of a higher quality.

This might not be important to everyone but Costco treats its employees pretty well. when I was in Minnesota, I talked with a cashier and her assistant who loads the carts. Both of them had been there for over 10 years and loved working there.

In my opinion, it's not even close between the three.

[Jensor17]

I have never been in a Costco store, but many on this forum wax lyrical about them.

What are the main differences between a Costco and the other two?

Thank you

Everything is different.
If you buy anything defective just bring it back. Even if you bought it year before I bought a Christmas tree that 1 row of lights just would not light — manager said. “Just bring it back for Refund. I don’t care if you drag it here on a chain behind your car

[Bill14564]

Check Costcos stock price, that will answer your question

I will buy a wide variety of items at a warehouse store but I would not by stocks there.

[jbartle1]

Where I live, the attendant at the door at Sam's doesn't really care if you show him your membership card. Costco is anal about checking your card when you enter, to the point of installing scanners that display your photo ID for the gatekeeper. Also, again unique to us, our Sam's is closer to poor neighborhoods, and has lots of customers we would probably not care to associate with, as opposed to Costco, which is suburban.
Also, the Costco near Iowa City has the biggest indoor parking lot I've ever seen. Rumor is that when they bought the land, there was a huge factory on it, which they kept and use for parking. Indoor parking: sweet.

Poor neighborhoods, not care to associate with, hmmmm!

[westernrider75]

I’m surprised that nobody has mentioned the travel benefits through Costco. Everything you book through their travel department earns you a cash card upon completion of your trip. We got a $400 cash card for booking our Alaskan cruise through them.

[Zerohead]

Longtime Costco and 1 year BJ’s.

Both have your daily need stuff in bulk at good prices. Costco snack bar has a lot more choices than BJ such as oversized pizza slices, salads, soft ice cream etc

Costco has a larger variety as well as occasional novel itens they are “trying out”.

[Bill14564]

Surprising (to me) answers to this question, most of them by people who don't shop at Costco. Gotta love it when people have an opinion about something they've not explored.

The difference is quality.

I've been a Costco member for well over fifteen years in other locations. When we moved to TV, I tried both Sam's and BJ's because they were close. Neither one came up to the same standards as Costco. So I continued to drive down to Tampa (now Clermont) to go to Costco. There are lots of boxed/wrapped commercial items (toilet paper, kitchen appliances, etc.) for which there is no difference. But most of the foodstuffs are simply better quality at Costco: better flavor, better choice, better price. I look forward to their opening here in TV.

Where do you get the idea that most are commenting on something they have not explored? It looks to me like 11 of the 15 answers that mentioned shopping had actually shopped at more than one. Those answers have to be at least as valid as the person who has always shopped at Costco but "tried" BJs and Sams once to confirm they were not the same and now continues to shop only at Costco.

[Rocksnap]

2 things that stink about Costco. Much of their meat is “blade tenderized”. Meaning it’s poked full of holes by dozens of needles as it passes down the processing line. To me, that’s a seriously hi chance of contamination.
Then there is Costco announcing their W0ke policy. When that seems to be in the opposite trend than it recently has been. As many other companies have rethought that policy, as it had a negative impact on their business.

[Rzepecki]

I haven't been in the other 2 for years, but I believe that Sam's Club is the only one where you can watch them squeeze orange juice, then buy it and take it home.

I happily pay the membership fee, just for the OJ. 3.5L/week. My Dr. says it's not incontrovertible scientific evidence, but I haven't had a cold since the 90's.

We’re hooked on the fresh squeezed orange juice too.

[TheWarriors]

Both have pluses and minuses. Where Sam’s beats Costco is in hours and checkout. You can use the Sam’s app to checkout rather than waiting in long lines at Costco. It’s always a 15 minute wait to checkout there.

[nn0wheremann]

I have never been in a Costco store, but many on this forum wax lyrical about them.

What are the main differences between a Costco and the other two?

Thank you
Costco uses fewer suppliers, so gets deeper discounts, and uses those suppliers to make its own brand of merchandise. Less choice better quality, allegedly.

BJs is a pain in the neck, coupon centric, poor choice, higher prices.

Sams is a better grade of Walmart, and has a great meat department. Wide variety, better quality, good to fair prices.

[mraines]

I have never been in a Costco store, but many on this forum wax lyrical about them.

What are the main differences between a Costco and the other two?

Thank you
I really don't know as I don't frequent any of them. I hate the big box stores and don't understand why retirees have a need for buying in large quantities.

[mraines]

2 things that stink about Costco. Much of their meat is “blade tenderized”. Meaning it’s poked full of holes by dozens of needles as it passes down the processing line. To me, that’s a seriously hi chance of contamination.
Then there is Costco announcing their W0ke policy. When that seems to be in the opposite trend than it recently has been. As many other companies have rethought that policy, as it had a negative impact on their business.

I don't shop at Costco or any other big box stores but if I did, I might go to Costco. Why are you hung up on Woke? Do you even know what it means or do you just parrot what your station tells you?

[mraines]

I've been members of all three. Sam's Club and BJ's are pretty good, having cheaper gasoline and pretty good quality meats (in bulk, of course!). Costco is usually bigger with more choices, perhaps a shade lower in prices. What I notice mostly is how enthusiastic and helpful Costco employees generally are in comparison to the employees at the other two. I guess you get that when you pay a better wage, offer better benefits and don't try to keep employees under 40 hours a week to keep them from getting benefits. Or maybe it's the fact that the CEO of the company makes something like 7 times as much as the average employee (I may have the number wrong; it's from a special I saw on them years ago) instead of 50 or 100 times as much.

Some people just freakin' LOVE the $1.50 quarter-pound hot dog-and-a-soda deal that Costco has had for years. I tried it once and I thought it was a tube full of gas instead of meat. But then, I'm annoyingly particular about hot dogs.
While I no longer eat them, I found the best hot dogs were the ones sold by the vendor in front of Home Depot.

[Federspiel]

I have been a member of all 3 and currently I am a snowbird with a Costco membership up North and BJs in TV. Will continue paying for both because of savings and convenience. I golf cart to BJs and am 2 miles from Costco by car up North. Costco is the best. May drop BJs depending on how far new Costco is from my village home, even if by car. Gasoline savings alone pays for either memberships.

[BrianL99]

Meat department: I compared steaks at Sam's, BJ's, and Costco. Costco steaks are about 1-1/4" to 1-1/2" thick. At Sam's you're lucky if it's 3/4" thick. BJ's meat department isn't even worth mentioning. Costco has awesome sirloin, ribeye, and New York strip.

Bakery: the stuff actually tastes like it was made by a real bakery, not store-bought like Sam's. Again, BJ's bakery isn't even worth mentioning.




You've obviously never been in the Sam's Club in Lady Lake.

[biker1]

By your own admission, you don’t regularly shop there so you probably don’t really know about the quantities. I guess you could consider buying 4 tires at their auto center to be buying in a large quantity ;-). There are many other available items that nobody would consider a “large quantity”. It is a good place to buy a TV, and other electronics, and you don’t have to buy a dozen TVs.

I really don't know as I don't frequent any of them. I hate the big box stores and don't understand why retirees have a need for buying in large quantities.

[Arctic Fox]

Thank you for all of your insights - if Costco offers a "free" membership like BJ's did we'll try it for a year

I love the idea of finding a good source of lamb, but I'll be giving everyone's hot dogs a miss!

