Sam's or Costco?
- Thread starter Milton
- Start date
Double-O-Dave
US Veteran
Frankly, I really don't like the way Walmart and Sam;s treats their employees, so I do my best to not shop at their stores. I haven't shopped at Sam's in very many years. I like Costco and have been very happy with their goods and services.
Regards,
Dave
Regards,
Dave
I only buy tires at Discount Tire now days. I can make an appointment on-line for repairs, balance, rotation or new tires and be in and out in an hour. I drive up and they air up my tires in a couple of minutes while I set in the car. Their road hazard warranty is great - no hassles.
venomballistics
Member
Walmart /Sams is only an option if my back is to the wall and they are the only option.
Had a flat and was stuck in wm for nearly 5 hours.
Clerk was too stoned to get the work order to the shop, and the dude in the shop didn't know how to remove the lug nuts.
Had a flat and was stuck in wm for nearly 5 hours.
Clerk was too stoned to get the work order to the shop, and the dude in the shop didn't know how to remove the lug nuts.
Costo is better than Sams on most things (I never have bought tires from either) but I find a local small guy for tires and service.
Best of luck
tb
Best of luck
tb
Ranger17
Member
Before we ever were near a Costco to join one, we were told comparing the 2 was like comparing WM and Target. Seems applicable now that we've been a Costco member for a year or so. Though to be fair, the Costco we're in is a newer store (across from a new Cabelas, bonus lol) while the Sam's is across town and lets just say a little long in the tooth.
But for tires? I needed a set of 18" snows for our Mustang and actually got the best overall deal (over Discount tire, Costco, etc) at an area small town Ford garage.
So I'd too recommend one consider a membership in Costco or Sam's for general needs but i don't think i'd sign up for the sole purpose to buy tires.
But for tires? I needed a set of 18" snows for our Mustang and actually got the best overall deal (over Discount tire, Costco, etc) at an area small town Ford garage.
So I'd too recommend one consider a membership in Costco or Sam's for general needs but i don't think i'd sign up for the sole purpose to buy tires.
OP
Milton
US Veteran
Thanks for all the help! I will try to visit Costco next week and check them out.I do need a place that is convenient for all shopping not just tires.A place my wife will be happy with.
Comrad
Member
Call me crazy but all my car needs are met by the dealer where I bought it. Before everybody groans, these places are highly motivated to make 100% sure you are satisfied with the quality of their service and they are highly skilled techs who understand the car 100%. Expensive you say, most award points toward future purchases and are always tossing in free oil changes, they always wash the car inside and out and even if it ends up a few bucks more it's worth it to me to support these businesses that treat their employees well and you see the same people there for years.
Sorry but the local warehouse operations are staffed by pool paid unmotivated people who sometimes appear to not care if the customer drops dead in the checkout line and it seems I never see the same people twice.
Sorry but the local warehouse operations are staffed by pool paid unmotivated people who sometimes appear to not care if the customer drops dead in the checkout line and it seems I never see the same people twice.
chaparrito
Member
Beer at Sam's costs more than it does at Walmart. Go figure. We belong to both but almost never go to Sam's. Costco FTW. I like their business model and the way they treat their employees. I like to hit their Michelin sale every couple of years.
quneur
Member
The last time I bought tires at Discount Tires, service was good. But we have a similar tire store, Les Schwab, here in WA whose service is also good. They will patch a tire bought from them for the lifetime of the tire; doesn't matter if its changed ownership.
As for Costco, the only automotive product I've bought from there is car batteries. They were the cheapest and all of them seem to last 5-6 years. As for the shopping experience, its not like a grocery store or department store. Its a warehouse and checkout lines are long due to the amount everyone is buying. Costco was originally intended for business owners. Everyone buys in bulk.
But I would confirm the meat selection is good and the rotisserie whole chicken is only $5; better than grocery stores. Selection is limited if you're used to grocery stores but everything is in bulk. I shop there once a month to get basic food stuff and augment it with grocery store items (stuff I don't use that much like condiments, spices, etc.) If your Costco has a deli, then it would be worth purchasing a membership. $1.50 for a large hotdog or polish dog with unlimited soda refills can't be beat. A large slice of pizza is $2.
Their gas prices are pretty low. Originally, they were using no additives in their gas and people were having problems. Since, they have changed to using Shell w/additives (BIL worked for Shell).
