The Christian Science Monitor asks a very important question, one any shopper’s club member asks themselves weekly — Is that really a deal? I know I do in Costco.
First off, big electronics purchases can be great at a Sam’s Club or Costco just for the return policy alone. No re-stocking fee and plenty of time to make sure it works. But selection will be slim.
As for groceries, the focus of the CSM story, the results are mixed. Some things are great deals — like a bag of 5 avocados for the price of two retail. Other stuff — like meat — is a mixed bag. Quality will be a notch lower and will not be much if any cheaper than a big special the supermarket has each week on some cut.
Mixed on processed foods as well, some things are per ounce only slightly cheaper and if they could spoil they probably will before you get to them, unless you are having a party. But some things — such as desserts — can be much cheaper. Try 20 ice cream sammiches for $9 vs. six for $5.
Now that does you no good — and much harm — if you plow thru 3X as many of them once you get home, so self-discipline once again becomes an issue.
