POSTED BY: Jeff S. (July 11, 2008 02:25 PM)
It's sad to think that Common Sense has become a novelty that must be explained in this country.

POSTED BY: Chewbacca (July 11, 2008 02:44 PM)
Captain Obvious once again saves us from...well...not much.

POSTED BY: Disappointed (July 11, 2008 02:46 PM)
Is this an entirely useless article or what?

POSTED BY: john d (July 11, 2008 02:47 PM)
Please, this is story devoid of information and begs the question of why was it written?

POSTED BY: Matt (July 11, 2008 02:48 PM)
Go to Costco and shop smart!

POSTED BY: JMunny (July 11, 2008 02:57 PM)
One very important thing to look for when shopping for misc. packaged goods, is to always check for expiration dates. Quite a bit of the food items will be near their expiration date and possibly go bad before you can finish off the goods.

POSTED BY: Andrei (July 11, 2008 03:02 PM)
Good comment Jeff S...

POSTED BY: BryanS (July 11, 2008 03:12 PM)
No kidding. I was hoping for some real tips, not common sense stuff that my 13 yr old already knows.

POSTED BY: Bev M. (July 11, 2008 03:14 PM)
I couldn't agree with you more Jeff S. The word "Common Sense" no longer exist in this world as new know it. It's unfortunate that people don't try know the meaning of common sense or customer service. Everything is always...NO.

POSTED BY: Steven Goldberg (July 11, 2008 03:25 PM)
The article referred to upgraded memberships at the clubs. This is a bad deal. I joined Costco when they first opened in our town as an Executive member. I was told I would get a 2% rebate or a $50 rebate whichever was bigger at years end. I never got either....

POSTED BY: Tina S (July 11, 2008 03:40 PM)
...obvious, common-sense tips that any dingding can figure out.

POSTED BY: Heidi (July 11, 2008 04:03 PM)
I've worked for Costco for almost 22 years now. In the old days there wouldn't be anyone to help you load up your flatbed and help you put it in your car, but our member service has skyrocketed since then and we go above and beyond for our members. Sams members even tell me they like Costco better because of the services and products. Go in halves with a friend or neighbor on bulk purchases like food so it doesn't go bad and you don't eat too much. Upgrade your card to an Executive membership and apply for the American Express True Earnings card. You might as well get paid for shopping. Aloha!

POSTED BY: Mr. Jim (July 11, 2008 04:06 PM)
Because so many need the obvious explained little wonder we are in the economic situations we face today.

POSTED BY: Brian H (July 11, 2008 04:15 PM)
...I go to the warehouses for gas when I am going there anyway, but I reliably find the prices to be on the lower end and always good quality unlike some smaller stations.

POSTED BY: Joel (July 11, 2008 04:45 PM)
Wow! Jane...Everything you said is common knowledge to people who DON'T have membership cards and understand how wholesale membership warehouses work...

POSTED BY: Vivian (July 11, 2008 04:53 PM)
I agree with Jeff S.'s assessment.

POSTED BY: Ken (July 11, 2008 04:59 PM)
I'd add to the Portions point to also check the expiration dates. More than once I've bought in bulk only to find that the food will expire before I could use it. The savings can be great, but you have to dig through the inventory to make certain you're getting the "freshest" item.

POSTED BY: joe (July 11, 2008 05:05 PM)
couldn't agree more, Jeff. When's the next article about the sky being blue and grass being green?

POSTED BY: ChrisR (July 11, 2008 05:18 PM)
Common Sense is gone...

POSTED BY: cynicalismo (July 11, 2008 05:20 PM)
...There have always been those who can't compute, can't converse and can't cogitate. They are the ones who think 3 for $5 is cheaper than 1 for $1.65, who insist on using high test in their gas tanks even though the manual calls for regular, who buy expensive life insurance policies when what they really need is inexpensive term insurance and who max out their credit cards and make the minimum payment each month while paying 24% on the balance. Common sense has never been very common.

