Costco or Sam's Club

[Mark R]

I've heard the are bout the same. What is the difference is there is a difference?

Sam's is closer to me but if there is an advantage to Costco I could switch.

[Ryan]

I've never been to Costco, but I've got a sams card. What I've seen here on heard from others is that Costco has their own brand of food that's pretty dam good. Heard the BBQ sauces are pretty good.I think if I remember right, they have their own beer and its done well in beer tastings. Sams meat is pretty good. Beef is choice and pork is unenhanced. That's where I usually get my meat. But I recently found a small grocery store that said they'd be competitive.

[BBQ Engineer]

Mark, you will probably get responses to this that will validate the responder's own selection. I have had both in the past, and I choose costco.

Their customer service is beyond compare (at least from the stores that I have been in). Their price points seem to be higher as well - read this as better quality stuff and they have some higher end stuff as well. Their own brand of products (Kirkland brand) are absolutely unbeatable too. The demographic at costco is also different...I have seen studies that their members are more educated, and also make more money...take that for what it is. I will tell you that at my local stores, the sams club seems more like a wal-mart environment and yes the wal-martians are there as well. Costco.com also has a bunch of stuff that may not be at the local stores...I frequently buy stuff there as well. Most importantly, Costco's meat counter is really awesome.

The problem with Costco is that I cannot step through the door without spending at least $200.00.

One thought is to get a day pass and walk the halls.

Just my $.02

[rbranstner]

I have both Costco and Sams club memberships. It all depends what you are looking for as they each have their advantages depending on what your needs are. One will have something the other doesn't and vice versa. Personally I prefer Costco for a few reason. For one is right by my house and it's so convenient. Two they offer higher up membership with a %2 cash back option and after our first year we got enough money back to pay for our membership. And third the meat selection and pricing in the Fargo stores is much better at Costo. Just my two cents.

[rbranstner]

Oh and like others said the Kirkland brand food/booze, etc has always been excellent.

[BBQ Engineer]

Oh and like others said the Kirkland brand food/booze, etc has always been excellent.

Oh hell yeah...these 3 I can personally vouch for, and their kirkland branded wine is incredible in terms of quality and value. Also, the premixed margaritas and the margarita mixers w/o alcohol are really good. Don't tell my neighbors, but they are each getting a bottle of the spiced rum for Christmas.

[chisoxjim]

had memberships to both in the past, Sams didnt impresse me, Costco had good deals on powdered baby formula & occasionally Costco would have some nice whole dungeness crabs, as well scallops and shrimps.

Meats at both are factory farmed and cryopacked - something I wont touch anymore.

If I had a gun to my head I would choose Costco, I just dislike anything Walmart that much.

I have found I am much better off having specific, superior sources for the products I need vs a one stop shopping experience. For us it wasnta choice of one or the other it was an easy choice of neither, same thing ended up being the case with Restaurant Depot.

In regards to Costco & Sams there is something about buying meat where folks buy tires that rubs me the wrong way.

[dsgarner06]

I've been a member of Costco since the late 90s and have always enjoyed their selection, service and good quality products. I have the executive membership which gives you 2% back on purchases made through the year, which historically I end up getting back much more than the annual cost of the executive membership. I think the Kirkland brand stuff from Costco is top notch and end up getting it over name brand stuff because of the quality and price point. As with any big box store, it is very difficult to get out of there without spending at least $100...

[Mark R]

Something about buying meat where folks buy tires rubs me the wrong way.

.....

[gmotoman]

Costco simply because you're not supporting the Wal-Mart agenda. I personally don't know if there is even a Sam's club in Oregon Costco is so popular.

[chisoxjim]

.....

i know, I sound like a broken record re: meat, but a happy animal tastes better.

[Mark R]

i know, I sound like a broken record re: meat, but a happy animal tastes better.

I'd love it if I had that option... but I live in metropolitan mid Florida. No small farms anywhere near here. I do have a real good butcher though.

[gmotoman]

In regards to Costco & Sams there is something about buying meat where folks buy tires that rubs me the wrong way.

We have a tire dealership here named Les Schwab. Old cattle rancher guy who started a tire business for ranchers. One of his biggest promotions every year is to give away beef with a set of tires. Oops when I went to get a link I guess they stopped this promo. my bad. But they used too.

http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/opi...9bb2963f4.html

[BBQ Engineer]

Oh, and I forgot to mention about the Costco food court...a 1/4 lb polish sausage or hot dog and a soda for $1.50. A giant slice of pizza for $1.99. Not to mention their chocolate and almond hand dipped ice cream bar for a couple of bucks...that bastard is so huge if you just hold it by the stick and try to eat it, you will get carpal tunnel before you get it woofed down. I used to work close to a costco, and there were days when I was in a hurry that I would pop in there and grab a hot dog / soda or a piece of pizza. Good stuff.

[chisoxjim]

I'd love it if I had that option... but I live in metropolitan mid Florida. No small farms anywhere near here. I do have a real good butcher though.

i hear you, you might be surprised, its just nice to shake the hand of the guy that raises your food, or maybe even pet the hog thats destined for your smoker.

heres a spot that seemed to have a few sources(not sure where in FL. you are at)

http://www.eatwild.com/products/florida.html

or these cats:

http://www.cognitofarm.com/Cognito_Farm/Home.html

i just googled florida pork came up with a few options.