Sam’s Club

Ok yeah i know its weird but i really really like Sam’s Club Pizza & Icee. So every once in a while I stop to get it. Today it was a perfectly big slice of pepperoni pizza just out of the oven & the icee gad the perfect liquid to ice ratio. I know, im weird, but i dare you to try them. You will be stopping by to get them too!

This place is quickly becoming my one-​stop for bulk shopping and gas. Love how they keep their gas price low a few days after the other guys have jacked up .20 plus! Their self-​checkout is my preferred cashier, although an employee oftentimes still stops by to sell me on their Plus upgrade. I finally caved in an upgraded when they mailed me a discount card. The hat lady greeter has way too many charities that she is collecting for, especially when I shop their store 5+ times a month.

My family and I are VIP customers of SAMs-​well, not technically VIP. but we are there so often, we should be. We are always greeted with a smile. If you are looking for a place to buy in bulk, I would recommend SAMs. My family does have a Costco membership that we use, but our first pick is SAMs. They are not as crowded, and the checkout process goes pretty fast.
Need to return something? No problem. They can look up anything on your membership without a receipt – and if you are not completely satisfied, they will give you your money back. It doesn’t matter if it’s been a few Months or even a few days.
Looking for something quick for dinner after being in your feet at work and while shopping? No worries. Pick up a pizza and ask them to bake it for you. It will be ready when you walk out the door. The pizza is definitely big enough to feed a family of 4 or 5 and pretty cheap ($ 7 or $ 8?). Easy dinner, and it’s cheaper than LaRosas or carry out.

Everyone has been to Sam’s Club right? You know what to expect before you walk in the door. My wife and I recently got our membership again because of the Groupon special (which was a great deal) and we have gone a few times already. We find ourselves still going to Kroger and Target but Sam’s has a fairly nice selection for some of the things we use daily. Plus it’s always fun to just go and walk around!
The café is a bonus too, food is good and cheap!

I went to this Sam’s Club looking for GNC vitamins. I’m thinking that they made a deal with GNC last year to supply smaller bottles of vitamins in two-​packs. Instead of the $ 59.99 they charge at the store, they’re $ 19.99, which is slightly less. They seem to be equal in the number of caplets.
If you figure with one purchase you’ve saved your annual (basic) membership, you are correct. Some locations have fuel, and who doesn’t need to save on fuel?
When I entered the store, I showed my card as usual, and some siren sounded and someone at the service desk said «you’re the winner!’ just for fun. I walked over and asked «What did I win, a hearing test?» and she said «A hearing test». :-D
Thankfully, they had the vitamins I wanted, and I passed on a number of other things. They were out in force with the samples in the pharmacy area – nope, no prescription drugs, sorry.
The cashier seemed kind of indifferent to me, but maybe it was just that I only had the one item. The other lanes were really full.

Who doesn’t like a free Sunday brunch?
Sam’s is one of those membership only places, but for $ 30 a year and free brunch (samples) who can complain. They have a nice selection of office supplies, janitorial supplies, vending machine candy, my candy drawer candy, clothes, and FOOD!
I enjoy the butcher counter, Sam’s sells full butcher trim of strip steaks, brisket, pork loin, tenderloin, and many more. The butcher’s will trim and slice to your desire for no additional charge! Fruits and vegetables are generally cheaper here then most grocery stores. I have bought my last 3 TV’s from Sam’s. All of them have been Vizio’s, after reading up on the tech specs, you really can’t beat the price.
That being said there are some deals to NOT get at Sam’s. Soda’s for example are cheaper at most grocery stores, especially when they are on sale. Same goes for chips. Laundry detergent is cheaper at Sam’s while cereal is not.
If your a frugal person like me and don’t know if you want to invest in the yearly dues go on a free day or have a friend with a card take you. Price out items you generally purchase at your normal store and compare if you end up saving $$ or not. Don’t forget that Sam’s gas is usually the cheapest in the area by about a few cents per gallon. Basically look over the yearly cost and see if you at least pay for the yearly dues back.
Personally i go to Sam’s on sunday before the church crowd shows up. I get the big family pack of boneless skinless chicken breast for $ 1.77 a pound, then poke around the pork/​beef section to see what I’d like to cook this week. Also check out the seasonal vegetables if I didn’t have a chance to get to the farmers market on saturday.
On my way out, I swing by the little café they have. $ 2.65 for a pizza slice and a 32 oz drink!!! Now thats a bargain. You can also get the super big hot dogs, pretzel, chicken sandwich, chicken ceasar salad, sundaes, churro’s, and slushies. All of which are very reasonable priced and are decent quality. My favorite is getting the supreme pizza with an ice tea. Sometimes I’ll just get the pretzel and cheese if I’m not that hungry.
Parking is in its own lot, the staff is usually friendly and helpful, although it takes time to fine someone that can help you. The free sample people are always friendly and chatty and don’t care if you take an extra helping of shrimp :) Sometimes the check out lines can get long, just plan you trip by the schedule of everyone else and go around it!

I have memberships at both Sam’s and Costco, but I have to say, I like going to Sam’s Club more. Part of that preference has to do with the fact that Costco is always so packed. I mean really, how much bulk potato salad do you need, people?
The butchers at this Sam’s will custom-​cut meat upon request. I also like to stock up on almonds, walnuts, dried cherries. And of course, great place to come if you are planning a party.
Let’s face it, I also come here for the samples.
Also a great place to save on fuel. It always seems cheaper than Costco and the surrounding gas stations. They accept Mastercard, but not Visa.
Another cool thing we recently learned. Sam’s Club memberships are international. They will work at the Sam’s Club Mexico and China locations.