Somewhat off topic but .....
We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's. When
Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free memberships for
a year, not to be turned down. We did renew for one year but now it is
renewal time again. Now our teenager has gone to college the $45 seems a
lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel balances and rotations
at Costco could keep us there). Now you cannot get into the doors of one of
these places without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate the
"offerings"?. Any opinions on the above stores would be very welcome.
Thanks,
Doug.

>
>"offerings"?. Any opinions on the above stores would be very welcome.
>Thanks,
>Doug.
>

You may go into the store with someone else, join a friend on a shopping trip.
If this does not see, workable, ask at the door if there is a way fr you to
go in and look around before you decide.

I have belonged to Sam's and Costco, I much prefer Costco, they have a better
variet of things, and the quality is better. I also like tei store brand...
Kirkland, I have always felt it was a good value.

Rosie

My hunch is that Costco makes sense if you buy at least one large consumer
durable (eg, power tool, TV, etc.) per year and you don't mind buying last
year's model at a significant discount. Or, if have prescription drugs to
buy or a large volume of other stuff. We get Pooch's prescriptions at the
Costco pharmacy, which easily pays for the membership.

For food, we regularly buy pork ribs and pork butt there for BBQ (although
Smart & Final is competitive for those items).

--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Louis Cohen
Living la vida loca at N37° 43' 7.9" W122° 8' 42.8"


"Doug Cutler" > wrote in message
link.net...
> Somewhat off topic but .....
> We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's.
When
> Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free memberships
for
> a year, not to be turned down. We did renew for one year but now it is
> renewal time again. Now our teenager has gone to college the $45 seems a
> lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel balances and
rotations
> at Costco could keep us there). Now you cannot get into the doors of one
of
> these places without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate
the
> "offerings"?. Any opinions on the above stores would be very welcome.
> Thanks,
> Doug.
>
>

"Doug Cutler" > wrote:

>Somewhat off topic but .....
> We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's. When
>Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free memberships for
>a year, not to be turned down. We did renew for one year but now it is
>renewal time again. Now our teenager has gone to college the $45 seems a
>lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel balances and rotations
>at Costco could keep us there). Now you cannot get into the doors of one of
>these places without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate the
>"offerings"?. Any opinions on the above stores would be very welcome.
>Thanks,
>Doug.
>

In the past we were able to get a one day pass at Sam's. You were
allowed to purchase but paid a surcharge. We did it once or twice
when there was a small item than was not available at Costco. Ask at
the door.

--
Susan N.

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary and those who do not.

"Doug Cutler" > wrote in message
link.net...
> Somewhat off topic but .....
> We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's.
When
> Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free memberships
for
> a year, not to be turned down. We did renew for one year but now it is
> renewal time again. Now our teenager has gone to college the $45 seems a
> lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel balances and
rotations
> at Costco could keep us there). Now you cannot get into the doors of one
of
> these places without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate
the
> "offerings"?. Any opinions on the above stores would be very welcome.
> Thanks,
> Doug.
>
>

Doug,

The local BJ's (Lancaster, PA) does "visitor passes" for a day. You pay a
surcharge at the register if you decide to purchase anything. Should be
able to get your pass at the customer service desk.

Jason

Doug Cutler wrote:
>
> Somewhat off topic but .....
> We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's. When
> Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free memberships for
> a year, not to be turned down. We did renew for one year but now it is
> renewal time again. Now our teenager has gone to college the $45 seems a
> lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel balances and rotations
> at Costco could keep us there). Now you cannot get into the doors of one of
> these places without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate the
> "offerings"?. Any opinions on the above stores would be very welcome.

I can't help you with the other stores, but the first time I went to
check out Costco, I guess, as they say, ignorance is bliss. Walked
right in, having no idea I was supposed to be a member even to get
in. I didn't try to buy anything, and you have to present your card
at the register anyway, so what do they care?

At any rate, can't hurt to ask if you could just look around.

nancy

"Doug Cutler" > wrote in
link.net:

> We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's.
> When
> Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free
> memberships for a year, not to be turned down. We did renew for one
> year but now it is renewal time again. Now our teenager has gone to
> college the $45 seems a lot for what will be limited use (however free
> wheel balances and rotations at Costco could keep us there). Now you
> cannot get into the doors of one of these places without a membership
> card in hand so how does one evaluate the "offerings"?. Any opinions
> on the above stores would be very welcome.

We used to belong only to Sam's Club because there was no Costco where we
lived. Sometimes their products--particularly food items--aren't any
cheaper than grocery store products. You have to be diligent about not
getting sucked into the idea that because it's a larger quantity, it's
automatically cheaper.

Then we moved to an area with a Costco, and I'm sure we'll be dropping
Sam's Club when it comes time for renewal. Costco's food prices sometimes
aren't less than grocery stores either, but I find it less the case there
than at Sam's Club. Their food variety is also greater, and I believe their
meats are better. Our Costco membership paid for itself at Christmas when I
bought the latest model of some electronic equipment for DH for $50 less
than at other retail outlets.

The other thing that I like about our Costco membership is that they sell
gas at up to 10 cents cheaper per gallon than other nearby gas stations.

Cate

> Nancy Young writes:
>
>Doug Cutler wrote:
>>
>> We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's.
>>you cannot get into the doors of one
>of
>> these places without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate the
>> "offerings"?
>
>can't hurt to ask if you could just look around.

The 2-3 times I've been in those warehouse stores I've seen no bargains, no
prices lower than the typical sale prices at ordinary stupidmarkets, except if
you purchase products in those humongous sizes, like who has a fridge that can
accomodate gallon jugs of mayo and freedom dressing? And if you calculate the
cost in most cases you'll find those vat sizes are priced higher per ounce. I
bet even Stan doesn't buy Heinz Ketchup in 55 gallon drums.


