[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by collie1228

We do both Sam's and BJ's and use their apps to "scan and go". In our last three trips to BJ's, at the exit, they re-scanned every one of our items. I guess we look suspicious. Sam's never does that (usually two or three items), so from now on, it's Sam's for us. I plan to tell BJ's that's why we will be allowing our membership to end.

Yea, I noticed that as well. We asked the door person and he said "until the app is perfected they will do that." LOL. Don't take it personally, you're not alone.

I did notice, unlike Sam's most people only had a few items rather than a big load so there weren't too many items to scan. I also don't like their app because it's scanner is WAY too sensitive and we constantly are scanning things multiple times. Probably because it is ALWAYS on and scanning where Sam's goes off after each item. Never have that problem with Sam's app.

[jrandall]

Originally Posted by thelegges

So finally went to BJ’s, we still using a 3 month free offer, they were happy to honor. The BJ’s in Michigan is stone throw from commissary, so we only stopped once up north. At 8:39, seven cars and no golf carts in lot. So we had the entire store to ourselves. Bonus compared to standing in line at Sam’s. I know there are big fans of BJ’s, but little disappointing for us.

We have grocery list, price apps that make shopping easier. I am not a fan of the coupon use, it’s a pain, guessing the reason they BJ’s uses it is some will forget to use coupons making more profit. Deli was Ok, we use Boars head if we buy, and some store brand was same cost in other stores.

31 items, 16 were 1-4 dollars higher than Sam’s or Costco. We bought 9 items, and forgot to use coupons on 3 so left money on the table. If we would have bought all 31 items we would have spent $26 more.

Big disappointment coming from Michigan cider and cinnamon sugar donut is falls gift before snow. I bought BJ’s offerings. Both disappointing, cider was either laced with cinnamon or Carmel, had unusual taste, but would work as a hot mulled cider. Donuts had the worst artificial taste. So still looking for the elusive cider donut.

Gas was $3.19 p, but we use so little gas, I am not sure we will return after our 3 months. We travel to Gainesville every 3 weeks, and Tampa every 4 weeks. So most likely will continue to shop far far away

I felt the sane way. I went once and probably won’t go back. Besides all you referenced the store layout is not pleasing either. Sam’s is much better.

[Jerseyborn]

We use BJs monthly. I guess the items on our list are the good priced ones because we save a ton! The coupons are a pain, but I load them on the card while my husband is driving to the store. 5 pounds of Starbucks whole bean for $14, a pound of nova lox for $19 , you’d pay over $10 for 4 oz at Publix. Targeted shopping and knowing your prices makes it work for us. Promotion for members earlier this month_we got gas for $2.60 a gallon.

[annhennessy]

I am not crazy about Sam's or BJ's, will I like Costco better?

[CosmicTrucker]

Compared to Costco, BJ’s branded prepared food and their clothing is horrible in quality. I’ve tried a couple different food options and all have disappointed with a nasty artificial taste. The few clothing items all ended up having poor quality and even fell apart after two washings.
I will continue to buy the gas and refill propane along with buying brand name products with coupons.

I recommend using the BJs app and express check out. The app will automatically offer any available coupons when you scan the items to your cart.

Originally Posted by thelegges

So finally went to BJ’s, we still using a 3 month free offer, they were happy to honor. The BJ’s in Michigan is stone throw from commissary, so we only stopped once up north. At 8:39, seven cars and no golf carts in lot. So we had the entire store to ourselves. Bonus compared to standing in line at Sam’s. I know there are big fans of BJ’s, but little disappointing for us.

We have grocery list, price apps that make shopping easier. I am not a fan of the coupon use, it’s a pain, guessing the reason they BJ’s uses it is some will forget to use coupons making more profit. Deli was Ok, we use Boars head if we buy, and some store brand was same cost in other stores.

31 items, 16 were 1-4 dollars higher than Sam’s or Costco. We bought 9 items, and forgot to use coupons on 3 so left money on the table. If we would have bought all 31 items we would have spent $26 more.