Happy shopping, all, and don't miss out on those post-Christmas bargains :-)

[dewilson58]

Hmmm. Never driven (or been in) either of those :-)



No need to drive or ride in either.

The point is...............the Sam's/Costco debate is the same as the age-old Chevy/Ford debate.

It's 100% opinions.

Millions like Sam's (Chevy), million's like Costco (Ford).

:mornincoffee:

[Lynnesail]

But the new one will be golf cart accessible!

Right now we are members of BJ’s but I'm looking forward to what Costco offers.

How do you shop at Costco in a golf cart?

[Bill14564]

How do you shop at Costco in a golf cart?

Right now you don't. The new one that is being discussed in another thread will be golf cart accessible once it is completed.

[Dilligas]

Check Costcos stock price, that will answer your question
Sam’s is a Walmart company. Check Walmart’s stock performance

[JRcorvette]

I have never been in a Costco store, but many on this forum wax lyrical about them.

What are the main differences between a Costco and the other two?

Thank you

In my opinion you can get a higher quality of items at Costco. As for food about the same but I believe that Costco has better meats. I don’t care of BJ’s at all and it is way too far from us. They picked an awful location.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I've been a Costco member for 30+ years. I've also been a BJ member for a year (didn't renew) and I'm an active Sam's member (2+ years) but used to "borrow" a friends membership for a decade before that.

Costco is unparalleled. You're essentially getting only top quality goods at a great price. They're return policy is probably the best in the US among all retailers. They will take anything back without question in most cases.

Sam's is good. Definitely better than 5-10 years ago. They sell good stuff but sometimes a little lower end things than Costco. When the Costco gets built here we might keep our Sam's membership for the great car wash and a few meat items that we like to buy sometimes at Sam's.

BJ's is like a mini version of both. Much less food selection. I don't see how they will survive here when the Costco opens up.

They'll survive just fine. Remember The Villages aren't their only customers. Many families live up 441 and there are other Senior communities there as well. People in Weirsdale and northeast Summerville aren't going to pay for a yearly membership for a place they have to drive 40 minutes or longer to buy their food or fill up their gas tanks. Not when they can get what they /need/ in similar quantities 10 minutes from home at BJ's. BJs is the closest big-box store to anyone north-east of 441, until you get past the Ocala Forest and arrive on the "east coast" of the state.

[LuckyS]

I’m convinced stores like Costco, Trader Joes, etc., are phycological wants more than a need. We all came from places that had an abundance of these stores, and we just miss that feeling of knowing we can go to them without taking a one hour or so drive.

Also, we are in the middle of nowhere and having these major stores move in gives us a sense that we've arrived and no longer live in the middle of nowhere.

We have all done just fine without these stores and would continue to do just fine if they don’t come here. We just want that sense of home (where we came from).

Just my humble opinion

[jimkerr]

I've been a Costco member for 30+ years. I've also been a BJ member for a year (didn't renew) and I'm an active Sam's member (2+ years) but used to "borrow" a friends membership for a decade before that.

Costco is unparalleled. You're essentially getting only top quality goods at a great price. They're return policy is probably the best in the US among all retailers. They will take anything back without question in most cases.

Sam's is good. Definitely better than 5-10 years ago. They sell good stuff but sometimes a little lower end things than Costco. When the Costco gets built here we might keep our Sam's membership for the great car wash and a few meat items that we like to buy sometimes at Sam's.

BJ's is like a mini version of both. Much less food selection. I don't see how they will survive here when the Costco opens up.

You nailed it. We have both a Costco and Sam’s membership because the clubs have different items. We had a BJ’s membership but didn’t renew it.

[JerryLBell]

Thank you for all of your insights - if Costco offers a "free" membership like BJ's did we'll try it for a year
Don't hold your breath on getting a "free" membership. Costco charges a fixed markup on all their sales and that markup is just enough to cover the cost of doing business (the building, the employees, power, etc.). ALL of their annual profit comes from the sales of memberships. Expecting them to give those away is like saying, "I'll only buy from store X if they make absolutely no money from my purchases."

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

By your own admission, you don’t regularly shop there so you probably don’t really know about the quantities. I guess you could consider buying 4 tires at their auto center to be buying in a large quantity ;-). There are many other available items that nobody would consider a “large quantity”. It is a good place to buy a TV, and other electronics, and you don’t have to buy a dozen TVs.

I guess if I needed all of these things in the same year, I'd save a lot on top of my membership fee by buying them all from Costco. But how often do you need a new TV? How often do you need 4 new tires? I've had my current car since 2003 and I've had to buy new tires once in this 22-year period. Hardly worth paying how much, every year, for 22 years, just to get a deal on tires?

We got one new TV in the past 30 years, and we got it from Best Buy. No membership fee required.

Some people will save by buying big-ticket items from big-box stores, because they buy these big-ticket items often, or wait til they need a bunch of them and get them all in the same year. Some people - will not.

There's also the travel time involved. If you live within 10 minutes of the place it's awesome. If it takes more than a half-hour in each direction, not so awesome.

[mkjelenbaas]

I've been members of all three. Sam's Club and BJ's are pretty good, having cheaper gasoline and pretty good quality meats (in bulk, of course!). Costco is usually bigger with more choices, perhaps a shade lower in prices. What I notice mostly is how enthusiastic and helpful Costco employees generally are in comparison to the employees at the other two. I guess you get that when you pay a better wage, offer better benefits and don't try to keep employees under 40 hours a week to keep them from getting benefits. Or maybe it's the fact that the CEO of the company makes something like 7 times as much as the average employee (I may have the number wrong; it's from a special I saw on them years ago) instead of 50 or 100 times as much.

Some people just freakin' LOVE the $1.50 quarter-pound hot dog-and-a-soda deal that Costco has had for years. I tried it once and I thought it was a tube full of gas instead of meat. But then, I'm annoyingly particular about hot dogs.
I don’t know if comparing the CEO pay to the average employee is rational - o suspect the CEO has a bit more responsibility along with a better resume - just saying.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Don't hold your breath on getting a "free" membership. Costco charges a fixed markup on all their sales and that markup is just enough to cover the cost of doing business (the building, the employees, power, etc.). ALL of their annual profit comes from the sales of memberships. Expecting them to give those away is like saying, "I'll only buy from store X if they make absolutely no money from my purchases."

If I could get a 30-day free trial membership, or even a free 2-day pass (expiring in 30 days or whatever) I'd totally check it out and maybe buy some of their own branded products to see what the fuss is about.

But because BJ's is the closest gas station to me by golf cart and I use normal unleaded gas in my golf cart, BJ's will be the most cost-efficient option for me. Costco would need to be remarkable to justify my paying for membership there. Something to make me want to drive all the way over there at least once a month to get things that I've never needed from Costco before and therefore haven't ever missed.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

In my opinion you can get a higher quality of items at Costco. As for food about the same but I believe that Costco has better meats. I don’t care of BJ’s at all and it is way too far from us. They picked an awful location.

They picked a GREAT location, and they have a steady business from neighboring towns since they're one of only two big-box stores in the vicinity. They don't service just Villagers, they service Stonegate and all the other retirement communities north and east of 441, Weirsdale, Sunset Harbor, Lake Weir, all of Summerfield, and Bellview.