---= BOYCOTT FRENCH--GERMAN (belgium) =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
Sheldon
````````````
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."

Thanks all.
Doug.
>
> "Doug Cutler" > wrote in message
> link.net...
> Somewhat off topic but .....
> We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's.
>
> Now you cannot get into the doors of one of
> these places without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate
> the
> "offerings"?. Any opinions on the above stores would be very welcome.
> Thanks,
> Doug.

Doug Cutler wrote:
>
> Somewhat off topic but .....
> We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's. When
> Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free memberships for
> a year, not to be turned down. We did renew for one year but now it is
> renewal time again. Now our teenager has gone to college the $45 seems a
> lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel balances and rotations
> at Costco could keep us there). Now you cannot get into the doors of one of
> these places without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate the
> "offerings"?. Any opinions on the above stores would be very welcome.
> Thanks,
> Doug.



They will usually give you a one-day pass which will allow
you to look around but not buy. Ask at the Customer Service desk.

gloria p

PENMART01 wrote in message >...
like who has a fridge that can
>accomodate gallon jugs of mayo and freedom dressing?

what's freedom dressing?

<ducks>

--
Saerah

TANSTAAFL

Hangovers only last a day, but a good drinking story lives on forever....

"PENMART01" > wrote in message

> The 2-3 times I've been in those warehouse stores I've seen no bargains,
no
> prices lower than the typical sale prices at ordinary stupidmarkets,
except if
> you purchase products in those humongous sizes, like who has a fridge that
can
> accomodate gallon jugs of mayo and freedom dressing? And if you calculate
the
> cost in most cases you'll find those vat sizes are priced higher per
ounce. I
> bet even Stan doesn't buy Heinz Ketchup in 55 gallon drums.
>
>

Sheldon, the BJ's here in Albany has a fairly decent food department. Jumbo
fresh shrimp ($11.99/lb.) almost the size of your fist, fer example. No
major bargain, but good, fresh stuff.

I picked up a rib roast there last week ($7.69/lb.) which was top-quality,
AFAIC. Custom cut in their meat dept.

I like the Sam's selection of cryovac pork for summer rib cookin'. Thay
also have Perdue fryers at 69 cents/lb. every day.

You're absolutely right, though - I just don't see myself buying one of
those 50 pound bags of rice. . .

Van

>"Van"
>
>"PENMART01" wrote:
>
>> The 2-3 times I've been in those warehouse stores I've seen no bargains,
>no
>> prices lower than the typical sale prices at ordinary stupidmarkets,
>except if
>> you purchase products in those humongous sizes, like who has a fridge that
>can
>> accomodate gallon jugs of mayo and freedom dressing? And if you calculate
>the
>> cost in most cases you'll find those vat sizes are priced higher per
>ounce. I
>> bet even Stan doesn't buy Heinz Ketchup in 55 gallon drums.
>>
>>
>
>Sheldon, the BJ's here in Albany has a fairly decent food department. Jumbo
>fresh shrimp ($11.99/lb.) almost the size of your fist, fer example. No
>major bargain, but good, fresh stuff.
>
>I picked up a rib roast there last week ($7.69/lb.) which was top-quality,
>AFAIC. Custom cut in their meat dept.
>
>I like the Sam's selection of cryovac pork for summer rib cookin'. Thay
>also have Perdue fryers at 69 cents/lb. every day.

You can do as well and better at PriceChopper.... where you can shop in a far
nicer environment and receive excellent service... whereas any service is
non-existant at the stupidstores.


---= BOYCOTT FRENCH--GERMAN (belgium) =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
Sheldon
````````````
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."

Doug Cutler > wrote:
> Somewhat off topic but .....
> We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's. When
> Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free memberships for
> a year, not to be turned down. We did renew for one year but now it is
> renewal time again. Now our teenager has gone to college the $45 seems a
> lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel balances and rotations
> at Costco could keep us there). Now you cannot get into the doors of one of
> these places without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate the
> "offerings"?. Any opinions on the above stores would be very welcome.

I just go with a friend when I need to buy stuff in bulk. In fact, I just
tagged along with a friend to B.J's yesterday. I only bought $20 worth of
stuff, but my friend used his membership card to make the purchase, plus
he pocked my cash and paid with a credit card that gives him an annual rebate.

Doug Cutler wrote:
> Somewhat off topic but .....
> We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's. When
> Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free memberships for
> a year, not to be turned down. We did renew for one year but now it is
> renewal time again. Now our teenager has gone to college the $45 seems a
> lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel balances and rotations
> at Costco could keep us there). Now you cannot get into the doors of one of
> these places without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate the
> "offerings"?. Any opinions on the above stores would be very welcome.
> Thanks,
> Doug.
>
>
At least in the Seattle area, the local big box stores offer up one day
memberships. That should help you decide if you want to switch over.
--
Alan

"If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion, and
avoid the people, you might better stay home."
--James Michener

"Doug Cutler" > wrote in message hlink.net>...
> Somewhat off topic but .....
> We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's. When
> Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free memberships for
> a year, not to be turned down. We did renew for one year but now it is
> renewal time again. Now our teenager has gone to college the $45 seems a
> lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel balances and rotations
> at Costco could keep us there). Now you cannot get into the doors of one of
> these places without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate the
> "offerings"?. Any opinions on the above stores would be very welcome.
> Thanks,
> Doug.

If you do the math, most of what they carry is not that great of a
savings. IME, it would be pretty hard to recoup the $45 and make it
worth my while to fight the crowds. I shop the sales and purchase
trusted off-brands at regular grocery and discount stores and get
better deals than I can at Costco or Sams. besides, Sam's is part of
the Evil Empire - I'm not sure but I think Costco is as well - they
don't get my business.

-L.

-L. wrote:

> "Doug Cutler" > wrote in message hlink.net>...
>
>>Somewhat off topic but .....
>> We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's. When
>>Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free memberships for
>>a year, not to be turned down. We did renew for one year but now it is
>>renewal time again. Now our teenager has gone to college the $45 seems a
>>lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel balances and rotations
>>at Costco could keep us there). Now you cannot get into the doors of one of
>>these places without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate the
>>"offerings"?. Any opinions on the above stores would be very welcome.
>>Thanks,
>>Doug.
>
>
> If you do the math, most of what they carry is not that great of a
> savings. IME, it would be pretty hard to recoup the $45 and make it
> worth my while to fight the crowds.

