It may seem like you can save money at Sam’s Club on anything, but like any value store, you’ve got to look for the right deals. You don’t want to waste money on a product that’ll quickly expire or not work from the jump.
We’ve rounded up a list of products that you may want to skip during your next trip and some alternatives that will still save you cash while you utilize your membership.
Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.
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 400-Thread-Count Percale Sheet Set
Price: $34.98
Though these sheets come in many sizes and colors, they are not the softest bed linen set you can snag from Sam’s Club.
This 400-thread-count set gets wrinkled very easily, and the fabric is quite noisy when you’re trying to sleep. Thankfully, Sam’s does have other bedding sets with higher thread counts that give you the quality you want at an affordable price, so save your money on this particular set.
Member’s Mark Super Premium Paper Towels
Price: $19.98
These paper towels may seem more cost-effective, but their quality doesn’t compare to name brands like Bounty.
These two-ply paper towels don’t have the quite same absorbency, meaning you’re using more to compensate for the low price. You can grab a value-pack of Bounty paper towels during your Sam’s Club visit, though, and still save in comparison to other retailers.
Member’s Mark Classic Roast Ground Coffee
Price: $9.98
While it may seem like you’re getting more bang for your buck with this deal, it’s potentially wasteful for many households.
Buying this bag of ground coffee is a race against time since the freshness doesn’t last quite as long unless you’re drinking multiple cups per day. You’re better off buying a bag of coffee beans or K-Cups during your Sam’s Club trip so you can enjoy a fresher brew each time.
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 Adult Multivitamin Gummies
Price: $10.78
This may seem like a good deal compared to name-brand vitamins, but the taste just isn’t there.
These gummies have a different taste than other multivitamins, which some may enjoy, but there is a noticeable difference in quality. You can get Vitafusion gummies for just a few dollars more on the same aisle, so your trip isn’t a bust.
Member’s Mark Ladies Everyday High-Rise Ankle Legging
Price: $9.98
While these comfy leggings can be great for exercising or running errands, the sizing isn’t accurate.
These typically run small, so if you normally wear a medium, you’re going to need to buy a few pairs to ensure you’re getting the right size (which is wasteful of your time and money). However, this superstore has other active legging options that are more true to size, just as comfy, and come in a range of colors.
Trending Stories
Member’s Mark Banana Sundae Drizzled Kettle Corn
Price: $4.98
In theory, this popcorn should’ve worked, but unfortunately, the artificial flavor is overpowering.
Plus, you’re likely not able to finish this bag before it stales unless you’re serving it at a party or movie night, which may not happen if you also don’t like the aftertaste. If you’re looking for a better sweet and salty snack, try the Popcorn Indiana Black and White Fudge Drizzle Kettle Corn from Sam’s instead.
Member’s Mark Milk Chocolate Soft Sea Salt Caramels
Price: $10.48
If you have a sweet tooth, this may seem like a great find, but reading the nutrition facts might just change your mind.
Each serving size is just one piece, which has 20% of your daily sugar and 100 calories. Though this treat is likely not worth it, Sam’s Club has other (healthier) candies you can enjoy multiples of, like their dark chocolate thins.
Member’s Mark Laundry Detergent Power Pacs
Price: $19.48
While these laundry detergent pods seem more affordable than name brands, you may have to use more than one in a load for a cleaner feeling and noticeable scent.
They also tend to bust open inside the box, leaving you with a mess and wasted money. You can still buy other laundry pods from Sam’s Club, including Tide and All Free + Clear while saving serious cash.
Member’s Mark BluLink Bluetooth Glucose Monitoring System
Price: $15.98
Sure, this may seem like an amazing deal on a glucose monitoring set, but you’ll end up paying more in the long run.
This monitoring system has negative reviews that mostly focus on how it doesn’t work and gives error codes more often than not, which isn’t helpful for keeping track of your glucose. Sam’s Club has other monitoring devices — they may cost a little bit more, but still offer big savings on a medical necessity.
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 Liquid Dish Soap
Price: $8.98
While this seems like a great bargain for its size, the bulk bottle may end up being more of a hindrance than anything.
Each bottle is over three quarts of concentrated dish soap, which becomes cumbersome to lift unless you use a smaller bottle to fill, but then the large bottle will take up valuable sink or storage space regardless. Instead, try buying the multi-packs of smaller bottles from Sam’s Club to place in bathrooms, your kitchen, laundry rooms, and more so you get more bang for your buck.
Bottom line
In order to really stretch your budget, make sure you’re buying products that make sense for your household and everyday needs. Sam’s Club has a ton of exclusive deals and products, but you want to be sure you can maximize your savings during each shopping trip.
Plus, there are plenty of items online that may have good reviews that just aren't your cup of tea anyway, so browse around to see what catches your eye and might just become your new favorite item.
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. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% 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.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.