Inflation is still a lingering problem for many people. If it's been wreaking havoc on your finances, then you may be considering a Sam's Club membership.
Though you'll spend $50 a year on a basic membership to Sam's Club, and $110 a year for a Plus membership that gives you cash back on your purchases, it may be a worthwhile investment. A Sam's Club membership could result in massive savings on the items you buy to keep your household running.
Then again, Walmart, which owns Sam's Club, is also a great source of low-cost products and essentials. And you may be pleased at the savings you're able to reap by shopping there.
It raises the question: Is Sam's Club really so much cheaper than Walmart that it's worth a membership? And the answer is, it depends.
Sam's Club wins for bulk purchases
You'll find a world of discounts at Sam's Club compared to big-box retailers like Walmart. But the true savings tend to arise in the context of bulk purchases. The quantity discounts you can get at Sam's Club are really hard to beat.
Let's imagine your kids really love Kit Kats. If you were to buy them individually at Walmart, you'd pay $1.32 apiece. But a bulk pack of 36 Kit Kats at Sam's Club is $33.98 online, or $0.94 per pack (and you might even find a lower price at your local warehouse club store). And while 36 packs is a lot, if you know you'll go through that much candy before it goes bad, then it's hard to argue with the savings.
Walmart may be cheaper for individual items
When it comes to groceries and household essentials, Sam's Club will generally win out over Walmart in terms of price because you're getting a discount for buying in bulk. But this doesn't mean Sam's Club always has the less expensive price.
For example, right now, Sam's Club has boys' swim trunks available for $9.98. But at Walmart, you can find boys' swim trunks for as low as $7.80. However, this is one example, and there are many individual items carried by Sam's Club that are less expensive than at Walmart.
So if you're not sure whether it pays to join Sam's Club, you really need to ask yourself one question: How often do I expect to take advantage of bulk discounts?
If you have a larger family and plenty of storage space at home, then you may be more likely to purchase bulk items frequently. And that makes the case for getting a Sam's Club membership. But if you don't expect to do much bulk buying, then you may want to save yourself the membership fee and simply scope out sales at Walmart and your regular supermarket instead.
A Sam's Club membership can easily pay for itself via the savings you enjoy on groceries and other essentials. But if you're not going to be doing much bulk buying, then you might end up wasting your money by committing to that $50 or $110 annual fee.
FAQs
Price Comparisons
Are prices cheaper at Sam's Club or Walmart? ›
Sam's Club is often cheaper than Walmart due to its bulk pricing. When you don't need an item in bulk, Walmart may be your better bet, though.
Do you actually save money at Sam's Club? ›
Yes, it saves me money and I actually enjoy shopping at our club. But most times you shop at any warehouse club, you're stocking up on large quantities. This makes for a pretty big total at checkout. If you were counting on that to pay down a debt, it's going to hinder your progress.
What are the benefits of shopping at Sam's Club? ›
Benefits of Club & Plus Membership - Sam's Club
- Members-only fuel savings. ...
- Free Curbside Pickup on eligible orders of $50 or more. ...
- Scan & Go™ shopping: Scan item(s) while shopping in club, pay with your phone & skip the checkout line.
- Low members-only prices, plus Instant Savings and seasonal offers throughout the year.
In addition, Walmart does not match competitors' prices both in-store and online. The retailer will also not match items purchased from Walmart.com that later decrease in price on the site, and they won't do a price match offered by third-party sellers on their site.
What does Sam's Club sell that Walmart doesn't? ›
However, there are some items where Sam's Club actually offers a better in-store selection than Walmart. Take furniture, for example. If you are in the market for a new sofa or mattress, you probably won't head to Walmart. Sam's Club, however, stocks sofas, mattresses, and other furniture pieces in its stores.
Can you negotiate prices at Sam's Club? ›
You may be surprised by the price negotiations you can secure at places like Sam's Club, Costco, Walmart and Target. In addition, many people may not be aware of some of the membership benefits that come from warehouse stores, according to Real Simple. A good tip at these places is to look for damaged items.
Is Sam's Club worth it for one person? ›
A Sam's Club membership is worth it for some solo shoppers
We all have unique needs, and our shopping habits and preferences vary. With that in mind, some single shoppers may benefit from becoming Sam's Club members. If you live alone and have the space to store bulk items, that's a plus.
Is the $20 Sam's Club membership real? ›
Even if you only shop at Sam's Club once a month, the perks of the membership are definitely worth more than $20. Keep scrolling to see everything you will get with a membership: Extra savings on members-only prices. Same-day delivery.
Can you shop from Sam's Club without a membership? ›
Buying a Sam's Club membership can save you money in the long run. But you can save a lot more by not buying a warehouse club membership at all. You don't need a Sam's Club membership to shop at Sam's Club — just as you don't need a Costco membership to shop there.
Both this card and the Walmart® Store Card work at Sam's Club for in-store purchases and gas purchases. Only the Walmart Credit Card can be used online for purchases from SamsClub.com, however. The website does not accept the Walmart® Store Card.
Do Walmart employees get free Sam's Club? ›
All Walmart Associates can purchase a membership in Sam's Club through payroll deductions. The cost of membership is $45 per year. The membership includes one complimentary household membership card. The complimentary household card is available to anyone over the age of 18 who lives in the Associate's home.
Are Walmart cards good at Sam's Club? ›
Walmart offers comparably good deals on its grocery items, but you can stretch your dollar even further at membership-based warehouse chains like Sam's Club, as their food products sell at wholesale prices. Luckily for Walmart gift card holders, Sam's Club actually accepts these cards too.
Can I use Sam's Club membership at Walmart? ›
Membership cards are non-transferable and are valid at all Sam's Club locations nationwide. Walmart® and Sam's Club associates are not eligible for this offer. Primary memberships are valid for one year from date of issue. Visit SamsClub.com/Privacy to view our privacy policy.
Is Walmart discount card good at Sam's Club? ›
Both this card and the Walmart® Store Card work at Sam's Club for in-store purchases and gas purchases. Only the Walmart Credit Card can be used online for purchases from SamsClub.com, however. The website does not accept the Walmart® Store Card.
Whose prices are cheaper Costco or Sam's Club? ›
Costco's membership fees are more expensive and the prices of basic products at Sam's Club are generally cheaper. Costco has more stores worldwide, but Sam's Club has more stores in the U.S.
Does Sam's Club price match their own prices? ›
Each club has the option to match another club's pricing but clearance or markdown items won't be matched. A product's cost fluctuations may vary from day-to-day depending on business or economic conditions and the item itself. Sam's Club does not price match competitors.