Today I bought a whole beef filet for 8.99/pound at Costco. Also 4
pounds of U-15 shrimp for 8.99/pound (I'm cooking some on-air in the
studio tomorrow because it's my co-host's birthday.). Bought boneless
chicken thighs for 1.69. 6 hearts of romaine for 2.99. Three NYT
listed paperbacks for a total of 12.47. Gallon of milk for 2.39. Got
the receipt right here. 12 jumbo rolls of paper towels for 9.99. 2
bottles of Martini & Rossi Asti Spumante for 9.79 each. 3 cantaloupes
for 5.99. And more stuff. Those same things at any supermarket in the
area would all have cost a good deal more. I shop there about 4 times
a month and have bought automotive things, office supplies at roughly
3/4 the price at discount stores, kitchenwares, electronics, etc.

Today, I waited in a line that was three people ahead of me, two
carrying their purchases in their hands. There were only two lines
open and it was reasonable.

Costco is my first choice for quality meats and good prices on branded
items. For a while I checked sales prices at other stores for the
things I generally buy there. Nobody could beat them.

Pastorio

Wow, where are you?. The only two meet stores that carried Hangar Steak
around here have gone out of business and I have not seen any at our local
CostCo.
Doug.

"Steve Wertz" > wrote in message
...
>
> just because they're the only place that carries bottom sirloin
> flap meat (reasonably priced). AKA Hangar steak.

the EVIL empire?



http://www.myshutter.com/flash/smiley-back.swf


"-L." > wrote in message
m...
> "Doug Cutler" > wrote in message
hlink.net>...
> > Somewhat off topic but .....
> > We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and
BJ's. When
> > Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free
memberships for
> > a year, not to be turned down. We did renew for one year but
now it is
> > renewal time again. Now our teenager has gone to college the
$45 seems a
> > lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel balances
and rotations
> > at Costco could keep us there). Now you cannot get into the
doors of one of
> > these places without a membership card in hand so how does one
evaluate the
> > "offerings"?. Any opinions on the above stores would be very
welcome.
> > Thanks,
> > Doug.
>
> If you do the math, most of what they carry is not that great of a
> savings. IME, it would be pretty hard to recoup the $45 and make
it
> worth my while to fight the crowds. I shop the sales and purchase
> trusted off-brands at regular grocery and discount stores and get
> better deals than I can at Costco or Sams. besides, Sam's is part
of
> the Evil Empire - I'm not sure but I think Costco is as well -
they
> don't get my business.
>
> -L.

Bob > wrote in message >...

>
> Today I bought a whole beef filet for 8.99/pound at Costco.

That's the going rate at my corner market, and I don't have to buy the
entire filet if I don't want to, I could buy one steak, half an inch
thick,if that's all I wanted. USDA Choice, cut to order. I also get as
much or as little 85% lean ground beef as I need, ground to order, for
$2.29 a pound.


> Bought boneless
> chicken thighs for 1.69.

> 6 hearts of romaine for 2.99.

Again, corner market...package of 3 hearts of romaine, $1.49.

> Three NYT listed paperbacks for a total of 12.47.

Depending on the books...could probably get a similar buy at Amazon.

> Gallon of milk for 2.39.

Gas station where I stop once a week, gallons of milk cost $1.99.
It's a loss leader. I also get half gallons of orange juice for that
price there.


> 2 bottles of Martini & Rossi Asti Spumante for 9.79 each.

Lots of non-membership stores sell wines at state minimum prices. It's
illegal to sell lower than state minimums, so the warehouse stores
offer no advantage there.

> And more stuff. Those same things at any supermarket in the
> area would all have cost a good deal more. I shop there about 4 times
> a month and have bought automotive things, office supplies at roughly
> 3/4 the price at discount stores, kitchenwares, electronics, etc.

Mom and Pop stores have realized that they need to lower their prices
in order to compete with the big box stores. So often, you get better
quality at comparable prices, without having to shell out "membership"
fees. The membership stores brainwash you into beleiving that they
will always have the lowest prices on things, when what they are
really doing is buying your loyalty. If you have to shell out $45 for
the privelige of shopping at Costco...you're damn well gonna shop
there as often as possible, to recoup your investment.
>
> Today, I waited in a line that was three people ahead of me, two
> carrying their purchases in their hands. There were only two lines
> open and it was reasonable.

We all know that's the exception rather than the rule.

>
> Costco is my first choice for quality meats and good prices on branded
> items. For a while I checked sales prices at other stores for the
> things I generally buy there. Nobody could beat them.

But have you factored in the cost of the membership?

Say you make average of 45 visits a year. (you said you shop there 4
times a month...I'm being conservative). So you are actually spending
a dollar a visit on that membership. Factor that in to your receipt.

I dunno...I can have a much more pleasant shopping experience, not
have to buy the quantities THEY dictate, especially on meats, and NOT
have to spend $45 on "membership". I don't see how I'm losing by not
shopping at warehouse clubs.

In article > ,
(Sheryl) wrote:


> Lots of non-membership stores sell wines at state minimum prices. It's
> illegal to sell lower than state minimums, so the warehouse stores
> offer no advantage there.


That sounds pretty odd, but then liquor laws often are. Here in
California, I don't believe they have minimum prices. Also, Costco here
carries all kinds of booze, whereas other states only sell the hard stuff
in state liquor stores.


> > Today, I waited in a line that was three people ahead of me, two
> > carrying their purchases in their hands. There were only two lines
> > open and it was reasonable.
>
> We all know that's the exception rather than the rule.

Not true for me. A bad day at Safeway is 10 times worse than a good day
at Costco. We very seldom have more than 3 people ahead of us. We are
careful to try to shop early in the morning on the weekend, though.


> But have you factored in the cost of the membership?


Yes. For us it's worth it. For you, assuming that you are living by
yourself, it wouldn't be. We have three young folks, each with a mighty
appetite, in addition to us two old folks.