Big disappointment coming from Michigan cider and cinnamon sugar donut is falls gift before snow. I bought BJ’s offerings. Both disappointing, cider was either laced with cinnamon or Carmel, had unusual taste, but would work as a hot mulled cider. Donuts had the worst artificial taste. So still looking for the elusive cider donut.

Gas was $3.19 p, but we use so little gas, I am not sure we will return after our 3 months. We travel to Gainesville every 3 weeks, and Tampa every 4 weeks. So most likely will continue to shop far far away

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by Aces4

We’ve never had any items rescanned, weird…

You must not be as sketchy looking as some...

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by jrandall

I felt the sane way. I went once and probably won’t go back. Besides all you referenced the store layout is not pleasing either. Sam’s is much better.

By the second time we understood the store layout and do not see that as a problem. Took a couple of times at this Sams also

[jparsoneau@aol.com]

I went to BJ’s one time wasn’t too impressed it seems like it’s definitely a smaller store. And then the meat department when you bought bulk meat like hamburger they had no plastic bag for you to put it in in the bottom of the hamburger meat was all bloody going into the grocery cart that somebody’s going to use right behind me I tried to pick out one that wasn’t juicy and bloody leaving a trail but I cannot believe you can buy raw meat and not have a plastic bag to put them in. And as far as the self checkout lines go you can’t use cash on those at least you couldn’t. you could only use a card. And I know some of you prefer a card and some of us prefer cash but it’s nice to be able to have that option versus not being able to have an option because I use cash .
But I also prefer a Costco over they will at least box your groceries versus putting your groceries back in the cart. and then you have to box everything up at the vehicle.

[chrissy2231]

When my Sam's membership expired, I bought the 1 year $25 BJ's member. PRO's - they have the best, strongest and most absorbent paper towels. Many more gas pumps. Fresh deli. HUGE 4 to a pack chicken legs. Shopping & gas at 5PM, no lines.

CON's - smaller packaging on some items with higher prices than Sam's, much less tasty cashew nuts. Cashiers less friendly. YUK, coupon cutting.

I'll go back to Sam's cuz of better prices and closer to my home. PLUS, they will be less busy cuz of lost BIZ to BJ's.

[airstreamingypsy]

Me, I don't pay to shop. I don't really see the appeal of paying for a membership to go to a big box store to buy mass quantities of stuff. I did join BJs, but only to give a membership to my lawn guy's wife... she likes Sams and with all that construction BJs is much easier to get to for us, on this southern side of town. Her husband is no longer my lawn guy, so I won't renew. I've never been there myself.

[BlueHeronFan]

The Wife used the promo $25 for a year. When it expires we will not renew. As a side, the BJ'S liquor store does not require a membership. Prices are good. Example Makers Mark 1.75 is $41.99, $5 cheaper than everywhere else.

[thelegges]

I thought it was odd when we checked out at BJ’s only self check was available. Then at the door the guy scanned everything, what a waste of time. Now that I know we weren’t the only ones, I wonder why the multiple scan.

Just left Sam’s, bought the 16 items that BJ’s was too outrageous priced. I was wrong on my earlier statement that BJ’s was $26 dollars higher, than Sam’s. Cost savings at Sam’s was $29.15. Gas at Sam’s was the same as BJs, but Sam’s was packed, every checkout open.

2 weeks till Costco trip, so glad I didn’t get the year membership at BJ,s

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by annhennessy

I am not crazy about Sam's or BJ's, will I like Costco better?

Maybe

[Bdame]

Originally Posted by jrandall

I felt the sane way. I went once and probably won’t go back. Besides all you referenced the store layout is not pleasing either. Sam’s is much better.

I agree. The layout of the store could me much better I moved from Rochester Ny and utilized the Bjs in Victor Ny. If anyone that works for Bjs home office is reading this Victor is best practice and all new stores should be laid out the same. No I have no financial interest in Bjs just talking as a customer

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

Wow scan and go as an excuse to steal. Thought most people better than that

An excuse? No. An opportunity? Most definitely!