You walk into Sam’s Club, ready to stock your pantry with soup, crackers, and other essentials to make your membership worth it.
You’ll fill your cart with bulk items, guaranteeing you’ll be good for at least a season.
Except sometimes those low prices aren’t worth it. There are items at Member’s Mark that members unanimously agree are either misrepresented, inaccurate, or just plain bad.
Here are 15 of the worst.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today
Member's Mark Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water
![white albacore tuna in water](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/11/29/white_albacore_tuna_in_water.png)
If you buy tuna in water, you expect it to be in water, right? With this Member’s Mark Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water, some members say it’s actually in vegetable broth.
It may also contain soy. Adding unwanted and unadvertised ingredients isn’t fair to unsuspecting consumers, so you may want to avoid it.
Member’s Mark Franks in a Blanket
![mark franks in a blanket](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/11/29/mark_franks_in_a_blanket.png)
Pigs in a blanket can’t go wrong… right? Wait until you try Member’s Mark Franks in a Blanket.
These little hot dogs in puff pastry lack the snap and crisp you want in this beloved appetizer.
Instead, they dry out quickly while cooking and are an underwhelming addition to your next party spread.
Member’s Mark cereal
![members mark cereal](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/11/29/members_mark_cereal.png)
Most Member’s Mark cereal probably tastes fine. It may not taste exactly like the name brand or be virtually indistinguishable. But unless you have an entire basketball team to feed, you probably shouldn’t buy it.
Cereal goes stale too quickly to get through a bulk bag of Member’s Mark cereal, and you’re better off paying a little more per ounce for a smaller package.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Member’s Mark toilet paper
![Mark toilet paper](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/11/29/mark_toilet_paper.png)
Some items at bulk stores like Sam’s Club appear to be repackaged versions of name-brand items, but toilet paper isn’t one of them.
People agree that Member’s Mark toilet paper is a flimsy alternative to your favorite brand, and you’re better off buying the largest size at a big box store.
Member’s Mark paper towels
![member’s mark paper towels](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/11/29/members_mark_paper_towels.png)
In the same vein as the toilet paper, steer clear of the paper towels. You could end up going through half a roll just to clean up a single mess, and then are you really saving money?
Member's Mark Cut Green Beans, 14.5-ounce, 12-count
![mark cut green beans](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/11/29/mark_cut_green_beans.png)
Green mush isn’t appetizing for most people of a certain age, but according to reviewers, that’s what you’ll get with Member’s Mark Cut Green Beans.
Other words used to describe their texture are watery and stringy, which are not at the top of most home cooks' lists when they’re looking for an appetizing dinner.
Member’s Mark coffee
![members mark coffee](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/11/29/members_mark_coffee.png)
Member’s Mark coffee may taste great, but it won’t last long enough to make the bulk purchase worth it.
That’s not a dig at Sam’s Club. Coffee is only at peak flavor for a short time, and it’s unusual to get through an entire bag or can of coffee during that time.
If you have leftover coffee you don’t want to drink, you’re not saving money by buying in bulk.
Member's Mark Mandarin Oranges, 15-ounce, 10-count
![mark mandarin oranges](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/11/29/mark_mandarin_oranges.png)
When you purchase a can of mandarin oranges, you expect to get a can full of oranges.
But, according to reviewers, you might actually open up a can of mostly juice with this Member’s Mark purchase.
Not to mention, they may have a bitter taste rather than the sweet citrus you were hoping for.
Member’s Mark diapers
![mark diapers](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/11/29/mark_diapers.png)
Member’s Mark diapers aren’t necessarily a bad buy because of their quality, but because you can probably find a similar brand-name product from a big-box store for a comparable price.
Instead of going to Sam's Club, look for coupons, sales, and even online subscriptions to get the best diaper deals.
Stop overpaying when you shop online
Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.
Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.
Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!2
Member's Mark Tempura Orange Chicken
![mark tempura orange chicken](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/11/29/mark_tempura_orange_chicken.png)
Even if it’s delicious and cheap, this Tempura Orange Chicken might not be worth it given how processed and unhealthy it is for most people, particularly those on specific meal plans.
This chicken has 18 grams of sugar and is high in sodium and saturated fat. It’s like eating a bowl of ice cream for dinner!
Member's Mark Tomato Sauce
![mark tomato sauce](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/11/29/mark_tomato_sauce.png)
There seems to be a rumor that the recipe of the once-delicious Member’s Mark Tomato Sauce has changed, turning it into something watery and salty.
It may be fine for some, particularly if you’re using it in a recipe, but perhaps don’t buy it as the star of your Sunday pasta sauce.
Member's Mark Whole Kernel Sweet Corn, 15-ounce, 12-count
![whole kernel sweet corn](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/11/29/whole_kernel_sweet_corn.png)
Rotten and tough to chew aren’t descriptors you want to see in a review when picking up a simple can of sweet corn to throw in your salad.
But that’s the case with Member’s Mark Whole Kernel Sweet Corn, which may mean it’s best to stick to the name brand or generic from your local grocery store.
Member’s Mark laundry detergent
![laundry detergent](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/11/29/laundry_detergent.png)
Laundry detergent can usually be found on sale and stacked with coupons at big-box stores, so there’s no need to buy it in bulk at Sam’s Club.
While the quality is going to be equivalent, the cost savings just aren’t there.
Member’s Mark Tropical Fruit Salad
![mark tropical fruit salad](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/11/29/mark_tropical_fruit_salad.png)
Tropical fruit salad in a can is one of those delightfully retro foods, yet you might want to skip the Sam’s Club version if you’re trying to recapture your childhood.
Reviewers report that the Member’s Mark Tropical Fruit Salad has a chemical taste. While the taste should be somewhere between sugar and fruit, chemicals are not part of the equation.
Member’s Mark milk
![sam's club-member’s mark milk](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/11/29/sams_club-members_mark_milk.png)
While the quality is as good as the grocery store's, the price of Member’s Mark milk is generally the same as the grocery store's.
You won’t lose money on the deal or get a bad product, but it just doesn’t make sense to go out of your way to purchase milk from Sam’s Club to save.
Bottom line
![shopping thinking what to buy](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/11/29/shopping_thinking_what_to_buy.jpg)
Rock-bottom prices can sometimes come with rock-bottom quality, and you want to make sure you’re focusing on the items that actually are good deals.
Be sure to do a little research before grabbing that item with the lower price tag just to save money on groceries.
Some of the best buys include name brands like Lacroix or Doritos, where you already know and love the quality.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.