OT Warehouse stores?

Quoted message said:

"offerings"?. Any opinions on the above stores would be very welcome. Thanks, Doug.

You may go into the store with someone else, join a friend on a shopping trip. If this does not see,
workable, ask at the door if there is a way fr you to go in and look around before you decide.

I have belonged to Sam's and Costco, I much prefer Costco, they have a better variet of things,
and the quality is better. I also like tei store brand... Kirkland, I have always felt it was a
good value.

Rosie

My hunch is that Costco makes sense if you buy at least one large consumer durable (eg, power tool,
TV, etc.) per year and you don't mind buying last year's model at a significant discount. Or, if
have prescription drugs to buy or a large volume of other stuff. We get Pooch's prescriptions at the
Costco pharmacy, which easily pays for the membership.

For food, we regularly buy pork ribs and pork butt there for BBQ (although Smart & Final is
competitive for those items).

--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Louis Cohen Living la vida loca at N37° 43' 7.9" W122° 8' 42.8"

"Doug Cutler" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Somewhat off topic but ..... We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's.

When

Quoted message said:

Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free memberships

for

Quoted message said:

a year, not to be turned down. We did renew for one year but now it is renewal time again. Now our
teenager has gone to college the $45 seems a lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel
balances and

rotations

Quoted message said:

at Costco could keep us there). Now you cannot get into the doors of one

of

Quoted message said:

these places without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate

the

Quoted message said:

"offerings"?. Any opinions on the above stores would be very welcome. Thanks, Doug.

Doug Cutler said:

Somewhat off topic but ..... We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's.
When Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free memberships for a year, not to be
turned down. We did renew for one year but now it is renewal time again. Now our teenager has gone
to college the $45 seems a lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel balances and
rotations at Costco could keep us there). Now you cannot get into the doors of one of these places
without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate the "offerings"?. Any opinions on the
above stores would be very welcome. Thanks, Doug.

In the past we were able to get a one day pass at Sam's. You were allowed to purchase but paid a
surcharge. We did it once or twice when there was a small item than was not available at Costco. Ask
at the door.

--
Susan N.

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary and those who do not.

"Doug Cutler" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Somewhat off topic but ..... We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's.

When

Quoted message said:

Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free memberships

for

Quoted message said:

a year, not to be turned down. We did renew for one year but now it is renewal time again. Now our
teenager has gone to college the $45 seems a lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel
balances and

rotations

Quoted message said:

at Costco could keep us there). Now you cannot get into the doors of one

of

Quoted message said:

these places without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate

the

Quoted message said:

"offerings"?. Any opinions on the above stores would be very welcome. Thanks, Doug.

Doug,

The local BJ's (Lancaster, PA) does "visitor passes" for a day. You pay a surcharge at the register
if you decide to purchase anything. Should be able to get your pass at the customer service desk.

Jason

Doug Cutler said:

Somewhat off topic but ..... We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's.
When Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free memberships for a year, not to
be turned down. We did renew for one year but now it is renewal time again. Now our teenager has
gone to college the $45 seems a lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel balances and
rotations at Costco could keep us there). Now you cannot get into the doors of one of these places
without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate the "offerings"?. Any opinions on the
above stores would be very welcome.

I can't help you with the other stores, but the first time I went to check out Costco, I guess, as
they say, ignorance is bliss. Walked right in, having no idea I was supposed to be a member even to
get in. I didn't try to buy anything, and you have to present your card at the register anyway, so
what do they care?

At any rate, can't hurt to ask if you could just look around.

nancy

"Doug Cutler" <[email hidden]> wrote in
:"]news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's. When Costco opened a couple
of years or so ago they gave out free memberships for a year, not to be turned down. We did renew
for one year but now it is renewal time again. Now our teenager has gone to college the $45 seems
a lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel balances and rotations at Costco could
keep us there). Now you cannot get into the doors of one of these places without a membership
card in hand so how does one evaluate the "offerings"?. Any opinions on the above stores would be
very welcome.

We used to belong only to Sam's Club because there was no Costco where we lived. Sometimes their
products--particularly food items--aren't any cheaper than grocery store products. You have to be
diligent about not getting sucked into the idea that because it's a larger quantity, it's
automatically cheaper.

Then we moved to an area with a Costco, and I'm sure we'll be dropping Sam's Club when it comes time
for renewal. Costco's food prices sometimes aren't less than grocery stores either, but I find it
less the case there than at Sam's Club. Their food variety is also greater, and I believe their
meats are better. Our Costco membership paid for itself at Christmas when I bought the latest model
of some electronic equipment for DH for $50 less than at other retail outlets.

The other thing that I like about our Costco membership is that they sell gas at up to 10 cents
cheaper per gallon than other nearby gas stations.