POSTED BY: RONN C. (July 11, 2008 05:35 PM)
COSTCO GIVES BUSINESS MEMBERS 5% OFF THE PRICE OF GAS. THAT IS AROUND 25 CENTS A GALLON. GREAT DEAL..

POSTED BY: Denny (July 11, 2008 05:35 PM)
Buy Kate Spade or Ralph Lauren? Then why go to a warehouse to try to save money???

POSTED BY: olympinut (July 11, 2008 05:45 PM)
Check the supermarket prices also...for example, cereal can be a better buy with sales, than the larger bulk pkgs at the price clubs, same with detergent... so check the ads before you go.

POSTED BY: Walt Strohm (July 11, 2008 05:51 PM)
I found the advice to be so generic that it could apply to shopping almost anywhere...

POSTED BY: Ar (July 11, 2008 05:54 PM)
I was looking forward to getting some good tips but the article did not provide any tips that we did not already know.

POSTED BY: Eric (July 11, 2008 05:58 PM)
"But the treasures...are here today and gone tomorrow. Snap them up right away or regret it later." Huh?! How does this save you money? You're telling your readers to buy on impulse, or live...with regret? Regret? Really? Hate to tell you this, but the reason Americans pile on so much debt is because they don't live with regret. How about, make a list a stick with it. Don't allow yourself to be swayed by labels. Ask yourself if you want the name brand bag, or need the name brand bag. Others have said it already: what a worthless article

POSTED BY: Big Shopper (July 11, 2008 05:59 PM)
Like the previous shopper I get gas when I shop at Costo, too.

POSTED BY: Mr. Frank (July 11, 2008 06:03 PM)
Thanks for the great article. I learned alot. Long I have wanted to know more about Warehouse Clubs. Now I know how to get all the good deals and to avoid the junkster deals.

POSTED BY: maureen (July 11, 2008 06:09 PM)
Where is it that you can get a good value (high quality) for your money on drug items, gas, and of course an oven roasted chicken that will feed a family for two days for a price less than anywhere else....well. It's a no brainer. Be smart about what you need and what you what.

POSTED BY: Father of 3 (July 11, 2008 06:13 PM)
I shopped at the Sam's Club in Langhorne Pa and they have great service along with great prices on just about everything I buy. The membership is cheaper then Costco and BJ's and the people that work there are always nice and friendly.

POSTED BY: Ann (July 11, 2008 06:14 PM)
If you get the Executive membership with 2% back you will easily pay for your annual membership with the rebate, and if you have the Amex card also, you get another rebate. If you have a freezer and repackage meat as soon as you get it home, and cupboard space, you can save money by limiting shopping trips as well as by the bulk buying.

POSTED BY: Sad in Bluffton, SC (July 11, 2008 06:19 PM)
1) Do you homework. Good advice before buying any large purchase anywhere. 2)Grab the deals. Yes, buy it when you see it. It's a warehouse. They only buy in bulk at a certain price. If the merchandiser (increases) the price, Costco will not buy it. They don't believe in a member paying one price one week and a higher price the next. (of course this does not apply to medicine, or basic everyday foods). 3) Be prepared to do it yourself. So not true. All you have to do is ask and a merchant will help you. You might have to wait a bit if the warehouse is busy but it is Costco policy to help each and every member with their shopping. Super large items have even been put on trucks with forklifts if needed. They will help you put anything in your car, truck or Van. 4) Watch those portions. Solution - split large portions with a friend or relative. Meat (which is the best you can buy) can be wrapped in what ever portion is needed for the size of your family. 5) Gauge gas prices - Duh! Your will never receive better attention, helpfulness and quality from any other warehouse or store. Sincerely, One member who relocated and does not have the blessing of haveing a Costco to shop at.

POSTED BY: Laura (July 11, 2008 06:20 PM)
With high gas, energy and food prices, wholesale club shopping is the way to go, without a doubt.

