A Sam’s Club membership can be worth more than the occasional bulk grocery run. But if you’re paying the annual fee and only stopping in for paper towels, snacks, and a rotisserie chicken, you might be overlooking some useful ways to save.
Between discounted gift cards, fuel prices, online shopping, and membership perks, there are plenty of opportunities to get more value from your membership. The trick is knowing which benefits you’ll actually use and making sure a warehouse-sized purchase is a better deal than buying what you need elsewhere.
Here are 12 ways to make that membership work a little harder for you.
Look beyond groceries for big purchases and special occasions
Before buying a major appliance, television, patio set, or other expensive item, check Sam’s Club’s in-store and online selection. You can also compare its prices on bulk flowers, party supplies, and other event essentials when planning a wedding, birthday, or family gathering.
Give Member’s Mark products a chance
Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark brand includes groceries, cleaning supplies, paper products, clothing, and plenty of other everyday items. Try comparing its prices and quality with the national brands you normally buy to see where switching could lower your grocery bill.
Check Instant Savings and clearance deals
Browse current Instant Savings offers in the Sam’s Club app before making your shopping list, since eligible discounts apply automatically at checkout. Keep an eye out for clearance items while you shop, but compare prices before assuming every markdown is a bargain.
Related: We Canceled Our Sam’s Club Membership—Here’s What We Learned (and Why We Don’t Regret It)
Use Scan & Go to skip the checkout line
Scan items with the Sam’s Club app as you add them to your cart, then pay directly from your phone instead of waiting at a traditional register. Check the app for occasional Scan & Go promotions that could save you a little extra on eligible purchases.
Fill up at the Sam’s Club fuel station
Compare your local Sam’s Club fuel prices with nearby gas stations, especially if you fill up regularly. Stopping for gas during your usual warehouse trip can help you save without driving out of your way.
Related: 10 Signs Your Sam’s Club Membership Is Costing You More Than It’s Saving You
Don’t let bulk buying wipe out your savings
Compare unit prices before purchasing oversized packages, since buying more doesn’t always mean paying less per item. Consider how much your household will actually use, because throwing away expired food or buying what you don’t need can quickly cancel out the savings.
Shop online and take advantage of delivery perks
The Sam’s Club website carries products you may not find at your local warehouse, including furniture, appliances, electronics, and seasonal merchandise. Check whether your membership qualifies for free shipping or other delivery benefits, and compare the final cost before ordering.
Make your shopping trips easier
Curbside pickup can help you stick to your shopping list and avoid the impulse purchases that tend to happen while browsing the aisles. Plus, members can also take advantage of designated early shopping hours at participating clubs when they want to avoid the busiest times.
Use your complimentary household membership
Your membership includes a complimentary card for another eligible person in your household, so make sure it isn’t going unused. Having someone else who can shop independently makes it easier to pick up groceries or household essentials when you can’t make the trip yourself.
Buy discounted gift cards for places you already shop
Check Sam’s Club for discounted restaurant, entertainment, and retail gift cards before making a purchase you already have planned. You can also use eligible Walmart gift cards at Sam’s Club, giving you another way to put gift cards you already own toward your next shopping trip.
Compare pharmacy and optical prices
Check Sam’s Club pharmacy pricing for your regular prescriptions, and ask about any applicable member savings. If your location has an optical center, compare the full cost of glasses or contacts there before ordering them elsewhere.
Check the tire and battery center before buying elsewhere
If your local Sam’s Club has a Tire & Battery Center, compare tire prices and available services before buying. Compare installation charges, warranty terms, and included services so you’re comparing total value, not just the tire price.