--
Dan Abel
Sonoma State University
AIS

Cute


" >rosie<" > wrote in message
...
> the EVIL empire?
>
>
>
> http://www.myshutter.com/flash/smiley-back.swf
>
>

Sheryl wrote:
>
>
> I dunno...I can have a much more pleasant shopping experience, not
> have to buy the quantities THEY dictate, especially on meats, and NOT
> have to spend $45 on "membership". I don't see how I'm losing by not
> shopping at warehouse clubs.



You probably aren't losing, but many of us don't have
access to the "corner grocer" you cited. It's the same
for the spice discussion going on right now. If you have
access to the ethnic markets, chances are you CAN get
spices a lot cheaper than Penzey's (not factoring quality)
but many of us don't have that access. H*ll, even the
nearest Trader Joe's is at least 1000 miles away from me.

gloria p

"Puester" > wrote in message
...
> Sheryl wrote:
> >
> >
> > I dunno...I can have a much more pleasant shopping experience, not
> > have to buy the quantities THEY dictate, especially on meats, and NOT
> > have to spend $45 on "membership". I don't see how I'm losing by not
> > shopping at warehouse clubs.
>
>
>
> You probably aren't losing, but many of us don't have
> access to the "corner grocer" you cited. It's the same
> for the spice discussion going on right now. If you have
> access to the ethnic markets, chances are you CAN get
> spices a lot cheaper than Penzey's (not factoring quality)
> but many of us don't have that access. H*ll, even the
> nearest Trader Joe's is at least 1000 miles away from me.
>
> gloria p

That's the truth. I could find things less expensive in ethnic markets, but
the latino one is 15 miles in one direction, while the asian market is 25
miles in another. When I factor in the drive, the time, etc, Penzey's is
the better bargain.

Jack Expressway

in article , Steve Wertz at
lid wrote on 1/20/04 3:15 PM:

> When a new sams opens up, membership is $10-15 (for 2 cards). $40
> after that. BJ's was I think $40, CostCo is free when they first
> open, then $45 after that. CostCo and BJ's are worth the price
> just because they're the only place that carries bottom sirloin
> flap meat (reasonably priced). AKA Hangar steak.

So, Sirloin flap steak is Hangar Steak?
Hmmm...I bought that years ago, regularly, for under $3 a pound...recently
it's gone to $5+.

I bought a hangar steak at a butcher in NYC for a very dear price (i thought
so) and when I cooked it, I thought it tasted just like sirloin flap, from
my supermarket. But I thought "why wouldn't they call it hangar steak?"
Glad to know my hunch was right.

Bob > wrote in message >...> >

<snip>

>Those same things at any supermarket in the
> area would all have cost a good deal more.

Where do you live? The prices you are listing aren't that great in
comparison to prices here - I have recently shopped in San Jose (CA)
and Portland (OR). But I shop big warehouse bag-it-yourself grocers.

>I shop there about 4 times
> a month and have bought automotive things, office supplies at roughly
> 3/4 the price at discount stores, kitchenwares, electronics, etc.

One thing I will give them (Sam's) is the price on Pirelli tires. You
cannot find a better deal. We got a one-day pass to Cosco to look at
applicances and baby furniture when we moved here. Their selection
was limited and the prices weren't going to make up for the $45 fee.

>
> Today, I waited in a line that was three people ahead of me, two
> carrying their purchases in their hands. There were only two lines
> open and it was reasonable.

That's never the case at the ones I have been to. It has always been
a major hassle to park and shop. That's another reason I didn't renew
my membership.


>
> Costco is my first choice for quality meats and good prices on branded
> items. For a while I checked sales prices at other stores for the
> things I generally buy there. Nobody could beat them.
>
> Pastorio

Maybe it's a regional thing. I belonged to Sam's when membership was
free for me (in Indianapolis), but even then, the prices weren't that
great. They did carry a dried rice pilaf that was good as a staple.
But when I changed jobs and had to buy membership, I stopped - it just
didn't make sense for a number of reasons.

I guess it's just one of those things - you either hate them or love
them. For me, I just don't see the point.

-L.

"-L." > wrote in message
>
> If you do the math, most of what they carry is not that great of a
> savings. IME, it would be pretty hard to recoup the $45 and make it
> worth my while to fight the crowds. I shop the sales and purchase
> trusted off-brands at regular grocery and discount stores and get
> better deals than I can at Costco or Sams.

I recoup mine easily. Take a whole pork loin for example. At BJ's I'll pay
less than $2 a pound and they run about 8 to 10 pounds. The same thing cut
in a supermarket sells for as much as $4.59 a pound. So, do the math.

Not every item is as big a number and some are not bargains at all so you do
have to pay attention. I don't always want the larger size either.

BTW, I bought a new TV a few weeks ago. It was $100 less than Best Buy for
the same exact model. I'm set for two years of memberships now. I usually
shop on Wednesday and don't run into any big crowds. Certainly no more
than the local supermarkets.
Ed

http://pages.cthome.net/edhome

Sheryl wrote:

> Bob > wrote in message >...
>
>
>>Today I bought a whole beef filet for 8.99/pound at Costco.
>
> That's the going rate at my corner market,

There aren't any "corner markets" here. I guess I didn't fully state
the competitive situation. The next cheapest filet I've seen around
here was 11.99 and, Monday last week when I looked, they were up as
high as 14.99 in other stores.

> and I don't have to buy the
> entire filet if I don't want to, I could buy one steak, half an inch
> thick,if that's all I wanted. USDA Choice, cut to order.

It's the same price for a whole one and steaks cut from it? Unusual.

> I also get as
> much or as little 85% lean ground beef as I need, ground to order, for
> $2.29 a pound.

Good price.

>>Bought boneless
>>chicken thighs for 1.69.

I've only seen the boneless thighs in one other store in the area and
they were 2.99. Bone-in thighs are usually in the 1.19 to 1.39 range
and they only yield about 50% meat, so the real price is 2.38 to 2.78
per pound usable.

>>6 hearts of romaine for 2.99.
>
> Again, corner market...package of 3 hearts of romaine, $1.49.