POSTED BY: Linda (July 11, 2008 06:25 PM)
To Steven Goldberg. All you have to do is go to your Costco membership counter. Tell them you never received your rebate and they will submit a form for you. If your rebate was connected to your American Express Credit Card it would have been connected to your February statement of the following year on the last page. Check you statement, if you find it explain to the membership Manager that you were never told where to look for it. I am positive they will accomidate you.

POSTED BY: randy (July 11, 2008 06:41 PM)
I am more confused now after reading this article. First the writer states you will NOT save much money if you buy bling or flat screen TVs but then proceeds to sat a cpl paragraphs later to "snap them up or regret it later" on those small but decent selections of electronics or other here today gone tomorrow treasures. So should I buy the flat screen at my local Sams or not?!?!?!

POSTED BY: jake (July 11, 2008 06:52 PM)
Best thing to do...is to shop at both sam's and cosco for a day to see for yourself. Both have different items anyway, both have great service and values including plus memberships that save you more money thoughout the year. bottom line is they are better than wasting your money at the supermarkets who mark up their prices. Businesses buy from the warehouses then mark up the price to sell to you. Do the math.

POSTED BY: junior (July 11, 2008 07:03 PM)
The American Express card is free of annual fees for Costco members, and using it to buy $4/gallon gas amounts to a savings of .12/gallon.

POSTED BY: Prosper Sabbah (July 11, 2008 07:21 PM)
I love to shop at Costco. However I would like them to create an express check out point, because some customers buy very few items and hate to stand in line behind others with huge purchases and would like to save some time.

POSTED BY: Noel Freedman (July 11, 2008 07:26 PM)
Indeed you get a fair shake at Costco. They only buy the best quality of produce and meat. The only reason you may find a broken egg is because large is really large..No rip off here. The boss gives a damn for his customers.

POSTED BY: cattwmn (July 11, 2008 08:17 PM)
AND - Costco's pharmacy is usually the best price - beating Walmart. Compare prices via phone or online before dropping off the prescription. Most pharmacies will meet a lower price at a competitor.

POSTED BY: o hicks (July 11, 2008 08:25 PM)
we live near tallahassee fl. at first costco was 29 to30 cents below everyone on gas...now they are the same

POSTED BY: Darren Berkle (July 11, 2008 10:51 PM)
They have a lot of good deals but I find light bulbs are always cheaper online..

POSTED BY: jbeerman (July 12, 2008 05:53 PM)
This is not a recent experience; we have not lived within convenient distance since we moved to TN. But...At a Boston, MA area Costco, we picked up a very fresh looking log of chopped beef, perhaps 5 pounds, and took it home to divide into freezable portions for two. On slicing thru the log, we found that 1/2 inch of fresh pink meat had been rolled around very old looking brown chopped meat. On returning it, we were immediately given our money back, and,free, a beautiful roasting chicken. We continued to shop at Costcos, and wish they had one near Knoxville, TN, but have not been tempted to by chopped beef at any warehouse, since.

POSTED BY: Norman (July 13, 2008 01:53 PM)
...If you can't come up with something more useful to the consumer than this, save your time and ink.

POSTED BY: Duane Dent (July 13, 2008 02:59 PM)
One should know something about buying beef before you buy. The older looking meat is the meat that is aged . the older the meat the better the flavor is.

POSTED BY: SYANDREW (July 13, 2008 03:07 PM)
We shop at Sam's Clubs in several different cities (Winston-Salem, Charlotte, Hickory, NC) and we have never been disappointed in any of their meats. We buy REAL cheese in bulk along with some specialty items and BUTTER! Butter at Sam's Club is a great deal - better than even store brands locally! We DON'T go for the blingbling or electronics - we go to Best Buy for those. I LOVE shopping at Sam's and Costco is basically the same thing with a different name. I compared their prices in the Winston-Salem stores and they were exactly the same on the items I checked. So, to me, either one is a bargain as long as you are comfortable buying in bulk. We divide and freeze meats, cheese, butter, and cream cheese.