[CFrance]

BJ’s has some deals, But one has to clip coupons, in the beginning no signage that that item was less cost with a stupid coupon. Once I returned home opened the ad book, I could have saved $36) Not a fan of their deli products, basically 4 items at snack bar. Good thing, nobody in the store and less lines for gas. Best thing for BJs WaWa’s in right in front. It was a one and done.

I have belonged to both Sam’s and Costco since opening in our area. Sam’s always easy to find parking, less people, our business membership got us in at 7am. Sams has certain items not found at any other box stores. Save on pets food, I like to buy just one meat, poultry, or seafood item counter. I buy their Salmon, office supplies. I don’t eat anything at their snack bar. Staff is few and far between if you need help it’s not at Sam’s.

Costco best return policy than any retailer. My Dyson ($450) stopped working at 15 months. I asked at the desk if still available. Desk looked up my account saw the purchase, told me to return for full refund, and shipped same item to my house. I like their chicken, salad and soup better than Sam’s. We use their optometry department 2 pairs of glasses a year, buy tires, batteries for all 3 cars. Most of the items I buy aren’t bulk that some seem to think. Over 20 years, never paid a yearly membership, because my year end check is more than membership fee. I grab their chicken Caesar salad and frozen latte at the snack bar, on my way out to fuel up for the ride home. Their customer service is worth every penny.We had 7 Costco within 20-55 minutes from our house. So no matter where I had to be there was a Costco near by.

If I had to only pick one it would be Costco. (I buy my eggs at TJ’s if farm is not available)
"Over 20 years, never paid a yearly membership, because my year end check is more than membership fee." Please explain what you mean by this. Tx

[jacqueline larsen]

Superior products.

[Beats]

I have never been in a Costco store, but many on this forum wax lyrical about them.

What are the main differences between a Costco and the other two?

Thank you

First off NO Coupons, Costco stopped that years ago with the mindset that you are already a member and why do you need them, and when Costco has things on special they actually have that merchandise, they have far more inventory.
The clothes are better, quality and again inventory.
The prepared food, cakes, produce are just far better quality.
The meats are far better quality, a it more expensive but just plain better.
The sample station at BJ's is a joke, Costco is the real deal.
Their are actual people checking you out, not one or two people.
Go see for yourself, you will never got back to BJ's and my prediction is BJ's will be out of business in a year or two.

[maistocars]

Better quality products at great prices.

[asianthree]

"Over 20 years, never paid a yearly membership, because my year end check is more than membership fee." Please explain what you mean by this. Tx

For 25 years we have Executive Membership. For every dollar you spend you get a percentage in return 2 months before you renew you get a check. We take the check and pay our membership renewal for the next year. Our average with gas, business needs, optic, tires appliances just everyday items some years over $500 check.

Now we don’t drive as much, so less gas (we stop every 3 weeks from Disney trip) still optical, tires, appliances for up north home, one chair, and basic food. This year was only $311..Memberships last year was $120, this year went up $10. Prices are less than even Amazon or brick and mortar, groceries are less ( have an app for that).

So save money, healthy food, cheap gas, and best customer service anywhere. So that how one gets free membership at Costco

[maistocars]

"Over 20 years, never paid a yearly membership, because my year end check is more than membership fee." Please explain what you mean by this. Tx
If you have an Executive membership they give you 2%-3% from store purchases and various other purchases in an annual rebate. That rebate check is always more than the Executive membership fee. Last year, mine was $475 and the fee, I believe, was $135.

[tophcfa]

Just a small sample of the wonderful stuff you can get at Costco for a very reasonable price. The Salmon burgers are absolutely delicious and the k cups are about 30 cents per cup and as good or better than an overpriced coffee from Starbucks.

[Bill14564]

For 25 years we have Executive Membership. For every dollar you spend you get a percentage in return 2 months before you renew you get a check. We take the check and pay our membership renewal for the next year. Our average with gas, business needs, optic, tires appliances just everyday items some years over $500 check.

...

2% "Sam's cash" on in-club purchases for Plus members at Sam's club but doesn't apply to gas. To get credit for gas purchases a member also needs to have a Sam's club Mastercard. I wasn't interested in another card to carry until I looked at the details today... I might be applying for one soon.

[Switter]

You've obviously never been in the Sam's Club in Lady Lake.

That's the one I was referring to and where I was a member. The steaks at Costco are much thicker.

[asianthree]

2% "Sam's cash" on in-club purchases for Plus members at Sam's club but doesn't apply to gas. To get credit for gas purchases a member also needs to have a Sam's club Mastercard. I wasn't interested in another card to carry until I looked at the details today... I might be applying for one soon.

We have Sam’s plus also, and always come close to membership fee. Although this year we will not get much back, since Clermont Costco. Sams renews in January I may not.

[asianthree]

How do you shop at Costco in a golf cart?

Right now you don't. The new one that is being discussed in another thread will be golf cart accessible once it is completed.

I think poster is wondering how one gets all the bargains in a golf cart once Costco is in the bubble. Not that it will be the first golf cart accessible

[Carlsondm]

Costco sells higher quality goods and food than BJs and Sam's for the most part. They a lot of clothing for men, as well and women and children. Many stores cater to women. Sampling stations .. yes they pop up, but we are there for the organic or less processed food. They have loss leaders .. chicken @ $5/ Pumpkin pie @ $5.99/ decent wines at 6.99 and up./ seasonal chicken pot pie. Paper good, soaps, detergents, clothes are usually a major brand or very high quality. Yes you get big quantities, but savings is good.

Note that gift cards are available. If a friend has a membership, they can get you one. Then you can shop at the store like a member. If you have a $25 card, you can buy $300 worth of goods and pay the difference. Good way to try the store without a comitment.

I tried both BJs and Sam's and wanted to love them. Service was subpar at both, didn't have enough chickens at meal time, food was not as good.

[Bill14564]

We have Sam’s plus also, and always come close to membership fee. Although this year we will not get much back, since Clermont Costco. Sams renews in January I may not.

Several articles I have read said location is the biggest difference between the clubs. Whichever is closest or most convenient is the one most people will use. I tend to agree. From the southern areas, an easy drive down the turnpike to Clermont might be preferable to a trek up 441 to Lady Lake. I live closer to Lady Lake so it's Sam's for me.

Getting to the location of the new Costco is pretty quick and easy for me today. I'll have to see what traffic is like once it opens and decide if I would use even a trial membership.

[Bill14564]

I think poster is wondering how one gets all the bargains in a golf cart once Costco is in the bubble. Not that it will be the first golf cart accessible

Thanks, I should have read it that way.

I have the same concern... three 35-packs of soda and one bundle of paper towels or toilet paper might not leave any room for the rotisserie chicken. (and I'm not sure how well the cheese, milk, chicken, or beef would hold up my 45 minute drive home on a hot day)

[Angelhug52]

BJs let's you use manufacturer coupons along with their coupons. An item they have for $ 21 plus a manufacturer coupon for 5 and theirs for 8 just gave me a 13 dollar savings. Plus our BJs has a fantastic staff in optical!

[UpNorth]

Surprising (to me) answers to this question, most of them by people who don't shop at Costco. Gotta love it when people have an opinion about something they've not explored.

The difference is quality.

I've been a Costco member for well over fifteen years in other locations. When we moved to TV, I tried both Sam's and BJ's because they were close. Neither one came up to the same standards as Costco. So I continued to drive down to Tampa (now Clermont) to go to Costco. There are lots of boxed/wrapped commercial items (toilet paper, kitchen appliances, etc.) for which there is no difference. But most of the foodstuffs are simply better quality at Costco: better flavor, better choice, better price. I look forward to their opening here in TV.