Cate

Quoted message said:

Nancy Young writes:

Doug Cutler said:

We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's. you cannot get into the
doors of one

of

Quoted message said:

these places without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate the "offerings"?

can't hurt to ask if you could just look around.

The 2-3 times I've been in those warehouse stores I've seen no bargains, no prices lower than the
typical sale prices at ordinary stupidmarkets, except if you purchase products in those humongous
sizes, like who has a fridge that can accomodate gallon jugs of mayo and freedom dressing? And if
you calculate the cost in most cases you'll find those vat sizes are priced higher per ounce. I bet
even Stan doesn't buy Heinz Ketchup in 55 gallon drums.

---= BOYCOTT FRENCH--GERMAN (belgium) =--- ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =--- Sheldon
```````````` "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."

Doug Cutler said:

Somewhat off topic but ..... We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's.
When Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free memberships for a year, not to
be turned down. We did renew for one year but now it is renewal time again. Now our teenager has
gone to college the $45 seems a lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel balances and
rotations at Costco could keep us there). Now you cannot get into the doors of one of these places
without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate the "offerings"?. Any opinions on the
above stores would be very welcome. Thanks, Doug.

They will usually give you a one-day pass which will allow you to look around but not buy. Ask at
the Customer Service desk.

gloria p

Thanks all. Doug.

Quoted message said:

"Doug Cutler" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]... Somewhat off topic but ..... We have
three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's.

Now you cannot get into the doors of one of these places without a membership card in hand so how
does one evaluate the "offerings"?. Any opinions on the above stores would be very welcome.
Thanks, Doug.

PENMART01 wrote in message <[email hidden]>... like who has a
fridge that can

Quoted message said:

accomodate gallon jugs of mayo and freedom dressing?

what's freedom dressing?

<ducks>

--
Saerah

TANSTAAFL

Hangovers only last a day, but a good drinking story lives on forever....

"PENMART01" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

The 2-3 times I've been in those warehouse stores I've seen no bargains,

no

Quoted message said:

prices lower than the typical sale prices at ordinary stupidmarkets,

except if

Quoted message said:

you purchase products in those humongous sizes, like who has a fridge that

can

Quoted message said:

accomodate gallon jugs of mayo and freedom dressing? And if you calculate

the

Quoted message said:

cost in most cases you'll find those vat sizes are priced higher per

ounce. I

Quoted message said:

bet even Stan doesn't buy Heinz Ketchup in 55 gallon drums.

Sheldon, the BJ's here in Albany has a fairly decent food department. Jumbo fresh shrimp
($11.99/lb.) almost the size of your fist, fer example. No major bargain, but good, fresh stuff.

I picked up a rib roast there last week ($7.69/lb.) which was top-quality, AFAIC. Custom cut in
their meat dept.

I like the Sam's selection of cryovac pork for summer rib cookin'. Thay also have Perdue fryers at
69 cents/lb. every day.

You're absolutely right, though - I just don't see myself buying one of those 50 pound bags
of rice. . .

Van

Doug Cutler said:

Somewhat off topic but ..... We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's.
When Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free memberships for a year, not to be
turned down. We did renew for one year but now it is renewal time again. Now our teenager has gone
to college the $45 seems a lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel balances and
rotations at Costco could keep us there). Now you cannot get into the doors of one of these places
without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate the "offerings"?. Any opinions on the
above stores would be very welcome. Thanks, Doug.

I have all three cards, and if I were to choose between one or two of them, I would keep CostCo
first, BJ's second, and Sams last.

Sams has the highest prices, BJ's meat is better than anything at Sams (plus they carry flap meat),
but CostCo is the best all-around store in terms of prices, selection, and quality.

I got all my cards by finding someone else who wants to split the cost of membership, one takes the
main card, the other gets the 'spouse'. I've been 'married' at all three box-stores in the last
year, only one of which is female.

When a new sams opens up, membership is $10-15 (for 2 cards). $40 after that. BJ's was I think $40,
CostCo is free when they first open, then $45 after that. CostCo and BJ's are worth the price just
because they're the only place that carries bottom sirloin flap meat (reasonably priced). AKA
Hangar steak.

-sw

Doug Cutler said:

Somewhat off topic but ..... We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's.
When Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free memberships for a year, not to
be turned down. We did renew for one year but now it is renewal time again. Now our teenager has
gone to college the $45 seems a lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel balances and
rotations at Costco could keep us there). Now you cannot get into the doors of one of these places
without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate the "offerings"?. Any opinions on the
above stores would be very welcome.

I just go with a friend when I need to buy stuff in bulk. In fact, I just tagged along with a friend
to B.J's yesterday. I only bought $20 worth of stuff, but my friend used his membership card to make
the purchase, plus he pocked my cash and paid with a credit card that gives him an annual rebate.

Doug Cutler said:

Somewhat off topic but ..... We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's.
When Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free memberships for a year, not to
