Sam's or Costco?

[quneur]

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.

 

[Skeet 028]

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

 

[Rule3]

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.

 

[Harrison]

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]

For those who prefer Costco, I'd suggest you check into their record of political contributions.

 

[tattooo]

For those who prefer Costco, I'd suggest you check into their record of political contributions.

Really, that's the 1st im hearing of this.....can you elaborate ?

 

[DWalt]

As some people do not like web links, you need to Google this:

"Costco backs (well known figure), (well known figure) touts Costco"

 

[peterdeb]

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.

 

[chief38]

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.

 

[blujax01]

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.

 

[blujax01]

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.

They also sell rotisserie chicken breast meat pieces that fell off the bone, in 3 pound packages. I bring it home, break it down into smaller portions and freeze it. It is outstanding!
And if you're into organics, they are quickly becoming one of the largest organic grocery chains in the U.S. Much cheaper than "Whole Paycheck".

 

[arjay]

Costco has great beef,lamb and that rotisserie chicken is fantastic!

 

[Gamecock]

Internet question:

Should I buy from A or B?

Internet answer:

C.

I am a Sam's member. I find Walmart to be competitive with Sam's on tire prices. In fact, last tires I bought I got a Walmart.

Sam's and Walmart will give you their pricing on duh net. Don't know if Costco does.

 

[fas111]

Discount tires is the best. On my last purchase I went online to Tire Rack and checked prices and reviews. When I decided on the tires I wanted I printed out the page and took it to tire rack. They matched the price and their service is awesome. They us a torque wrench when mounting the tires. I also purchased their road hazard policy, it covers repair or replacement and balancing and rotating. They wanted 100 for the 4 tires but quickly went down to 50 when I balked. You receive emails when they think you should be ready for service and you can book on line at a day and time convienent to you.

 

[mj2008]

Costco carries much better steaks.