Same price. Good deal.

>>Three NYT listed paperbacks for a total of 12.47.
>
> Depending on the books...could probably get a similar buy at Amazon.

Perhaps so, but I wouldn't have bought them or even known about them
if I hadn't seen the books and read the liner notes. The three books
were listed at 6.50, 6.99 and 7.99, respectively. That would come to
21.48 and I could just pick them up, no waiting for the mail.

>>Gallon of milk for 2.39.
>
> Gas station where I stop once a week, gallons of milk cost $1.99.
> It's a loss leader. I also get half gallons of orange juice for that
> price there.

That's good. We don't have any such places that I know of around here.
Milk in the chains has recently been from 2.89 to 3.19.

>>2 bottles of Martini & Rossi Asti Spumante for 9.79 each.
>
> Lots of non-membership stores sell wines at state minimum prices. It's
> illegal to sell lower than state minimums, so the warehouse stores
> offer no advantage there.

There are no such minima in Virginia. The cheapest I've seen it
anywhere else (and I looked for the holidays) was 12.99

>>And more stuff. Those same things at any supermarket in the
>>area would all have cost a good deal more. I shop there about 4 times
>>a month and have bought automotive things, office supplies at roughly
>>3/4 the price at discount stores, kitchenwares, electronics, etc.
>

> Mom and Pop stores have realized that they need to lower their prices
> in order to compete with the big box stores.

M&P stores can't lower their prices to these levels and survive. The
bulk purchasing approach applies all the way through the distribution
system. Those little stores can't buy wholesale for what many items
are sold at in those stores. That's why so many restaurants and small
retail shops buy at them.

> So often, you get better
> quality

I have not seen *any* choice-grade retail beef that's better quality
than what's at Costco week after week, and certainly not at prices
near theirs.

This is a rural area and there are slaughter/butcher operations here
and the meats are still more expensive and less expertly cut.

> at comparable prices, without having to shell out "membership"
> fees. The membership stores brainwash you into beleiving that they
> will always have the lowest prices on things, when what they are
> really doing is buying your loyalty.

I'm afraid that I think this is a silly thing to say. Costco doesn't
advertise at all around here. You go in and take your chances just
like at any other retail operation. I bought there for my restaurants
because I got the best quality for the money spent. My checkbook has
no loyalty.

> If you have to shell out $45 for
> the privelige of shopping at Costco...you're damn well gonna shop
> there as often as possible, to recoup your investment.

What a strange way to look at it. When you pay your auto insurance
premiums, do you get into accidents to make sure you recoup your
investment?

I see the cost of membership as a cost of doing business that lowers
the rest of my costs of doing business.

>>Today, I waited in a line that was three people ahead of me, two
>>carrying their purchases in their hands. There were only two lines
>>open and it was reasonable.
>
> We all know that's the exception rather than the rule.

I don't think "we all know" that to be the case at all. I dare say
that everyone else who was in that store knows otherwise. Since you
assert that you don't shop in these sorts of places, I'm inclined to
think that your experience is limited.

>>Costco is my first choice for quality meats and good prices on branded
>>items. For a while I checked sales prices at other stores for the
>>things I generally buy there. Nobody could beat them.
>
> But have you factored in the cost of the membership?
>
> Say you make average of 45 visits a year. (you said you shop there 4
> times a month...I'm being conservative). So you are actually spending
> a dollar a visit on that membership. Factor that in to your receipt.

So let's see. I just calculated that I saved between $40 and $50 over
what I would have spent in several stores for what I got today, and I
only had to go to one place to do it. I find this to be a fairly
normal sort of experience. I only spent a total of $143.

The 4 pounds of U-15 shrimp (8.99 versus 13.99 at a seafood store)
alone saved me $20. The filet was just under 5 pounds and saved me
another $15. The books saved me another $9. I don't buy filet and
shrimp every day, so those numbers aren't typical. But I buy some
sorts of meats and cheese virtually every time and the price/quality
relationship simply can't be matched anywhere else here. Same for
things I've bought recently. Bedsheets, car emergency kits for my wife
and me, service ware for dinner parties, luggage, electronics and many
other things. Breads and pastries made on premises.

> I dunno...I can have a much more pleasant shopping experience,

This is entirely subjective, of course, but I rather like the sense of
openness and ease they provide. Wide aisles unlike supermarkets. To my
eye, there's a more leisurely pace to all of it. I also like the
sampling they do - lets you try things before buying. I also find that
employees can either answer questions directly or they can find
someone who can, unlike what I'm finding increasingly in most
supermarkets or discounters.

> not
> have to buy the quantities THEY dictate,

Come on. All packaged foods and everything else in every other store
that come in packages are in sizes THEY decide on.

> especially on meats, and NOT
> have to spend $45 on "membership".

Costco's meat manager cut some rib steaks for a woman who only wanted
3 of them while I was browsing the meats. I once saw another meat
cutter slice a pork loin into butterfly cutlets for a special order.

> I don't see how I'm losing by not
> shopping at warehouse clubs.

Ok.

Pastorio

-L. wrote:

> Bob > wrote in message >...> >
>
> <snip>
>
>>Those same things at any supermarket in the
>>area would all have cost a good deal more.
>
>
> Where do you live?

The Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

> The prices you are listing aren't that great in
> comparison to prices here - I have recently shopped in San Jose (CA)
> and Portland (OR). But I shop big warehouse bag-it-yourself grocers.

I wish. This is the country. THe only big things around here are the
herds of cattle.

>>I shop there about 4 times
>>a month and have bought automotive things, office supplies at roughly
>>3/4 the price at discount stores, kitchenwares, electronics, etc.
>
> One thing I will give them (Sam's) is the price on Pirelli tires. You
> cannot find a better deal. We got a one-day pass to Cosco to look at
> applicances and baby furniture when we moved here. Their selection
> was limited and the prices weren't going to make up for the $45 fee.

Costco doesn't have a big selection of appliances here, either,. But
if you want a TV, boy do they have them in every shape size and
configurations. It's strange what they carry. There's a display of
chandeliers and one costs $3000. Just what every farmhouse needs.