Absolutely agree. The Costco buyers know how to get the best of the pick. Their private label brand is cheaper, yet always top quality. And no, you do not always need to buy giant size containers of products there. Most items are of reasonable size and quantity.

[NoMo50]

I’m surprised that nobody has mentioned the travel benefits through Costco. Everything you book through their travel department earns you a cash card upon completion of your trip. We got a $400 cash card for booking our Alaskan cruise through them.

Right you are. We took a 10-day Mediterranean cruise with Celebrity. Costco Travel had the absolute best rate for the cruise itself, which was fantastic. Less than a week after getting home, we received a Costco Cash card for $920.00. We have found Costco Travel to also have, by far, the best rates for car rentals.

[Arctic Fox]

No need to drive or ride in either. The point is...............the Sam's/Costco debate is the same as the age-old Chevy/Ford debate. It's 100% opinions.

Noted, thank you. I thought you may have meant that one is of better quality than the other, and I have no idea whether Ford or Chevy would have won that argument.

[New Englander]

Recently I got a one year membership to Sam's Club for $20. You had to join online. It was a Christmas Special. Prime steaks were great. I wanted to buy olive oil but the container they sold looked like a half gallon size. Price of gasoline was very good. I would try Costco when it opens depending on what they charge for membership.

[asianthree]

Right you are. We took a 10-day Mediterranean cruise with Celebrity. Costco Travel had the absolute best rate for the cruise itself, which was fantastic. Less than a week after getting home, we received a Costco Cash card for $920.00. We have found Costco Travel to also have, by far, the best rates for car rentals.

It has been mentioned by a few that Costco travel insurance for medical is not only at a better price, but the policy surpasses and other companies. Any experience?

[Velvet]

Right you are. We took a 10-day Mediterranean cruise with Celebrity. Costco Travel had the absolute best rate for the cruise itself, which was fantastic. Less than a week after getting home, we received a Costco Cash card for $920.00. We have found Costco Travel to also have, by far, the best rates for car rentals.

Yes, I forgot about those things. We never rented cars from any one else. And the food is such quality that when my husband was living by himself as a bachelor, he still shopped there.

Costco has a very successful formula. In my northern area, people buy a house based on its distance from Costco (not too close obviously). And, for example, when you land in Honolulu, and you’re staying a while, you first load up at the Costco near the airport.

[asianthree]

Several articles I have read said location is the biggest difference between the clubs. Whichever is closest or most convenient is the one most people will use. I tend to agree. From the southern areas, an easy drive down the turnpike to Clermont might be preferable to a trek up 441 to Lady Lake. I live closer to Lady Lake so it's Sam's for me.

Getting to the location of the new Costco is pretty quick and easy for me today. I'll have to see what traffic is like once it opens and decide if I would use even a trial membership. I have never known Costco to offer trial membership, like BJs and Sam’s almost has to. Costco no so much

Sadly we would never make that list.. up north we would drive an hour to the base for protein, the stop at Costco, Sam’s, TJs on the return. Mind you we could have stopped at 5 other Costcos.:pepper2:

True Costco shoppers will tell you every store has different stuff and it’s worth the drive:eclipsee_gold_cup:

[Deden]

Ha ha ha I like the Blueberries (Not bulk)

[jimjamuser]

I've been members of all three. Sam's Club and BJ's are pretty good, having cheaper gasoline and pretty good quality meats (in bulk, of course!). Costco is usually bigger with more choices, perhaps a shade lower in prices. What I notice mostly is how enthusiastic and helpful Costco employees generally are in comparison to the employees at the other two. I guess you get that when you pay a better wage, offer better benefits and don't try to keep employees under 40 hours a week to keep them from getting benefits. Or maybe it's the fact that the CEO of the company makes something like 7 times as much as the average employee (I may have the number wrong; it's from a special I saw on them years ago) instead of 50 or 100 times as much.

Some people just freakin' LOVE the $1.50 quarter-pound hot dog-and-a-soda deal that Costco has had for years. I tried it once and I thought it was a tube full of gas instead of meat. But then, I'm annoyingly particular about hot dogs.
If that is TRUE that the Costco CEO makes only 7 times as much as the average Costco employee, I would prefer to shop there. A few years ago I read that Japanese CEOs want to make less than TEN times their average worker.

[jimjamuser]

Sam's club seems to have more fresh fruit and vegetables than BJ's. BJ's seems to have more seasonable items than Sam's club. Costco has everything.
Sams Club has bicycles and other sporting goods stuff that I think BJs does not. I have not been to Costco in 20 years, but I think that they do have sporting goods.

[FloridaGuy66]

I’m convinced stores like Costco, Trader Joes, etc., are phycological wants more than a need. We all came from places that had an abundance of these stores, and we just miss that feeling of knowing we can go to them without taking a one hour or so drive.


Most people that shop at those stores are purchasing quality food items. Not anything you're going to find at Save-A-Lot or Walmart.

Does that make it a want instead of a need? I think it's ok for higher quality products being a need to some.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Surprising (to me) answers to this question, most of them by people who don't shop at Costco. Gotta love it when people have an opinion about something they've not explored. We might have someone here that does this on the regular. Mostly about golf carts.

The difference is quality.

I've been a Costco member for well over fifteen years in other locations. When we moved to TV, I tried both Sam's and BJ's because they were close. Neither one came up to the same standards as Costco. So I continued to drive down to Tampa (now Clermont) to go to Costco. There are lots of boxed/wrapped commercial items (toilet paper, kitchen appliances, etc.) for which there is no difference. But most of the foodstuffs are simply better quality at Costco: better flavor, better choice, better price. I look forward to their opening here in TV.

My former co-worker, a solid trustworthy guy told me about his father-in-law. His FIL was a meat salesman. Not a butcher, but a wholesale guy, like Santa Monica Seafood. They supply restaurants. He said there are absolutely quality differences between prime, choice, grade, etc. He said the 5-star restaurants, and some 4-star are getting their best stuff. The grocery stores usually got 3 star quality stuff. The other 3 and 2 star quality stuff went to lesser restaurants like chains (think: Chilis) and mom and pops. Places that offer the $10 sirloin steak.

He then told me, you know who else gets the top quality 5-star stuff. The very highest end stuff? Costco. I have been buying steaks, crab, lobster, ground beef, and ribs there ever since. Outstanding stuff, very fresh - not resealed and repacked like grocery stores might do as the meat turns gray.

Just throwing this out there.

[Garywt]

Hot dog and a soda at Costco: $1.50
Hot dog and a soda at Sam's: $1.38
Hot dog and a soda at BJ's: not sure they even offer it

I can say one thing, I don’t go to any of these stores for lunch or dinner so I do not care what there hot dogs are.

[Garywt]

For 35 years I have just liked BJ’s better. It has always been a cleaner store and has the items I want.

I have never been in a Costco store, but many on this forum wax lyrical about them.

What are the main differences between a Costco and the other two?

Thank you

[Normal]

I wonder how many south of 44 will ever go there. We currently use the Costco in Clermont because it’s a little less than a half hour drive. Also Traders isn’t far if we feel like the extra drive.

I think this Costco will be just as far?

[allsport]

I have never been in a Costco store, but many on this forum wax lyrical about them.