POSTED BY: Al (July 13, 2008 07:39 PM)
What a waste of my time! I expected some specifics.

POSTED BY: Gene (July 14, 2008 07:53 AM)
...A catchy headline but no meat.

POSTED BY: dot (July 14, 2008 08:01 AM)
...i expected more specifics and someting new.

POSTED BY: Bob (July 14, 2008 08:52 AM)
...Anyone that shops warehouses knows far more than you have wasted our time here with.

POSTED BY: Bear (July 14, 2008 10:33 AM)
...No specifics!!!!!

POSTED BY: Susan Sasso (July 14, 2008 10:44 AM)
I purchased pork chops which were marked for quick sale but well within the date needed to be used and found they had a bad smell. Not being able to use them, I lost out on fifteen dollars. I wish to warn people to not buy the bargain meat. The "not bargain" meat I have purchased has been fine.

POSTED BY: SEASON-ED SHOPPER (July 14, 2008 10:58 AM)
THIS ARTICLE INCLUDED NO INSIGHT. THE INFO IS OBVIOUS...

POSTED BY: Lilo (July 14, 2008 11:04 AM)
To folks who have elderly relatives: don't send them to Costco on their own to become befuddled by the enormous displays! It is very easy to become overwhelmed and confused by the size of the warehouse and the crowds of shoppers. Plus, the packages are way too bulky and heavy to manage for anyone who is frail. The quantities of food are also ridiculous for any living alone (unless 10 relatives show up for a free meal every weekend!) A bargain isn't a bargain if the food you buy becomes outdated and elderly folks may try to use up stuff that expired years ago!...This comment was inspired by what I saw yesterday at my local Costco. It was quite sad seeing so many elderly people wandering around with strange expressions on their faces while they tried to figure out what to buy!

POSTED BY: r.b. (July 14, 2008 12:22 PM)
I find that if I shop with a friend on those bulk items we both win. Not a few months supply at home and a lot less money spent.

POSTED BY: Nina (July 14, 2008 12:44 PM)
I have in the past brought just my receipt back to the store (without the actual meat) told them I tossed it out and I was never refused a full refund

POSTED BY: Howell (July 14, 2008 01:09 PM)
This article assumes people are stupid. Ask any housewife or mom how to save on groceries and we could cut the average bill by half. Just read The Tightwad Gazette. If you buy in discounted bulk, make sure you have freezer bags. You can freeze almost anything. We cook from our freezer and save massive money. This does not compromise taste!! I have teenagers whose friends think I'm the best cook. I'm also the most frugal.

POSTED BY: LoveTravel8 (July 14, 2008 01:10 PM)
problem is it's a total waste if you don't use the large portions you're buying...

POSTED BY: Michelle (July 14, 2008 01:12 PM)
Costco (Hanover, MD) is a wonderful store to shop in. Even as my family is downsizing, you can always save by shopping in bulk. The gas prices are usually lower than the local area stations. I am an exective member and enjoy receiving my 2% rebate check at Christmas time.

POSTED BY: deb (July 14, 2008 01:14 PM)
One of the wonderful perks of Costco is their very liberal return policy. I would have phoned first and then returned those chops and gotten a refund.

POSTED BY: John (July 14, 2008 01:16 PM)
Dear Susan: You did not return the bad porkchops as you would any other store and why? Costco would have gladly refunded your money.

POSTED BY: RobertD (July 14, 2008 01:16 PM)
The odor of the "bad meat" was from a bacteria called LactoBacillus. It's a gram positive anaerobic bacteria. It is often used in food cultures and is not harmful, but causes (depending upon whether you like the smell) an unpleasant odor. Yogurt and Cheese production relies upon this bacteria for the function of converting lactose and other sugars to lactic acid. In meat, it is harmless and the odor goes away when washing the surface of the meat well in plain tap water. One of the reasons shops put the meat on sale is because it is close to being at the stage of having lacto bacillus. The important thing to remember is that if it has an odor then it's this harmless type of bacteria.