>>Today, I waited in a line that was three people ahead of me, two
>>carrying their purchases in their hands. There were only two lines
>>open and it was reasonable.
>
> That's never the case at the ones I have been to. It has always been
> a major hassle to park and shop. That's another reason I didn't renew
> my membership.

We must be lucky, then. No problem parking. It's a huge lot and there
are always spaces within 100 feet of the door. Shopping is generally
comfortable. The holidays were hectic, but where are they not?

>>Costco is my first choice for quality meats and good prices on branded
>>items. For a while I checked sales prices at other stores for the
>>things I generally buy there. Nobody could beat them.
>>
>>Pastorio
>
> Maybe it's a regional thing. I belonged to Sam's when membership was
> free for me (in Indianapolis), but even then, the prices weren't that
> great.

Our nearest Sam's is an hour away in Charlottesville, VA, rather a
larger city than where I live. Been to the store once and didn't like
the feel of the place. Prices were higher than the ones here.

> They did carry a dried rice pilaf that was good as a staple.
> But when I changed jobs and had to buy membership, I stopped - it just
> didn't make sense for a number of reasons.
>
> I guess it's just one of those things - you either hate them or love
> them. For me, I just don't see the point.

To each his own, no...?

Pastorio

In article >, Bob >
wrote:

> Sheryl wrote:

> > fees. The membership stores brainwash you into beleiving that they
> > will always have the lowest prices on things, when what they are
> > really doing is buying your loyalty.
>
> I'm afraid that I think this is a silly thing to say. Costco doesn't

I agree with Sheryl. This is a recognized marketing technique. Once
you've shelled out your membership fee, if you then don't shop there, that
membership fee is down the drain. I don't have a problem with this. It's
like anything else, like a magazine subscription or belonging to a gymn,
the longer period you commit to, the lower the price.


> > If you have to shell out $45 for
> > the privelige of shopping at Costco...you're damn well gonna shop
> > there as often as possible, to recoup your investment.
>
> What a strange way to look at it. When you pay your auto insurance
> premiums, do you get into accidents to make sure you recoup your
> investment?


No, because as I learned the hard way, your premiums go way up the more
accidents you have.

:-(


> I see the cost of membership as a cost of doing business that lowers
> the rest of my costs of doing business.


But you and I spend enough money there so that the cost of the membership
is greatly exceeded by the savings.

--
Dan Abel
Sonoma State University
AIS

On Thu, 22 Jan 2004 13:14:18 -0800, (Dan Abel) wrote:

>In article >, Bob >
>wrote:
>
>> Sheryl wrote:
>
>> > fees. The membership stores brainwash you into beleiving that they
>> > will always have the lowest prices on things, when what they are
>> > really doing is buying your loyalty.
>>
>> I'm afraid that I think this is a silly thing to say. Costco doesn't
>
>I agree with Sheryl. This is a recognized marketing technique. Once
>you've shelled out your membership fee, if you then don't shop there, that
>membership fee is down the drain. I don't have a problem with this. It's
>like anything else, like a magazine subscription or belonging to a gymn,
>the longer period you commit to, the lower the price.

Buy why would anyone buy a membership at a place like Costco and then
not use it? It is no more reasonable to do so than buying anything
else at $45 dollars that will not be used. Granted it happens
sometimes, but I cannot consider it a flaw in the store.

I do the majority of my grocery, meat, office supply, paper goods,
linen, DVD/CD and OTC drug buying there. And I charge it all on a
Costco AmEx that gives me 2% cash back at Costco & 1% back elsewhere.
That alone has paid for my membership.

I do not shop at Costco only for their prices, which I find quite
reasonable on most things, on par for others (once in a great while,
someone else has a sale that beats them, but not that often), but also
for their customer service. That is the most wonderful part of
shopping there.

All their rebates can be filed online and they arrive back quickly.
Their return policies are impeccable and they treat me well. I have
never, ever had a bad shopping experience there.

My kids get their contacts there. I get my glasses there. That savings
would pay for the membership a couple of times over.

>> I see the cost of membership as a cost of doing business that lowers
>> the rest of my costs of doing business.
>
>
>But you and I spend enough money there so that the cost of the membership
>is greatly exceeded by the savings.

But why else would anyone join? I am not saying it is for everyone.
ONce the kids are all out of the house & we're cooking and supplying
only two people, we may not bother, but if right now it is wonderful
for us.

Damn. I should see if I can invest in them.

Boron

Bob > wrote in message >...
> -L. wrote:
>
> > Bob > wrote in message >...> >
> >
> > <snip>
> >
> >>Those same things at any supermarket in the
> >>area would all have cost a good deal more.
> >
> >
> > Where do you live?
>
> The Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
>
> > The prices you are listing aren't that great in
> > comparison to prices here - I have recently shopped in San Jose (CA)
> > and Portland (OR). But I shop big warehouse bag-it-yourself grocers.
>
> I wish. This is the country. THe only big things around here are the
> herds of cattle.
>

And butts. I have been to VA.

<g,d,r>

-L.

In article >, Boron Elgar
> wrote:


> Buy why would anyone buy a membership at a place like Costco and then
> not use it? It is no more reasonable to do so than buying anything
> else at $45 dollars that will not be used. Granted it happens
> sometimes, but I cannot consider it a flaw in the store.


It's not a flaw in the store. It's a gamble for those who join. I can
think of many reasons why somebody would buy a membership and then not use
it. I'm sure Costco figures that into the prices they charge.

1. It's convenient to work, and the person changes jobs.
2. It's convenient to the residence, and the person moves.
3. A person thinks they will save money, but ends up throwing stuff away.
4. A person is OK with the atmosphere, but then takes a dislike to it.
5. A person finds that the store doesn't have what they want.
6. A person finds that they can find the stuff they want cheaper elsewhere.