What are the main differences between a Costco and the other two?

Thank you

I actually am a member of all of three. I buy gas at BJ's and some food at both. Costco is my favorite but a long drive right now. Costco has lots of options that are healthy and you do save money when buying in bulk. Their appliances are terrific and the warranty is second to none. BJ's is a wanna be, Sam's is blue collar and Costco is the leader of the pack. An opinion from a member of all.

[asianthree]

My former co-worker, a solid trustworthy guy told me about his father-in-law. His FIL was a meat salesman. Not a butcher, but a wholesale guy, like Santa Monica Seafood. They supply restaurants. He said there are absolutely quality differences between prime, choice, grade, etc. He said the 5-star restaurants, and some 4-star are getting their best stuff. The grocery stores usually got 3 star quality stuff. The other 3 and 2 star quality stuff went to lesser restaurants like chains (think: Chilis) and mom and pops. Places that offer the $10 sirloin steak.

He then told me, you know who else gets the top quality 5-star stuff. The very highest end stuff? Costco. I have been buying steaks, crab, lobster, ground beef, and ribs there ever since. Outstanding stuff, very fresh - not resealed and repacked like grocery stores might do as the meat turns gray.

Just throwing this out there.

I spent many years going to stockyards, then slaughter house. Learn quickly beef grades, and what to look for. Most of Our beef, pork, comes from family farm. Raised, grass feed, then off the butcher (learned young not to name stock) then family picks up their pack. Rarely do we eat beef out or buy in grocery. Product is just disappointing. I find our pork not that much different than some grocery, except for bacon. Ours is smoked with multiple wood combinations, along with brisket.

[rustyp]

I have never been in a Costco store, but many on this forum wax lyrical about them.

What are the main differences between a Costco and the other two?

Thank you

Costco has the best singing candles.

[tophcfa]

I think poster is wondering how one gets all the bargains in a golf cart once Costco is in the bubble. Not that it will be the first golf cart accessible

It’s amazing how much stuff can fit in a golf cart with a rear cargo carrier that fits into the golf club bag well and retention straps, the passenger seat and floor space, the accessories basket, the cooler, the overhead storage shelves, and the drivers lap. If it wasn’t for the tunnels, stuff could also get strapped to the roof.

[MplsPete]

... Or maybe it's the fact that the CEO of [Costco] makes something like 7 times as much as the average employee (I may have the number wrong; it's from a special I saw on them years ago) instead of 50 or 100 times as much...

Sounds fishy to me. So I asked my friend Google, "Who is the CEO of Costco?" Answer: Ron Vachris. Then I asked "What is Ron Vachris' salary?" Answer: His compensation package is more than 12 million dollars, according to a proxy statement filed with the SEC this month.

[NoMo50]

I wonder how many south of 44 will ever go there. We currently use the Costco in Clermont because it’s a little less than a half hour drive. Also Traders isn’t far if we feel like the extra drive.

I think this Costco will be just as far?

Maybe not quite as far for us. The Clermont Costco is 35 minutes for me, door to door. The new store will be a little less than that. But, even if it wasn't closer, it would be worth it just to stay off the darn turnpike.

[Marmaduke]

BJ's is golf cart accessible, but it's WAYYYYYYY up on the furthest northeasterly part of The Villages that you can get. So if you're down south of 44, or near Brownwood, or even south of Sumter, it's not convenient at all. They offer the same dog and soda deal the other two offer, $1.50. Their dogs aren't as good as Sam's though, and their condiments (watery relish, watery yellow mustard, watery ketchup) are pathetic. For an extra 50 cents you can swap your soda out for a frozen coke. BJ's gas is the cheapest in the area, even less than Sam's but it's members only. If you have a BJ's credit card, it's even cheaper than that. They don't have a pharmacy but they do have a full-service optical department.

Sam's is not golf-cart accessible at all, it is also on 441 but further south, across from Kohl's. It's not very convenient if you live south of 44, or east of Buena Vista, north or south. Their hotdogs are pretty awesome. Sam's has both optical and full service pharmacy, more "tasting" areas, more variety in their butcher/seafood department, and the store itself is larger.

I've never been to any Costco ever so I can't comment on what it has/doesn't have. But it won't be convenient to anyone north of Sumter, and it'd be pretty pointless to be a member if you live in the Historic Side since BJ's is right there. Would probably be a great occasional visit though, I think they offer day-passes.
OBB - there is every reason to be a member of Costco and dump the other 2.
The reasons are to numerous to mention and I won't even begin to attempt it.
To say it's inconvenient to the historic side is ... hard to believe, unless you're 100 and fearful of driving or something.

[Just jimmy]

I've been a Costco member for 30+ years. I've also been a BJ member for a year (didn't renew) and I'm an active Sam's member (2+ years) but used to "borrow" a friends membership for a decade before that.

Costco is unparalleled. You're essentially getting only top quality goods at a great price. They're return policy is probably the best in the US among all retailers. They will take anything back without question in most cases.

Sam's is good. Definitely better than 5-10 years ago. They sell good stuff but sometimes a little lower end things than Costco. When the Costco gets built here we might keep our Sam's membership for the great car wash and a few meat items that we like to buy sometimes at Sam's.

BJ's is like a mini version of both. Much less food selection. I don't see how they will survive here when the Costco opens up.

We bought our new Honda crv through Costco auto program. No haggle. Took 3500$ right off the top. No dealer cash add ons.

I use them for travel all the time. Save a ton on rental cars. Also book cruises through them. Our last cruise I got a 375$ cash card back after the cruise. We are also executive members and get 2 percent back on all we spend. Due to all the travel items I get more back each year than membership costs. Costco prepared food is also much better than the other 2.

[jimdecastro]

BJ's is golf cart accessible, but it's WAYYYYYYY up on the furthest northeasterly part of The Villages that you can get. So if you're down south of 44, or near Brownwood, or even south of Sumter, it's not convenient at all. They offer the same dog and soda deal the other two offer, $1.50. Their dogs aren't as good as Sam's though, and their condiments (watery relish, watery yellow mustard, watery ketchup) are pathetic. For an extra 50 cents you can swap your soda out for a frozen coke. BJ's gas is the cheapest in the area, even less than Sam's but it's members only. If you have a BJ's credit card, it's even cheaper than that. They don't have a pharmacy but they do have a full-service optical department.

Sam's is not golf-cart accessible at all, it is also on 441 but further south, across from Kohl's. It's not very convenient if you live south of 44, or east of Buena Vista, north or south. Their hotdogs are pretty awesome. Sam's has both optical and full service pharmacy, more "tasting" areas, more variety in their butcher/seafood department, and the store itself is larger.

I've never been to any Costco ever so I can't comment on what it has/doesn't have. But it won't be convenient to anyone north of Sumter, and it'd be pretty pointless to be a member if you live in the Historic Side since BJ's is right there. Would probably be a great occasional visit though, I think they offer day-passes.

Excellent post. I have been a member of all 3 but I am Newell so none are convenient except Sam's (my church is next door). I like each for different things but to me Costco is superior. I would likely still go to Clermont - but my work is in Buffalo Ridge.

[Bill14564]

OBB - there is every reason to be a member of Costco and dump the other 2.
The reasons are to numerous to mention and I won't even begin to attempt it.
To say it's inconvenient to the historic side is ... hard to believe, unless you're 100 and fearful of driving or something.

