Additional Coverage:
- 14 Things You Should Never Buy at Sam’s Club (financebuzz.com)
Your Sam’s Club Shopping List: What to Skip for Smarter Savings
Sam’s Club is a treasure trove for bulk buys and impressive savings, but not everything on their shelves is a slam dunk for your wallet. While the allure of per-unit discounts is strong, some items can end up costing you more in the long run, often due to spoilage, diminishing quality, or simply better deals elsewhere.
Before your next warehouse run, consider striking these 14 items from your list to ensure you’re truly maximizing your savings and avoiding common pitfalls.
1. Fresh Produce
That giant bag of apples might look like a steal, but fresh fruits and vegetables have a notoriously short shelf life. Unless you’re feeding a small army or prepping for a massive party platter, you’ll likely find yourself tossing spoiled produce, negating any initial savings.
2. Lotion
Turns out, lotion isn’t as immortal as we might think! Once opened, most lotions are good for 12 to 24 months. Buying jumbo-sized bottles in bulk often means you’ll have expired, less effective, and potentially bacteria-laden lotion long before you reach the bottom.
3. Milk
Unless your household consumes milk at an industrial rate, those gallon jugs at Sam’s Club might lead to unnecessary waste. Most standard grocery stores offer half-gallon or quart sizes, giving you more time to finish it before it sours.
4. Diapers
For parents, the quest for affordable diapers is real, but Sam’s Club’s store brand, Maker’s Mark, might not be the answer. Many find they leak more often than leading brands like Pampers or Huggies. Furthermore, per-unit pricing often matches or even exceeds competitors like Target’s Up & Up brand, especially when Target offers frequent diaper promotions and gift card incentives.
5. Shampoo and Conditioner
Similar to lotion, these hair care staples lose their potency and can even become unstable over time. Unless your entire household shares the same hair products and goes through them quickly, those massive multi-packs could lead to wasted product, irritation, or even hair damage.
6. Cooking Oil
Buying cooking oil by the gallon is usually only practical for professional kitchens. Most cooking and olive oils are best within four months of opening. Beyond that, healthy fats can degrade, harmful free radicals can form, and you’ll be left with a rancid taste – definitely not a recipe for success!
7. Spices
While spices generally don’t “go bad” in a harmful sense, they certainly go stale and lose their flavor. Ground spices, especially when opened, can lose their potency quickly and rarely last beyond six months. Smaller quantities ensure your dishes remain vibrant and flavorful.
8. Flour
While some well-sealed flours can last for years, varieties like rye, almond, or buckwheat flours have a much shorter shelf life and can turn rancid quickly. Opt for smaller bags of these specialty flours to avoid waste.
9. Gift Wrap
Holiday-themed gift wrap sold in multi-packs at Sam’s Club can be a major money drain. You’ll likely grow tired of the pattern or not use it all before the next season. Dollar stores often offer a wider, cheaper, and more frequently updated selection.
10. Salmon
While the price of fresh salmon at Sam’s Club may seem appealing, the farm-raised variety commonly found there often comes with health concerns. These include higher levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) linked to various health issues, added red dye for color, and increased saturated fat.
11. Greek Yogurt
Even though Sam’s Club and Walmart are under the same corporate umbrella, their prices aren’t always identical. For example, Chobani Greek yogurt variety packs can often be found cheaper at Walmart, sometimes for as much as $0.18 less per cup. Always compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
12. Fresh Chicken
Another item where Walmart often out-prices Sam’s Club is fresh chicken. At times, the per-pound savings at Walmart can be significant. Even a few cents difference, when factoring in the annual Sam’s Club membership fee, can make purchasing poultry elsewhere a smarter move.
13. Books
While not necessarily poorly priced, the book selection at Sam’s Club is often random and limited. For a wider variety and potentially better deals, you’re better off exploring other bookstores or online retailers.
14. Gift Cards
Despite some shoppers’ enthusiasm for buying gift cards at Sam’s Club, it might be wise to exercise caution. There have been instances of properly purchased gift cards failing to work upon redemption. Additionally, dedicated gift card portals often offer a much broader selection and deeper discounts for true bargain hunters.
The Bottom Line
Sam’s Club can undoubtedly be a fantastic resource for savings, but it’s crucial to shop smart. Beyond the inherent challenges of buying in bulk, always compare prices. Retailers like Amazon, Target, Costco, and even Walmart often present more competitive “deals” than the warehouse giant on specific items.
No matter where you choose to shop, remember to leverage cash back credit cards to maximize your savings on every purchase.
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- 14 Things You Should Never Buy at Sam’s Club (financebuzz.com)