I buy LOTS and LOTS of diapers at Costco. I don't have a baby though.

I have several concerns with the warehouse stores.

1. Typically you need to buy in bulk to save. I live alone, bulk lasts too long or needs to be tossed if perishable.

2. The warehouse stores are not always as convenient as the grocery or drug stores. I would need to drive considerably out of my way to get to one and with gas at the price it is today, I would really need to buy quite a bit to compensate.

3. The warehouse stores do not always continue to stock items that you may have purchased there in the past and like. Although they are huge, the selection is often greater in a grocery store.

4. To pay a fee to spend your money you need to save substantially. Of course that is what they are hoping for.

Where it might work for some (like those with big families) it just doesn't work for me.

I was just saying this morning that I am done buying those big pre made Caesar salads at Costco because they consistently put in really bad lettuce.

"The smart shoppers watch for the best prices everywhere."

Not really. I actually save more by buying certain items at Costco, and the rest at one of our local high-end grocery stores.

"Watching for the best prices everywhere" means you waste a lot of gas and time, chasing "I saved a dime!" .... when I can be in and out, and enjoying life.

And coupons? A joke. Unless you want to load up on processed foods full of ft, sugar and salt ... avoid them.

I tried ditching my Costo's membership and came back after not finding decent bulk coffee beans elsewhere. I just hate the $50 membership fee when elsewhere they don't charge u. Costco is convenient though, like sumbody else says, gas costs, it doesn't always save when you have to drive elsewhere plus time. Costco's in-house cheap lunch is another master lure I realize, making it a one-place-to-spend a day kind of vs Walmart's EXPENSIVE MacDonald.

Actually we've had a BJ's membership for almost 20 years now. With using their credit card with the 2% back on purchases, BJ's accepting Mfg coupons, their own coupons, and BJ's great prices on products we use everyday. The membership fee is easily recouped in three months. BJ's has great meats, dairy, and frozen items in bulk that are easily 1/2 the supermarket cost. Example: a three pack of Oscar Meyer center cut bacon is but $3 more than a single pack at the supermarket. And since it is 3 of the supermarket packaging shrink wrapped, I can use 3 coupons; so it's like getting 3 for the price of 1. A 45 roll pack of Charmin is but twice the cost of a 9 pack at the supermarket on sale. I drink cranberry juice every day and a 2 pack of the huge supermarket bottles are but $1 more. Hamburger-hot dog rolls are the same price but you get 16 per package instead of 8. Gallon Milk, 2 doz. eggs, 2 pack bread is half the cost of supermarket. Meat is vacuum wrapped for the freezer in individual portions. There is a butcher and he can cut a beef tenderloin perfectly vacuumed sealed for the freezer. The deli is always manned by competent staff. On sight bakery is fantastic. Everything 1/2 the cost of the corner bakery. Had a full sheet cake decorated with the twins (grandkids) pictures on it for $40. They even have regular 12" cakes for what you pay twice at the bakery and they are deliciously fresh. BJ's produce section leaves a lot to be desired compared to Wegman's.

I am still able to make my own decisions, and if I need a lot of something, it is perfectly simple to compare the price per unit at the warehouse store to the price per unit at the grocery store. Contrary to popular belief, some adult humans are capable of doing enough math to know what is a deal and what isn't. Some reporters don't seem to have that capability, however.

I buy fruit at Sam's that's great. There's only two of us, and we don't have any trouble finishing it. Their sirloin steaks are fantastic and, frankly, I don't care about the price when they taste that good. I like shopping there at Christmas, find things I don't see elsewhere. Great prices on books. I buy paper towels, toilet paper, tissues by the case from Amazon. I have Prime, two days and it's on my porch and generally cheaper than Sam's or grocery stores.

