Yahoo Finance 6 Products To Buy in Bulk at Sam’s Club Instead of Costco
When buying in bulk, Sam’s Club and Costco both offer great deals. However, you might be surprised to learn that some items and overall product categories are cheaper at Sam’s Club.
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Maybe you have memberships to both warehouse clubs or perhaps you’re trying to decide which one to join. Regardless, Rebecca Gramuglia, consumer expert at TopCashback.com, said comparison shopping is the key to finding the best deals. “When it comes to wholesale clubs, comparing cost per unit can help you make better choices on where to buy your products,” she said.
Here’s a look at eight items and product categories where you can save by shopping at Sam’s Club instead of Costco.
Popchips
Ideal for a party, lunch or an afternoon snack, Gramuglia said a bulk box of 0.8-ounce bags of Popchips is cheaper at Sam’s Club.
“A 30-count variety box of Popchips will run you about $15 at Sam’s Club, whereas the same box will cost you about $2 more at Costco,” she said.
Bakery Cakes
“Sam’s Club takes the cake when it comes to their bakery cakes,” said Marie Clark, managing editor of CostContessa.com. “They offer two- and three-tier cakes in addition to single-layer round and sheet cakes, and they offer a number of designs that rival fancy bakeries.”
Additionally, she said Sam’s Club also offers custom cupcakes. “Not only are the cakes a bargain compared to cakes at Costco, but the cake at Sam’s Club is delicious,” she said. “Sam’s Club bakery cakes win on all three points for design [and] style, price and taste.”
Clark offered a pro tip when ordering cupcakes at Sam’s Club. “Ask for them to use the ‘smooth tip’ on the frosting — that will get you the look of expensive bakeries,” she said.
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Same-Day Grocery Delivery
If you’re looking for grocery delivery, Clark said you’ll save a significant amount by opting for Sam’s Club’s same-day delivery service instead of going with Costco.
“Sam’s Club charges a flat fee of $8 for Plus members and $12 for standard members,” she said. “On same-day Costco, you’ll pay a markup of about 17%-20%, which adds up quickly.”
For example, on a $150 grocery order, she said you’ll pay $12 for delivery at Sam’s Club, but face around $30 in markups at Costco.
Limited-Edition Varieties
Like other warehouse clubs, Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst with DealNews.com, said Sam’s Club carries well-known brands, but sometimes also has exclusive flavors you can’t find anywhere else.
“For example, the Fannie May S’mores Mix is available at Costco during the holiday season, but Sam’s Club has a peppermint variety during the same time that I haven’t seen anywhere else,” she said. “While you may be able to shop direct from Fannie May in those cases, these special seasonal flavors may be a better value at warehouse clubs, because you can buy a bigger amount for usually a better unit price.”
Specific Select Brands
Costco and Sam’s Club carry many of the same brands, but Ramhold said the latter may offer a bigger selection.
“For example, Sam’s Club has around five Burt’s Bees items right now, including lip balm, cough syrup, immune gummies…,” she said. Costco only currently has Burt’s Bees’ lip balm.
She said shopping at Costco can be a good place to find more premium brands you’re not familiar with and give them a try for less, while Sam’s Club may be the best place to shop your favorite tried-and-true brands.
“In general, Sam’s Club also tends to have more variety with things like LaCroix sparkling water, whereas Costco may only have one or two different variety packs available,” she said.
Baby Items
While she noted this might be largely dependent on your local area, Ramhold said Sam’s Club may offer a bigger selection of baby items than Costco.
“For example, when I looked for baby wipes, Costco had three kinds online, two of which were their own Kirkland Signature brand,” she said. “But Sam’s Club had nine different baby wipes listed, two of which were their own Member’s Mark brand, the others were varying kinds of Huggies, Pampers and Seventh Generation.”
As for diapers, she said Costco had around seven different types, while Sam’s Club offered 12 varieties.
“Sam’s Club also has a bigger selection of things like formula, baby food, teething wafers, cereal snacks and more,” she said. “If you’re shopping for baby supplies, there’s a good chance that Sam’s Club will have a better variety to shop than Costco.”
Ultimately, both Sam’s Club and Costco have great deals. However, this guide should help you save more by knowing where to spot the greatest money-saving opportunities at Sam’s Club.
Disclaimer: Prices and availability may vary by location.
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