POSTED BY: fjbertram (July 14, 2008 01:40 PM)
...We are members of Costco and buy certain bargain items there, and also shop the local stores for sales. Quality of goods is also a factor. It is no different than any other store - everything is not cheaper. I filled my tank at Costco yesterday because I was passing by there. I don't go out of my way to get gas there for a few cents a gallon. Like others have said, when you have to explain common sense, it's pretty bad.

POSTED BY: lisa (July 14, 2008 01:49 PM)
Tell us something that isn't already common sense...

POSTED BY: Practicalicia (July 14, 2008 01:55 PM)
We are a 2-person household, and we buy the large packs of meat (not marked for quick sale!) and get them straight home in our 2 coolers. The kitchen is already prepared for us to get straight to work on our purchases. As soon as we arrive, we immediately divide up and/or cut up the meat into small quantities we can use in one meal. We wrap in paper and plastic wrap we have also bought at Sam's and store in plastic ziplock bags we buy there too. We freeze them in a Sam's Club freezer. We freeze seafood in small bags (as long as the seafood has not been previously frozen. Ask.) We buy large bags of prefrozen fish, just pull one out of the bag when we need it. We buy large bags of frozen berries, which we just pour out of the bag in quantities we need. We have a closet in which we store two-packs of cooking spray, bales of paper products and so on. All you need is a dedicated storage area, a freezer, and the ability to get your shopping done efficiently and quickly. Older citizens need help with this, but it can be a huge benefit to them if their friends or family first take them on a couple of trips so let the experience soak in, then buy something on their behalf and show them how to handle it. What a money-saver it is for fixed-income folks! We save our membership fees over and over with the low prices.

POSTED BY: Jim (July 14, 2008 02:10 PM)
Raise your hand if you were not aware of this information.

POSTED BY: Molly (July 14, 2008 02:28 PM)
I have been a member of Costco for 23 years. I have never had a problem with the company. If the food I bought was bad or stale, I returned it. Returning merchandise to them without a hassle is one of the companies greatest assets.

POSTED BY: CeCe (July 14, 2008 06:50 PM)
BJs is different from the other warehouse clubs in that it takes manufacturers' coupons. If you use common sense and know your prices you CAN save at the clubs, but NOT everything sold in bulk is cheaper than loss leaders and genuine sales at the grocery stores. Heck, I'm even finding better prices than the clubs or the grocery stores on some grocery items at Target, Rite Aid, and CVS and they also take coupons. As for the recommendation for the Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dazczyn (sp?) -- I heartily second it! It will explain true "bulk" buying to any newbies out there.

POSTED BY: Luvyacostco (July 14, 2008 10:09 PM)
We have been members of Costco for years and love it. Great prices and great people. They could do better with their everyday men's pants...that actually have a waist band and not just one layer. These pants "fold over" when being worn and look terrible. Buy better so we can buy better. Thanks.

POSTED BY: wil (July 14, 2008 10:13 PM)
Costco to my wife and I means quality and low prices...Our one complaint is that they sometimes eliminate things we like. For instance, breaded scallops and their Smart Steaks.

POSTED BY: Monica (July 14, 2008 11:17 PM)
I love Costco. Shopping there has cut my grocery bill in half, on fresh and frozen organic fruits and vegetables, and on meat for my family of six (2 teen boys, a teen girl, a 5 y.o, + husband and me). The gas is usually at least $.20/gal cheaper than most of our local stations...I shop with a list. That is my secret. I feed my family for about $150.00/wk at Costco. It is worth the 25 mile drive. I will only shop locally for supplemental items.

POSTED BY: John (July 14, 2008 11:50 PM)
...(no) mention (of) BJ's (I wonder why) which my wife and I are a member of. We've never had a problem with them at all and you can definitely save some money by shopping there.

