Sam’s Club is a popular destination for savvy shoppers looking to score deals on bulk items and household essentials. However, while this warehouse retailer offers great value on many products, there are certain items that may not be worth purchasing at Sam’s Club. In thig post, we’ll explore some of the things you should think twice about before adding to your cart during your next shopping trip.
Perishable Foods in Large Quantities
While Sam’s Club offers excellent prices on bulk groceries, purchasing perishable items like fresh produce, dairy products, and meats in large quantities may not be the best idea for everyone. Unless you have a large household or plan to freeze and use the items quickly, buying perishables in bulk can lead to waste and spoilage.
Single-Use or Disposable Items
While it may be tempting to stock up on items like paper plates, plastic utensils, and disposable cups for convenience, these single-use items can be costly and environmentally unfriendly in the long run. Instead, consider investing in reusable alternatives that can save you money and reduce your carbon footprint over time.
Small Electronics and Gadgets
While Sam’s Club may offer competitive prices on electronics, especially during sales events, it’s essential to compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase. In some cases, you may find better deals or more extensive selections at other retailers or online stores.
Brand-Name Clothing and Apparel
While Sam’s Club offers a selection of brand-name clothing and apparel at discounted prices, the selection may be limited compared to dedicated clothing retailers. Additionally, the quality and styles of clothing available at Sam’s Club may not always meet everyone’s preferences or sizing needs.
Prescription Medications
While Sam’s Club offers a pharmacy department with discounted prescription medications for members, it’s essential to compare prices with other pharmacies and ensure that Sam’s Club’s prices are competitive for your specific medications. Additionally, consider factors like convenience, availability, and customer service when choosing where to fill your prescriptions.
Bulk Cleaning Supplies
While purchasing cleaning supplies in bulk can be cost-effective for some households, it’s essential to consider storage space and usage rates before buying large quantities of cleaning products at Sam’s Club. Unless you have ample storage space and use cleaning supplies frequently, you may end up with excess inventory that takes up space and goes to waste.
Seasonal or Specialty Items
While Sam’s Club offers a variety of seasonal and specialty items throughout the year, these products may not always offer the best value or quality compared to other retailers. Before purchasing seasonal or specialty items at Sam’s Club, consider factors like price, quality, and whether you genuinely need or will use the item.
Specialty Coffee
For coffee aficionados, freshness is paramount, but unfortunately, the specialty coffee offerings at Sam’s Club may not meet these standards. Pre-ground shelf-stable coffee, which tends to linger on the shelves, can lack the vibrant flavor profiles that characterize freshly roasted beans. While Sam’s Club does offer some options for whole-bean coffee, the selection may be limited. For a truly exceptional coffee experience, consider purchasing specialty coffee from your local coffee shop or roaster, where you can enjoy freshly roasted beans and a wider variety of blends and origins.
Bacon
When it comes to bacon, quality matters, and Kirkland Signature bacon from Costco has earned a reputation for excellence. This bacon has consistently ranked highly in taste tests, including winning accolades from Consumer Reports in the 2010s. While the bacon available at Sam’s Club is certainly not subpar, Costco’s Kirkland Signature bacon offers superior quality and value. If you’re a fan of indulgent breakfasts featuring crispy strips of bacon, Costco’s offering may be the better choice over Sam’s Club.
Greek Yogurt
Purchasing yogurt, or any food item, from Sam’s Club may not be ideal for everyone due to factors such as bulk sizes, limited selection, quality concerns, price considerations, and preferences for local or organic options.
Additionally, Sam’s Club may not offer the same variety or quality of yogurt as other retailers, and some consumers may prefer to support local or organic producers, which may not be readily available at warehouse clubs.
Hair and Skin Care
Firstly, while Sam’s Club does offer a selection of these products, the variety may be limited compared to specialty beauty stores or online retailers. This can be particularly problematic if you have specific preferences or requirements for your hair and skincare routine. Additionally, the bulk packaging often found at warehouse clubs may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you prefer to try out different products or have limited storage space. Furthermore, there may be concerns about the freshness and quality of the products, as they may have been sitting on shelves for an extended period.
Books
Books at Sam’s Club offer a decent selection, but purchasing them online often proves to be the preferable option. With platforms like Kindle providing convenient access to digital copies, physical books have taken a back seat. Furthermore, online retailers frequently offer better prices for physical copies. Unless a book is an absolute necessity, it’s advisable to bypass the book section at Sam’s Club and explore online alternatives.