be turned down. We did renew for one year but now it is renewal time again. Now our teenager has
gone to college the $45 seems a lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel balances and
rotations at Costco could keep us there). Now you cannot get into the doors of one of these places
without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate the "offerings"?. Any opinions on the
above stores would be very welcome. Thanks, Doug.

At least in the Seattle area, the local big box stores offer up one day memberships. That should
help you decide if you want to switch over.
--
Alan

"If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion, and avoid the people, you might bet-
ter stay home."
-- James Michener

"Doug Cutler" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Somewhat off topic but ..... We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's.
When Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free memberships for a year, not to
be turned down. We did renew for one year but now it is renewal time again. Now our teenager has
gone to college the $45 seems a lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel balances and
rotations at Costco could keep us there). Now you cannot get into the doors of one of these places
without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate the "offerings"?. Any opinions on the
above stores would be very welcome. Thanks, Doug.

If you do the math, most of what they carry is not that great of a savings. IME, it would be pretty
hard to recoup the $45 and make it worth my while to fight the crowds. I shop the sales and purchase
trusted off-brands at regular grocery and discount stores and get better deals than I can at Costco
or Sams. besides, Sam's is part of the Evil Empire - I'm not sure but I think Costco is as well -
they don't get my business.

-L.

-L. said:

"Doug Cutler" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Somewhat off topic but ..... We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's.
When Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free memberships for a year, not to
be turned down. We did renew for one year but now it is renewal time again. Now our teenager has
gone to college the $45 seems a lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel balances and
rotations at Costco could keep us there). Now you cannot get into the doors of one of these places
without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate the "offerings"?. Any opinions on the
above stores would be very welcome. Thanks, Doug.

If you do the math, most of what they carry is not that great of a savings. IME, it would be
pretty hard to recoup the $45 and make it worth my while to fight the crowds.

Today I bought a whole beef filet for 8.99/pound at Costco. Also 4 pounds of U-15 shrimp for
8.99/pound (I'm cooking some on-air in the studio tomorrow because it's my co-host's birthday.).
Bought boneless chicken thighs for 1.69. 6 hearts of romaine for 2.99. Three NYT listed
paperbacks for a total of 12.47. Gallon of milk for 2.39. Got the receipt right here. 12 jumbo
rolls of paper towels for 9.99. 2 bottles of Martini & Rossi Asti Spumante for 9.79 each. 3
cantaloupes for 5.99. And more stuff. Those same things at any supermarket in the area would all
have cost a good deal more. I shop there about 4 times a month and have bought automotive things,
office supplies at roughly
3/4 the price at discount stores, kitchenwares, electronics, etc.

Today, I waited in a line that was three people ahead of me, two carrying their purchases in their
hands. There were only two lines open and it was reasonable.

Costco is my first choice for quality meats and good prices on branded items. For a while I checked
sales prices at other stores for the things I generally buy there. Nobody could beat them.

Pastorio

Wow, where are you?. The only two meet stores that carried Hangar Steak around here have gone out of
business and I have not seen any at our local CostCo. Doug.

"Steve Wertz" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:SrSdnYR706rOEZDdRVn-
[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

just because they're the only place that carries bottom sirloin flap meat (reasonably priced). AKA
Hangar steak.

the EVIL empire?

myshutter.comsmiley back.swfOpen ↗

"-L." <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Doug Cutler" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Somewhat off topic but ..... We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and

BJ's. When

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free

memberships for

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

a year, not to be turned down. We did renew for one year but

now it is

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

renewal time again. Now our teenager has gone to college the

$45 seems a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel balances

and rotations

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

at Costco could keep us there). Now you cannot get into the

doors of one of

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

these places without a membership card in hand so how does one

evaluate the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

"offerings"?. Any opinions on the above stores would be very

welcome.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Thanks, Doug.

If you do the math, most of what they carry is not that great of a savings. IME, it would be
pretty hard to recoup the $45 and make

it

Quoted message said:

worth my while to fight the crowds. I shop the sales and purchase trusted off-brands at
regular grocery and discount stores and get better deals than I can at Costco or Sams.
besides, Sam's is part

of

Quoted message said:

the Evil Empire - I'm not sure but I think Costco is as well -

they

Quoted message said:

don't get my business.

-L.

Doug Cutler said:

Wow, where are you?. The only two meet stores that carried Hangar Steak around here have gone out
of business and I have not seen any at our local CostCo.

I am everywhere :-)

The CostCo's in Calfirnia and Texas carry the flap meat, as well as the BJ's in South Carolina. I've
never seen it at a Sams in Pittsburgh, Texas, or S.C.

-sw