It is odd that a poster won't begin to attempt to mention the reasons to choose Costco and dump the other 2 in a thread specifically created to gather any reasons why one should be chosen over the others.

[Gatemaker]

I have never been in a Costco store, but many on this forum wax lyrical about them.

What are the main differences between a Costco and the other two?

Thank you
We are a member of both. Not a member of BJ. Both are simular but offer some different items not found in the other. You can go in Costco for a look around before you sign up. You'll just have to go a decide for yourself. Good luck..as I mentioned, we're members of both.

[Bill14564]

Are the Costco online prices the same as the in-store prices? Sam's warns that they may not be but for any item I have checked, the prices are the same. I would like to get a feel for what the items I might buy would cost without having to walk the aisles at Costco.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

OBB - there is every reason to be a member of Costco and dump the other 2.
The reasons are to numerous to mention and I won't even begin to attempt it.
To say it's inconvenient to the historic side is ... hard to believe, unless you're 100 and fearful of driving or something.

I live 5 minutes by golf cart to BJ's. I live 3 minutes by car to BJ's. I get my gas at BJ's, which is either 3 or 5 minutes from home, thus saving lots of money throughout the year because it's less expensive than any other gas in the area, and takes less time to get there, thus saving money in gas use for the trip to fill it up.

It's also near Walmart, which is where I do most of my grocery shopping. So I can fill up the tank on the way to or from the supermarket at any time during the week.

I have no NEED to drive 40 minutes in each direction to fill up my tank, or to get a half pound of sliced ham, or a 4-pack of ground coffee bricks. And if I'm going to head in the direction of the new Costco, it'll be on a Tuesday, so I can get ground beef at FreshMarket for $3.99/lb in 1-pound packages.

So yes - it's an inconvenience. If I need gas for my car, I need to not have to waste over an hour's worth of gas round-trip just to get it.

I never need hotdogs, but if I WANT one, BJ's has them, there's a hotdog cart guy outside Lowe's, the new Crave hotdog joint just opened up near me, and I can always buy a package and make my own. No need to drive 40 minutes each way (by golf cart, 25 minutes by car) to get one.

There is nothing I /need/ from any big-box store, that I can't already get without a big-box store. Membership at Costco is $65/year, or $130/year for the upgraded membership. I don't save enough to justify the expense or the inconvenience of having to drive over an hour round-trip for the privilege.

As I said before - if I could get a day-pass, I'd absolutely give it a look. But the more people describe why they think it's so awesome, the more I'm convince it's not going to be something I'll need to pay extra to use.

[Stu from NYC]

We have been members of Sams for over 30 years and members of BJ about 3.

Like both for different reasons. Can get deli counter meats and cheese at BJ as well as knishes. Sams has wider selections and more choices for shirts and pants.

Never lived near Costco so never a member but have gone there with our kids who are both members.

Concerned about traffic but expect to join Costco when they open and probably will over time drop one of them.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

We have been members of Sams for over 30 years and members of BJ about 3.

Like both for different reasons. Can get deli counter meats and cheese at BJ as well as knishes. Sams has wider selections and more choices for shirts and pants.

Never lived near Costco so never a member but have gone there with our kids who are both members.

Concerned about traffic but expect to join Costco when they open and probably will over time drop one of them.

I joined Sam's when we first moved in because we got that membership fee credited in store credit as a promotion, and there wasn't any indication that there'd be a BJ's in the area yet.

I really liked the place, liked the different prepared foods and butcher and seafood areas, the overall layout, and the variety of everything else. But I just didn't need stuff there often enough to justify having to take my car and not being able to take the golf cart, when I live within 2 miles of the place. I think I went shopping there twice the whole year. I found better prices for "bulk toilet paper" and for 6-packs of Pepsi at Walmart. You can't buy just a half gallon of milk, or just a single 8-oz package of cheese at these big-box stores, and I don't like throwing away food. My freezer has limited space, so I'm not going to buy a lot of perishable foods in large sizes and freeze them. So I have to get that stuff at Walmart anyway. I did end up using their pharmacy when I started needing periodontal and skin cancer surgeries, because Sam's was the closest pharmacy on the way back from each of those offices. But you don't have to be a member to use their pharmacy.

So - I let my membership expire and didn't renew. BJ's came around and I got free membership there, a discounted membership my second year. If I can keep getting discounted memberships I'll stick with BJ's. If not, I'll let that expire and not use any big-box store for awhile.

They're a nice option to have but definitely not a necessity around here, if you don't have a big family or a lot of storage space.

[Stu from NYC]

I joined Sam's when we first moved in because we got that membership fee credited in store credit as a promotion, and there wasn't any indication that there'd be a BJ's in the area yet.

I really liked the place, liked the different prepared foods and butcher and seafood areas, the overall layout, and the variety of everything else. But I just didn't need stuff there often enough to justify having to take my car and not being able to take the golf cart, when I live within 2 miles of the place. I think I went shopping there twice the whole year. I found better prices for "bulk toilet paper" and for 6-packs of Pepsi at Walmart. You can't buy just a half gallon of milk, or just a single 8-oz package of cheese at these big-box stores, and I don't like throwing away food. My freezer has limited space, so I'm not going to buy a lot of perishable foods in large sizes and freeze them. So I have to get that stuff at Walmart anyway. I did end up using their pharmacy when I started needing periodontal and skin cancer surgeries, because Sam's was the closest pharmacy on the way back from each of those offices. But you don't have to be a member to use their pharmacy.

So - I let my membership expire and didn't renew. BJ's came around and I got free membership there, a discounted membership my second year. If I can keep getting discounted memberships I'll stick with BJ's. If not, I'll let that expire and not use any big-box store for awhile.

They're a nice option to have but definitely not a necessity around here, if you don't have a big family or a lot of storage space.

In order to make sense of shopping at Sams we purchased a big freezer to store stuff in our garage. Can buy fruits and veg in sizes that we can use up within a week so we usually will go to either Sams or BJ weekly.

Pricing is great for many things but certain items like TP not so great but convenient to bring home a case.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

In order to make sense of shopping at Sams we purchased a big freezer to store stuff in our garage. Can buy fruits and veg in sizes that we can use up within a week so we usually will go to either Sams or BJ weekly.

Pricing is great for many things but certain items like TP not so great but convenient to bring home a case.

For citrus fruits, I pick them off the trees in the neighborhood (limes in my own back yard). I squeeze the lemon juice by hand and freeze it in an ice cube tray, it's great for making scampi all year 'round. Bananas seem to turn brown and mushy within 2 days of buying them, so I only buy 1-2 at a time. Unless I want to make banana bread. Then I'll buy a bunch and let them get mushy.

I try buying melon chunks because I know hubby likes them but he forgets we have them and they go bad and I end up throwing half the package away. So - more stuff I rarely buy, and only in very small quantities.

Veggies - I buy only what I'll consume within a few days for the same reason as the melon chunk situation. Walmart sells packages of 48 rolls of "soft and strong" toilet paper. Staples also sells large packages of it, and I usually use any credits I earn through their rewards program to get TP there (thus costing me absolutely nothing). I only need to buy TP 3-4 times a year and the Staples package fits perfectly in the cupboard in the master bathroom. For paper towels, I buy maybe one package of 12 rolls of the Walmart brand once a year.

Like I said - pretty much everything I need is at Walmart, and it's only a few minutes by golf cart from home.

[Reeds]

I have never been in a Costco store, but many on this forum wax lyrical about them.