There is no question that fresh produce, meats, deli products, bread, eggs, butter, baking supplies, cleaning supplies and many other items are much cheaper at Sam's Club then the grocery. But, you have to be careful - some things are definitely more expensive! We are lucky enough to live close to lots of options - Sam's, Target, Wal-Mart, Meijer's & Giant Eagle all very close by. Be purchase items at each store that save the most money. We also bake a lot of our own deserts and make our own pizza, so we go through the big quantities faster.

I am always amused by the fees charged by these clubs. They certainly don't go to having more cashiers, nor to they go to over all lower prices as one might expect. I asked about them and I was told they go to building up keep, etc. (Then what do they do with the profit they make?) If you shop by cost per unit, you are going to find about 90 percent of the time, you are paying more for stuff.

I disagree with many of the points in this article. What to buy/not buy is not a "one size fits all" answer. Produce? As a single man, there is no way I can go through a 1000 year supply of lettuce, onions, or any other perishable item without the vast majority of them rotting. So, the supermarkets are actually a much better deal for me. Also, when supermarkets have sales, I've found their per pound prices to be as low --- or lower than --- the warehouse stores. That also includes meats. Arguing against buying non-perishable items in quantity like deoderant is similarly short sighted. If any non-perishable product's per unit price is appreciably cheaper than at a supermarket or other source and it's a product that will be used, it is false economy to not stock up on it [providing one has the storage space.]

Duplicate comment, sorry.

Why not buy in bulk from non-profit options? There are organizations that offer food in bulk, for, say $30 to $50 for a "box" of food. Depending on what someone wants to spend, can be five to fifteen lbs of meat (chicken and beef usually, sometimes pork). Also vegetables & some random goodies. And no, *not* "commodity" food. No member fees, and, at least around here, about 60% of the money goes right back to non-profit services in our local community. Tho I would like to see them offer tp and other household goodies.

Why not buy in bulk from non-profit options? There are organizations that offer food in bulk, for, say $30 to $50/month. Includes 5 to 20 lbs of chicken, beef and/or pork. Also includes fresh vegetables, canned goods and dessert food. Order a few weeks ahead of time, pick it up, pay cash. I do think some of these "food networks" take debit/credit or even EBT/SNAP. I share with my great aunt and her family, plus two neighbors. No member fees. And, of course, I don't get the chance to get things like tp - tho there are some networks like this that do offer household options. The best part - a little over 50% of what I spend goes directly back into non-profits in my local community. These aren't easy to find b/c they either are not allowed to by their own policies or can't afford to advertise commercially. And, no, I won't mention names - I'm not going to provide an infomercial, even tho msnbc.com doesn't mind this article being one for the big-box clubs.

We bought into Sam's Club for one year. We bought our new mattresses, we stocked up on spices, we stocked up on hard cheeses which will last for years. We stocked up on Alka Seltzer and acid reducers. We ate a lot of Wonderful pistachios. Maybe this year we will try Costco. I need a new kitchen set.

I love shopping at Costco! They have the cheapest milk prices in my area (just under $2.50/gal) and with a family that goes through roughly 3 gallons of milk a week, why would I want to spend almost $4/gal? I usually buy 8 gallons at a time and freeze some of it. Everything else I buy at Costco either has a long shelf life, my family uses quickly or I can freeze it. My cash back rewards easily pay for my membership every year and the last time I went shopping I saved over $75 with coupons. That was just buying the things my family needed/uses regularly. I can easily spend the same amount that my bill was elsewhere and not get half as much stuff. Why waste my hard earned money so someone else can line their pockets and not give any of it back to me?

What a useless article. How many times has this same thing been covered?

Two senior citizens living in Manhattan. First attempt at Costco I fled swearing it just wasn't me. However now I spend about 80% of our food budget there. Yes the choices are limited but the quality is fantastic, and I cook everything from scratch, no junk food.

Cheeses are superb, often better than ritzy Manhattan cheese emporia. Prime quality meats that would have the local upmarket butcher gasping at the prices. Paper products etc of course. And the large sizes of fruits and vegetables just ensure we eat more! Being brought up in Europe after the war nothing is wasted.

