Ask:
Do you use a lot of coupons there? Whats your average savings?
Our Costco membership is up for renewal but I received a free 90 day membership card in the mail for BJs and am thinking of trying it out. Its only 1 exit further on the highway than our Costco.
How much is it there for a yearly membership? Costco has gone up to $50 and while I find it convenient to shop there for bulk items I think I am spending more that necessary and add on the $ 50.00 member fee well not sure if its really worth it.
Answer:
I think last time I renewed my BJ's membership it was $45/year. I use manufacturer's coupons and/or BJ's coupons whenever possible (if I'm really lucky I can combine BJ's and manufacturer's coupons with one of their instant rebates for more savings ).
Being able to use manufacturer's coupons is one of the biggest reasons I prefer BJ's, but I also love their diapers (they are also the cheapest in my area) and I like being able to use my credit card there (I don't have an American Express which made it a real pain to shop at Costco). They are also the closest to my house (about 5 minutes away).
My husband has a Costco membership through his mom and I used to have one through my parents, so I have shopped there before. Costco has a few advantages over BJ's in my opinion - one being that their selection is a little better and another that their prices on some products are slightly lower (although that is offset by the fact that BJ's accepts manufacturer's coupons). From what I've seen, Costco also has a better produce section than BJ's (which is no big deal to me because I rarely buy produce there anyway).
Ultimately, I still prefer BJ's. If I ever need something from Costco I can have my husband or my parents get it for me (my mom does buy me honey from Costco because it is super cheap there).
You can get into BJ's without having a card so I would recommend walking through and comparing prices before you make a decision. Or try the trial membership - if you don't like it you can go back to Costco.
I also wanted to add that their price on milk saves me enough over the grocery store that it easily pays for my yearly membership (although if I switch to organic milk, that may no longer be the case...). Also, I only buy things there if they are cheaper than what I would pay at the grocery store or Walmart/Target (not everything is cheaper in bulk!).
Answer:
I'm pretty sure it was $45. I LOVE it. I use their coupons and Manufacturer coupons when I have them...that is a big reason I like it. Just like any warehouse club it isn't really for most everyday purchases, but some of it is...I only buy milk there (it is currently 2.65 a gallon for 2 % as compared to almost $4 at the local grocery) a 6 pk of tomato sauce is only 2.99, cereal I get when they put out their coupons and generally spent about $4 for a 3 pack. The other stuff like household stuff- trash bags, cleaning etc, I only get on sale and if I'm lucky, combined with a coupon and only buy it 1 or 2 times a year.
Please check the bottom of your pass though...I know they offer a 'friends and family ' pass in all of our members coupon books (those are available at the store as well as mailed to your home a few times a year) and there is no fee associated with it to use (you would get the regular memeber benefits) but there is 1 put out in Val-Pak or the newspapers and it has a 5 % surcharge as a non-member, so just double check yours!
(If it does have a charge let me know, I'll mail you my free 60 day trial pass (valid from 6-1-7/9 (to use the first time and then it is active for 60 days from the first date you use it).
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Yes, you can use coupons...I have to admit though, I don't use coupons often in general!
The annual fee right now is $45...you can get all the membership info online:
Answer:
Thanks everyone.
Now that I am a mod for the coupon trains, I figure I will have plenty. Also I like the idea of them taking other cards besides Amex if we ever do make a bigger purchase.
Shell, I just double checked and there is no 5% fee and is also good to activate until 7-9.
I am going to give it a try. When Costco first opened they sent a free year membership so thats why we went with them in the beginning.