What are the main differences between a Costco and the other two?

Thank you


We have also been members of each at one time or another. There are many similarities but Costco has been the clear winner for us. Stores are very clean, workers are more helpful and we like their selection (variety) better. Good wine selection and much better clothing too.
If you sign up for the executive membership you can get cash back if your spending for a year exceeds a certain amount. If you pay for one but find you don't go often enough, they will change it to a regular membership and credit the difference in membership fee back to you.
Electronics like computers and iPads (maybe TV's as well) automatically have an additional one year warranty.
We are current members and looking forward to the one coming to The Villages. We are south of 44 so it's only a few extra minute to get there versus Sam's and potentially quicker than going to BJ's.

[Kenswing]

Isn't Sam's just a Walmart on steroids?

We like Costco. The store is always clean. The employees are always helpful. One of the perks we like the most is booking our cruises through them. Not only do we get cash back on our Costco credit card but Costco kicks back roughly half of their commission in the form of a gift card. Our next cruise is getting us a $1,250 gift card.

[Duke-SRT]

One of my peeves about Sam’s is to get your deposit on 5 gallon water bottles you have to have your receipt and wait in line at the front desk with all the other people waiting there. At BJ’s you walk in with the empty bottle and they give you a 5.00 coupon right there.

[LeRoySmith]

We've tried both, Sam's is our preferred and the one we've had a membership the most. Both are getting too busy to offset the benefits. For some reason Sam's optical treats me the best.

[Stryker]

Quality of the merchandise. Costco is #1 by far, then BJ’s, then Sam’s Club.

[midiwiz]

I have never been in a Costco store, but many on this forum wax lyrical about them.

What are the main differences between a Costco and the other two?

Thank you

many reviews have been done and available on the internet, however to sum it up -

Sams is just a big wally world, products are far lower end in comparison
BJ's is the better house brand (see articles on who makes them for Costco and BJs), better in organics, and several reviews have them as the lowest price. Only 1 problem here, this BJs isn't all that it can be. I've been in larger and they are far far better.
Costco, some of the products as noted above are private label yet made by someone major. Pricing is higher that BJs on average .

for price and quality etc, BJs and Costco easily outrank Wallyworld.

[jack_pine]

Sams has scan and go. Thats a game changer for us.

[New Englander]

Sams has scan and go. Thats a game changer for us.

I recently joined Sam's. How do you do scan and go?

[Bill14564]

I recently joined Sam's. How do you do scan and go?

Get the app and at the bottom will be an icon for "Scan & Go"

When you are ready, either while shopping or just before you leave, use your phone to scan each of the items you are buying. Follow the prompts to checkout and pay (usually with your stored credit card) then head for the door. There will be a QR code on your phone that the person at the door will scan, then they will likely scan three or four items in your cart and you're out the door.

Very easy and much faster than waiting in a checkout line.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Sams has scan and go. Thats a game changer for us.

So does BJ's.

[New Englander]

Get the app and at the bottom will be an icon for "Scan & Go"

When you are ready, either while shopping or just before you leave, use your phone to scan each of the items you are buying. Follow the prompts to checkout and pay (usually with your stored credit card) then head for the door. There will be a QR code on your phone that the person at the door will scan, then they will likely scan three or four items in your cart and you're out the door.

Very easy and much faster than waiting in a checkout line.

So I have to connect my credit card to the app on my phone??
Also if I may ask. When I went to Sam's today and got gasoline it asked me about a car wash. Is the car wash free?
Thank You. :smiley:

[Velvet]

Not a problem for me, I’m a “self-scan” virgin. I rarely shop on a hurry and don’t mind chatting in line.

[HORNET]

Some people buy Ford, some Chevy !

[Stu from NYC]

So I have to connect my credit card to the app on my phone??
Also if I may ask. When I went to Sam's today and got gasoline it asked me about a car wash. Is the car wash free?
Thank You. :smiley:

Car wash is not free

[Pairadocs]

Poor neighborhoods, not care to associate with, hmmmm!

Yes, was that strange or not ? Don't want to get too close to those "poor people", WOW ! Plus, do people actually "associate" with poor people in a store ? I thought people in all stores just walk around, back and forth, don't really get into is "poor" or not "poor". Strange remark for someone who probably lives right here in a middle class working class retirement community. Oh well.

[CFrance]

Don't hold your breath on getting a "free" membership. Costco charges a fixed markup on all their sales and that markup is just enough to cover the cost of doing business (the building, the employees, power, etc.). ALL of their annual profit comes from the sales of memberships. Expecting them to give those away is like saying, "I'll only buy from store X if they make absolutely no money from my purchases."
Is there a link for this statement?

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

BJ’s offers a 2% cash incentive on their credit card so we use it for everything. We use it so much we didn’t pay for anything the last two times we went and we still have over $600 in credits.

[BrianL99]

Don't hold your breath on getting a "free" membership. Costco charges a fixed markup on all their sales and that markup is just enough to cover the cost of doing business (the building, the employees, power, etc.). ALL of their annual profit comes from the sales of memberships. Expecting them to give those away is like saying, "I'll only buy from store X if they make absolutely no money from my purchases."

Is there a link for this statement?

Sounds pretty close. In 2023, Costco World Wide Sales were $237B. Usual profit rate for that sort of business is about 1.5% or $4.5B. In 2023, Costco collected approximately $4.3B in Membership Fees.

[Bill14564]

So I have to connect my credit card to the app on my phone??
Also if I may ask. When I went to Sam's today and got gasoline it asked me about a car wash. Is the car wash free?
Thank You. :smiley:

I put a credit card into the app to make checkout easier. You will need some form of payment but it is possible you could enter the information each time.

Car wash is not free but if I remember correctly it is reasonably priced. I haven't tried it yet.

Thinking about fuel, the app makes it pretty easy at the pump. Open the app, click "more," click fuel, scan the QR code on the pump, then select a payment type. It sounds like a lot but it's easier than inserting two cards and waiting for authorization.

[Bonanza]

I haven't been in the other 2 for years, but I believe that Sam's Club is the only one where you can watch them squeeze orange juice, then buy it and take it home.

I happily pay the membership fee, just for the OJ. 3.5L/week. My Dr. says it's not incontrovertible scientific evidence, but I haven't had a cold since the 90's.

Somehow I don't want to stand anywhere and watch someone squeeze Orange Juice!

I haven't had a cold since the 90s either, and I don't even drink orange juice, so what does that tell you??!?
So much for OJ evidence. :thumbup:

[Bonanza]

Sams has scan and go. Thats a game changer for us.

So does BJ's.

So does Costco!
:girlneener:

[Bonanza]

BJ’s offers a 2% cash incentive on their credit card so we use it for everything. We use it so much we didn’t pay for anything the last two times we went and we still have over $600 in credits.

When using their credit/membership card, you will get:

1% back just by using their credit card on anything, anywhere.
3% back on restaurants
4% back on gas
A big fat check from the above -- every January.

Double (2-year) warranty on appliances & technology[/SIZE]

[Bilyclub]

The Costco Citi Card stopped the double warranty a few years back. Though the Costco return policy is still the best.

[Mlundberg]

I put a credit card into the app to make checkout easier. You will need some form of payment but it is possible you could enter the information each time.

Car wash is not free but if I remember correctly it is reasonably priced. I haven't tried it yet.