--
Dan Abel
Sonoma State University
AIS

On Thu, 22 Jan 2004 15:21:59 -0800, (Dan Abel) wrote:

>In article >, Boron Elgar
> wrote:
>
>
>> Buy why would anyone buy a membership at a place like Costco and then
>> not use it? It is no more reasonable to do so than buying anything
>> else at $45 dollars that will not be used. Granted it happens
>> sometimes, but I cannot consider it a flaw in the store.
>
>
>It's not a flaw in the store. It's a gamble for those who join. I can
>think of many reasons why somebody would buy a membership and then not use
>it. I'm sure Costco figures that into the prices they charge.
>
>1. It's convenient to work, and the person changes jobs.
>2. It's convenient to the residence, and the person moves.
>3. A person thinks they will save money, but ends up throwing stuff away.
>4. A person is OK with the atmosphere, but then takes a dislike to it.
>5. A person finds that the store doesn't have what they want.
>6. A person finds that they can find the stuff they want cheaper elsewhere.

You forgot #7. The person drops dead.

Most of what you say applies to many instances in purchasing other
than at a membership store. We have a car wash near us that let's you
buy tickets of 5 or 10 car washes at a great discount. We have a video
store that let's you pre-pay $50 & then get individual rentals much
cheaper. Or pay for 3 oil changes and get 4.

What I am getting at is that fees up front or buying "into" something
are not unusual or unique to warehouse stores. None of these "money
savers" turn out that way if you don't use the product, any more than
buying a 24 can case of Pepsi would if you wind up being deported to
Abu Dhabi the next day. Or buying 6 pairs of panty hose for the price
of 5 and losing your leg to a neglected infected toenail the next
week. SOmeone else mentioned a health club. Or even booking a vacation
in advance. Shit happens.

The big difference is that you can walk around a place like Costco or
BJs with their permission & get a 1 day pass at some of these places
or go with a friend (it isn't as if members are rare in this world)
and case the joint. It isn't as if you're not allowed to check it all
out before you pay for it.

Boron

>Boron Elgar wrote:
>
>why would anyone buy a membership at a place like Costco

Many factors.... great for large families (as in numbers, not necessarily
weight, although excessive eaters do benefit), especially convenient for
households with extended families, ie. hillybillys... nice if one lives in a
rural area and travels over 100 miles in a pick up truck to shop once a month
(hillybillys again). But if one is has a small family, or is a single, and
lives say along Flatbush Ave. in Brooklyn, or somesuch, where one can buy any
food item from anywhere on the planet at bargain prices and at the highest
quality, all within no more than a ten minute stroll from their front door,
than those folks don't have any use for any fercocktah "club" market. Costco
doesn't sell prune danish, no halvah, no matjes herring, etc., what they do
sell is poor white trailer trash vittles by the 55 gallon drum... so if
everyone in your town shares the same DNA than for yoose, going to Costco is
like a trip to Club Med.