POSTED BY: Mickey Graham (July 15, 2008 12:13 AM)
I agree that buying too much of a good thing can be wasteful - but sharing a bag of produce or other item (often packaged in twos or more) with a neighbor or friend can be a solution. This also saves one of us a trip to Costco!

POSTED BY: SHELLY (July 15, 2008 01:49 AM)
I've comparison shopped Costco & Smart & Final here in Ca. On a list of almost 20 items, there were the SAME PRICE. On maybe 2-3 items Costco was only 5 cents cheaper. My husband & I are now wondering if the yearly fee is worth it, and when I got to S & F I spend less because I don't buy clothes or other stuff I really don't need. Consider it..

POSTED BY: Stephen (July 15, 2008 02:20 AM)
I like to shop at Costco, because the leadership cares more for their employeees. They pay more and offer better benefits than Sam's Club (a part of Wal-Mart)...As a professional myself, I find that ethics should play at least some part in where we shop.

POSTED BY: John Marshall (July 15, 2008 02:34 AM)
...though I sometimes resent the quantity of foreign made goods at Costco - not to mention Walmart, I greatly appreciate the overall QUALITY of goods at Costco, and the absolute satisfaction guarantee - and virtually unlimited return period except for some electronics, which is still NINETY days - and way longer than CC, or BB.

POSTED BY: James (July 16, 2008 02:37 PM)
Shopped Costco for a 46" Sony LCD Bravia TV. Almost paid $2199.00 at Costco but found the same TV at Target for $600.00 LESS! Be careful when shopping these big stores. Not everything they sell is a good deal.

POSTED BY: Dave (July 16, 2008 03:04 PM)
Shop at Sams Club. Costco only has a 90 day period in which it covers any problems with electonics, Sams Club on the other hand, is for a lifetime. Yes, lifetime. Buy a TV today, and if there is an issue with it three years later, they will give you a new one. Way to go Sams Club! Also, if you are concerned about the amount of products comint from China......HELLO, just about everything comes from there. Look at the labels on YOUR clothes you are buying for high dollars from American companies. Why, becasue of AMERICAN greed.

POSTED BY: Hmalpha (July 16, 2008 03:57 PM)
Stephen, who really cares about the way the corporation treats its employees? I too am a professional and that also has nothing to do with anything...

POSTED BY: Elliott (July 19, 2008 11:19 AM)
Dave, you have it all wrong. Sam's doesn't offer a lifetime guarantee on anything they sell. Also, prices are higher in the US, because third world countries...pay slave wages. Want that for America?...

POSTED BY: Bigdog (July 23, 2008 01:05 PM)
Costco's merchandise is of higher quality but great deals come from both retailers. I shop them both.

POSTED BY: mrfrugal (August 01, 2008 12:27 PM)
Both stores have such great deals I believe I'm better off with neither card, particularly considering I have to pay for it up front, and have declined to renew either card. I think most discount stores lure the unsuspecting shopper thinking they are going to get deals, heh, heh, heh, but then they buy a bunch of junk at retail prices. I'm surprised how many people are still being lured into purported discount supermarkets, stores and outlets... outlets for your money, thats for sure. M.R. Frugal

POSTED BY: alicia (August 01, 2008 04:40 PM)
I have had memberships at Sam's, Costco and BJ's at diffrent times. They are good if you have a big family and storage space. Don't buy perishables in bulk except for special events. I have also bought jewelery but only in BJ's, and the prices were better than retail, but you must do your homework check around and then make the purchase. Also don't fall for the upgraded membership.

POSTED BY: BeeBee (August 07, 2008 02:43 PM)
We have been members at Sams's for years/ I now live about an hour away so only shop about once a month. I have saved money and lost money on produce that I was too overeager on, but all in all it is certainly worth the membership. We just purchased a new KING bedding set and saved a "bunch" also got two SERTA King pillows for $10. (At) Macy's (they) were $38 each!