Twice a year we get bonus checks based on spending which more than make up for the membership fee. And to think I only joined for cheaper cat food!

two seniors living in Manhattan and I spend 80% of my food dollars at my local Costco. However I will admit that the first time I went there I fled in horror, but closer inspection made me realise that the prices were good and the quality is fantastic. The only problem is the quantity of some items. But buying fruit and (some) vegetables in bulk means we eat more. Someone brought up in Europe after the war doesn't throw food away.

I cook from scratch so no junk food, as is the popular perception of Costco shoppers.

The cheese is superb, better than many ritzy Manhattan cheese emporia and the prime meat prices would have my local upmarket butcher crying that he couldn't compete ( admittedly he is paying Madison Avenue rents). I just wish that the fish came in smaller packages as it means eating fish two days running, although I could freeze it I suppose. Also a wider choice would be nice but I understand that it is a small space by Costco standards and must appeal to a very wide audience with different cultures and incomes.

With executive membership we get two rebate checks a year which more than pay for the membership. And to think I only joined to buy cat food .....

oops sorry I thought my first comment was lost and retyped with some changes

I think the meat prices are usually a good deal too at Warehouse Stores. I buy a pork tenderloin whole, cut it myself into roast and chops. I freeze it in portions (the hamburger too).Even the bulk condiments can be portioned out sometimes, although I think she is right on buying individual condiments with coupons. I am going to try that. I buy canned veggies and stock them up from a grocery store too, the best time to buy those it seems is around Thanksgiving. I used to get them around .33 - .37 cents a can at that time (I am not sure what this coming year will be like. Their regular price is .67 cents a can). If you get 20-40 dollars worth when they are on sale, you won't need to buy more to replenish for a long time! I agree too that not driving around so much can same some "moolah." That is one reason to stock up. I cannot tell you how many times we ran out of something, to find we already had more stock, because we planned ahead.

People tell me that I should not buy buld items but should put monmey in bank for interest. !/4 of 1% a year won't buy S***. We have Sam's here and not only is the store great, but gas can run anywhere from 3-5 cents a gallon cheaper than any gas station in town. Also, go about lunch time and before you shop, walk around the store and you will get enough free samples so you don't have to buy lunch:)

I love Costco! Tried Sam's Club and found it to be a bit grubby. My husband and I have belonged to Costco since 1994 and shop there about once a month. We RV and "Costco" across the US, always happy with what we buy. We have probably been the most disappointed with produce but continue to buy it -- only in quantities the two of us can handle -- and usually enjoy it. The avocados can't be beaten for size or price and five will last in the fridge just fine -- take one out at a time. The tomatos are the best outside of growing them oneself, etc. etc. Going on too much about that! Electronics are well priced and TVs and computers are provided with an extra year's warranty. The return policy if there is a problem cannot be beaten. I get my eye glasses there and my husband his hearing aids and we have been told by other providers that they cannot compete with Costco. (And we can't afford those other providers -- we would have to do without). Gasoline we have always found significantly cheaper than at a gas station. (Wish they had diesel!) All in all I believe whatever is sold at Costco has been vetted by them far more than I could do so and I trust them. I do comparison shop on line if contemplating a big ticket item and have always found the price competitive. Downside? We drive 65 miles to the closest to us so we do spend quite a bit of money when we go. But with an executive membership and an American Express card we get a rebate on everything with both which is great for a treat!

The coffee!! Worth it just for the coffee. Oh, and dog food. And the cheese and meat. Can't beat the quality of the meat or the price. We buy a cryovac, bring it home, cut it up and freeze in meal portions. Divide up burger, pork roasts. I'm getting hungry justing thinking about it.

I try to stretch my runs to Costco to 3-4 weeks and keep it under $200. Fortunately I don't have a wife and kids to worry about. Also fill up my motorcycle there (don't need to with my electric car though - averaging 2.5cents/mile in cost).

Take that big oil.