---= BOYCOTT FRENCH--GERMAN (belgium) =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
Sheldon
````````````
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."

>
>
>> > If you have to shell out $45 for
>> > the privelige of shopping at Costco...you're damn well gonna shop
>> > there as often as possible, to recoup your investment.
>>
Several years ago I took an accounting course; one of the case studies
was on membership-fee warehouse stores. Normal supermarket profit
margins are in the range of approximately 5%. The warehouse stores
averaged approximately 1 to 2% and the bulk of their profits came from
membership fees, and not markup on items sold.
--
Donna
A pessimist believes all women are bad. An optimist hopes they are.

To reply, remove the SPAM BLOCK

PENMART01 wrote:
>>Boron Elgar wrote:
>>
>>why would anyone buy a membership at a place like Costco
>
>
> Many factors.... great for large families (as in numbers, not necessarily
> weight, although excessive eaters do benefit), especially convenient for
> households with extended families, ie. hillybillys... nice if one lives in a
> rural area and travels over 100 miles in a pick up truck to shop once a month
> (hillybillys again). But if one is has a small family, or is a single, and
> lives say along Flatbush Ave. in Brooklyn,

[Major Snip]

Brooklyn has got to be, the most expensive place in the metro area (I've
worked there for 14 years.) Matter of fact, I hate it when I forget to
stock up on gas, and realize I have to pay 30% compared to suburban
Joisy--my sweet abode. Everything in NYC is a rage; the parking tickets,
the taxes, the food, the drinks-every friggin item. No wonder our Joisy
malls are full of NYC desesperados. They invaded Hoboken, and now
Hoboken is a another traffic infested jungle like NYC, with the prices
of apartments and food through the roof.

Good thing is that most of those people are usually single, liberal,
have a yuppie minded mentality, cheapos (my mouth drops when I see them
take out their calculators to divide up a 19.95 bill between 4 people)
that would rather give their money to a slum lord, rather than buy a
house (investment.)At least suburban Joisy is safe for now.

Rich




or somesuch, where one can buy any
> food item from anywhere on the planet at bargain prices and at the highest
> quality, all within no more than a ten minute stroll from their front door,
> than those folks don't have any use for any fercocktah "club" market. Costco
> doesn't sell prune danish, no halvah, no matjes herring, etc., what they do
> sell is poor white trailer trash vittles by the 55 gallon drum... so if
> everyone in your town shares the same DNA than for yoose, going to Costco is
> like a trip to Club Med.
>
>
>
> ---= BOYCOTT FRENCH--GERMAN (belgium) =---
> ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
> Sheldon
> ````````````
> "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."
>



--
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Dum spiro, spero. (Cicero) As long as I breathe, I hope.

On 23 Jan 2004 00:21:22 GMT, (PENMART01) wrote:

>>Boron Elgar wrote:
>>
>>why would anyone buy a membership at a place like Costco
>
>Many factors.... great for large families (as in numbers, not necessarily
>weight, although excessive eaters do benefit), especially convenient for
>households with extended families, ie. hillybillys... nice if one lives in a
>rural area and travels over 100 miles in a pick up truck to shop once a month
>(hillybillys again). But if one is has a small family, or is a single, and
>lives say along Flatbush Ave. in Brooklyn, or somesuch, where one can buy any
>food item from anywhere on the planet at bargain prices and at the highest
>quality, all within no more than a ten minute stroll from their front door,
>than those folks don't have any use for any fercocktah "club" market. Costco
>doesn't sell prune danish, no halvah, no matjes herring, etc., what they do
>sell is poor white trailer trash vittles by the 55 gallon drum... so if
>everyone in your town shares the same DNA than for yoose, going to Costco is
>like a trip to Club Med.
>
>
First off, if you don't know how to quote attributions correctly yet,
get some kindly person to show you. Don't try to change intent with
deliberate misediting.

You can get herring at Cosco. Better yet, you can often get pickled
salmon, which I like even more. You can get coffee freshly roasted in
the store. You can get prune danish (you can also get some of the
nicest croissants around) and hummus and lots of cheeses. They do not
have halvah, but then I work a couple of blocks from Kalustyans, so
who cares? Of course, I cannot get a treadmill at Kalustyans, but that
woudn't make sense. The store is what it is. It isn't Tiffany, either,
yet they sell diamonds (Nice ones and certified, but you'd not know
the diff between one & a pupik rhinestone, so why bother telling you?)

To imply that anyone who purchases at Cosco is getting "poor white
trailer trash vittles by the 55 gallon drum" is absurd, of course,
more so, as it shows that you have never been in the place and cover
such lack of direct knowledge with a poor use of hyperbole. Such
effects do not work if there is not a grain of truth behind them.

I realize that these chauvanistic ravings are your stock in trade, and
you somehow feel it is your duty to demean and criticize any and all
things that you, yourself do not understand or find utile, but, honey,
you really have your head wedged firmy and far up your ass on this
one. Now I insist that you not remove it on my account. I'd never
recognize you if you did.

Boron

Boron Elgar wrote:
> On 23 Jan 2004 00:21:22 GMT, (PENMART01) wrote:
>
>
>>>Boron Elgar wrote:
>>>
>>>why would anyone buy a membership at a place like Costco
>>
>>Many factors.... great for large families (as in numbers, not necessarily
>>weight, although excessive eaters do benefit), especially convenient for
>>households with extended families, ie. hillybillys... nice if one lives in a
>>rural area and travels over 100 miles in a pick up truck to shop once a month
>>(hillybillys again). But if one is has a small family, or is a single, and
>>lives say along Flatbush Ave. in Brooklyn, or somesuch, where one can buy any
>>food item from anywhere on the planet at bargain prices and at the highest
>>quality, all within no more than a ten minute stroll from their front door,
>>than those folks don't have any use for any fercocktah "club" market. Costco
>>doesn't sell prune danish, no halvah, no matjes herring, etc., what they do
>>sell is poor white trailer trash vittles by the 55 gallon drum... so if
>>everyone in your town shares the same DNA than for yoose, going to Costco is
>>like a trip to Club Med.
>>
>>
>
> First off, if you don't know how to quote attributions correctly yet,
> get some kindly person to show you. Don't try to change intent with
> deliberate misediting.
>
> You can get herring at Cosco. Better yet, you can often get pickled
> salmon, which I like even more. You can get coffee freshly roasted in
> the store. You can get prune danish (you can also get some of the
> nicest croissants around) and hummus and lots of cheeses. They do not
> have halvah, but then I work a couple of blocks from Kalustyans, so
> who cares? Of course, I cannot get a treadmill at Kalustyans, but that
> woudn't make sense. The store is what it is. It isn't Tiffany, either,
> yet they sell diamonds (Nice ones and certified, but you'd not know
> the diff between one & a pupik rhinestone, so why bother telling you?)
>
> To imply that anyone who purchases at Cosco is getting "poor white
> trailer trash vittles by the 55 gallon drum" is absurd, of course,
> more so, as it shows that you have never been in the place and cover
> such lack of direct knowledge with a poor use of hyperbole. Such
> effects do not work if there is not a grain of truth behind them.
>
> I realize that these chauvanistic ravings are your stock in trade, and
> you somehow feel it is your duty to demean and criticize any and all
> things that you, yourself do not understand or find utile, but, honey,
> you really have your head wedged firmy and far up your ass on this
> one. Now I insist that you not remove it on my account. I'd never
> recognize you if you did.
>
> Boron

Ignore him... He was traumatized during his early adult life by a
nightmare in which black helicopters kidnapped him, and he was forced to
listen to repeated quotes from the book of revelation, while they shined
a light in his face. Besides, he wasn't breast fed.

Rich

--
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Dum spiro, spero. (Cicero) As long as I breathe, I hope.

>First off, if you don't know how to quote attributions correctly yet,
>get some kindly person to show you. Don't try to change intent with
>deliberate misediting.
>
>You can get herring at Cosco. Better yet, you can often get pickled
>salmon, which I like even more. You can get coffee freshly roasted in
>the store. You can get prune danish (you can also get some of the
>nicest croissants around) and hummus and lots of cheeses. They do not
>have halvah, but then I work a couple of blocks from Kalustyans, so
>who cares? Of course, I cannot get a treadmill at Kalustyans, but that
>woudn't make sense. The store is what it is. It isn't Tiffany, either,
>yet they sell diamonds (Nice ones and certified, but you'd not know
>the diff between one & a pupik rhinestone, so why bother telling you?)
>
>To imply that anyone who purchases at Cosco is getting "poor white
>trailer trash vittles by the 55 gallon drum" is absurd, of course,
>more so, as it shows that you have never been in the place and cover
>such lack of direct knowledge with a poor use of hyperbole. Such
>effects do not work if there is not a grain of truth behind them.
>
>I realize that these chauvanistic ravings are your stock in trade, and
>you somehow feel it is your duty to demean and criticize any and all
>things that you, yourself do not understand or find utile, but, honey,
>you really have your head wedged firmy and far up your ass on this
>one. Now I insist that you not remove it on my account. I'd never
>recognize you if you did.
>
>Boron
>
>
>
>
>
>

What an angry miserable bitch, pitiful.


---= BOYCOTT FRENCH--GERMAN (belgium) =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
Sheldon
````````````
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."