Alan,
You’ve got the largest Costco in the world there in SLC. That store is amazing. Sam’s is across the street.

We shop Costco here in NW Montana as we don’t have Sam’s. During the winter we shop at Sam’s in Fort Walton as they don’t have Costco. I like them both...but Costco is a step above.

quote:

Originally posted by Balzé Halzé:
We are getting the membership specifically for grocery shopping. I've heard pretty good things about Costco meats which is why we looked there first. Our cook on the ship shops at Sam's, and the meat he gets has always been excellent so I don't have too many complaints from that standpoint. He's an excellent cook though.

We might just have to see for ourselves I reckon. Trying to convince a French woman though that food (particularly meats) from what is essentially Walmart is quality food is the challenge.

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:

Re American Express, I don't see that as an issue.

It's an issue for me.

Then you don’t have a choice.

If you gotta pay with an AMEX, you ain’t shopping at Costco.

quote:

Originally posted by Balzé Halzé:
We are getting the membership specifically for grocery shopping.

I get that Amex is an issue, especially if you have a Skymiles Amex, but here are some more details so you have the information to make your choice.

Costco has monthly sales/rebates on food and non-food items. The SLC Costco has additional sales/rebates on food and other things as part of their business center which come by email and often happen at the same time in addition to the regular store rebates.

When Costco puts a grocery item on coupon, you can be certain it is the best price around. I always check prices.

Other than perhaps Sysco in West Jordan, the SLC Costco has to have the best selection of food and groceries in Utah. They compete with the nearby Restaurant Depot, where I also shop.

The food sections of the SLC Costco are at least twice the size of a normal location. Whereas a regular Costco might have one type of flour or beans, the business center will have several of each. The frozen section is enormous. If you want many types of pasta or a whole pig from New Zealand, they have them. There are many spices, cheeses, etc.

If you do join Costco, I think it pays to be a Signature member.

I'll add to my previous post, not sure if Sam's has gas but Costco on average is about $.10 cheaper than the going local rate.

Costco also is really good about sourcing locally and adjusting their assortment to fit the clientele. I know CO/WY stores I remember seeing bison and venison in the meat areas. In HI certain Hawaiian foods are offered, from a variety of poke, locally made lau-lau, sausages, and desserts. Certain CA locations will make poke, have bigger seafood offerings and those locations serving larger Asian/Mex populations will have a bit more of those food stuffs. Not all locations are the same, some are your run-of-the-mill stores, others have a bigger variety of food stuffs, clothing or, electronics. I'm pretty lucky as I have 4 locations within 30-minutes of me.

5 years ago, I bought a 1 TB external hard drive from Costco. It failed at about the 3 year point. I took it back for a full refund and replaced it with a 3 TB drive at about the same price. It failed last week and I again received a full refund for it and replaced it with a 5 TB drive.

1 -> 3 -> 5 TB at the same price. Thanks, Costco.
Mike

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
In my experience, Sam's is just a bulk WalMart, and I do everything I can to avoid giving that corporation even a dime.

It's Costco only for me.

I agree with every word of your comment.

Me too. I think I’ve given Walmart money like three times in my life and hopefully it stays that way.

Years ago when Sam's came to town we did the 1-day pass and were immediately turned off. Couple years later Costco arrived and we joined. Anecdote- Had a AAA flashlight that I fed Kirkland batts. No clue how long they'd been in there, but it corroded and swelled. Took the light and battery back to Costco and the manager had the auto guys pull the battery out, clean the contacts and then (after looking up the purchase) suggested I ditch the rest of the batteries and gave me a replacement package AAAs. That's service.

Sam's Club has business-owner hours at all outlets, Costco has NONE. What does that mean to me? It means that I get to shop in Sam's two hours BEFORE they open the doors to the public. PRICELESS.

quote:

Originally posted by SIGSense:
Sam's Club has business-owner hours at all outlets, Costco has NONE. What does that mean to me? It means that I get to shop in Sam's two hours BEFORE they open the doors to the public. PRICELESS.

The Costco business center in SLC opens at 7 AM for business customers, but Sam's Club gives out food to their business customers from 7 AM through the normal opening.

quote:

Originally posted by deepocean:

The Costco business center in SLC opens at 7 AM for business customers, but Sam's Club gives out food to their business customers from 7 AM through the normal opening.

Correct. ONE (1) location out of 50 states. ALL Sam's Club locations have business hours.

From the Costco website:

BUSINESS CENTER HOURS*
Monday - Friday7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
7:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Salt Lake City, UT Only

Source: https://www.costco.com/hours-a...oliday-closures.html

I like Costco for everything. Plus, they take my money and pay their employees a decent wage and give them good benefits. It shows, in their work.

Bruce

We belong to both, but we find the meats, especially large cuts like filets or rib eyes that we cut up, vacuum seal and freeze are the best at Costco.

If you have a Visa-themed debit card from your bank or credit union, you can use that.

When buying there, I figure if I can't pay for it out of my account - I don't need it.

We’ve had both but now only have Costco by convenience. That being said, Costco seems to cary better quality products including food. As most likely mentioned, neither takes Amex. Visa at Costco and Discover at Sams. Debit cards work at either. Why don’t you get a membership for both and try them both out for a year and then make a decision? The cost is nominal and it should give you a good flavor for the one that fits your needs.

quote:

Originally posted by BB61:
As most likely mentioned, neither takes Amex. Visa at Costco and Discover at Sams.

Shortly after Costco announced they were terminating their relationship with AMEX, Sam's announced they would accept AMEX. I've used AMEX there recently. They also take VISA. This link says they only accept Mastercard, but they take VISA there, too.

https://help.samsclub.com/app/...OG5FWEJPaXJnJTIxJTIx

Costco for most everything. They closed the Sams closest to us. That was a pisser! The BJ's nearby, took out their cafeteria and installed vending machines. I'll be heading to Costco later today.

quote:

Originally posted by corsair:

I'll add to my previous post, not sure if Sam's has gas but Costco on average is about $.10 cheaper than the going local rate

The Sam's Club near me, Apopka FL, has gas. It's usually the same price as the local Costco, both of them a few cents lower than other local gas stations.

quote:

Originally posted by deepocean:

quote:

Originally posted by BB61:
As most likely mentioned, neither takes Amex. Visa at Costco and Discover at Sams.

Shortly after Costco announced they were terminating their relationship with AMEX, Sam's announced they would accept AMEX. I've used AMEX there recently. They also take VISA. This link says they only accept Mastercard, but they take VISA there, too.

https://help.samsclub.com/app/...OG5FWEJPaXJnJTIxJTIx

That’s a change since we didn’t renew but good to know for the OP.

quote:

Originally posted by BB61:
That’s a change since we didn’t renew but good to know for the OP.

Five years ago the only options there were Discover, Mastercard, and debit. I think they saw an opportunity and took it.

Costco hands down. Their house brand Kirkland is better than Members Mark. I drive an extra 20 min out of the way to go to Costco even though Sams is 10 min from my house. I had both memberships for 2 years and rarely went to Sams. Sams was full of low class people and a lot more ghetto. Costco is cleaner and nicer to walk through.