Warehouse clubs offer great values on many items, however they can also end up costing you more if you do not use your membership wisely. Warehouse clubs can be tricky, but as long as you are able to prepare properly for your shopping trip and stick to a budget, there are many advantages to joining a warehouse club.
Fees
Most warehouse clubs like Sam’s Club and Costco require an annual fee for membership. This means that you should be able to save at least the amount that you are paying for the membership each year. Currently a basic Sam’s Club membership is $40 per year, and Costco costs $55 to join. Both clubs offer business account memberships, as well as memberships with additional services and discounts. Sam’s Club Advantage Plus membership is $100 per year, and Costco’s Executive Membership is $110. Sam’s Club also offers discounted memberships for college students and military personnel.
Coupons
Once you have chosen a warehouse club that is right for you, be on the lookout for exclusive coupons because these stores do not accept regular manufacturer’s coupons. These coupons will be your best bet at maximizing your savings.
Buy Only What you Need
One of the problems with warehouse shopping is that many people buy more than they use before their products expire. This can be the case with perishable food, as well as medications. Unless you have a very large family, it can help to shop with another family and split the cost of items that you both will use. Buying from a warehouse store can be confusing because many people don’t know exactly how much of a certain product that they will consume in an extended amount of time.
Tickets
One of the many advantages of warehouse clubs is that they offer huge discounts on tickets to movie theaters and amusement parks. If you are planning a trip, be sure to check out the prices at your local warehouse club before buying tickets online or directly.
Warehouse clubs can be a great way to save money. Many people find it much cheaper to buy items in bulk and shop at these stores once a month of less. It is important to weigh both the pros and the cons of warehouse shopping before investing in a warehouse membership card. There are many options available and purchasing a warehouse club card may end up costing you more than you are saving.