Thinking about fuel, the app makes it pretty easy at the pump. Open the app, click "more," click fuel, scan the QR code on the pump, then select a payment type. It sounds like a lot but it's easier than inserting two cards and waiting for authorization.

Costco has “Top Tier” gasoline. It’s high quality detergent gas. BJ’s and Sam’s do not. It’s a significant difference. Google it.

[Bill14564]

So does Costco!
:girlneener:

According to Costco.com, their mobile app page, and anything else I can find, Costco does NOT have a scan and go capability.

[coffeebean]

I wonder how many south of 44 will ever go there. We currently use the Costco in Clermont because it’s a little less than a half hour drive. Also Traders isn’t far if we feel like the extra drive.

I think this Costco will be just as far?

I'm glad to hear this. Having the Clermont Costco closer to those in the south will spare us more traffic in the north.

[Bill14564]

Costco has “Top Tier” gasoline. It’s high quality detergent gas. BJ’s and Sam’s do not. It’s a significant difference. Google it.

The Top Tier site lists none of the warehouse stores.

Sam's gas has worked just fine for me for over ten years and over 100K miles (probably much over).

The Top Tier designation indicates a brand has paid for the right to use the label for marketing and the gas sold by that brand meets a standard for a level of detergent. Foregoing the label simply means the brand has not paid for the marketing, but it does not mean the gas has less detergent. There have been other threads arguing over whether "Top Tier" is worth the extra cost - I choose to not go out of my way to pay for the additional marketing.

[JMintzer]

For 25 years we have Executive Membership. For every dollar you spend you get a percentage in return 2 months before you renew you get a check. We take the check and pay our membership renewal for the next year. Our average with gas, business needs, optic, tires appliances just everyday items some years over $500 check.

Now we don’t drive as much, so less gas (we stop every 3 weeks from Disney trip) still optical, tires, appliances for up north home, one chair, and basic food. This year was only $311..Memberships last year was $120, this year went up $10. Prices are less than even Amazon or brick and mortar, groceries are less ( have an app for that).

So save money, healthy food, cheap gas, and best customer service anywhere. So that how one gets free membership at Costco

I thought you said you never go to "brick and mortar" stores anymore...

[JMintzer]

Is there a link for this statement?

From the Google machine:

"Costco makes most of its money from membership fees, which account for about 73% of its profit..."

[Bill14564]

From the Google machine:

"Costco makes most of its money from membership fees, which account for about 73% of its profit..."

Fair enough.

Seems like the original statement was not quite accurate:
ALL of their annual profit comes from the sales of memberships.

[jimjamuser]

Yes, was that strange or not ? Don't want to get too close to those "poor people", WOW ! Plus, do people actually "associate" with poor people in a store ? I thought people in all stores just walk around, back and forth, don't really get into is "poor" or not "poor". Strange remark for someone who probably lives right here in a middle class working class retirement community. Oh well.
We grew up in a middle class society where all people were relatively the same and had good opportunities for success. Today the middle class barely exists and there is MORE social friction.......leading to some people not wanting to shop at Walmart among the "lesser" people.

[thelegges]

I'm glad to hear this. Having the Clermont Costco closer to those in the south will spare us more traffic in the north.

Not happening. Any avid Costco shopper know..each one is a little different and carries items that others dont. Plus if I’m am going to universal or Disney going to Clermont.

If I am traveling to the dentist, mulberry clinic, sprouts, tap house. Going to TV Costco. Rarely does anyone only travel 10 minutes from their house. If one drive south of 44 to Sam’s, pinch a penny, Fresh Market, picking up kids from school, HL, or WaWa’s. Costco is in the back door. Big difference from Clermont is less customers during the week. TV Costco will be busy 7 days a week, think 100,000 retired can shop anytime

[npwalters]

We have been members of all 3. BJs doesn't save that much. Costco is a bit more upscale than Sams.

We will switch from Sams to Costco when it opens.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

We grew up in a middle class society where all people were relatively the same and had good opportunities for success. Today the middle class barely exists and there is MORE social friction.......leading to some people not wanting to shop at Walmart among the "lesser" people.

Reasons why I refused to shop at Walmart up north:
1. It was further from home than the three grocery stores/supermarkets in my area.
2. They were known to treat their employees like crap and I didn't want to condone that with my grocery dollars.

They've changed employment policies - still not stellar but more in line with other supermarket part-time gigs now. And they're only 5 minutes from home down here in The Villages. I don't care if poor people shop there. I don't ask them how much they earn. And a lot of people "with means" HAVE what they have, because they've lived frugally and saved money, clipped coupons, looked for deals, rather than just spend more on less at other places.

We're on a budget. I don't need affirmation of my value as a human being by paying extra for amazing customer service at a grocery store. Having ******* offer to walk me to my golf cart isn't worth paying extra. What's worth paying extra, is Publix ice cream. If I didn't shop for everything else at Walmart, I wouldn't be able to afford Publix ice cream.

Us poor people have our priorities. They're different from privileged folk.

[Bonanza]

The Costco Citi Card stopped the double warranty a few years back. Though the Costco return policy is still the best.

Not accurate.

I purchased a desktop computer from them last year and got their extended warranty.

[Bonanza]

According to Costco.com, their mobile app page, and anything else I can find, Costco does NOT have a scan and go capability.

Sorry for the misunderstanding.
I was referring to their check out, not the mobile ap.

[jmaccallum]

I have never been in a Costco store, but many on this forum wax lyrical about them.

What are the main differences between a Costco and the other two?

Thank you

Sam’s and BJ’s are more like Walmarts of Big Box Clubs. Costco is more like a Target Big Box Club.

(The way I see it, anyway.)

[bshuler]

On January 1 Construction crews began work on the new COSTCO at Buffalo Plaza area.

Machinery and excavators are digging on the ground. Areas for the giant gas station and small out lot shopping area are staked off.

[ThisTimeIsDifferent]

The Costco Citi Card stopped the double warranty a few years back. Though the Costco return policy is still the best.

See below for additional helpful info....

As of January 22, 2023, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi no longer offers extended warranty protection on new purchases. This change has significantly impacted the card's benefits package. However, Costco itself still provides extended warranty coverage on certain products:

Costco's Extended Warranty:

Costco extends the manufacturer's warranty on the following items for up to 2 years from the date of purchase or delivery:

Televisions
Projectors
Computers (excluding touchscreen tablets)
Major appliances (refrigerators, freezers, ranges, etc.)

This extended warranty is provided at no additional cost to Costco members.

Costco Concierge Services:

In addition to the extended warranty, Costco offers free technical support through their Concierge Services for the lifetime of your product.

Alternative Protection Options:

For those seeking additional coverage, Costco offers the option to purchase Allstate Protection Plans for eligible products.

It's important to note that while the Costco credit card no longer provides extended warranty coverage, Costco's own warranty extension on certain products remains in effect. Always review the specific terms and conditions for your purchase to understand the full extent of the warranty coverage.

[New Englander]

I put a credit card into the app to make checkout easier. You will need some form of payment but it is possible you could enter the information each time.

Car wash is not free but if I remember correctly it is reasonably priced. I haven't tried it yet.

Thinking about fuel, the app makes it pretty easy at the pump. Open the app, click "more," click fuel, scan the QR code on the pump, then select a payment type. It sounds like a lot but it's easier than inserting two cards and waiting for authorization.

I used the scan & go today. works great and saves waiting in line at the registers.