After Shopping at a wholesale club for 10 years I’ve learned things that are always a good deal at warehouse clubs like Costco, Sam’s and BJ’s Wholesale. If it’s your first time shopping at a wholesale club pick up the following deals.
Shopping at a wholesale club may seem like it’s never a good deal. Why pay to shop there? As a frugal woman who has been running a website for two years about BJ’s Wholesale Club, I can tell you there are ways to have your membership paid for.
With Sam’s club closing many stores it’s my least favorite out of the three. Costco is similar to BJ’s, but their prices are slightly higher. Mainly because they do not accept manufacturer coupons. I recommend getting a feel for each club before you commit to a membership.
Related:
Discount Wholesale Memberships
- BJ’s Wholesale $40 plus $25 BJ’s gift card deal
- Costco-20 Cash Card AND $20 Off $250 Online Coupon ALL Only $60
Shopping on a budget means you are constantly looking for the best price. Throw in a convenience factor it’s like icing on the cake. One of the reasons I prefer shopping at BJ’s is because I can get everything on my list from one shopping trip.
Sometimes multiple trips can be too much when you are hauling the kids with you. Buying in bulk also means you aren’t making as many trips to the grocery store per week.
When you pick up any of the seven items below you will be getting quality items for a lower price. There is always the rare occasion you come across a killer coupon deal where you may be able to snatch up one of these items at your local grocery store or Target.
Those kind of coupon deals are rare though, so give yourself a break and rest assured the following seven items are always a good deal at Sam’s, Costco, and BJ’s.
Meat
Before I shopped at wholesale clubs weekly, I would always buy our meat at BJ’s. I price compared BJ’s meat to Aldi- and I was surprised that BJ’s won. I didn’t officially type up a post yet, but I price compared Costco and BJ’s meat prices to Walmart and the warehouse clubs were the winner.
If you prefer grass-fed beef, you can’t get a better price. BJ’s meat is all natural beef, pork, and poultry are all USA only, 100% vegetarian fed and are from animals that have never been given antibiotics or growth-promoting hormones. The club offers whole primal cuts in many varieties at significant savings and the Club’s Butcher will cut them to Members specifications at no additional charge.
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Coffee
I love coffee. In fact, I have plenty of shirts and signs, that mention I need coffee before anyone speaks. Coffee is something I can’t wait to buy when it goes on sale and I have a coupon. It’s a need in this house. If you are like me you will want to join a wholesale club just for the coffee.
Again you can go an even cheaper route and buy the store brand. We really enjoy the BJ’s Organic Coffee line, but ultimately prefer Starbucks.
- At Costco the Starbucks French Roast Whole Bean Coffee, 2.5 lbs. costs $20.99.
- At BJ’s the Starbucks French Roast Whole Bean Coffee 2.5 lbs costs $17.99.
- At Sam’s the Starbucks Verona 2 lb. costs $17.98
You know that a 12 oz bag at Target costs you $7.99.
Toilet Paper
There is something about walking out with toilet paper at a warehouse club that just makes sense. It is an item you do not want to run out of. When you buy it in bulk it allows you some time before you need to stock up again. BJ’s recently won the best toilet paper since 2017. Each club offers their own brand. Let’s take a look at prices.
- Costco Kirkland 2-ply toilet paper 30 rolls $18.99
- BJ’s Berkley Jensen Big Roll 2-ply 36 rolls $17.99
- Sam’s Club toilet paper- Member’s Mark 2-Ply Large 45 rolls $18.68
We use the BJ’s brand mentioned above and I love it. Part of the reason it won the award is that it dissolves quickly. This is a perfect choice for us on a budget and for a septic tank.
Laundry Detergent
If you aren’t a loyal name brand shopper you will save a ton of money on laundry detergent at warehouse clubs. BJ’s and Costco offer their own brand at significantly low prices.
BJ’s Wholesale brand is Berkley Jensen. You will get a 170 oz. bottle for $13.99 regular price. Plus the club offers coupons on this almost every other month.
Costco brand is Kirkland. You will get a 194 oz. bottle for $16.99 regular price.
Related:
- Review on Berkley Jensen to Tide Pods
- Review on Kirkland Detergent
Organic Items
Organic items are not the easiest product to have on your grocery list when you have a certain budget, yet the prices on Organics at wholesale clubs ease the dent in the wallet. All three clubs carry many of their own brand of organic items at an affordable price. I personally know BJ’s club is continuing to add more organic products to their stores. At this point, Costco seems to be the winner in a greater selection of organic items.
For example, organic apples are just $1.80/lb on average at warehouse clubs!
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Batteries
You don’t find manufacturer or e-coupons often for batteries. If you have young kids you understand the pain that goes along with buying toys that require batteries. If you join a wholesale club you can rest assured you’re getting a deal.
I haven’t noticed a difference in the store brand batteries compared to a name brand. That gives you a super deal at each club.
Spices/Herbs/Baking Supplies
If you love making your own spice blends and cooking the spices and herbs are a bargain. Yes, you get a large bottle but the cost is way less than your local grocery store. I love getting my Organic Cane Sugar 10 lbs for $9.99. A 10 lb. bag of Gold Medal Flour is just $4.99 at BJ’s.
Costco offers their own brand of spices which is a super deal. An example is the Kirkland Signature no salt seasoning 14.5 oz for $9.49.
Today’s New Coupons! Over $10 in Starbucks!