Sam’s Club is one of those places where I can go in thinking I’m going to save money and somehow walk out wondering how I spent that much. Everything looks like a good deal when you’re buying it in bulk, but I’ve learned that bigger doesn’t always mean cheaper, and stocking up only saves money if you’re actually going to use what you buy.
That doesn’t mean I’m giving up my Sam’s Club membership anytime soon. There are plenty of things worth buying there, but I’ve gotten much more intentional about checking prices, looking for discounts, and using the perks I’m already paying for.
If you shop at Sam’s Club regularly, these are 10 easy ways to save a little more every time you go.
Fill Up Your Gas Tank
If your local club has a fuel station, compare its price with nearby gas stations before filling up somewhere else. A few cents per gallon may not seem like much, but it can add up quickly if you’re already making regular Sam’s Club trips.
Make a List—and Be Careful With the Middle Aisles
You went in for toilet paper and strawberries and somehow came home with patio furniture, a six-pack of throw pillows and a new blender. Warehouse stores are very good at making limited-time merchandise feel irresistible, so I try to make a list before shopping and give myself a reason before adding anything that wasn’t on it.
Check Prices Online Before Heading to the Club
A little comparison shopping beforehand can keep you from making decisions based solely on what you see in the store. Browse Sam’s Club online to see what’s available, check current promotions and decide what you’re buying before you walk through the doors.
Compare the Unit Price, Not Just the Sticker Price
A $15 package may look like a better deal simply because you’re getting more, but bulk doesn’t automatically mean cheaper. Check the price per ounce, pound, or item and compare it with what you’d normally pay at your grocery store before putting it in your cart.
Shop the Instant Savings Before You Go
Before heading to the store, take a few minutes to check Sam’s Club Instant Savings for current offers. The discounts are automatically applied to qualifying purchases, so planning a few purchases around what’s already marked down is an easy way to save without clipping coupons.
Don’t Buy Everything in Bulk
I love buying things in bulk when I know we’ll actually use them, but a bigger package isn’t a bargain if half of it eventually gets thrown away. Paper products, pantry staples, cleaning supplies, and frequently used frozen foods usually make more sense than a huge container of something your family rarely eats.
Give Member’s Mark a Chance
Don’t automatically reach for the national brand you recognize. Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark line covers everything from groceries to household essentials, and the store-brand version can sometimes give you more for your money.
Related: Before You Buy These Items at Costco, Check Sam’s Club First
Check Clearance Before Leaving
I rarely leave a store without at least looking at the clearance section, and Sam’s Club is no exception. Seasonal merchandise, clothing, home goods and discontinued items can be marked down, making this an especially worthwhile stop when you’re not looking for something urgently.
Buy Discounted Gift Cards for Places You Already Visit
This is one of those savings tricks that’s easy to overlook. Sam’s Club sells select restaurant, entertainment and retail gift cards below their face value, so buying them for places you were already planning to spend money can essentially give you an automatic discount.
Use Your Freezer Strategically
Bulk frozen foods can be a great value because you don’t have the same pressure to finish everything within a few days. If you’re buying fresh foods or meat in larger quantities, divide everything into meal-size portions and freeze what you won’t use immediately instead of letting the savings end up in the trash.