If you want to check it out, find a friend who is a member. They can take up to two guests into the store.
As for Costco, the only automotive product I've bought from there is car batteries. They were the cheapest and all of them seem to last 5-6 years. As for the shopping experience, its not like a grocery store or department store. Its a warehouse and checkout lines are long due to the amount everyone is buying. Costco was originally intended for business owners. Everyone buys in bulk.
But I would confirm the meat selection is good and the rotisserie whole chicken is only $5; better than grocery stores. Selection is limited if you're used to grocery stores but everything is in bulk. I shop there once a month to get basic food stuff and augment it with grocery store items (stuff I don't use that much like condiments, spices, etc.) If your Costco has a deli, then it would be worth purchasing a membership. $1.50 for a large hotdog or polish dog with unlimited soda refills can't be beat. A large slice of pizza is $2.
Their gas prices are pretty low. Originally, they were using no additives in their gas and people were having problems. Since, they have changed to using Shell w/additives (BIL worked for Shell).
If you want to check it out, find a friend who is a member. They can take up to two guests into the store.
I prefer to shop Sam's. Nothing much different but prices seem to be better at Sam's They have always done well with the tires for my vehicles. Meat not much difference except Sam's is cheaper. Costco Fruits and veggies are better in my opinion. The Costco snob appeal kinda turns me off....as does the number of people in the store. But Sam's is a Johnny come lately in Billings but becoming busier all the time. I hate to shop anyway. Cept for guns
Costco meat is some of the best beef around short of from a farm or butcher.
It is better than Publix (big grocery chain known for outstanding products and service) Mostly SE US.
It is better than Publix (big grocery chain known for outstanding products and service) Mostly SE US.
Harrison
US Veteran
SAMs Club. We have one about 50 miles away. The nearest Costco is probably over 200 miles away. For tires, I have used Discount Tire for years. They are all over, and if they sell you the tire they will fix flats and rotate for free.
DWalt
Member
For those who prefer Costco, I'd suggest you check into their record of political contributions.
tattooo
Member
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Really, that's the 1st im hearing of this.....can you elaborate ?
DWalt
Member
As some people do not like web links, you need to Google this:
"Costco backs (well known figure), (well known figure) touts Costco"
"Costco backs (well known figure), (well known figure) touts Costco"
peterdeb
Member
I gave up on Costco tires and service a long time ago and on advice from my NAPA guy, became a Discount Tire customer. Best tire advice/decision I ever made. Best prices on Michelins with quality service. In and out in record time for new tires, scheduled rotation and balancing and repair. I could write a long paragraph on the frustration of using Costco for tires and joys of Discount Tire. Costco is great on most items but tires is NOT one of them....IMHO.
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I am a BIG Costco fan but never buy tires from them. The Costco near my house only sells Michelin and Bridgestone and I am NOT a fan of either. I prefer either Goodyear or Continental for my cars and Dunlops for my Harley.
The Mom & Pop Tire Store I use has excellent prices but more importantly stands behind everything they sell (no hassles) and all his labor. He just replaced two tires on my Escalade because they were slightly out of round. I felt an unevenness while slowing down (before brakes were applied) and after spinning them on the lift he said they were out of round and replaced them free of charge even though they were 8 months old and had almost 5,000 miles on them. That kind of service is worth it to me and while I am not opposed to saving money, my tires get purchased at my local Mom & Pop Tire Store.
The Mom & Pop Tire Store I use has excellent prices but more importantly stands behind everything they sell (no hassles) and all his labor. He just replaced two tires on my Escalade because they were slightly out of round. I felt an unevenness while slowing down (before brakes were applied) and after spinning them on the lift he said they were out of round and replaced them free of charge even though they were 8 months old and had almost 5,000 miles on them. That kind of service is worth it to me and while I am not opposed to saving money, my tires get purchased at my local Mom & Pop Tire Store.
Honestly, I don't let politics enter into my tire purchasing decisions.
I am a Costco member and bought tires to fit my 2011 Caddy DTS in June.
Michelin Premier
A/S Performance H/V 235/55R17
Mounted and balanced $772.76. Including tax.
$200 less than Tire Discounters. And Costco is closer.
I am a Costco member and bought tires to fit my 2011 Caddy DTS in June.
Michelin Premier
A/S Performance H/V 235/55R17
Mounted and balanced $772.76. Including tax.
$200 less than Tire Discounters. And Costco is closer.
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